[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 161 (Thursday, August 20, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44676-44681]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-22299]
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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
Program Title: Multi-Regional and Regional Projects for
International Visitors; Request for Proposals
SUMMARY: The Office of International Visitors (IV) of the United States
Information Agency's (USIA) Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
announces an open competition for assistance awards. Public and private
non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in IRS
regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3)-1 may submit proposals to develop one or
more groups (three projects per group) of thematically linked projects
for Multi-Regional and Regional Groups of International Visitors
traveling in the United States for period of 21 to 30 days. Groups will
be comprised of from 12 to 30 American Embassy contacts in the fields
of economics, trade, the judiciary, and journalism.
Deadline for Proposals: All copies must be received at the U.S.
Information Agency by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on the due date
indicated for submission of proposals for each project series described
below. Faxed documents will not be accepted, nor will documents
postmarked on the proposal due date but received at a later date. It is
the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that proposals are
received by the due date which has been established for each available
project series.
Program Information: USIA seeks proposals from non-profit
organizations for development and implementation of four sets of three
professional programs for USIA-sponsored International Visitor
participants. A separate proposal is required for each project. Each
series will be focussed on a broad substantive theme. Interested
organizations should submit one proposal for each set of linked
projects, but within the ``Narrative'' and ``Detailed Budget'' sections
(Tabs C and D on the Proposal Submission Checklist found at the end of
the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI)) applicant should treat each
of the three projects individually with a separate detailed project
proposal and budget.
More detailed descriptions of the MRPs and RPs will be included in
the Solicitation Package under ``Preliminary Project Summaries.''
Participants in the projects will be foreign leaders or potential
leaders selected by U.S. embassy committees abroad. Each group will
typically consist of from 12 to 30 foreign visitors in addition to the
two to three American English language escort officers (ELEOs) or
foreign language Escort Interpreters (E/I's) selected by USIA, who
accompany them. Most projects will be 21 to 30 days in length. Most
projects will begin in Washington, DC, with an orientation and overview
of the issues and a central examination of federal policies regarding
these issues. Well-paced project itineraries include programs in four
or five communities. Project itineraries will ideally include urban and
rural small communities and diverse geographical and cultural regions
of the U.S., as appropriate to the project theme. Projects should
provide opportunities for participants to experience the diversity of
American society and culture. Depending on the size and theme of the
project, the
[[Page 44677]]
participants in Multi-Regional or Regional group projects can be
divided into smaller sub-groups for simultaneous visits to different
communities, with subsequent opportunities to share their experiences
with the full group once it is reunited.
Projects may provide opportunities for the visitors to share a meal
of similar experience (home hospitality) in the home of Americans of
diverse occupational, age, gender and ethnic groups. Some projects
might include an opportunity for an overnight stay (home stay) in an
American home. The participants may be provided opportunities to
address student, civic and professional groups in relaxed and informal
settings. For some projects, ``shadowing'' experiences with American
professional colleagues may be proposed. As appropriate, opportunities
for site visits and hands-on experiences that are relevant to project
themes may be included. All projects should include demonstrations of
the Internet and discussions on how it can be productively used in the
context of each project theme. Projects should also allow time for
participants to reflect on their experiences, and to share observations
with project colleagues. Participants should have opportunities to
visit cultural and tourist sites which complement the program theme.
Arrangements for community visits must be made through affiliates of
the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV). (The NCIV is a
national network of private citizen organizations located in more than
one hundred U.S. communities, which arranges local programs for
international visitors.) In cities where there is no such council, the
applicant will arrange the local programs.
The applicant should demonstrate the potential to develop projects,
as described, on a variety of program themes. The applicant is expected
to have e-mail capability to consult with USIA program officers, and
access to internet resources. USIA will provide close coordination and
guidance throughout the duration of the award.
Series One: Economics and Trade.
Deadline for Submission: October 6, 1998.
Project One
Title: U.S. Trade and World Markets (I).
Type: Multi-Regional.
Dates: January 14-February 4, 1999.
Officer: E/VP--Janet Beard.
Telephone: (202) 205-3058.
Fax: (202) 205-0792.
E-Mail Address: jbeard@usia.gov.
This project will concentrate on the institutions, industries, and
federal and local offices concerned with trade development and
investment. Participants will hear perspectives of U.S. trade policy
from federal executive and congressional speakers, lobbying
organizations, unions, media, and state officials. The project will
include site visits to representative sectors of the U.S. economy, such
as industry, agriculture, and high-technology firms.
Project Two
Title: U.S. Financial System.
Type: Multi-Regional.
Dates: July 22-August 12, 1999.
Officer: E/VP-Janet Beard.
Telephone: (202) 205-3058.
Fax: (202) 205-0792.
E-Mail Address: jbeard@usia.gov.
This project will review the U.S. banking and financial system,
including industry regulation, trends in domestic and foreign
investment, and the roles and differences between different players in
the financial marketplace. Domestic and international finance issues
studied will include changing global finance flows, small community
banking, project finance, stock exchanges, and economic trends'
analysis.
Project Three
Title: U.S. Trade and World Markets (II).
Type: Multi-Regional.
Dates: September 9-30, 1999.
Officer: E/VP--Janet Beard.
Telephone: (202) 205-3058.
Fax: (202) 205-0792.
E-Mail Address: jbeard@usia.gov.
See description under Project One.
Series Two: Journalism.
Deadline for Submission: November 10, 1998.
Project One
Title: Radio Broadcasting.
Type: Multi-Regional.
Dates: February 25-March 8, 1999.
Officer: E/VP--Jay Taylor.
Telephone: (202) 205-3058.
Fax: (202) 205-0792.
E-Mail Address: jtaylor@usia.gov.
This project will address responsible and independent journalism
while providing an opportunity to upgrade technological knowledge and
journalistic skills. It will consist of visits to a wide variety of
radio stations in the U.S., including commercial, public, religious,
national, and local stations. Participants will hear discussions of
broadcasting regulations and journalist ethics, observe programming,
news gathering, interviewing and production techniques, and learn about
the impact of technology on radio broadcasting in the U.S.
Project Two
Title: Print Journalism.
Type: Multi-Regional.
Dates: May 13-June 3, 1999.
Officer: E/VP--Jay Taylor.
Telephone: (202) 205-3058.
Fax: (202) 205-0792.
E-Mail Address: jtaylor@usia.gov
This project will provide participants an overview of print media
practices, traditions, and institutions in the U.S. It will acquaint
participants with how independent media, with access and freedom to
convey information and opinions, form an integral part of America's
open and democratic society. The group will study journalism in its
American operational context. Featured topics will be: reporting
skills; ethical considerations and accountability; editorial decision-
making; newspaper administration and management; journalism education
and training; and research, distribution, and production technology.
Project Three
Title: Television Broadcasting.
Type: Multi-Regional.
Dates: August 12-September 2, 1999.
Officer: E/VP--Jay Taylor.
Telephone: (202) 205-3058.
Fax: (202) 205-0792.
E-Mail Address: jtaylor@usia.gov
This project will provide an overview of the impact of television
on American society, including education, marketing and commerce, news
coverage, jurisprudence, technological innovations, social and ethical
issues, as well as entertainment. Its role in the socialization of
American youth will also be examined. Interactive educational and
public service television will be highlighted as well as the use of
television in the distance learning process.
Series Three: Africa and Economic Development.
Deadline for Submission: December 4, 1998.
Project One
Title: Economic Reform and Private Sector Expansion.
Type: Africa Regional (French-Speaking).
Dates: February 22-March 13, 1999.
Officer: E/VGA--Miriam Guichard.
Telephone: (202) 205-9596.
Fax: (202) 205-7974.
E-Mail Address: mguichar@usia.gov or sknott@usia.gov
The American experience has been that a strong private sector is
the engine of economic growth and development,
[[Page 44678]]
while government plays an essential role in regulating, rather than
controlling or owning, the production of goods and provision of
services. Meanwhile, many African nations are taking increasingly
dramatic steps, some voluntarily and some under great pressure from
multi-national donor organizations, towards structural adjustment and
privatization. In this process, many African government officials,
journalists, academics, and businesses people are themselves dedicated
to a vision of economic prosperity through private sector expansion,
while others lack confidence in the private sector to provide for
society's needs.
This project is designed to show the participants the size and
scope of the private sector, government's role in both promoting and
regulating business, and the effects on society, both positive and
negative, of a competitive free-market economic system operating in
conjunction with government supports for population sectors in need.
Specific focus will be placed on how communities and regions in the
U.S. promote economic diversification and expansion, and how the rule
of law protects both business and citizens, including labor. Other
segments will focus on how essential services (e.g. utilities) as well
as basic commodities are provided through the private sector in the
U.S. Finally, while this program will shift away from a previous focus
on ``privatization'', it will touch on efforts by federal, state, and
local governments to privatize some work, as well as to borrow
traditional private-sector competitive approaches.
Project Two
Title: Women as Economic Partners in Nation-Building.
Type: Africa Regional (English- and French-Speaking).
Dates: April 27-May 16, 1999.
Officer: E/VGA--Audrey Ford.
Telephone: (202) 205-9596.
Fax: (202) 205-7974.
E-Mail Address: aford@usia.gov.
Over the years, Africans as well as donor nations have come to
realize that little or no economic development is possible without the
full participation of women, and African women have increasingly begun
to organize to promote their own economic development and independence.
Given the historical context of American women's increased economic
involvement and activism, as well as current debates focused on issues
related to women's economic position in the U.S., it is likely that
International Visitors on this topic and their American interlocutors
will have much to share, and perhaps new initiatives to undertake
together. This program will focus on how women network and organize in
the U.S. to promote economic opportunity and private enterprise, as
well as to strengthen the community, the society, and the nation.
Emphasis will be placed on private sector as well as national, state
and local government support for efforts to increase women's economic
strength and their voice in policy-making.
Project Three
Title: Global Business and Trade.
Type: Africa Regional (English-Speaking)
Dates: July 12-31, 1999.
Officer: E/VGA--Mary Ann Ignatius.
Telephone: (202) 205-9596.
Fax: (202) 205-7974.
E-Mail Address: mai@usia.gov.
This project is intended for economic and trade specialists from
both public and private sectors, policy planners, academics, and
economic journalists, and the focus is specific: The formation and
objectives of U.S. trade policy within the context of a highly
decentralized, liberal and competitive economic system. Visitors will
examine the domestic political, economic and social concerns that
affect U.S. trade policy, including the overriding U.S. commitment to
maintaining a globally competitive position. Particular emphasis will
be placed on the implication of these factors for U.S.-Africa trade
relations, and strategies that African countries can pursue to increase
their competitive position and foster more effective trade relations.
In addition to addressing global and U.S.-Africa trade issues, visitors
will also take a look at how federal, state, and local government in
the U.S. all work to promote international trade and investment, as
well as strategies employed by the private sector.
Series Four: The Rule of Law.
Deadline for Submission: January 15, 1999.
Project One
Title: Independent Judiciary and the Rule of Law.
Type: Near East-South Asian Regional (Arabic-Speaking).
Dates: April 19-May 8, 1999.
Officer: E/VGN--Alice Shifflett.
Telephone: (202) 205-9596.
Fax: (202) 205-7974.
E-Mail Address: ashiffle@usia.gov.
Judicial reform is an issue of great interest to many throughout
the Arab world, whether as part of a process of moving towards
democratization and greater government accountability, or as part of an
effort to combine or reconcile civil and religious law, or simply as
part of an effort to improve the economic and investment climate. This
project will seek to provide visitors with a thorough overview of the
U.S. legal system, emphasizing the principles of judicial independence,
as well as the structure of the federal, state, and municipal court
systems. Key judicial issues such as environmental law, anti-drug laws,
civil rights, and legal aid will be examined, as well as other topics
to be determined by the particular interests of the visitors. Through
meetings at a wide range of U.S. government institutions, as well as
site visits to court sessions and law school classes, participants in
this project will also examine the administration of the U.S. legal
system, including funding, legal education and training, and
administrative innovations such as computerized case management and
alternative dispute resolution.
Project Two
Title: Administration of Justice.
Type: American Republics Regional (Spanish-Speaking).
Dates: June 7-25, 1999.
Officer: E/VGR--Colleen Fowler.
Telephone: (202) 205-9596.
Fax: (202) 205-7974.
E-Mail Address: cfowler@usia.gov.
Judicial systems in Latin America are seeking to modernize their
court procedures and introduce new approaches to legal problems, while
at the same time dealing with the ongoing challenge to ensure the
fundamental rule of law and an open and transparent legal process. This
project will examine the role the rule of law plays in the United
States, with a focus on topics relating to civil justice modernization.
Topics will include a range of issues such as case management,
alternative dispute resolution, arbitration mechanisms, and mediation
techniques. Issues of legal reform and judicial training will be
addressed, and the visitors (to include lawyers, judges, academicians
and court officials, as well as community leaders, and journalists)
will have opportunities throughout to compare their legal systems and
to exchange perspectives on the management of these systems. Topics for
meetings at the federal, state, and municipal levels will include how a
bill becomes law, the jurisdiction of federal and state courts, the
role of U.S. and state's attorneys, juvenile justice, the impact and
objectives of new anti-crime and sentencing guidelines legislation,
nominations of federal judges, and judicial ethics. The program will
include discussion of white-collar and
[[Page 44679]]
high-tech crime, including corruption, embezzlement, and just-workplace
issues, and visitors will also look at current trends in legal
education.
Project Three
Title: The Rule of Law and an Independent Judiciary.
Type: Africa Regional (French-Speaking).
Dates: August 9-28, 1999.
Officer: E/VGA--Nancy Falne.
Telephone: (202) 205-9596.
Fax: (202) 205-7974.
E-Mail Address: nfalne@usia.gov.
The rule of law is an essential foundation stone in political and
economic development, and while African justice officials, lawyers,
judges, magistrates, law professors, and legal journalists may
recognize this fact, they often face severe obstacles in both creating
an independent judiciary and in managing an effective legal system with
scarce resources. This program will endeavor to give visitors an
overview of the rule of law and its complexity within the U.S. federal
system, as well as the role of the Constitution as a framework for
lawmakers. Emphasis will be placed on the independence of the U.S.
judicial system, and the means of guaranteeing protection of the rights
of the minority in a democracy, including civil and human rights. The
visitors will also look at alternatives to traditional court
proceedings, such as arbitration and mediation. In addition, the
program will explore the nuts and bolts of how the U.S. judicial system
operates, including legal training, case management, and the working
relationship between the judiciary and the police.
To Download a Solicitation Package via Internet
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from USIA's
website at http://www.usia.gov/education/rfps. Please read all
information before downloading.
To Receive a Solicitation Package via Fax on Demand
The entire Solicitation Package may be received via the Bureau's
``Grants Information Fax on Demand System'', which is accessed by
calling 202/401-7616. The ``Table of Contents'' listing available
documents and order numbers should be the first order when entering the
system.
To Receive a Solicitation Package by Mail, Contact
For Multi-Regional Projects (MRPs): U.S. Information Agency, Group
Projects Division, E/VP, Room 255, 301 4th Street, S.W., Washington,
D.C. 20547.
For Regional Projects (RPs): U.S. Information Agency, Grants
Division, E/VG, Room 255, 301 4th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547.
On all inquiries and correspondence, please specify the name(s) of
the USIA Program Officer(s) as they appear on the ``Officer(s)'' line
for each of the above projects. Interested applicants should read the
complete Federal Register announcement before sending inquiries or
submitting proposals. Once the RFP deadline has passed, Agency staff
may not discuss this competition in any way with applicants until the
Bureau proposal review process has been completed.
Submissions: Applicants must follow all instructions given in the
Solicitation Package. The original and 12 copies of the application
should be sent to: U.S. Information Agency, Ref.: E/V-99-1, Series
Title: Office of Grants Management, E/XE, 301 4th Street, S.W., Room
336, Washington, D.C. 20547.
Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal on a 3.5'' diskette,
formatted for DOS. This material must be provided in ASCII text (DOS)
format with a maximum line length of 65 characters. USIA will transmit
these files electronically to USIS posts overseas for their review.
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 account for
advancement of this goal in their program contents, to the full extent
deemed feasible.
Visa Requirements
Program participants will travel on J-1 visas arranged by USIA.
Projects must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to program
specific guidelines in the Solicitation Package for further details.
Budget
Organizations are required to submit a comprehensive line-item
budget in accordance with the intructions in the Solicitation Package.
Cost items must be clearly categorized as administrative costs, group
project costs, or program costs. Applicants must use the budget format
presented in the ``1999 Guidelines for Proposals Submitted to the USIA
Office of International Visitors'' for all budget submissions. There
must be a summary budget as well as a detailed breakdown showing the
administrative budget, group project budget and program budget.
Proposed staffing and costs associated with staffing must be
appropriate to fulfillment of all project requirements, which will
include close consultation with the responsible E/V Program Officer
throughout development and implementation of the program. Proposed
costs may not exceed the guideline amounts.
Combined administrative and indirect costs proposed should be
controlled and are subject to negotiation. Cost sharing is encouraged
and, if applicable, must be shown in the budget presentation. The
Agency anticipates that awards to cover administrative and indirect
costs (where applicable) will be less than $20,400.
Organizations that have received a renewal assistance award from
the Agency for the Office of International Visitors must submit a
budget showing all administrative costs associated with the projects
for which application is made. Any award to such an organization
pursuant to this announcement may be adjusted to reflect the status of
the renewal award. Renewal award recipients must identify individuals
or organizations to whom they have already paid honoraria in FY 1999 if
they propose to pay an additional honorarium for any projects included
in this announcement.
The Agency welcomes proposals from organizations that have not
received USIA grants or assistance awards in the past. Agency
requirements stipulate that ``Grants awarded to eligible organizations
with less than four years
[[Page 44680]]
of experience in conducting international exchange programs will be
limited to $60,000.'' It is not expected that any of the projects in
this announcement will cost $60,000 or less. It is, therefore,
incumbent on organizations to demonstrate four years of successful
experience in conducting international exchange programs to be eligible
for an assistance award.
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 USIA Geographic Area Offices 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 General Counsel or by other Agency
elements. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of USIA's
Associate Director for Education and Cultural Affairs. Final technical
technical authority for assistance awards (grants or cooperative
agreements) resides with the USIA grants officer.
Review Criteria
Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank
ordered:
1. Quality of the program idea: Proposals should exhibit
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to Agency mission, and
be responsive to all goals and requirements stated in the RFP,
Preliminary Project Summaries and the ``1999 Guidelines for Proposals
Submitted to the United States Information Agency Office of
International Visitors.''
2. Program planning: The proposed program and work plan should
include a planning and implementation time-line, describe any
preliminary planning undertaken, and demonstrate logistical capability
to implement the program as described.
3. Ability to achieve project objectives: Objectives should be well
designed, reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the institution will meet the project's objectives.
4. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed projects 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 (program venue
and project evaluation) and program content (orientation and wrap-up
sessions, program meetings, resource materials and follow-up
activities).
6. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve effective
implementation and fulfillment of the 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 Federal assistance awards, if any. The Agency
will consider the past performance of prior USIA award recipients and
the demonstrated potential of new applicants. All applicants must
demonstrate a minimum of four years of successful experience in
conducting international exchange programs.
8. Cost-effectiveness: The administrative and indirect cost
components of the proposals, including salaries, should be kept as low
as possible and should not exceed the amount stated above.
9. Cost-sharing: Consideration will be given to proposed cost-
sharing through other private sector support as well as institutional
contributions.
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 to 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.''
Programs and projects must conform with Agency requirements and
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package. The U.S. Information
Agency projects, programs and assistance awards are subject to the
availability of funds and sufficient number of participant nominations.
Notice
The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding and may
not be modified by any USIA representative. Explanatory information
provided by the Agency that contradicts published language will not be
binding. Issuance of the RFP does not constitute an award commitment on
the part of the Government. The Agency reserves the right to reduce,
revise, or increase budgets in accordance with the needs of the program
and the availability of funds.
Government Reporting Requirements
Awards made will be subject to periodic reporting and evaluation
requirements.
In order to account better for the spending of public funds, the
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) requires federal
agencies and departments to establish standards for measuring their
performance and effectiveness. Each Executive Branch Agency and
Department must develop a strategic plan describing its overall goals
and objectives, annual performance plans containing quantifiable
measures of its progress, and performance reports describing its
success in meeting those goals and measures. USIA will be looking to
our partner organizations to measure and report in three areas: (1)
program efficiency (resource costs versus outputs); (2) program
effectiveness (degree to which program goals are achieved; and (3)
program impact (outcomes).
For general administrative assistance awards, such as this,
specific program results will be worked out on an individual project
basis. USIA will work closely with its partner organizations to define
specific project results, coordinate the gathering of information, and
evaluate the projects according to the three areas listed above. Please
note that USIA advances six strategic goals (National Security,
Economic Prosperity, Democracy, Law Enforcement, Foundation of Trust,
and Free Exchange of Information) and you may be asked to administer
projects and measure outcomes for each. Project outcomes will be based
on country or region goals as well as the Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs' goals to expose foreign leaders (participants) to
American ideas, values and society, increase American's understanding
of foreign cultures and society, foster linkages between U.S. and
foreign individuals and institutions, and to
[[Page 44681]]
generate cost sharing and other forms of financial leveraging for
programs.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal USIA procedures.
Dated: August 13, 1998.
James D. Whitten,
Acting Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-22299 Filed 8-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M
