[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 111 (Thursday, June 10, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31346-31349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-14836]
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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
FY99 Burma Refugee Scholarship Program; Request for Proposals
SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Programs of the United States
Information Agency's (USIA) Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
announces an open competition for the Burma Refugee Scholarship Program
(BRSP) which will begin recruitment and selection in FY99 (Academic
year 1999-2000) and enrollment in FY00. Public and private non-profit
organizations meeting the provisions described in IRS regulation 26 CFR
1.501(c) may submit proposals to develop an educational program for
approximately five Burmese students and professionals, living in India
as refugees, to receive undergraduate and/or graduate training in a
variety of fields in the humanities and sciences in U.S. colleges and
universities for a three year grant period running until 2002. The
requirements are outlined in this letter and in the attached Program
Goals, Objectives, and Implementation (POGI) document.
Program Information
Overview: The goal of the program is to support the economic and
democratic development of Burma by helping to educate potential leaders
living outside of Burma who could assist in its future transition to a
democratic government. It is USIA's intent to provide grantees with
programs of the highest quality that meet their academic and personal
needs and to further the Agency's mission to promote mutual
understanding. We also request that administration efficiencies and
cost-sharing be actively sought.
Guidelines: The applicant organization shall design a proposal with
a cost of up to $300,000 to conduct the recruitment, selection, and
placement of no more than five Burmese undergraduate students living in
India in an appropriate U.S. academic setting. Monitoring the students'
academic progress will be a requirement of the organizations. Grant
administration should begin October 1, 1999. Students with
undergraduate degrees who are bridging to a master's program would also
be eligible. We estimate that these funds will support five students
for up to a year of intensive English-language training and two years
towards an associate, bachelor's or master's degree program.
Administration in the Region: The organization must work closely
with USIA, the U.S. Information Service (USIS), Immigration and
Naturalization Service, and the U.S. Embassy in India to coordinate
appropriate documentation for grantees' entry into the United States.
The USIS representative administering the BRSP is in India, but it may
be difficult for USIS officers to provide extensive facilitative
assistance for this program. Applicant proposals should therefore
include a plan to provide for publicity, recruitment, and selection in
India, should USIS support be unavailable. The organization will be
responsible for administering the program through its own resources and
subcontractors, as required. The organization must also provide
relocation or transition assistance to the students in the U.S. at the
time their studies are terminated.
Requirements and Implementation: The proposal should respond to and
describe the following major requirements:
Planning and monitoring the entire exchange program;
Selection and notification of participants, including
publicizing the program to appropriate audiences in India using such
methods as media, alumni networks, and local educational institutions
and NGOs; and plans for distributing, answering inquiries about, and
receiving applications--which may require the assistance of volunteers
or paid staff in the region and/or special mailing arrangements;
Travel;
Placement at U.S. universities;
Orientations;
Provision of housing/stipends;
On-going advising and student services;
Cross cultural counseling;
Cultural and community enrichment activities about the
U.S.;
Internships and professional development;
Evaluation and alumni activities; and
Fiscal management.
To the extent possible, the applicant should designate a contact
person in India who would provide assistance with dissemination and
submission of applications. Please review the application form to
ensure that it includes all the information needed for review panel
deliberations.
Length of Program: The proposed length of the Burmese scholarships
is three years--up to one year of intensive English-language training
followed by up to two years of academic study. The duration of the USIA
grant cannot exceed three years. Students must understand this policy
in advance. Where there are compelling circumstances, students may
receive a limited extension to complete their degrees at the discretion
of the project director and the USIA program officer. Summer periods
should be used for a mix of academic, professional and enrichment
activities.
Pre-Academic and English-Language Training: Applicants must
describe plans for pre-academic preparation and English-language
training. USIA recommends that immediately after the initial
orientation, participants be tested to determine which level of
English-language courses are appropriate. Several levels of intensive
English-language courses, from beginning to advanced, should be made
available. It is assumed that most participants in this scholarship
program will need up to one year of English-language instruction.
Students who need additional instruction beyond the first year will be
required to take the additional instruction at their placement
universities.
Recruitment: The recruitment material and award publicity should
provide all relevant information to potential applicants. The key
conditions, benefits, and terms of the program--what is, and what is
not covered under the grant--should be fully described to candidates
and nominees before they accept an award and travel to the U.S. The
description of study opportunities should be basic and include
essential information for applicants who are unfamiliar with the U.S.
educational system, and the policy on dependents should be described.
All individuals should be fully informed of these policies before they
accept an award.
Stipends: Please address the question of participant stipend levels
in the narrative, including what expenses the stipend is intended to
cover and the estimated monthly cost of housing provided to students.
The USIA program officer must be informed in advance of any proposed
adjustment in stipend levels and must approve such changes prior to
implementation.
Fields of Study: Eligibility fields for the FY-99 program should
respond to critical development needs in Burma, promote mutual
understanding and potential linkages with the U.S., and attract
academically qualified students who are likely to become future leaders
in Burma. The program announcement
[[Page 31347]]
might include a statement such as: ``Eligible fields of study are drawn
from the standard university curriculum, with priority given to
agriculture, business administration, community/public health,
economics, education, environmental studies, journalism, legal studies,
natural resources management political science, and public
administration. If a subject area is proposed that is not among these
priority fields, candidates should give special attention to explaining
how this course of study would support the goals of the program.'' The
final list of eligible fields and the text of the announcement must be
reviewed and approved by the Office of Academic Programs, in
consultation with USIA's East Asia and Pacific Area Office, prior to
program implementation.
Selection Criteria: The Burma Refugee Scholarship Program is
directed toward Burmese students and professionals who are outside
Burma. The proposal should outline the selection criteria and selection
process for the program. A corresponding statement of the selection
criteria should be included in the program announcement for potential
applicants. The leadership elements and the expectation that students
will be active alumni following the conclusion of the program should be
mentioned. Applicants should plan to work closely with USIA in
developing the selection criteria.
Timeline: The proposed should include a projected timeline, from
first announcement to student arrival and placement in the U.S., which
takes into consideration the logistical and communications obstacles in
the region. These include immigration requirements, travel
arrangements, time required to obtain student records, and the like.
The timeline should include dates of key elements, such as ``candidates
notified,'' ``pre-arrival materials mailed,'' etc.
U.S. Educational System, American Culture and Institutions: It is
essential that prior to arrival, as well as during orientation,
applicants and participants be informed of the general nature,
philosophy and goals of U.S. higher education, particularly with regard
to the broad scope of a liberal arts bachelor's degree program.
Applicants and participants should clearly understand that they will be
required to take courses in a variety of academic fields and should be
briefed about the specifics of this grant. Students should receive
guidance from the academic advisor to assist them in choosing
appropriate courses outside their major field.
To support the mutual understanding goal of the exchange, USIA is
particularly interested in opportunities for academic and enrichment
experiences related to U.S. institutions, society, and culture. It is
recommended that the applicant stipulate that students take one or more
courses in a U.S. Studies field, such as American history, literature,
or government. USIA welcomes other creative ideas for exposing students
to American institutions, such as ``issues'' discussion groups for
students, visits to political campaign offices and polling places,
attendance at school board or city council meetings, exposure to
American religious institutions, and civic-related volunteer work.
Student attendance at museums, concerts, plays, and other cultural
events featuring American content should be encouraged and facilitated
wherever possible. The awardee will be requested to keep USIA informed
of the status of this part of the program throughout the year.
Program Activities: Applicants should describe plans for
orientation, including pre-departure orientation; goals and approaches
for the academic portion of the program, including any special
activities such as internships or academic enrichment; cultural and
community projects; evaluation and follow-up; and alumni-tracking. For
example, volunteer work, student presentations to the local community,
and matching of students with a local host family might be among the
enrichment activities proposed. Internships should be designed to
provide a close match with a student's field of academic or
professional interest. USIA requests that applicants provide support
systems (such as tutoring, counseling, host family, mentor or buddy
system, consultation with student advisor and project director) to the
students during the program.
Pre-Arrival Information: Please provide a sample copy of the pre-
arrival information in advance to the USIA program officer. Information
should be complete, accurate for the program site and detailed. Key
points about academic requirements, academic departments and available
courses, housing, what to bring with them, personal budgeting
considerations, policies on dependents, and other critical issues
should be included in the material. The material should be designed to
serve as a useful post-arrival reference as well, supplemented with
additional information. Students should also receive a summary of key
points in addition to the complete package. This should include
exchange policy matters as well as ``what to bring.''
GPRA-Outcomes and Results: Applicants must include a statement of
goals and expected outcomes for the program, including how results, as
necessitated by Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
requirements would be measured. Outcomes might include, but are not
limited to, the following areas: developing a cadre of Burmese leaders
with first-hand experience in the U.S., advancement of development
goals for Burma, conflict resolution and building viable non-
governmental institutions in Burma, and expansion of professional
relationships between individuals and institutions in the U.S. and
Burma. Project goals and planning should be linked to desired outcomes.
For example, if it is a goal to produce or influence leaders in Burma,
potential leadership qualities should be among the selection criteria
for applicants.
Measurements might include: alumni achievements and activities; the
quality and quantity of institutional linkages established as a result
of the program; and degree of positive change in participant and/or
public attitudes as a result of the program.
Budget Guidelines
Grants awarded to eligible organizations with less than four years
of experience in conducting international exchange programs will be
limited to $60,000. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for
the entire program. Awards may not exceed $300,000. There must be a
summary budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both administrative and
program budgets. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each
program component, phase, location, or activity to provide
clarification.
Allowable costs for the program include the following:
A. Program Costs
(1) One-way economy fare international travel from their overseas
location;
(2) Domestic travel;
(3) Tuition, room and board, incidental expenses, maintenance for
university vacation periods;
(4) Education materials;
(5) Cost of standardized test fees;
(6) Per diem for orientation, professional, academic and cultural
enrichment.
B. Administrative Costs (Not To Exceed 20% of the Budget)
(1) Staff salaries and benefits;
(2) Staff travel;
[[Page 31348]]
(3) Communications (including telephone, fax, postage, etc.);
(4) Office supplies;
(5) Other direct costs.
For the budget presentation, applicants should submit a three-
column budget which includes the following information:
Column 1--FY-99 USIA funds requested
Column 2--Amount of cost-sharing in FY-99
Column 3--Total FY-99 Budget (Total of Columns 1 and 2)
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget
guidelines and formatting instructions. Applicants will find those
federally required forms which must be included in the proposal
submission in the Proposal Submission Instructions section of the
solicitation package.
Announcement Title and Number
All correspondence with USIA concerning this RFP should reference
the title and number E/AEF-99-04. Please submit a one-page Executive
Summary and a narrative as part of the proposal. The Executive Summary
should contain an overview of the goals and activities of the program
in order to set the context for modifications and budget requests. The
narrative should deal with program facts only, and not contain the
history of the organization or program philosophy, except as directly
relevant to the proposed activity. It should outline the purpose of the
program and the major activities funded under the award which meet the
goals of the program. Concurrently, this will provide background
information for a review of the proposed budget and program
modifications.
Applicants should explain in the narrative any personnel changes
which are anticipated in the coming year. Please also indicate briefly
the responsibilities of all staff listed as working on this project,
including those whose employment is cost-shared. Please submit resumes
for employees under Tab E.
Further Information: For further information, or to request a
Solicitation Package, contact the Office of Academic Programs, E/AEF,
Room Number 208, U.S. Information Agency, 301 4th Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20547, telephone (202) 619-5406, fax number (202) 401-
1728. The Solicitation Package contains detailed award criteria,
required application forms, specific budget instructions, and standard
guidelines for proposal preparation. Please specify USIA Program
Officer, Tim Gerhandson, on all other inquiries and correspondence.
Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFP deadline has
passed, Agency staff may not discuss this competition with applicants
until the proposal review process has been completed.
To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from USIA's
website at http://e.usia.gov/education/rfps. Please read all
information before downloading.
To Receive a Solicitation Package via Fax on Demand
The entire Solicitation Package may be requested from the Bureau's
``Grants Information Fax on Demand System,'' which is accessed by
calling 202401-7616. The ``Table of Contents'' listing available
documents and order numbers should be the first order when entering the
system.
Deadline for Proposals
All proposal copies must be received at the US. Information Agency
by 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on June 30, 1999. Faxed documents will
not be accepted at any time. Documents postmarked the due date but
received on a later date will not be accepted. Each applicant must
ensure that the proposals are received by the above deadline. The FY99
BRSP applications (the original proposal), 10 hard copies, and one
extra application cover sheet should be submitted to: United States
Information Agency, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs,
Reference: E/AER-99-04, Grants Management Division, E/XE, Room 326, 301
4th St. SW, Washington, DC 20547.
Review Process
USIA will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will review them
for technical eligibility. Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they
do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein and in the
Solicitation Package. All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the
program office, as well as the USIA EA area office(s) and the USIA
post(s) overseas, where appropriate. Eligible proposals will be
forwarded to panels of USIA officers for advisory review. Proposals may
also be reviewed by the Office of the General Counsel or by other
Agency elements. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of
USIA's Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final
technical authority for assistance awards (grants or cooperative
agreements) resides with the USIA Grants Officer. Awards will be
subject to the availability of FY99 funding. The Agency reserves the
right to reduce, revise or increase proposal budgets in accordance with
the needs of the program.
The narrative is not a program report or an annual report, nor does
it replace any reporting requirements outlined in the grant. However,
the grant proposal is the only document that the review panel will
consider during its deliberations, so it should provide all relevant
information for a full review. It should not be assumed that panelists
will have prior familiarity with applicants or this particular
scholarship program.
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: Proposals should exhibit
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Agency's
mission.
2. Program planning: Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should
demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda
and plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described
above.
3. Ability to achieve program objectives: Objectives should be
reasonable, feasible, and flexible, Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and
plan.
4. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed programs should strengthen
long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual
linkages.
5. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of
participants, program venue and program evaluation) and program content
(orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resources and
follow-up activities).
6. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or
project's goals.
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 USIA's Office of
Contracts. The Agency will consider the past
[[Page 31349]]
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) ensuring that USIA
supported programs are not isolated events.
9. Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate
the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of
the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus
description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original
project objectives is recommended. Successful applicants will be
expected to submit intermediate reports after each project component is
concluded or quarterly, whichever is less frequent.
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.
11. Cost-sharing: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through
other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding
contributions.
12. Value to U.S.-Partner Country Relations: Proposed projects
should receive positive assessments by USIA's geographic area desk and
overseas officers of program need, potential impact, and significance
in the partner country(ies).
Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines
Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must
maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and
representative of the diversity of American political, social, and
cultural life. ``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest
sense and encompass differences including, but not limited to
ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic
status, and physical challenges. Applicants are strongly encouraged to
adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program
administration and in program content. Please refer to the review
criteria under the `Support for Diversity' section for specific
suggestions on incorporating diversity into the total proposal. Public
Law 104-319 provides that ``in carrying out programs of educational and
cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom
and democracy,'' USIA ``shall take appropriate steps to provide
opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and
democracy leaders of such countries.'' Proposals should reflect
advancement of this goal to the full extent deemed feasible.
Year 2000 Compliance Requirement (Y2K Requirement)
The Year 2000 (Y2K) issue is a broad operational and accounting
problem that could potentially prohibit organizations from processing
information in accordance with Federal management and program specific
requirements including data exchange with USIA. The inability to
process information in accordance with Federal requirements could
result in grantees' being required to return funds that have not been
accounted for properly.
USIA therefore requires all organizations use Y2K compliant systems
including hardware, software, and firmware. Systems must accurately
process data and dates (calculating, comparing and sequencing) both
before and after the beginning of the year 2000 and correctly adjust
for leap years. Additional information addressing the Y2K issue may be
found at the General Services Administration's Office of Information
Technology website at http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov.
Authority
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-
256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of
the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the
people of other countries* * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us
with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United
States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of
friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States
and the other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the
program above is provided through legislation.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal USIA procedures. For
further information, please contact my designee for this program, Tim
Gerhardson, at (202) 619-5406, or tgerhard@usia.gov on e-mail.
Dated: June 18, 1999.
Judith Siegel,
Deputy Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 99-14836 Filed 6-9-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M
