[Federal Register: November 9, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 218)]
[Notices]
[Page 56722-56727]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no01-131]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 3826]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant
Proposals: Exchanges and Training Programs for Europe and Eurasia:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,
Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan
SUMMARY: The Office of Citizen, Europe/Eurasia Division, of the Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for
Exchanges and Training Programs for Europe and Eurasia: Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan,
Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions
described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit
proposals to conduct exchanges and training programs.
Program Information
Overview
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites
applicants to submit proposals that encourage the growth of democratic
institutions in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. (Note: The Department
previously referred to this region as the New Independent States (NIS).
It is now being referenced as Europe and Eurasia.) Exchanges and
training programs supported by institutional grants from ECA 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: an
active, existing partnership between a U.S. organization and an in-
country institution(s); a proven successful track record for conducting
program activity; cost-sharing from U.S. and in-country sources,
including donations of air fares, hotel and/or housing costs, ground
transportation, interpreters, room rentals, etc.; experienced staff
with language ability; a clear, convincing plan outlining exactly how
the program components will be carried out and how permanent results
will be accomplished as a result of the grant; and a follow-on plan
that extends beyond the ECA grant period. Knowledge of the current
technological capacity (Internet connectivity, email, hardware and
software) of in-country partners and their countries and/or regions,
and a description of the role of technology in the proposed program,
are essential. Cost sharing, which should be included in the budget,
must be in tangible forms, both in-kind and monetary. Cost sharing may
be contributed to the program by the prospective grantee institution,
in-country partners and by third party sources.
Unless otherwise specified below: (1) Program activity may include:
``training of trainers (TOT),'' internships, short-term training,
consultations, study tours, site visits, and extended,
[[Page 56723]]
intensive workshops; and (2) programming may take place in the United
States and/or, when possible, in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Proposals should reflect a practical understanding of the current
political, economic and social environment that is relevant to the
theme addressed in the proposal. In order to avoid the duplication of
activities and programs, proposals should also indicate knowledge of
similar projects being conducted in the region.
Applicants are expected to identify the U.S. and in-country partner
organizations and individuals with whom they are proposing to
collaborate and describe in detail previous cooperative projects.
Specific information about in-country partners' activities and
accomplishments is required and should be included in the section on
``Institutional Capacity.'' Resumes for individuals mentioned in the
proposal should be provided, including proposed U.S. and in-country
staff, trainers, consultants, etc. Letters of support from partner
organizations as well as internship and site visit hosts should be
included in the proposal.
Programs should be designed so that the sharing of information and
training that occurs during the grant period will continue long after
the grant period is over. Proven methods of sustainability include, but
are not limited to: a model TOT program that would include initial
training, practice presentation sessions for the in-country
participants, followed by training activities coordinated and
implemented by the in-country participants in their home countries; a
commitment to create or support in-country training/resource centers;
plans to create online communities, professional networks or
professional associations; regularly published electronic and/or hard-
copy newsletters; and ongoing mentoring through Internet communication.
To be eligible for a grant award under this competition, the
proposed training and exchange programs must address one of the
following specific themes for single country projects. Multi-country
projects are not eligible for this competition. Proposals for projects
in Belarus, Moldova and Tajikistan are not eligible.
Media Training (Armenia or Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan or
Kyrgyzstan or Russia)
Press Spokesperson Training (Georgia or Uzbekistan)
Tourism and Economic Development (Armenia or Ukraine)
Business Development (Azerbaijan)
Library Exchanges (Georgia or Ukraine)
Youth Issues (Russia)
Civil Rights (Kazakhstan)
Lawmaker Exchange (Turkmenistan)
Public Health (Russia)
Media Training
ECA is interested in proposals from applicants who possess a
thorough understanding of the current state and needs of the media in
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Training
activities should not duplicate the work done under recent or existing
media training programs, but should complement those efforts. Proposals
should include in-country and U.S.-based training activities for
journalists and/or media outlet managers. When proposing a U.S.-based
component, the program should include a hands-on internship training
component at an appropriate media outlet. For these internships, the
names of those media outlets willing to host participants should be
provided, and the applicant should describe why these media
establishments have been chosen. Internships may be developed for
individuals or small groups consisting of not more than three persons.
If the small group format is used, the internships must have a
practical program component with hands-on experience. Efforts should be
made to recruit participants who possess a working knowledge of the
English language. If participants who do not speak English are
nominated for the U.S.-based program, the applicant should explain how
the interpreting needs of those participants will be met. In-country
activities may include workshops and seminars. These seminars and
workshops may be led by the participants themselves, or by U.S.
trainers. Continuous activities, including mentoring and consultations
between U.S.-based trainers/hosts and participants, should be conducted
throughout the life of the grant and described in detail.
For Armenia
Media programs for Armenia should focus on television production
and broadcasting. Programs should include a two-way exchange whereby an
expert (or experts) in production and broadcast techniques will travel
to Armenia to conduct practical seminars. At the conclusion of the
seminars, the experts, in consultation with the Public Affairs Section
(PAS) at the American Embassy in Yerevan, will designate teams composed
of journalists and cameramen, as well as producers to be sent to the
U.S. for an internship of approximately one month at comparable
television stations.
For Azerbaijan
Media programs for Azerbaijan should promote the development of an
independent media sector that is both professionally competent and
economically viable. Print and/or broadcast media may be addressed, but
all projects should include a two-way exchange and include hands-on
internships in the U.S. that emphasize methods of income generation,
better fiscal management practices, and a commitment to objective
reporting.
For Kazakhstan
Media training for Kazakhstan should include a two-way exchange and
offer hands-on internships in the U.S. that emphasize methods of income
generation, better fiscal management practices, and a commitment to
objective reporting. Programs designed for Kazakhstan should also
emphasize the role of media in reporting on minority and conflict
issues.
For Kyrgyzstan
Media training for Kyrgyzstan should concentrate on teaching
objective reporting, ethical standards, and business management skills
for professionals in print media. The program should involve a two-way
exchange that links Kyrgyz and U.S. media institutions. Participants
should include faculty from departments of journalism, and media
managers and journalists from independent media outlets from both
countries. Awareness of Kyrgyz cultural issues and the media climate in
Kyrgyzstan is essential.
For Russia
For Russia, media programs should include a two-way exchange and
include hands-on, U.S.-based internships that emphasize developing new
methods of income generation, better fiscal management practices, and a
commitment to objective reporting. Participants must be recruited from
cities outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Applicants should explain
in detail activities and components that will ensure long-term
relationships between the Russian participants and their U.S. hosts.
Press Spokespersons Training
For Georgia
ECA welcomes proposals that provide an in-depth, comprehensive
training program that will raise the level of professionalism among
Georgian government spokespersons and
[[Page 56724]]
introduce them to their U.S. counterparts. Program activities should
cover such topics as how public affairs offices function in government;
the importance of transparency in government; communicating openly with
citizens and journalists; crisis communication; strategic planning;
press office management; and the provision of accurate, timely
information to the public. Applicants should have a good understanding
of the cultural contexts in Georgia. Training should include a two-way
exchange.
For Uzbekistan
ECA is interested in proposals that provide intensive, hands-on
training to Uzbek national and government spokespersons as well as
spokespersons from non-governmental entities. Proposals should focus on
public affairs and public information as they are handled by government
and non-governmental institutions. Program activities should cover such
topics as how public affairs offices function in government; the
importance of transparency in government; communicating openly with
citizens and journalists; crisis communication; strategic planning;
press office management; and the provision of accurate, timely
information to the public.
Programs should consist of a Washington, DC, component, including
meetings with the public affairs offices and spokespersons of federal
agencies and departments, as well as meetings and shadowing experiences
with state or local governments and non-governmental organizations. A
train-the-trainers component should be included. In-country workshops
should also be implemented, during which Uzbek participants from the
U.S. program will work as co-trainers, and will reach out to a larger
audience of Uzbek governmental and non-governmental spokespersons.
Media representatives should also participate in the in-country
training program.
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Tashkent will be responsible
for selecting participants through an open, merit-based process
designed jointly by the grantee and PAS.
Tourism and Economic Development
For Armenia
ECA is seeking a project that will match Armenian tourism
professionals with their U.S. colleagues for professional exchange and
consultations. The central training component of the program should be
a one-month, interactive internship for Armenian tourism professionals
at tourism service providers in the U.S. Visits to Armenia by U.S.
hosts may also be conducted. Networking among the Armenian and U.S.
participants should be facilitated throughout the grant period to
ensure ongoing cooperation.
For Ukraine
This project should provide an opportunity for local government and
business leaders from Ukraine to examine the experience of U.S. towns
and cities, where preservation of cultural heritage and historic sites
has been combined with tourism infrastructure development. Strategies
that have led to reversing economic decline (i.e. aggressive marketing
and the incorporation of heritage tourism into local economic
development plans) should be examined. ECA is seeking proposals that
will allow U.S. communities to share this experience and expertise with
Ukrainian local governments, NGOs, and business leaders in selected
smaller cities with potential for the development of cultural tourism.
Multiple trips in both directions, including a hands-on, U.S.-based
internship or study tour, should be proposed. Continuous communication,
mentoring, and consultations between Ukrainian participants and
trainers/mentors, should be described in detail and conducted
throughout the life of the grant.
Business Development
For Azerbaijan
ECA welcomes proposals that will foster the development of small
and medium businesses in Azerbaijan. Given the international
community's focus on the energy sector, projects should involve other
industries. Topics to be addressed may cover management, marketing,
business-government relations, use of innovative business technologies
and business association development. Programs may include a variety of
training opportunities such as internships, hands-on workshops and case
studies. Azeri participants should be linked with U.S. counterparts
with similar work responsibilities, in order to ensure ongoing
professional interaction.
Library Exchanges
For Georgia
One of the many challenges libraries in Georgia are facing is a
lack of continuing education for their staff. This is due to
information isolation and lack of finances to support this type of
service. Georgian library professionals would benefit greatly from
exposure to U.S. libraries and library professionals. Projects should
match Georgian library employees with their U.S. colleagues from
similar-sized libraries for training and consultations by means of
reciprocal visits and virtual communication. One or multiple trips
between the U.S. and Georgia by library professionals may be proposed.
Continuous activities, including mentoring and consultations between
partnered libraries, should be conducted throughout the life of the
grant and described in detail.
For Ukraine
U.S. libraries, whose traditional role has been changing in recent
years, have much to offer their Ukrainian counterparts. Recently, a
program called the Library Electronic Access Project (LEAP) was
launched in Ukraine. (http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/press/010307--leap
eng.html). The purpose of the LEAP project is to assist participating
libraries with the development of Internet access projects for its
local users. In addition, participating libraries will work together in
setting up standardized training approaches, and will network with one
another and share their experiences in order to identify and utilize
best practices. ECA is seeking projects that build on LEAP's foundation
by facilitating interaction and exchange between U.S. library
professionals and LEAP libraries. This exchange should focus on
transforming these libraries into community resource centers that will
serve as communication facilitators between citizens and local
government, as educational outreach centers, and as focus points for
civic involvement. One or multiple trips between the U.S. and Ukraine
by library professionals may be proposed.
Youth Issues
For Russia
ECA is seeking projects that focus on how NGOs and communities can
organize productive and attractive activities for young people.
Participants should be representatives of youth-oriented NGOs and local
government entities charged with managing youth programs. Topics to be
addressed might include community service, vocational training, and
drug and alcohol awareness. Projects should include a U.S. component.
Small, provincial cities in Russia should be targeted.
[[Page 56725]]
Civil Rights
For Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, people lack a general understanding of their civil
rights, specifically knowledge of existing laws. ECA is seeking a
project that would support a public education campaign on laws,
legislation, and citizen rights. Project activities should be primarily
conducted in Kazakhstan, but may include U.S.-based training
activities, if justified. Grantees should partner with NGOs in
Kazakhstan that are working to address human rights concerns. One such
NGO is ``The International Bureau of Human Rights and the Rule of
Law.'' (http://www.bureau.kz/index eng.shtml). Project partnerships
with other local organizations may also be proposed.
Lawmaker Exchange
For Turkmenistan
ECA is seeking projects that will provide members of Turkmenistan's
parliament, the Mejlis, with the opportunity to meet with U.S. members
of Congress, state-level lawmakers, lawyers, and other individuals
involved in or knowledgeable of the U.S. lawmaking process, in order to
gain a better understanding of their role as parliamentarians in the
lawmaking process. The central project activity should be a training
visit to Washington, DC and a state capital that would include
shadowing of members of Congress and state-level lawmakers, and
interactive discussions with lawyers and other experts on lawmaking and
governance. Of particular interest to participants will likely be the
congressional committee system and the other group structures used for
lawmaking management. Visits to Turkmenistan by U.S. lawmakers and
experts may also be proposed. Grantee organizations will work very
closely with the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat throughout the project.
Public Health
For Russia
Russia's difficult transition to a market economy has had negative
effects on the public health system throughout the country and has
weakened the government's ability to respond to and raise awareness of
serious public health issues, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS,
alcoholism and sexually transmitted diseases.
ECA welcomes proposals that are designed to improve public health
standards and awareness in regions throughout Russia. Specifically, ECA
is interested in training and exchanges that will improve the skills of
local and regional government officials whose responsibilities include
developing public health policy, disease control and prevention, and
emergency management issues. Proposals should stress how health
officials and non-governmental entities collaborate to view public
health as a regional policy issue. Programs should provide practical,
hands-on methodologies to strengthen participants' skills and may
consist of a two-way exchange that includes shadowing opportunities,
case studies, internships and interactive workshops. Applicants should
plan a broad-based training workshops. Applicants should plan a broad-
based training program for a particular region that includes exposure
to comparable U.S. public health models.
Guidelines
Pending the availability of FY-2002 funding, it is anticipated that
approximately one to two projects for each country listed under each
topic will be supported. Subject to the availability of funds, ECA
anticipates that grant periods will begin in August, 2002.
Selection of Participants
Except in cases noted above where the Embassies' Public Affairs
Sections will nominate participants, a competitive selection process is
required. The majority of proposals should include a description of an
open, merit-based participant selection process, including advertising,
recruitment and selection. A sample application should be submitted
with the proposal. Applicants should expect to carry out the entire
selection process, with the understanding that ECA and the Public
Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassies abroad must be consulted during
the recruitment and selection procedures. ECA and the U.S. Embassies
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 ECA 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
Budget Guidelines
Although no set funding limit exists, proposals for less than
$150,000 will receive preference. 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 line item budget based on the model in the
Proposal Submission Instructions, but are encouraged to provide the
optional separate sub-budgets for each program component, location or
activity in order to facilitate decisions on funding. Applicants should
include a budget narrative or budget notes for clarification of each
line item.
Cost sharing: Since ECA's grant assistance constitutes only a
portion of total project funding, proposals should list and provide
evidence of other sources of cost sharing, including financial and in-
kind support. Proposals with substantial private sector support from
foundations, corporations, and other institutions will be considered
highly competitive. Please refer to the statement on cost sharing in
the Proposal Submission Instructions.
The Following Program Costs Are Eligible for Funding Consideration
1. Transportation. International and domestic airfares (per the Fly
America Act), transit costs, ground transportation costs, and visas for
U.S. participants (visas for ECA-supported participants from Europe and
Eurasia to travel to the U.S. are issued at no charge).
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 Europe and Eurasia, ECA strongly encourages applicants to
budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy. Domestic per
diem rates may be accessed at: http://www.policyworks.gov/ and foreign
per diem rates can be accessed at: http://www.state.gov/www/perdiems/
index.html.
3. Interpreters. Local interpreters with adequate skills and
experience may be used for program activities. Typically, one
interpreter is provided for every four visitors who require
interpreting, with a minimum of two interpreters. ECA grants do not pay
for foreign interpreters to accompany delegations from their home
country. Salary costs for local interpreters must be included in the
budget. Costs associated with using their services may not exceed rates
for U.S. Department of State interpreters. ECA strongly encourages
[[Page 56726]]
applicants to use local interpreters. U.S. Department of State
Interpreters may be used for highly technical programs with the
approval of the Office of Citizen Exchanges. Proposal budgets should
contain a flat $170/day per diem for each U.S. Department of State
interpreter, as well as home-program-home air transportation of $400
per interpreter, reimbursements for taxi fares, plus any other
transportation expenses during the program. Salary expenses are covered
centrally and should not be part of an applicant's proposed budget.
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, trainers or participants are 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. ECA strongly
discourages the use of automatic translation software for the
preparation of training materials or any information distributed to the
group of participants or network of organizations. Costs for good-
quality translation of materials should be anticipated and included in
the budget. Grantee organizations should expect to submit a copy of all
program materials to ECA.
8. Equipment. Proposals may contain costs to purchase equipment for
Europe/Eurasia-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 Bureau-sponsored health insurance policy. The premium is
paid by ECA 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 grantee
organization employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs
per detailed instructions in the Application Package. While there is no
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 ECA. Proposals should show strong
administrative cost-sharing contributions from the applicant, the in-
country partner and other sources.
Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for
complete budget guidelines.
Announcement Title and Number: All correspondence with ECA
concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/
PE/C/EUR-02-32.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
By mail: United States Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges (ECA/PE/
C), Room 220, Washington, DC 20547, attn: Europe and Eurasia Exchanges
& Training.
By phone: Tel: (202) 619-5328 (Kendra Davis), (202) 619-5327 (Henry
Scott); fax: 202-619-4350.
By e-mail: kldavis@pd.state.gov or hscott@pd.state.gov.
Interested applicants may request the Application Package, which
includes the Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) and the Proposal
Submission Instructions (PSI). Please specify Kendra Davis or Henry
Scott on all inquiries and correspondence.
Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has
passed, Bureau 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 ECA's web
site at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/RFGPs. Please read all
information before downloading.
Deadline for Proposals
All proposal copies must be received at the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs by 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on Friday, January
25, 2002. 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.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation
Package. The original and eight copies (unbound) of the application
should be sent to:
U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/EUR-02-32, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room
534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines
Pursuant to ECA'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. Pub. L. 104-319 provides that ``in
carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries
whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' ECA ``shall
take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in
such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such
countries.'' Pub. L. 106-113 requires that the governments of the
countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in the
selection process. Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals
in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.
Review Process
ECA 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
[[Page 56727]]
the program office, as well as the Public Diplomacy section overseas,
where appropriate. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance
with Federal and ECA regulations and guidelines and forwarded to ECA
grant panels for advisory review. Proposals may also be reviewed by the
Office of the Legal Adviser or by other Department elements. Final
funding decisions are at the discretion of the Department of State's
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final
technical authority for assistance awards resides with ECA's Grants
Officer.
Review Criteria
Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank
ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
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 in-country partner institution's capacity and the
history of the U.S. and in-country partnership (3) an outline of prior
awards--U.S. government and private support received for the target
theme/region (4) descriptions 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. Priority will be given to
proposals whose administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25) per
cent of the total funds requested from ECA. Applicants are encouraged
to cost share a portion of overhead and administrative expenses. Cost-
sharing, including contributions from the applicant, the in-country
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 program's conclusion. ECA recommends that the
proposal include a draft survey questionnaire or other technique (such
as a series of questions for a focus group). The evaluation plan should
show a clear link between program objectives and expected outcomes in
the short- and medium-term, and provide a well-thought-out description
of performance indicators and measurement tools.
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 in-country
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 ECA grant period) ensuring that
the ECA-supported programs are not isolated events. Follow-on
activities should be clearly outlined.
7. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive
support of ECA'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 ECA's Diversity, Freedom and Democracy
Guidelines on page four of the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).
Authority
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Pub. L. 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 the Fulbright-Hays Act and the
FREEDOM Support Act.
Notice
The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may
not be modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information
provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be
binding. Issuance of the RFGP does not constitute an award commitment
on the part of the Government. ECA reserves the right to reduce,
revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of
the program and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject
to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures.
Dated: October 30, 2001.
Patricia S. Harrison,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S.
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 01-28247 Filed 11-8-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P
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