[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 59 (Monday, March 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-7146]
[Federal Register: March 28, 1994]
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Part IX
Corporation for National and Community Service
_______________________________________________________________________
Availability of Funds for Training and Technical Service; Notice
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Availability of Funds for Training and Technical Assistance
AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.
ACTION: Notice of availability of funds.
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SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service announces
the availability of approximately $5.1 million to provide training and
technical assistance to State Commissions or alternative entities,
AmeriCorps grantees (except where otherwise stated for Learn and Serve
grantees) and those interested in becoming AmeriCorps grantees. The
Corporation seeks proposals and concept papers describing activities to
meet the technical assistance and training needs outlined in this
Notice. The Corporation also invites concept papers proposing
additional or alternative technical assistance and training activities.
DATES: Deadlines for submission of technical assistance and training
(T/TA) proposals are 6 pm Eastern Standard Time on the following dates:
T/TA for the National Leadership Corps
May 3, 1994
Maintaining a Strong
Organization
May 18, 1994
National Priority Skills Development Centers
June 1, 1994
The deadlines for submission of concept papers are 6 pm Eastern
Standard Time May 27, 1994, and September 13, 1994. Following the May
deadline, the Corporation expects to invite potential applicants to
submit a detailed proposal by July 15, 1994.
ADDRESSES: All proposals and concept papers should be submitted to the
Corporation for National and Community Service, 1100 Vermont Avenue
NW., Washington, DC 20525. Attn.: T/TA Proposal or Concept Paper
Review. Applicants are requested to include four copies of proposals or
concept papers to facilitate the review processes.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Frucher or Tracy Gray at the
Corporation for National and Community Service, (202)606-5000 ext. 106.
Questions about this Notice will be answered during technical
assistance and training conference calls which are scheduled to take
place on March 31, April 7, April 14, and April 21, 1994 from 2:00 pm-
3:00 pm. To reserve a place on a conference call, please call the
Corporation at (202)606-5000 ext. 432 or fax a request to (202)606-
4816.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Outline
Summary--Training and Technical Assistance Activities
(I) Application by Proposal
(A) Training and Technical Assistance for the National
Leadership Corps
(B) Maintaining a Strong Organization--Fundraising, Program
Management, Evaluation, Fiscal Management, and Grievance Procedures
(C) National Priority Skills Development Centers
(II) Application by Concept Paper
(A) National Service Resource Center
(B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs
(C) Service and Citizenship
(D) Strengthening Program Diversity
(E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program
(F) Learn and Serve America K-12--
Resource Publications
Training Initiatives on Service-Learning
(G) Learn and Serve America Higher Education--
Higher Education Service Resource Center
Institutionalizing Service-Learning
Infrastructure and Capacity-Building
(H) Training and Technical Assistance for State Commissions
(III) Invitation for Original Concept Papers
Proposing Additional or Alternative
Training and Technical Assistance
Activities
Summary
Background
On September 21, 1993, the President signed into law the National
and Community Service Trust Act, which created the Corporation for
National and Community Service (the Corporation). The Corporation's
mission is to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service
that addresses the nation's education, public safety, health, and
environmental needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results. In
doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen
the ties that bind us together as a people, and provide educational
opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.
The Corporation is a new government corporation that encompasses
the work and staff of two existing independent agencies, the Commission
on National and Community Service and ACTION. The Corporation will fund
a new national service initiative called AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps
includes a wide variety of programs operated by grantees (including
local non-profits), the National Civilian Community Corps, and the
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. The Corporation will
also support service-learning initiatives for elementary and secondary
schools and institutions of higher education called Learn and Serve
America, and operate the senior volunteer programs previously operated
by ACTION.
The Act authorizes the Corporation to support and improve Summer of
Service programs, AmeriCorps grants programs, and Learn and Serve
programs through a variety of training and technical assistance (T/TA)
activities. These activities should build on the AmeriCorps regulations
and the ``Principles for High Quality National Service Programs''
document which lay out the Corporation's vision and expectations for
AmeriCorps programs. The regulations and ``Principles'' document should
be read by all potential T/TA providers. Copies may be obtained by
calling the Corporation at 202-606-4949 or writing the Corporation at
1100 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC, 20525. To receive information
on getting the ``Principles'' or regulations on Internet, please send a
blank electronic mail message to: cncs@ace.esusda.gov. There should be
no text in the body of the message. An automatic response will be sent
back to you with information on how to retrieve the regulations.
Overview
The Corporation announces the availability of approximately $5.1
million in fiscal year 1994 for training and technical assistance
initiatives. Under each fundable activity, estimated levels of funding
are listed. Most grants or cooperative agreements will be made for a
term of one year, unless specified otherwise. The Corporation requests
proposals, and, in some cases, concept papers for the specific
activities described herein. This Notice lists applications requiring
full proposals and areas in which concept papers are requested. In most
cases, applicants are not required to cover all of the needs in a given
area; for example, an organization can apply to train grantees in
fundraising skills only in the ``Maintaining a Strong Organization''
section.
Concept papers may also be submitted describing activities that
meet needs of AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve programs not described in
this Notice. Guidelines are described in the ``Invitation for Original
Concept Papers'' section.
In all cases, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of and
commitment to the Corporation's mission and goals, a need that relates
to that mission and goals, a sound plan for accomplishing the activity,
and a fulfillment of the selection criteria listed below.
Eligibility
Public agencies (including federal, state, and local agencies and
other units of government), non-profit organizations (including youth-
serving groups, community-based organizations, service organizations,
etc.), institutions of higher education, Indian tribes, and for-profit
companies are eligible to apply. State and federal agencies and non-
governmental organizations that intend to operate AmeriCorps or Learn
and Serve programs are also eligible. Organizations may apply to
provide T/TA in partnership with organizations seeking other
Corporation funds.
Applications for Continuation of Assistance for Current Technical
Assistance Grantees
The former Commission on National and Community Service issued a
number of technical assistance grants to organizations in fiscal years
1992 and 1993. Pursuant to the National and Community Service Trust act
of 1993, the administration of these grants transferred to the
Corporation for National and Community Service. Existing technical
assistance grantees interested in the continuation of funding or
undertaking new technical assistance activities may submit competitive
applications in accordance with the applicable due dates and activities
described in this Notice.
Objectives of the Training and Technical Assistance Activities
The goal of training and technical assistance is to improve the
ability of AmeriCorps programs and participants to ``get things done''
by achieving direct and demonstrable results in communities, fostering
civic responsibility, and strengthening the ties that bind communities
together. To best support programs, the Corporation will fund technical
assistance that strengthens program performance and effectiveness in
the short term and builds leadership and permanent resources in the
long term. Technical assistance must be relevant to program needs,
responsive to changing needs, and easily accessed by states and
grantees. Training and technical assistance providers will build a
strong infrastructure by--
--Increasing the effectiveness and capacity of programs and states;
--Increasing the resources available to support high quality work;
and
--Developing leaders at all levels.
Training and technical assistance providers will also foster a
national identity and common understanding of the goals and mission of
national service among AmeriCorps participants, programs, and states.
In addition, the Corporation is committed to strengthening service
nationwide. Although technical assistance providers should show
preference to AmeriCorps program grantees (except where activities
pertain to Learn and Serve grantees), T/TA providers may be expected to
serve those who wish to become grantees as well. (For more on this, see
``Requirements'' section below).
These principles guide the Corporation's technical assistance
strategy:
--Treat technical assistance as a full partnership among the
Corporation, states, and programs, with roles for all in designing and
delivering technical assistance.
--Encourage collaboration among partners, especially efforts that
team service programs and those experienced in working in the issue
areas.
--``Train the trainers''--focus on developing resource capacity in
local areas.
--Instead of repeating the excellent work of others, build on
existing training, materials, and expertise.
--Focus on the most pressing needs to have the greatest impact.
--Invest sufficiently to provide adequate technical assistance
support in the first years.
Application Guidelines
Applications can be of two kinds as specified: full proposals and
concept papers. While many of the same elements will be addressed in
these two types of applications, proposals ask applicants to give a
much more comprehensive and detailed overview of planned activities,
organizational capacity, budget, and workplan than do concept papers.
After reviewing concept papers, the Corporation may ask for full
proposals from a select number of applicants based on program need,
availability of funds, and the strength of concept paper ideas received
by the Corporation.
Where specified, a full proposal should be submitted for each
activity, unless the proposal thoughtfully combines activities into a
single coordinated initiative. A full proposal must include:
--A cover page listing: the title of the organization applying; the
amount of funds requested; a brief summary of the proposed T/TA program
or activity; the name, address, phone number, and fax number of the
organization; and the name and title of a contact person.
--A narrative of no more than 10 double-spaced typed pages in 12-
point font, describing--
(a) The scope of activity being proposed, e.g., number of trainers
hired and programs served by them, relative to the amount of the grant
requested;
(b) the organization's plan and ability to meet compelling and
ongoing needs, in collaboration with others where possible and
appropriate;
(c) the organization's capacity, including staff strengths and
backgrounds, resumes of key people, and the organization's track
record;
(d) the innovation and replicability of the proposed T/TA activity;
and
(e) outcome objectives and indicators to be used to assess success.
--A detailed budget, including an estimate of travel costs for
delivery of T/TA services, with a supporting narrative explaining how
costs are calculated and information on funding from other sources.
--A detailed workplan for accomplishing the specific objectives
including a timeline showing when each step toward the objectives will
be accomplished.
Where specified, a concept paper must include:
--A cover page listing the title of the organization applying; the
amount of funds requested; a brief summary of the proposed T/TA program
or activity; the name, address, phone number, and fax number of the
organization; and the name and title of a contact person.
--A brief narrative of no more than 5 double-spaced typed pages in
12-point font describing proposed T/TA activity.
--A brief budget, with major expense line items, which may include
a supporting narrative.
--A preliminary workplan for accomplishing the specific objectives.
--A preliminary timeline.
Selection Criteria
The Corporation will assess applications based on the criteria
listed below. The percentage weight of each criterion in the assessment
is given.
Quality (45%). The Corporation will consider the quality of the
proposed activities, based on--
--Scope of proposed T/TA activity relative to the amount of the
grant requested, the number of people, programs, and/or State
Commissions proposed T/TA activities are expected to reach;
--Demonstration that the proposed activities meet clear compelling
program and/or state needs related to the Corporation's mission and
goals for national service;
--Description of proposed T/TA techniques, including opportunities
for peer exchange and peer training, experiential learning, and
individual assistance tailored to meet specific program or state needs;
also description of plans to use tested methods or ways to test
training activities or curricula on a small scale and refine them
before offering them on a large scale;
--Plan for implementing mechanisms continually to assess and
improve value and impact of T/TA services. This may include providing
opportunities for customer(s) participation in design of activity and
opportunities for ongoing training and feedback from AmeriCorps or
Learn and Serve participants and programs, community partners of
AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve programs, State Commissions, Corporation
staff, and others;
--Commitment to build on existing resources and collaborate with
other technical assistance providers; ability to coordinate planning,
development, and execution with other providers; efforts to prevent
duplication of work or inefficient use of resources; and ways to
establish networks with other T/TA providers to ensure coordination
among providers and presentation of a clear, coherent set of assistance
activities to programs, states, and the Corporation; and
--Cost-effectiveness of proposed activity, the degree to which the
T/TA provider proposes a reasonable estimate of the amount of services
the organization will be able to provide given the requested amount of
funds and the organization's existing resources.
Organizational Capacity (45%). Applicants should demonstrate
evidence of either organizational experience and success in delivering
high-quality technical assistance and training, particularly in the
specific area under consideration, or the similar experience of
identified staff retained for the T/TA project. Backgrounds of key
staff, leadership, and other individuals proposed to contribute to the
proposed program will be considered in assessing organizational
capacity.
In some cases, the capacity to begin providing training and/or
technical assistance quickly will be required. In certain instances,
noted in the description of applicable activities, services will be
needed as early as summer 1994. The applicant must demonstrate the
ability to provide high quality services in the desired time frame.
Innovation and Replicability (10%). The Corporation will assess the
extent to which the T/TA activity, or its elements, are creative or
distinctive in approach or in the need that is met.
The Corporation will assess the degree to which the proposed T/TA
activity could serve as a long-term resource by identifying other
sources of funding and the extent to which the activity or its elements
are applicable or adaptable to various program types, locations, or
approaches to service.
In addition, the Corporation will assess the use of innovative
technology in providing training or technical assistance, where
appropriate. This criterion includes use of technology to increase
access to training and technical assistance activities and convenience
for users. For example, an information session might be conducted by
video conference, allowing users to participate from a local facility
and avoid travel costs. The Corporation expects that all of its program
grantees will be connected through on-line networks. Training and
technical assistance providers will be expected to be connected to
electronic networks as well and should be prepared to use technology
and to distribute information through on-line networks when
appropriate.
Requirements
There are certain requirements that every recipient of a T/TA grant
or cooperative agreement must fulfill. They include the following
provisions:
(a) T/TA providers must work closely with Corporation staff and
other T/TA providers, especially the ``National Service Resource
Center'' described in the ``Concept Paper'' section below. Providers
must be willing to receive input from Corporation staff during
development and delivery of T/TA activities; periodically attend
meetings and conferences at the Corporation's request; inform other T/
TA providers of plans and progress and coordinate efforts when
appropriate; and work with Corporation staff to assess the direction
and value of each T/TA activity every six months and modify T/TA
activity to better serve the users of T/TA and adapt to changing needs.
(b) T/TA grantees must develop and continually apply mechanisms for
assessing the value and impact of their T/TA activities and show
evidence of continuous program improvement resulting from the
application of such mechanisms.
(c) While the Corporation has a vested interest in promoting best
practices throughout the field, to grantee and potential grantees
alike, grantees will be given preference when resources are limited.
(d) Databases or other on-line materials should be created in
Foxpro or Oracle software. This will allow easy data transfer both to
the Corporation and among T/TA grantees. Assistance may be available to
convert existing databases to Foxpro or Oracle if necessary.
TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES
The Corporation expects to give grants to or enter into cooperative
agreements with organizations to accomplish the following activities.
(I) Application by Proposal
Proposed T/TA activities in this category include:
(A) Technical Assistance and Training for the National Leadership
Corps.
(B) Maintaining a Strong Organization.
(C) National Priority Skills Development Centers.
(A) Technical Assistance and Training for the National Leadership Corps
--Proposals due May 3, 1994.
--Must be able to deliver services by July 1, 1994.
Summary
The National Leadership Corps will create a diverse cadre of
emerging service leaders to help build the highest quality AmeriCorps
programs and strengthen the national service infrastructure and
identity. In the first year, the Corporation will recruit up to 50
members from programs such as Peace Corps, VISTA, the Armed Forces,
youth corps, and other full-time service programs. T/TA providers will
help design and carry out initial training for the Corps which will
last two to five weeks and begin in mid-July or early August, 1994.
Providers will also help with ongoing training which will occur at
least three times during the year. Leadership Corps (LC) members will
bring skills and expertise to new AmeriCorps programs in year-long
assignments starting September, 1994.
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation expects to issue one or more grants or cooperative
agreements totaling approximately $100,000 to accomplish the tasks
listed below. Funding would be for one year, with possibility of
renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of
funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
The Corporation seeks T/TA providers who will work with Corporation
staff and other T/TA providers to design and deliver training for the
Leadership Corps.
Proposals may address one or all of the activities outlined below,
or may suggest additional activities. These include:
--Team building among Leadership Corps members. Since LC members
will be placed in separate AmeriCorps programs around the country, it
is important that members develop strong bonds with each other during
training so that they are able to provide support to each other and
share resources, ideas, and lessons learned throughout their
experience.
--Specialty skills. This component of training will give LC members
an understanding of how to organize and carry out projects that meet
community needs in one or more of the Corporation's national priority
areas. (The national priorities areas are discussed more fully in the
``National Priority Skills Development'' section below). This element
of training will ensure that members know how to make demonstrable
impacts on specific community problems and bring resources to programs
that do not already exist.
--Leadership skills. Training that helps LC members master the main
tasks required of front-line supervisors such as group facilitation,
organizing and managing service projects, team building, handling
conflict, community relations, working with diverse peoples and
organizations, and others.
--Communication skills. Training that teaches LC members how to
communicate effectively, including public speaking and media training.
Proposals should include a plan to train leaders in any or all of
the activities mentioned above over a 2-5 week period during the
initial training in July, 1994, as well as periodically throughout the
year. The Corporation intends to involve leaders in curriculum design
for ongoing training, so applicant plans should be flexible enough to
accommodate their input.
Encouraged Approaches
While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes
one or more of the activities listed above, it especially encourages
the following approaches:
(a) A proposal by an organization that has experience and expertise
in one or more of the components listed above and can arrange to have
expert resources and information available starting in mid-May to
provide assistance to the Corporation in designing and delivering
training.
(b) A proposal by a consortium of organizations whose members
collectively have the expertise to work with the Corporation to provide
all of the training components listed above. This sort of proposal
should clearly describe the specific responsibilities of each provider,
the amount of funds to be allocated to each, the amount of staff time
devoted by each, and the mechanisms for cooperation and coordination
among members and the Corporation. If possible, the consortium should
have experts available to work with the Corporation starting in mid-May
as discussed above. For more information on the leadership pool, please
contact Jane Marsh at (202) 606-5000, extension 173.
(B) Maintaining a Strong Organization: Fundraising, Program Management,
Evaluation, Fiscal Administration, and Grievance Procedures
--Proposals due May 18, 1994.
--Preference will be given to organizations which can have the
majority of services available by August 1994.
Summary
Strong management, well-planned and well-executed fundraising,
evaluation, and careful, appropriate administration of funds are
critical to the success of AmeriCorps programs. The Corporation will
fund activities that provide information, training, and technical
assistance to State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs to strengthen
the ability of programs to manage, fundraise, and leverage community
resources, design and perform program evaluation, administer funds
effectively, establish grievance procedures, and perform other critical
functions.
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation expects to make up to five grants or cooperative
agreements in this area. Together, grants will total approximately
$1,000,000. Grants will be for one year, with the possibility of
renewal based on performance, need, and availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activity Desired
Specific tasks include but are not limited to providing, arranging
for, or connecting programs to information, training, and technical
assistance on the factors involved in establishing and maintaining a
strong organization, including:
(a) Fundraising: Building on existing Corporation materials, assist
grantees in developing comprehensive fundraising strategies. Proposals
may also describe ways in which technical assistance can help
organizations put fundraising plans into action. The Corporation has an
interest, as manifested through the match requirement, to encourage
grantees not to rely solely on Corporation funds, but rather to solicit
a broad range of financial and in-kind resources from foundations,
corporations, individuals, and other governmental agencies. As the
match increases, grantees will need to raise additional funds, create
more partnerships, build larger constituencies, and leverage additional
resources. Technical assistance should be designed with this mission in
mind.
(b) Program Management: Help programs build a strong leadership
team as well as feedback mechanisms such as participant advisory
councils or other vehicles which allow for regular input from
participants and/or community members and involve them in program
design, operation, and evaluation.
(c) Evaluation and organizational development: Help programs use
evaluation as a tool for program improvement. Aid them in developing a
mission statement, goals, and annual objectives, concrete operating
plans, and tailored evaluation strategies. As needed, work with
Corporation evaluation staff to create materials, develop and conduct
trainings, and/or offer technical assistance to State Commissions and
AmeriCorps programs related to setting direct and demonstrable
objectives and performing program monitoring and evaluation functions.
(d) Fiscal Management: Building on Corporation materials, help
establish appropriate and effective fiscal management and accounting
processes, including compliance with all federal laws and regulations.
(e) Grievance Procedures: Help grantees develop grievance
procedures that give programs systems in which to resolve disputes with
staff members, program participants, community residents, and others.
These procedures should comply with the requirements for grievance
procedures described in the National and Community Service Trust Act of
1993.
In each case, providers are expected to:
--Bring to bear existing training and subject expertise. Efforts
will focus on arranging or providing assistance, rather than developing
new training and resources using Corporation funds;
--Comply with federal requirements for administering federal funds.
The T/TA provider will work with Corporation staff as needed to develop
training on this topic;
--Demonstrate a commitment to and experience in evaluation that
examines outcomes and uses its findings as tools for redesigning and
improving program activities and approaches; and
--Assist Corporation evaluation and T/TA staff in providing other
training or technical assistance, as requested.
Encouraged Approaches
While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes
the activities listed above, it encourages the following approaches:
(a) A proposal that includes a partnership among providers who
together can offer training and technical assistance in the areas
listed above and who together have a presence across the country that
enables them to provide training and assistance regionally. Such a
proposal must clearly describe the specific responsibilities of each
partner, the amount of funds to be allocated to each, the amount of
staff time dedicated by each, and the mechanisms for cooperation and
coordination among partners and the Corporation.
(b) A proposal that includes a partnership of which at least one
member has experience providing training and technical assistance in
complying with federal requirements for administering federal funds.
(C) National Priority Skills Development Centers
--Proposals due June 1, 1994.
--Preference will be given to applicants that can begin delivering
assistance by August 1994.
Summary
National Priority Skills Development Centers will help meet the
short-term, immediate training and technical assistance needs of the
Corporation, states, and AmeriCorps programs in their efforts to make
direct and demonstrable impacts in the areas of need the Corporation
has identified as ``national priorities.'' The Centers will provide
information and hands-on support, create networks and expert groups,
and carry out other activities as needed.
National Priority Skills Development Centers also provide an
opportunity to begin developing resources to serve the service field
over the long-run. Based on the lessons learned and foundations laid by
the Skills Development Centers, grantees may begin to develop ``Centers
of Excellence.'' Centers of Excellence will serve as more permanent
resources for the service field and as such, will receive a much more
significant investment of funds from the Corporation. These Centers
will be much larger than the Skills Development Centers. Over time,
they will develop more extensive expertise in the practices that make
for high-quality, effective service programs in various priority area
fields.
At present, funding is only available for the Skills Development
Centers. The Corporation encourages providers to devote some of their
resources to developing plans to expand their Skills Development
Center(s) into more comprehensive and permanent Center(s) of
Excellence.
Need
AmeriCorps programs must achieve direct and demonstrable results in
the areas of education, public safety, health, human needs, and the
environment. Programs funded through the AmeriCorps direct competition
must achieve the results in more specific national priority areas. The
national priority areas are as follows:
In Education:
--School Readiness: furthering early childhood development.
--School Success: improving the educational achievement of school-
age children and adults who lack basic academic skills.
In Public Safety:
--Crime Control: improving criminal justice services, law
enforcement, and victim services.
--Crime Prevention: reducing the incidence of violence.
In Human Needs:
--Health: providing independent living assistance and home- and
community-based health care.
--Home: rebuilding neighborhoods and helping people who are
homeless or hungry.
In Environment:
--Neighborhood Environment: reducing community environmental
hazards.
--Natural Environment: conserving, restoring, and sustaining
natural habitats.
The Corporation will fund Skills Development Centers to help
programs and participants achieve demonstrable results in these areas
by providing them with training, information, technical support, and
other resources. T/TA providers will be expected to work closely with
service programs so that providers' expertise in how to make impacts in
certain needs areas is complemented by an understanding of service
programs, regardless of the area of need addressed. The ``Principles of
High Quality National Service Programs'' document mentioned in the
Background section more extensively describes the Corporation's current
thinking in these areas. Applicants should have the expertise to expand
the Corporation's thinking and the ability to help make programs
working in each area more effective.
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation will make available approximately $1,500,000 for
all activities. Up to eight Skills Development Centers may be funded to
provide the T/TA activities described below. Grants will range from
$50,000 to approximately $300,000, with most awards between $100,000
and $150,000. Up to $25,000 of each award can be used in planning for a
future ``Center of Excellence'' in the priority area addressed. Grants
or cooperative agreements will be for up to one year, with the
possibility of renewal or of an award to implement a ``Center of
Excellence,'' subject to performance, need, and availability of funds.
There is no guarantee of renewal or implementation award.
Description of T/TA Activity Desired
The Corporation will fund Skills Development Centers to help
programs and participants meet needs in the areas listed below.
Applicants may propose to provide T/TA in one or more areas. Applicants
may also combine areas rather than running two distinct Centers, for
example, as long as the applicant's proposal provides an explanation of
the manner in which the needs of each area can be addressed when
combined with others.
Skills Development Centers will be developed in the following
areas:
Crime Control: T/TA activities to help programs improve criminal
justice services, enforcement, and victim services.
Crime Prevention: T/TA activities to help programs and participants
reduce the incidence of violence.
Early Childhood Development: (including the Corporation's School
Success priority) T/TA activities to help programs and participants
further early childhood development.
School Success: T/TA activities to help programs and participants
improve educational achievement.
Comprehensive Services: (including the Corporation's Home and
Neighborhood Environment priorities) T/TA activities to help programs
and participants link community resources together to provide for
disadvantaged residents' basic needs.
Preventive Health Care: T/TA activities to help programs and
participants successfully carry out health outreach, education, and
prevention campaigns.
Independent Living: T/TA activities to help programs and
participants provide independent living assistance and home-based
health care.
Natural Environment: T/TA activities to help programs and
participants conserve, restore, and sustain natural habitats.
In each case, Skills Development Centers are expected to:
(a) Develop and/or maintain a network of geographically dispersed
expert resource people and organizations around the country and
maintain a database of these resources. Providers should identify
expert resources from the specific field--organizations and
individuals--that the Corporation, state commissions, and programs can
access when needed. A database, developed in Foxpro or Oracle software,
with pertinent information about these expert resources should be
maintained and linked to the National Service Resource Center database
(described below) so that capacity building is ensured. The provider
should train resource people as needed to make sure that they provide
useful assistance; receive regular feedback from T/TA customer's on
resource peoples' performance; and work with Resource Center staff to
make recommendations on how to ``certify'' trainers and other T/TA
providers should the Corporation decide that this is necessary. The
provider should also gather information from Corporation staff, state
commissions, programs, and other T/TA grantees in order to expand the
pool of resources in the database.
(b) Provide hands-on support to programs using the network of
expert trainers and other resource people. Working with the National
Service Resource Center, National Service Skills Development Centers
should respond to individual requests for assistance from the
Corporation, state commissions, or programs to provide help with
project design and implementation, specific project improvement issues,
or other forms of training and technical assistance. Applicants should
estimate how many person days they expect to devote to this and how
many people and/or programs they think they have the capacity to serve.
Whenever possible, T/TA providers should use local resource people to
carry out these tasks. This way, T/TA efforts will help build capacity
and relationships on the local level.
(c) Demonstrate an understanding of the central characteristics of
successful service programs. T/TA providers are expected to have
expertise in the specific fields their T/TA will cover (e.g. crime
prevention) so that they can help service programs produce direct and
demonstrable results in those areas. Providers must also understand the
more generic, common components of successful service programs,
regardless of what needs service programs address. For suggestions on
how to gain this knowledge, see ``Encouraged approaches'' below.
Providers will be expected to collaborate with other Corporation T/TA
providers, particularly those working to ``Strengthen the Basics of
National Service Programs'' (as described in section below).
(d) Gather and provide critical information on at least one of the
priority areas. T/TA providers should identify the most important
information and resources (including databases) from the specific
field(s) addressed. This might include training curricula, standards of
best practice, examples of effective practices in service and community
work, and in project planning, and participant training and support
specific to the needs of that field. Providers should focus their
efforts by gathering the 50 or so ``best'' resources. The resource
materials should be made available to the National Service Resource
Center and should be adapted to meet the needs of Corporation staff,
state commissions, and AmeriCorps programs where necessary.
(Reproduction and distribution issues will be negotiated in the terms
of the grant.)
(e) Convene an expert group. With input from the Corporation,
regularly convene a sounding board of leading individuals from the
priority area field, the service community, and other areas to develop
an agenda for T/TA activity in each priority area.
(f) Plan for a ``Center of Excellence.'' T/TA providers should lay
the groundwork for more established future ``Centers of Excellence,''
focusing on particular priority areas. Providers are encouraged to
develop a plan to submit to the Corporation by January, 1995, for a
potential ``Center of Excellence'' in a specific area. A maximum of
$25,000 may be expended for this planning activity, and there is no
guarantee of future funding from the Corporation.
(g) Assist in applicant outreach. Providers may be asked to assist
the Corporation in reaching out to potential AmeriCorps program
applicants in the priority area(s) addressed.
Encouraged Approaches
While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes
the activities listed above, it encourages the following approaches:
--Proposals by a small consortium of organizations that include at
least one organization with expertise in each national priority area
being addressed, and at least one organization with experience in the
operation of service programs. Service programs will help organizations
with issue-area expertise better understand issues such as participant
recruitment, selection, training and preparation, management, and
support; and project issues including project conception and selection,
formation of working relationships with service sponsors, orientation
of service sponsors, and project management and evaluation.
--Proposals in which the organization(s) providing expertise in
specific priority area(s) has a partnership with a service program or
operates a service program, and where it tests project models and T/TA
models directly in the program as it develops them for national use.
For example, a proposal in the area of school readiness might
include a national center that does program development and assistance
in the early childhood area, and which operates its own pre-school
program. The center would test certain service projects in its program,
and test training for participants who work in the program. These
activities would help refine and improve the training and technical
assistance it offers to national service programs funded by the
Corporation.
(II) Application by Concept Paper
Proposed activities in this category include:
(A) National Service Resource Center
(B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs
(C) Service and Citizenship
(D) Strengthening Program Diversity
(E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program
(F) Learn and Serve America K-12--
Resource Publications
Training Initiatives on Service-Learning
(G) Learn and Serve America Higher Education--
Higher Education Service Resource Center
Institutionalizing Service-Learning
Infrastructure and Capacity-Building
(H) Training and Technical Assistance for State Commissions
Concept papers will be accepted on May 27, 1994 and September 13,
1994. Following the May deadline, the Corporation expects to invite
likely applicants to submit a detailed proposal by June 30, 1994.
(A) National Service Resource Center
--Preference will be given to applicants which can begin delivering
assistance by August, 1994.
Summary
The Corporation seeks to provide a National Service Resource Center
to compile, store, and retrieve the T/TA resources provided by the
Corporation and other T/TA providers. Rather than producing materials
and resources, the resource center will ensure that State Commissions
and AmeriCorps programs have easy access to the T/TA services and
resources other T/TA providers produce.
The Resource Center will develop and manage the following:
--A resource library that gathers training curricula, effective
strategies for program planning and management, and other information
and materials from Corporation T/TA providers and the service field.
The Resource Center will also develop means of dissemination, both in
print and through electronic outlets.
--A start-up survey of T/TA providers around the nation who can
meet needs of State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs. This survey
should be done as quickly as possible, to provide an immediate resource
for Corporation grantees, and to establish the foundation for the long-
term project of creating and developing a comprehensive database for
the directory service.
--A T/TA directory service that draws on the start-up survey and
subsequent database to respond to queries for information from state
commissions and national service programs in search of trainers,
consultants, and other resources. On a toll-free assistance line,
trained information specialist(s) will respond to day-to-day questions
and inquires from grantees, state commissions, and Corporation staff,
matching their needs with T/TA services whenever possible. The Resource
Center will be responsible for marketing the directory service to
AmeriCorps programs and State Commissions in order to make its services
as accessible as possible and may make the directory service database
available to them through print and/or electronic means.
AmeriCorps program grantees will be required to assess the T/TA
they use and report back to the Corporation program staff and the
Resource Center with their evaluations. This information will inform
Resource Center listings and eventually may serve as the foundation for
a system of consumer-based T/TA service provider ratings. The Resource
Center will be expected to make recommendations to the Corporation on
how to certify T/TA providers should the Corporation decide that this
is necessary.
Grantee evaluations are especially important in the case of T/TA
purchased with the up to $5,000 of discretionary T/TA money each
AmeriCorps program grantee will be allotted. The purpose of these funds
is to flexibly meet immediate program needs not met by other
Corporation- or state-funded T/TA services, tap grantee-based networks,
and help to establish a consumer-driven marketplace. The Resource
Center, working closely with Corporation staff, will be the repository
for all grantee evaluations of T/TA and will incorporate those
evaluations into the resource library and directory service.
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation will make available one grant totaling
approximately $500,000. The grant or cooperative agreement will be
issued for 18 months, with no guarantee of renewal but possibility of
renewal based on performance, need, and availability of funds.
Requirements
--The resource library staff must work closely with Corporation
staff to make sure that the Corporation's own internal resource room is
kept up to date with important materials and other pieces of
information.
--The Commission on National and Community Service, predecessor to
the Corporation, awarded funds to a consortium of organizations led by
the National Youth Leadership Council to establish a clearinghouse for
information and technical assistance on service-learning primarily for
K-12. To avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary costs, will be
expected to refer interested parties to the Service-Learning
Cooperative and coordinate other efforts with them whenever possible.
--Providers must use Foxpro or Oracle software when establishing
any databases.
(B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs
--Preference will be given to applicants who can begin delivering
assistance August 1994.
Summary
The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help programs
strengthen the basic components that enable programs to implement
excellent service projects and engage participants in addressing vital
community needs. The Corporation hopes that many seasoned service
providers will share their expertise with others in the service field
through these activities.
The Corporation describes many of these components in the second
half of its ``Principles of High Quality National Service Programs.''
Opportunities to provide technical assistance supporting several of
these components--building a strong organization, evaluation
procedures, and developing fundraising expertise--are listed in the
``Maintaining a Strong Organization'' section of this Notice. Here, the
Corporation encourages potential grantees to provide assistance in--
--Designing excellent service projects;
--Providing a high quality participant experience through
participant preparation and support;
--Front-line supervisor training;
--Training in mediation and conflict resolution; and
--Creating strong community partnerships.
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation expects to make available approximately $500,000
total for up to 10 grants or cooperative agreements with 18 month
durations. The possibility of renewal is subject to performance,
continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
The Corporation would like T/TA providers to provide trainings and/
or develop resource materials in the following areas:
Excellent service projects: Develop strategies and provide
trainings to increase the effectiveness of national service programs at
conceiving, planning, and executing excellent service projects,
regardless of the area of need addressed by them.
Participant training and support: Develop strategies and provide
trainings to program staff on the key elements of orienting and
training program participants in all types of service programs.
Front-line supervisor training: Develop strategies and provide
trainings on ways to train and support front-line supervisors--whether
team leaders or coordinators of individually-placed participants--to
supervise and support participants in all types of national service
programs. Activities could include developing ways to help program
directors and/or other program supervisors address the professional
development needs of their front-line supervisors; designing support
structures for front-line supervisors such as peer networks, on-call
resources, or resource lists; or preparing flexible designs for
training modules for regional conferences or trainings
By July 1995, the Corporation would also like the T/TA provider(s)
in this area to train approximately 30-35 groups of supervisors in key
tasks including but not limited to:
--Planning and managing service projects or internship placements;
--Management and development of participants;
--Creating good working relationships with service sponsors, and
other community members and organizations;
--Teambuilding at various levels among participants, with community
partners, and among staff;
--Communication at all levels, within the program, with media, with
community through other vehicles
--Facilitation of service-learning among participants that
encourages their development into engaged, active citizens.
Conflict resolution and mediation: developing strategies and
providing trainings to program staff and participants on how to deal
effectively with conflicts through conflict resolution and mediation
techniques.
Community Partnerships: developing strategies and providing
trainings on ways to help programs build and maintain strong
partnerships and engage in collaborative efforts with a broad range of
organizations and individuals working to solve community problems.
For each activity listed above, T/TA providers will be expected
to:--Coordinate efforts with other T/TA providers, especially the
``National Priority Skills Development Centers'' and the ``National
Service Resource Center'';
--Provide hands-on training, consulting and other services on the
subject;
--Identify best practices in accomplishing these tasks, adapt as
necessary and package for program use. Material might include
management tools, training curricula, or other useful items; and
--In the long term, lead the development and refinement of best
practices in accomplishing high quality service projects.
(C) Service and Citizenship
Summary
The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help programs
develop participants' understanding of the relationship between service
and the rights and responsibilities that citizenship entails.
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation expects to make approximately $100,000 total
available for up to two grants or cooperative agreements. Grantees will
develop and pilot a variety of training curricula with several
AmeriCorps programs, with the aim of developing trainings that can meet
the needs of many different participants and program types. The
possibility of renewal is subject to performance, continuing need, and
availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
Whether addressing immediate community problems or examining
broader social needs, AmeriCorps participants take on a variety of
civic responsibilities. The Corporation will fund the provision of
technical assistance and training to enable AmeriCorps participants to
constructively examine and explore larger issues associated with their
service work and strengthen their understanding of their engagement in
public life.
(D) Strengthening Program Diversity
Summary
The Corporation will fund the development and implementation of a
strategy to provide technical assistance and training to AmeriCorps
programs and State Commissions on how to enhance their work, build
stronger communities, and draw strength from diversity through full
inclusion of diverse populations of participants in programs. This will
include developing strategies which encourage mutual respect and
cooperation among citizens of different races, ethnicities,
socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels, ages, and sexual
orientations, including both men and women and individuals with both
physical and cognitive disabilities.
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation expects to make three or more grants or cooperative
agreements in the first year. The amount of funds will be determined in
light of need. The possibility of renewal is subject to performance,
continuing need, and availability of funds. In its concept paper the
applicant should present a proposed budget for the first and second
years of activity.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
The Corporation will fund the provision of technical assistance and
training and development of resource materials for State Commissions
and AmeriCorps programs to give them practical guidance on how to build
diversity into programs and identify resources, especially local and
regional resources, which they can tap for these purposes when needed.
Possible activities include--
--Strategies to improve recruitment, retention, and training of
diverse staff and program participants;
--Strategies to find appropriate participant placements;
--Ways to ensure that programs are sensitive to the specific
cultural needs of the community in which the service is being
performed;
--Strategies specifically aimed at recruiting and ensuring full
inclusion of people with physical and cognitive disabilities as
participants in AmeriCorps programs;
--Ways to help AmeriCorps programs comply with laws regarding
accommodation of people with disabilities; and
--Other strategies to assist programs in building diversity into
their programs.
T/TA providers will be expected to work closely with the National
Service Resource Center.
(E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program
Summary
The Corporation seeks to enhance the opportunities for program
planners, staff and participants of AmeriCorps programs, and State
Commission members to visit existing service programs in order to learn
more about different approaches to accomplishing high quality service.
To this end, the Corporation is making funds available to existing
service programs to prepare for and host such visits.
Eligible Applicants
Only existing service programs may apply. While an applicant does
not have to be a former or current grantee of the Corporation or the
Commission on National and Community Service, the applicant should
demonstrate that the program activities it will exhibit to visitors are
consistent with the Corporation program requirements and ``Principles
for High Quality Programs.''
Amount and Duration of Funding
The Corporation expects to make up to ten grants totaling
approximately $200,000. Grants will be for one year, with possibility
of renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of
funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
The applicant should accomplish activities including but not
limited to--
--Making Corporation grantees aware of the opportunity to visit by
being included in Corporation communications that list T/TA
opportunities;
--Helping potential visitors determine if a visit would be of use
to them, and helping them select an appropriate delegation to visit;
--Preparing a visit schedule for each group of visitors that
includes relevant aspects of the program they should see. Possible
activities should include observing project work, talking with
participants, staff and/or service sponsors and other community
partners, attending program meeting or educational activities, etc.;
--Facilitating a debriefing session or discussion in which the
visitors may discuss questions or concerns regarding what they have
seen and learned; and
--Providing a small amount of follow-up contact with visitors,
especially in cases where the visitor wishes to adopt a practice
observed during the visit. Note that the host organization will not be
expected to pay for the travel costs of the visitors.
Requirements
--Program activities to be exhibited to visitors must be consistent
with the Corporation's program requirements and ``Principles for High
Quality Programs.''
--The grantee must report regularly to the Corporation on visits:
number of visits, who visited, what was presented, some assessment of
the value gained by visitors, and any improvements planned for the
visitation program.
(F) Learn and Serve America K-12
Resource Publications
The Corporation will fund development and publication of materials
on critical subjects to the field.
Amount and Duration of Funding
Up to three grants totaling approximately $50,000 will be made
available. Funding is for one year, with possibility of renewal subject
to performance, continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
Focus areas may include service-learning evaluation models, case
studies, linking service-learning to education reform or school
restructuring efforts, integrating service-learning into school-to-work
transition initiatives, integrating service-learning into academic
curricula, and other topics that would be useful in advancing the
service-learning field.
T/TA providers will be expected to coordinate resources and
activities with the National Service Learning Cooperative funded by the
Commission on National and Community Service whenever possible.
Training Initiatives on Service-Learning
The Corporation will fund training in service-learning methodology
for teachers, administrators, community-based organization personnel,
potential trainers and other appropriate individuals.
Amount and Duration of Funding
Up to four grants totaling approximately $480,000 will be made
available. Funding will be for one year, with possibility of renewal
subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of Program Desired
The Corporation is interested in a broad range of training
opportunities that include regional seminars, introductory workshops,
institutes with specific focus areas (i.e. engaging youth with
disabilities in service-learning, linking service-learning to education
reform or school-to-work transition initiatives, or service-learning as
a vehicle for addressing specific educational, public safety, human, or
environmental needs).
(G) Learn and Serve America: Higher Education
Summary
The Corporation seeks to enhance the quality and sustainability of
higher education service-learning programs, through T/TA activities
that offer ready resources for effectively integrating service and
education, that help strengthen institutional commitment to service-
learning, that develop the ability of grantees to support one another,
and that build capacity at state, regional, and national levels to
support campus-based service-learning.
The Corporation will make grants or cooperative agreements for the
following activities:
Higher Education Service Resource Center
Summary
The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that provide detailed,
user-friendly resources and consultation to meet the needs of
individual programs, Corporation staff, and State Commissions. This
resource center should focus on service-learning in higher education,
and should be flexible in its design so that its resources may be
integrated eventually with the National Service Resource Center and/or
the National Service Learning Cooperative funded by the Commission on
National and Community Service.
Amount and Duration of Funding
One grant or cooperative agreement of approximately $100,000 will
be made, with the possibility of renewal.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
Specific tasks include but are not limited to--
--Actively collecting, selecting, organizing, and disseminating
information on model programs, best practices, and innovations in the
higher education service-learning field;
--Developing resources on various subject areas, including service
integrated with academic disciplines, service-learning programs
addressing community needs in the national priorities, critical
reflection, co-curricular service-learning, and evaluation of service-
learning programs;
--Regularly providing grantees, Corporation staff, and State
Commissions with an updated inventory of resources, and responding to
their questions and requests for information; and
--Working with Corporation staff and grantees to identify areas
requiring resource development.
Providers will be expected to:
--Have experience in collecting and disseminating information that
is relevant to the higher education service-learning field;
--Demonstrate an ability to set and adhere to high standards of
quality in collecting and reviewing resources;
--Apply in partnership with one or more organizations in order to
broaden the scope of information and constituencies connected to the
resource center;
--Have adequate electronic capacity and staff to manage efficiently
a high volume of incoming and outgoing information;
--Be equipped to participate in a phone system, on-line computer
network, or other technological systems, as instructed by the
Corporation; and
--Be prepared to work closely with the K-12 service-learning
clearinghouse funded by the Commission on National and Community
Service, toward the goal of integrating all the resource matching and
clearinghouse efforts funded by the Corporation.
Institutionalizing Service-Learning
Summary
The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help bring
sustainability to programs in institutions of higher education.
Amount and Duration of Funding
One or two grants or cooperative agreements of approximately
$150,000 will be made, with the possibility of renewal.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
Specific tasks include but are not limited to--
--Engaging faculty, administrators, students, and/or community
partners from funded programs in intensive strategic planning, tailored
to the needs of each program, on how to make the program a permanent
part of the institution;
--Creating mechanisms that enable faculty members with expertise in
service-learning to provide ongoing, hands-on support to their peers on
integrating service with specific academic disciplines and expanding
faculty interest and involvement in service-learning within
institutions;
--Providing ongoing consultation to programs on effective
strategies for securing support from the institution's top
administrative and academic leadership;
--Developing resource materials that present ``case studies''
describing the evolution and institutionalization of high-quality
service-learning programs, courses, and centers on a diverse array of
college and university campuses.
Providers will be expected to:
--Have experience in guiding service-learning programs beyond the
start-up phase and into a stage of stability and institutionalization;
--Have sufficient organizational resources and stature in the
higher education service-learning field to work effectively with
faculty members and top administrative and academic officials; and
--Coordinate the distribution of resource materials and the
implementation of workshops or institutes with the Corporation staff.
Infrastructure- and Capacity-Building
Summary
The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that develop the ability
of grantees to support one another, and that build capacity at state,
regional, and national levels to support campus-based service-learning.
Amount and Duration of Funding
One or two grant(s) or cooperative agreement(s) of approximately
$200,000 will be made, with the possibility of renewal.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
Specific tasks include but are not limited to--
--Organizing regional conferences that convene grantees in early
1995 (after the first quarter or semester of activity) and that address
T/TA needs identified by the Corporation staff;
--Developing from the regional conferences a variety of facilitated
mechanisms--utilizing electronic networks and other technology--that
enable grantees to build and sustain supportive relationships with one
another;
--Working closely with Corporation staff to conduct outreach to
State Commissions and higher education organizations and associations
to encourage their attendance at the regional conferences, to orient
them to higher education service-learning programs and build their
capacity to support service-learning at state, regional, or national
levels; and
--Developing and implementing a strategic follow-up plan that
sustains and strengthens relationships and initiatives catalyzed by the
regional conferences.
Providers will be expected to:
--Have sufficient expertise, contacts, and organizational capacity
to plan regional conferences for up to 150 higher education service-
learning grantees;
--Work in partnership with organizations or individuals with
expertise in structuring sustainable peer networks that facilitate
lateral knowledge transfer (i.e., peer-to-peer technical assistance);
--Have at least some experience in working with state commissions
and higher education organizations and associations;
--Have adequate capacity, creativity, and flexibility to channel
the momentum developed at the regional conferences toward longer-term
efforts and objectives, and to identify and respond actively to needs
for on-going follow-up.
(H) Training and Technical Assistance to State Commissions
Summary
The Corporation will fund provision of information, training, and
support to all State Commissions involved in AmeriCorps, as provided by
the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. This can be
provided by independent organizations or by the States themselves,
acting as peer trainers.
Amount and Duration of Funding
Up to three grants or cooperative agreements totaling approximately
$400,000. Funding would be for one year, with possibility of renewal
subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of Program Desired
T/TA activities may address one or more of the following issues, or
may address other issues as proposed by the applicant:
--Help states develop a technical assistance strategy and network
of possible T/TA providers within their states;
--Assist states in setting objectives and designing and
implementing an evaluation plan;
--Help states develop specific state-wide recruitment strategies
that are consistent with the Corporation's national recruitment plan;
--Help states design peer review panels;
--Help states design participant advisory groups and other vehicles
through which they can engage participants in decision-making processes
and feedback mechanisms;
--Provide orientation or training to State Commission members and
staffs about national service and the role of State Commissioners; and
--Provide other training or assistance to State Commissions as
needed.
(III) Invitation for Original Concept Papers Proposing Additional
or Alternative T/TA Activities
The Corporation has created a National Program Innovation Fund,
through which it will support innovative training and technical
assistance that helps make programs more effective.
The Corporation requests concept papers which suggest ways in which
it might best support its goals through
T/TA activities. Concept papers may expand on the activities specified
in this Notice, improve on them, or suggest original approaches.
In proposing an original activity, the applicant must demonstrate a
need for it that relates to the goals of AmeriCorps, present a sound
plan for accomplishing the activity, and otherwise satisfy the quality
criteria listed in this Notice.
An applicant may propose an original concept under this section and
apply at the same time to undertake one or more of the activities
listed in another section.
Dated: March 22, 1994.
Terry Russell,
Acting General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 94-7146 Filed 3-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-BA-P
