[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 184 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51574-51580]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24490]
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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen
Exchanges; Exchanges and Training Programs for the New Independent
States: Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
SUMMARY: The United States Information Agency, Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Europe/Eurasia
Division, announces an open competition for an assistance award. Public
and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described
in IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501C may apply to develop exchanges and
training programs. Grants are subject to the availability of funds.
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-
256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of
the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the
people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us
with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United
States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of
friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States
and the other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the
program cited above is provided
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through the Fulbright-Hays Act and the FREEDOM Support Act.
On October 1, 1999, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
of the United States Information Agency will become part of the U.S.
Department of State. The integration will not affect the content of
this announcement or the nature of the programs described. Programs and
projects must conform with U.S. Department of State requirements and
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package.
Announcement Title and Number
All communications with the Bureau concerning this Request for
Proposals (RFP) should refer to the announcement title and reference
number E/PN-00-09.
Deadline for Proposals
All copies must be received at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs, by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on
Wednesday, December 22, 1999. Faxed documents will not be accepted at
any time. Absolutely no late submissions will be accepted. Documents
postmarked by December 22, 1999, but received at a later date, will not
be accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The United States Information Agency,
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (the Bureau) Office of
Citizen Exchanges, attn: Thomas Driscoll, program coordinator, tel:
202-260-6230 and fax: 202-619-4350, or Internet address:
tdriscol@usia.gov, to request Application Package which includes: the
RFP and the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).
Please specify Program Coordinator Thomas Driscoll on all inquiries
and correspondence. Interested applicants should read the complete
Federal Register announcement before sending inquiries or submitting
proposals.
To Download an Application Package via the Internet
The entire Application Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's
website at http://e.usia.gov/education/rfps/.
Submissions
Applications must follow all instructions given in the Application
Package. The applicant's original proposal and ten (10) copies
(unbound) should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, Ref.: E/PN-00-
99, Office of Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 336, 301 4th Street,
S.W., Washington, DC 20547.
Once the RFP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this
competition in any way with applicants until the proposal review
process has been completed.
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 U.S. 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 for educational and cultural exchange in
countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' The
U.S. Department of State ``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.
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 that 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 year 2000 and correctly adjust
for leap years.
Additional information addressing the Y2K issue may be found at the
General Service Administration's Office of Information Technology
website at http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov>.
Overview
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (the Bureau) is
interested in proposals that encourage the growth of democratic
institutions in Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Exchanges and training
programs supported by the institutional grants from the Bureau should
operate at two levels: they should enhance institutional partnerships,
and they should offer practical information to individuals and groups
to assist them with their professional and volunteer responsibilities.
Strong proposals usually have the following characteristics: a strong
existing partnership between a U.S. organization and an in-country
institution; a proven track record of conducting program activity;
cost-sharing from U.S. and/or in-country sources, including donations
of air fares, hotel and/or housing costs, ground transportation,
interpreters, etc.; experienced staff with language facility; a clear,
convincing plan showing how permanent results will be accomplished as a
result of the activity funded by the grant; and a follow-on plan beyond
the scope of the Bureau grant. The Bureau wants to see tangible forms
of time and money contributed to the project by the prospective grantee
institution, as well as funding from third party sources.
Unless otherwise specified below, program activity may include:
internships; study tours; short-term training; consultations; and
extended, intensive workshops. Programming may take place in the United
States and/or in Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Proposals
should reflect an understanding of the political, economic, and social
environment in which the program activity will take place. The Bureau
encourages applicants to design exchange programs for non-English
speakers.
Applicants should identify the local organizations and individuals
in the New Independent States (NIS) with whom they are proposing to
collaborate and describe in detail previous cooperative programming and
contacts. Specific information about the NIS organizations' activities
and accomplishments is required and should be included in the section
on ``Institutional Capacity.''
The Bureau seeks exchange programs that address the following
themes:
Women's Leadership Programs (Russia, Belarus, Moldova,
Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
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Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan)
Women's Political Leadership Programs (Russia, Moldova,
Ukraine and Kazakhstan)
Professional and Business Associations Programs (Russia,
Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia)
Content-Based Internet Training (West NIS Regional and
Caucasus Regional)
Post-election Training for Duma Staffers (Russia)
Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls (Russia, Belarus,
Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan)
Distance Learning in the field of Business Management
(Ukraine)
Public Library Reform (Ukraine)
Caucasus Regional Cooperation--NGO Management, Women's
Leadership Programs, Professional and Business Associations, and
Content-Based Internet Training
The Bureau is interested in proposals whose designs take into
account the need for ongoing sharing of information and training.
Examples include: a ``train the trainers'' model (a program that
includes practice presentation sessions, followed by activities
coordinated and implemented by the original NIS participants in their
home countries); support for in-country training/resource centers;
plans to create professional networks or professional associations;
regularly published newsletters and ongoing Internet communication.
Women's Leadership Training
Overview
Over the past decade women and women's groups in many countries of
the NIS have become a force for social change and democratic
development. Women's groups have shown their willingness to cooperate
and coordinate with organizations both in the NIS and the West. Women
have begun to take their place in the political arena, in
nongovernmental (NGO) development and in advocacy groups. The
dedication and commitment of women's groups have contributed to
democratic and civic values taking root in the NIS.
The Bureau recognizes that women's organizations throughout the NIS
are at various stages of development. In some cases, women's groups are
still being established and thus need basic organizational and
leadership training. In some regions, however, women's organizations
could benefit from more sophisticated programs.
The Bureau is looking for proposals that offer leadership training
to women who are already active in their communities. In each country
or region, the program should target women in outlying cities, towns
and villages and not capital cities. Training should emphasize
development of management skills in order to: identify priorities and
needs, create organizational efficiency; develop networks and
coalitions with other NGOs; and implement advocacy programs for
specific issues pertinent to each local community and region. Proposals
are not limited to a one-country focus and may include a plan for
building regional associations and networks among women's organizations
in specific regions.
Program activity may take place in the NIS countries and/or in the
United States. These programs are intended to provide NIS women and
women's groups opportunities to increase their visibility and
effectiveness in the political, social and democratic spheres. There
are various possibilities for acceptable training programs. The
following guidelines may be useful in designing programs, but the
Bureau welcomes other programming ideas that applicants may have.
Women's Leadership Program for Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine
Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's
leadership. The Bureau encourages programs that are built around a
specific theme or target audience. Target audiences could include, but
are not limited to: Women in business, NGO leaders, professional women,
special interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with
disabilities, economically disadvantaged women). Priority will be given
to programs that will result in the creation of a sustainable
professional association or coalition with activities continuing after
the grant period.
Regional Programs between Russia and the Baltic countries
as follow-up participation in the Vital Voices conference in October,
1999, in Reykjavik, Iceland. Please visit http://www.usia.gov/
vitalvoices/
For projects with Belarusan, Moldovan and Ukrainian
women's organizations, the Bureau encourages programs that build
bridges between women's groups in Central European countries,
particularly Poland, Romania and Hungary.
Program plans may include a component for a Small Grants
Competition. This requires a detailed plan for recruitment and
advertising; sample application; description of the proposal review and
award mechanism; a plan for how the grantee would monitor and evaluate
small grant activity; and a proposed amount for an average grant. Funds
for the Small Grants Competition should be no more than 25% of the
total requested from the Bureau.
Women's Leadership Program for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's
leadership. The Bureau encourages programs that are built around a
specific theme or target audience. Target audiences may include, but
are not limited to: women in business, NGO leaders, professional women,
special interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with
disabilities, economically dissadvantaged women). The Bureau is looking
for programs that will result in the creation of a sustainable
professional association or coalition with activities continuing after
the grant period. In addition, the Bureau is interested in women's
leadership programs that include programming to help promote inter-
ethnic tolerance in the Caucasus region.
Program plans may include a component for a Small Grants
Competition. This requires a detailed plan for recruitment and
advertising; sample application; description of the proposal review and
award mechanism; a plan for how the grantee would monitor and evaluate
small grant activity; and a proposed amount for an average grant. Funds
for the Small Grants Competition should be no more than 25% of the
total requested from the Bureau.
Women's Leadership Programs for Kazakhstan, Kyrgzstan and Uzbekistan
Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's
leadership. The Bureau encourages programs that are built around a
specific theme or target audience. Target audiences may include, but
are not limited to: women in business, NGO leaders, professional women,
special interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with
disabilities, economically disadvantaged women). The Bureau is looking
for programs that will result in the creation of a sustainable
professional association or coalition with activities continuing after
the grant period.
Program plans may include a component for a Small Grants
Competition. This requires a detailed plan for recruitment and
advertising; sample application; description of the proposal review and
award mechanism; a plan for how the grantee would monitor and evaluate
small grant activity; and a proposed amount for an average grant. Funds
for the Small Grants Competition should be no more
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than 25% of the total requested from the Bureau.
Women's Political Leadership Programs for Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and
Kazakhstan
Single-country programs with a focus on political
leadership for women. Applicants should plan a training program that
provides a political context for leadership training. Specifically, the
program should combine elements such as leadership fundamentals, the
introduction or improvement of skills associated with campaign
management, accountability to constituencies, lobbying, surveying,
polling, advocacy, voter outreach, networking, message development,
working with the media and fundraising. Proposals must indicate a
practical and sophisticated knowledge of the political and legislative
environment in the target NIS country.
Professional and Business Associations
Professional and Business Associations for Russia, Moldova, Ukraine,
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Business and Professional Associations have the potential to
stimulate economic growth, policy development and advancement in
various professional fields. Functioning democracies need mediating
structures such as associations that allow for a free flow of
information among peer groups and provide channels for citizens to work
with government. Associations that are based on democratic principles
can provide a forum in which professional sand businespeople can
explore opportunities and development within communities. The Bureau
wishes to help establish and sustain associations that are committed to
community advancement and professional growth in Russia, Moldova,
Ukraine and the Caucasus region. Proposals should include plans to
adopt a model that is sensitive to regional needs. The Bureau is
interested in supporting programs that will establish or enhance
professional and business associations (i.e. chambers of commerce;
legal, environment, education or trade associations; women's business
associations; and associations whose membership represents an organized
minority group or that is devoted to minority issues). Applicants may
award individual small grants to support work relevant to association-
building. Funds for small grants should be no more than 30% of the
total requested from the Bureau.
Content-Based Internet Training
Content-Based Internet Training for the West NIS Region (Belarus,
Moldova, Ukraine) and Content-Based Internet Training for the Caucasus
Region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia)
In the recent past, content-based Internet training has been a
valuable tool to promote democracy and encourage cross-border
cooperation throughout the NIS. The Bureau is seeking programs that
will use the Internet to provide content-based training to a wide
variety of audiences in the Caucasus region. The purpose of the
training is not to instruct in Internet technology and use, but to
encourage citizen participation in workshops, fora, chats, and/or
discussions via the Internet that will stimulate communication and
information sharing on relevant topics. (For example, a U.S.-based
institution sponsors 12 Internet chats focused on civic education
throughout the region and then provides follow-on mini-workshops to
engaged audiences in the three target countries. Subsequently, the U.S.
organization invites three individuals who participated in the in-
country training to the U.S. to learn technical and facilitation
skills. Upon return to their home countries, they jointly facilitate
further programming.) Topics may include but are not limited to: civic
education, community development; corruption, conflict resolution,
curriculum development; tolerance and peace education; refugee issues;
youth issues; human and legal rights; family health issues;
volunteerism; voter education and outreach. U.S. institutions must
demonstrate their ability to coordinate a complex program with U.S.
Government-funded Internet Access Training Program (IATP) Center,
Internet centers sponsored by organizations such as Soros Internet
Centers, and other locations with computer access operating
simultaneously. Applicants must provide innovative plans to advertise,
recruit and conduct outreach to diverse audiences in major cities and
outlying regions in the Caucasus.
Post-Election Training for Duma Staffers
Post-Election Training for Duma Staffers for Russia
With Duma national elections scheduled for December 19, 1999, the
Bureau is interested in programs that will enhance Duma staffers'
management skills. Applicants must demonstrate expertise and knowledge
of the Russian political landscape and how the Duma functions. Programs
may include a combination of U.S.-based internships, in-country
workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, case studies and specially
tailored projects. Training topics may address accountability to and
communication with constituencies; working with the press; negotiation
skills; conflict resolution; consensus building; coalition building
(particularly related to bloc or partisan communications); ethics in
government; working with diverse populations; conducting issue-related
casework; drafting legislation and implementing policy.
Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls
Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls for Russia, Belarus,
Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan
Trafficking of women and girls from the NIS has grown at an
alarming rate. The Bureau is seeking to assist NIS governments and NGOs
in the region to address the problem by (1) educating young women,
girls and their families about trafficking so that they will not fall
victim to traffickers' tactics of coercion, fraud and deceit and (2)
providing victim assistance.
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that show a strong
knowledge of existing educational and assistance efforts and that
demonstrate an ability to integrate existing materials and human
resources. Proposals must outline a concrete plan for innovative
programming and must reach populations in outlying regions. The Bureau
is particularly interested in proposals that will build on local
capacity to address trafficking. Applicants must have proven experience
on the ground with this issue.
Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management
Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management for Ukraine
The Bureau is interested in proposals that establish or expand
distance learning programs in business and management at Ukrainian
universities or institutes throughout Ukraine. Specific programs should
include the delivery of management and business content through low-end
technologies such as e-mail, CD-Rom, video or Internet, so that the
model may be replicated in other regions. The target audience for the
end product should be students and/or businesspeople. A two-way
exchange by the U.S. and Ukrainian development teams is essential.
Proposals should include: (1) A
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statement of need for the proposed courses and training; (2) content of
courses that will be developed; (3) technical requirements for course
delivery; (4) training requirements for instructors and faculty in
distance learning technology; (5) practical training in course
presentation; and (6) a plan for adapting courses and training into the
target language(s). Proposals must include letters of support from
Ukrainian institutional partners that demonstrate their commitment to
the program. In addition, Ukrainian partners should provide cost-
sharing of program expenses such as classroom space, security,
salaries, and support for visiting Americans such as local housing and
transportation. Given the complex nature of distance learning
programming, the Bureau discourages short-term visits. Grantee
institutions are expected to consult closely with the U.S. Embassy in
Kyiv on the development of distance learning programs.
The Bureau will consider funding proposals in the $150,000-$200,000
range for distance learning programs. See Project Funding section below
for additional guidance on funding levels.
Public Library Reform
Public Library Reform for Ukraine
The Bureau is seeking proposals that will provide program support
to public libraries in Ukraine to modernize systems and reform library
management. Applicants may propose activities in any region of the
country in a minimum of three oblasts. Effective library management and
training in technology-based information management are encouraged.
Training may also include building effective library support networks
(i.e. fund-raising, acquisitions such as books and equipment,
interlibrary cooperation); engaging the community (summer reading
programs, children's activities, bookmobiles, exhibitions,
presentations). The Bureau seeks sustainable U.S.-Ukraine library
partnering through this program.
Caucasus Regional Cooperation
Joint Programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
The Bureau is particularly interested in programs that include all
three Caucasus countries. In addition to the program themes previously
mentioned, the Bureau encourages submissions addressing the theme of
NGO Management for the countries of the Caucasus Region.
NGO Management
NGOs in the Caucasus region are eager for innovative strategies to
increase their effectiveness and visibility on local, regional, and
national levels, as well as throughout the Caucasus region. The Bureau
is interested in programs that will bring NGO leaders from the three
Caucasus countries together to share ideas regarding NGO management.
Successful proposals will expose NGO leaders to democratic, team-
centered approaches to organizational management appropriate to
democratic societies. Training topics may include working with the
media, advocacy, networking, coalition building, conducting research,
fundraising and legal issues affecting NGOs. The Bureau welcomes
proposals that include component(s) that will sustain cross-cultural
cooperation among NGOs in the three target countries.
Women's Leadership Program
Please see ``Women's Leadership Programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia,'' as stated above.
Professional and Business Associations
Please see ``Professional and Business Associations for Russia,
Moldova, Ukraine and the Caucasus,'' as stated above.
Content-Based Internet Training
Please see description for Caucasus regional programs under
``Content-Based Internet Training,'' as stated above.
Selection of Participants
Successful applications should include a description of an open,
merit-based selection process, including advertising, recruitment and
selection. A sample application should be submitted with the proposal.
Applicants should expect to carry out the selection process, but the
Bureau and U.S. Embassies abroad retain the right to nominate
participants and to approve or reject participants recommended by the
grantee institution. Priority must be given to foreign participants who
have not traveled to the United States.
Visa Regulations
Foreign participants on programs sponsored by the Bureau are
granted J-1 Exchange Visitor visas by the U.S. Embassy in the sending
country. All programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please
refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for further
information.
Project Funding
Although no set funding limit exists, applicants are encouraged to
submit proposals not to exceed $130,000. Distance Learning programs may
be funded up to $200,000. Organizations with less than four years of
experience in managing international exchange programs are limited to
$60,000. Applicants are invited to provide both an all-inclusive budget
as well as separate sub-budgets for each program component, location or
activity in order to facilitate the Bureau decisions on funding. While
a comprehensive line item budget based on the model in the Application
Package must be submitted, separate component budgets are optional.
Since the Bureau grant assistance constitutes only a portion of
total project funding, proposals should list and provide evidence of
other sources of financial and in-kind support. Proposals with
substantial private sector support from foundations, corporations, and
other institutions will be considered highly competitive.
The following program costs are eligible for funding consideration:
1. International and domestic air fares (per the Fly America Act);
visas; transit costs; ground transportation costs.
2. Per Diem. For U.S.-based programming, organizations should use
the published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. For
activities in the NIS and Central Europe, the Bureau strongly
encourages applicants to budget realistic costs that reflect the local
economy. Per diem rates may be accessed at http://www.policyworks.gov/.
3. Interpreters. If needed, interpreters for the U.S. program are
provided by the U.S. Department of State Language Services Division.
Typically, one interpreter is provided for every four visitors who
require interpreting. The Bureau grants do not pay for foreign
interpreters to accompany delegations from their home country. Grant
proposal budgets should contain a flat $160/day per diem for each U.S.
Department of State interpreter, as well as home-program-home air
transportation of $400 per interpreter plus any U.S. travel expenses
during the program. Salary expenses are covered centrally and should
not be part of an applicant's proposed budget. Locally-arranged
interpreters with adequate skills and experience may be used by the
grantee in lieu of State Department interpreters, with the same 1:4
interpreter/participant ratio. If the applicant chooses to use local
interpreters, salary costs must be included in the budget.
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Costs associated with using their services may not exceed rates for
U.S. Department of State interpreters.
4. Book and cultural allowance. Foreign participants are entitled
to a one-time cultural allowance of $150 per person, plus a book
allowance of $50. Interpreters should be reimbursed up to $150 for
expenses when they escort participants to cultural events. U.S. program
staff is not eligible to receive these benefits.
5. Consultants. Consultants may be used to provide specialized
expertise or to make presentations. Daily honoraria cannot exceed $250
per day. Subcontracting organizations may also be used, in which case
the written agreement between the prospective grantee and subcontractor
should be included in the proposal. Subcontracts should be itemized in
the budget.
6. Room rental. Room rental may not exceed $250 per day.
7. Materials development. Proposals may contain costs to purchase,
develop and translate materials for participants.
8. Equipment. Proposals may contain costs to purchase equipment for
NIS-based programming such as computers, fax machines and copy
machines. Costs for furniture are not allowed. Equipment costs must be
kept to a minimum.
9. Working meal. Only one working meal may be provided during the
program. Per capita costs may not exceed $5-8 for a lunch and $14-20
for a dinner, excluding room rental. The number of invited guests may
not exceed participants by more than a factor of two-to-one.
Interpreters must be included as participants.
10. Return travel allowance. A return travel allowance of $70 for
each foreign participant may be included in the budget. The allowance
may be used for incidental expenses incurred during international
travel.
11. Health Insurance. Foreign participants will be covered under
the terms of a U.S. Department of State-sponsored health insurance
policy. The premium is paid by the U.S. Department of State directly to
the insurance company. Applicants are permitted to include costs for
travel insurance for U.S. participants in the budget.
12. Administrative Costs. Costs necessary for the effective
administration of the program may include salaries for grant
organization employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs
per detailed instructions in the Application Package. While this
announcement does not proscribe a rigid ratio of administrative to
program costs, priority will be given to proposals whose administrative
costs are less than twenty-five (25) per cent of the total requested
from the Bureau. Proposals should show cost-sharing contributions from
the applicant, the NIS partner and other sources.
Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for
complete budget guidelines.
Review Process
The Bureau will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will
review them for technical eligibility. Proposals will be considered
ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein
and in the Proposed Submission Instructions (PSI). Eligible proposals
will be forwarded to panels of U.S. Department of State officers for
advisory review. Funding decisions are at the discretion of the
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final
technical authority for assistance awards (grants or cooperative
agreements) resides with the U.S. Department of State grants officer.
Review Criteria
Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed
according to the criteria stated below. Proposals should adequately
address each area of review. These criteria are not rank ordered.
1. Program Planning and Ability To Achieve Objectives
Program objectives should be stated clearly and precisely and
should reflect the applicant's expertise in the subject area and the
region. Objectives should respond to the priority topics in this
announcement and should relate to the current conditions in the
included countries. Objectives should be reasonable and attainable. A
detailed work plan should explain step-by-step how objectives will be
achieved and should include a timetable for completion of major tasks.
The substance of workshops, internships, seminars, presentations and/or
consulting should be described in detail. Sample training schedules
should be outlined. Responsibilities of in-country partners should be
clearly described.
2. Institutional Capacity
The proposal should include: (1) The U.S. institution's mission and
date of establishment; (2) detailed information about the NIS partner
institution's capacity and the history of the U.S. and NIS partnership;
(3) an outline of prior awards--U.S. government and private support
received for the target theme/region; (4) description of experienced
staff members who will implement the program. Proposed personnel and
institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve
the program's goals. The narrative should demonstrate proven ability to
handle logistics. The proposal should reflect the institution's
expertise in the subject area and knowledge of the conditions in the
target country/region(s).
3. Cost Effectiveness and Cost Sharing
Overhead and administrative costs for the proposal, including
salaries, honoraria and subcontracts for services, should be kept to a
minimum. Administrative costs should be less than twenty-five (25) per
cent of the total funds requested from the Bureau. Applicants are
encouraged to cost share a portion of overhead and administrative
expenses. Cost-sharing, including contributions from the applicant, the
NIS partner, and other sources should be included in the budget.
4. Program Evaluation
Proposals must include a plan and methodology to evaluate the
program's successes, both as the activities unfold and at the programs
conclusion. The Bureau recommends that the proposal include a draft
survey questionnaire or other technique (such as a series of questions
for a focus group) to link outcomes to original program objectives.
5. Multiplier Effect/Impact
Proposals should show how the program will strengthen long-term
mutual understanding and institutionalization of program goals.
Applicants should describe how responsibility and ownership of the
program will be transferred to the NIS participants to ensure continued
activity and impact. Programs that include convincing plans for
sustainability will be given top priority.
6. Follow-on Activities
Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-on activity
(beyond the Bureau grant period) ensuring that the Bureau-supported
programs are not isolated events. Follow-on activities should be
clearly outlined.
7. Support of Diversity
Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of the Bureau's
policy on diversity. Program content (orientation, evaluation, program
sessions, resource materials, follow-on activities) and program
administration (selection process, orientation, evaluation) should
address diversity in a comprehensive and innovative manner. Applicants
should refer to the Bureau's Diversity, Freedom and
[[Page 51580]]
Democracy Guidelines on page four of the Proposal Submission
Instructions (PSI).
Notice
The terms and conditions published in this RFEP are binding and may
not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information
provided by the Bureau or program officers 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 Bureau reserves
the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance
with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. Awards
made will be subject to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements.
Organizations will be expected to cooperate with the Bureau in
evaluating their programs under the principles of the Government
Performance and Results Act of 1993, which requires Federal agencies to
measure and report on the results of their programs and activities.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal U.S. Department of
State procedures.
Dated: September 14, 1999.
William P. Kiehl,
Acting Deputy Associate Director, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs.
[FR Doc. 99-24490 Filed 9-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-M
