[Federal Register: December 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 240)]
[Notices]
[Page 74411-74417]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15de05-111]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 5244]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for
Grant Proposals: Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of the United
States Institute for Undergraduate Student Leaders
Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/A/E/USS-06-MEPI-4.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: January 31, 2006.
[[Page 74412]]
Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of State (DoS), through the
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Office of the
Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) invites proposal submissions
for the design and implementation of a six-week Study of the United
States (U.S.) Institute for undergraduate students from the Middle East
and North Africa entitled: Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of
the United States Institute for Undergraduate Student Leaders. The
Bureau anticipates awarding two separate assistance awards to support
two institutes for undergraduate student leaders. Prospective host
institutions are limited to submitting only one proposal to conduct one
of the two institutes.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-
256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of
the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the
people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us
with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United
States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of
friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States
and the other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the
program above is provided through legislation. Funding for these
institutes is being provided by the Department of State's Middle East
Partnership Initiative (MEPI). MEPI is the U.S. Government's primary
policy and programmatic tool to implement democratic reform in the
Middle East and North Africa. This project addresses the MEPI goals of
fostering political reform, educational reform and women's empowerment
in MEPI partner countries.
Based on a group of 20-22 participants, the total DoS-funded budget
(program and administrative) for each of the MEPI Study of the United
States Institutes for Undergraduate Student Leaders will not exceed
$418,000. Potential host institutions should attempt to maximize cost-
sharing in all facets of the program, and try to engage the U.S.
private sector, including foundations and corporations, for support.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire program.
The Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal
budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and availability of
U.S. Government funding.
Purpose
The two MEPI Study of the United States Institutes for
Undergraduate Student Leaders should each provide a multinational group
of 20 first and second year undergraduate student leaders from selected
countries in the Middle East and North Africa with a uniquely designed
program that focuses on leadership development. Both institutes will
take place over the course of six weeks during the summer of 2006, and
will consist of a challenging academic program, as well as educational
travel to other regions of the United States to illustrate the various
topics explored in class. With leadership training as its main
objective, the Institute will provide the students with opportunities
to examine the concept, history and manifestation of leadership in
American society through classroom activities, site visits and regular
community service projects. Under the direction of the MEPI Office, the
students will also be invited to take part in an alumni conference and
follow-on activities in their home countries after the conclusion of
the program in the United States. Participants in the program will be
nominated by U.S. embassies and consulates in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt,
Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya (if possible, depending on
the feasibility of recruitment and travel), Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank and
Gaza, and Yemen. (Israeli participants will be Arab-Israeli only.)
Participants will be selected by the ECA Study of the United States
Branch in consultation with the Office of the Middle East Partnership
Initiative.
The Bureau is seeking detailed proposals for each of the two
institutes from U.S. liberal arts colleges, universities, consortia of
colleges and universities, and other not-for-profit academic
organizations.
Each MEPI Study of the United States Institute for Undergraduate
Student Leaders should be designed as an intensive academic program
with an educational travel component that is organized through a
carefully integrated series of panel presentations, seminar
discussions, debates, individual and group activities, lectures and
reading assignments, as well as local site visits, regional educational
travel, and participation in community activities. The Institute must
not simply replicate existing or previous lectures, workshops, or group
activities designed for American students. Rather, it should be a
specially designed and well-integrated seminar that imaginatively
combines lectures, discussions, readings, debates, local site visits
and regional travel into a coherent whole.
Within the framework of ``leadership,'' the academic program and
educational travel component for the institutes should focus on the
role and influence of democratic values in U.S. society, including the
rule of law, individual rights, freedom of expression, equality,
diversity and tolerance. Current political, social and economic issues
and debates should be examined. Civic responsibility, volunteerism,
team building, effective communication and problem-solving skills
should also be addressed, and hands-on activities directly related to
these ideas should be included in the institute agenda.
Each Institute will begin with a two-day orientation in Washington,
DC. Following the orientation, participants in the MEPI Study of the
United States Institutes will spend approximately five weeks at the
host institution in the academic residency program, approximately ten
days on the educational travel component, and two to three days in
Washington, DC at the conclusion of the Institute. The educational
travel component should directly complement the academic residency
program.
Each Institute should provide the participants with continuous
opportunities to meet and have substantial interaction with American
citizens from a variety of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds,
particularly with those in their peer group. In addition, the institute
participants should be afforded opportunities to speak to appropriate
student and civic groups about the societies and cultures of their home
countries.
Applicants for the MEPI Study of the United States Institutes for
Undergraduate Students Leaders should take into consideration that an
alumni workshop for the institute participants will take place at a
site in the Middle East or North Africa region within six-twelve months
of the U.S.-based Institute. DoS will assume principal responsibility
for organizing and hosting the alumni workshop in consultation with
overseas embassies and the U.S. host institutions. While host
institutions should not provide a detailed strategy for a follow-on
workshop, they should
[[Page 74413]]
be prepared to assist in the planning and implementation of the
workshop.
Applicants are encouraged to design thematically coherent programs
in ways that draw upon the particular strengths, faculty and resources
of their institutions, as well as upon the nationally recognized
expertise of scholars and other experts throughout the United States.
All Study of the United States Institutes, regardless of their
particular thematic focus, seek to give participants a multi-
dimensional view of U.S. society and institutions through a program
that reflects a broad and balanced range of perspectives. In addition
to interaction with scholars and practitioners in a variety of fields,
participants should have opportunities for discussions with ordinary
Americans (particularly those within their own age group) through
activities such as weekend homestays or dinners with local families,
community service, and civic organization meetings.
Each Institute should designate an academic director who will be
present throughout the program to ensure the continuity, coherence and
integration of all aspects of the academic program, including the study
tour. In addition to the academic director(s), an administrative
director or coordinator should be assigned to oversee all student
support services, including supervision of the program participants,
budgetary, logistical, and other administrative arrangements. It is
also important that the grantee institution retain highly qualified
mentors and escorts who exhibit cultural sensitivity, an understanding
of the program's objectives, and a willingness to engage with the
participants throughout the program. This includes accompanying
students to classroom sessions, residing with them in dormitories or
other accommodations, escorting them during the educational travel
component, etc.
To fulfill the goals of this program, it is important that grantee
institutions retain highly qualified mentors and escorts for the
students. These mentors and escorts should exhibit cultural
sensitivity, an understanding of the program's objectives, and a
willingness to engage with the participants for the duration of the
Institute. This includes accompanying the students to classroom
sessions, residing with them in dormitories or other accommodations,
escorting them during the educational travel component, etc.
Participants As specified in the Project Objectives, Goals and
Implementation (POGI) guidelines in the solicitation package,
participants in the MEPI Study of the United States Institutes should
be highly motivated and exemplary first and second year undergraduate
students selected from colleges, universities and teacher training
institutions in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait,
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the
United Arab Emirates, the West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen who demonstrate
leadership through academic work, community involvement, and
extracurricular activities.
Participants will be identified and nominated by U.S. embassies and
consulates in the candidates' home countries, with final selection made
by the Study of the United States Branch at ECA in consultation with
representatives of the MEPI office. Every effort will be made to select
a balanced mix of male and female participants, as well as students who
represent a mix of religious and cultural backgrounds.
Please note: The level of English among the students may vary.
The host institutions will be required to prepare lectures and
discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using
language appropriate for students for whom English is their second
or third language.
U.S. embassies and consulates overseas will make a particular
effort to recruit participants who have had little or no prior
experience in the United States or elsewhere outside their home
countries. They will also seek candidates who are from non-elite or
underprivileged backgrounds and from both rural and urban areas.
Nominees should be willing and able to fully participate in an
intensive academic program that includes educational travel, and in
community service activities. All participants will be selected largely
on the basis of their demonstrated leadership capacity, and must return
home at the conclusion of the Institute to continue their university
studies in the fall of 2006.
Please note: Special sensitivity will be required on the part of
the host institution to the cultural traditions and religious
practices of the institute participants who will represent a variety
of Muslim and other religious traditions. Special requirements and
restrictions regarding diet, daily worship, housing and medical care
should be considered. The Bureau will provide guidance and
assistance to the host institution, as needed.
Program Dates
Each Institute should be a maximum of 47 days in length (including
participant arrival and departure days). It is anticipated that the
institutes for undergraduate student leaders will begin in early July
2006.
Program Guidelines
It is essential that proposals provide a full, detailed and
comprehensive narrative describing the objectives of the Institute; the
title, scope and content of each session; planned site visits; and how
each session relates to the overall institute theme. A syllabus must be
included that explains the subject matter for each panel discussion,
group presentation, lecture or other activity. The syllabus should also
confirm or provisionally identify proposed speakers and session
leaders, and clearly show how assigned readings will advance the goals
of each section. A calendar of all program activities must be included
in the proposal, as well as a description of plans for public and media
outreach in connection with the Institute.
Please note: The Branch for the Study of the United States will
assume the following responsibilities for the institutes:
participation in the selection of participants; conducting a pre-
program orientation; oversight of the institutes through one or more
site visits; debriefing participants in Washington, DC, at the
conclusion of the Institute; engaging in follow-on communication
with the participants after they return to their home countries. The
Branch may require changes in the content or scope of activities of
the Institute, either before or after the grant is awarded. The
recipient will be required to obtain approval of significant agenda/
syllabus changes in advance of their implementation.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. ECA's level of involvement in
this program is listed under number I above.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY-2006.
Approximate Total Funding: $836,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 2.
Approximate Average Award: $399,000.
Floor of Award Range: $380,000.
Ceiling of Award Range: $418,000.
Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, March 31,
2006.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 30, 2007.
Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of this
program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is
ECA's intent to renew this grant for two additional fiscal years,
before openly competing it again.
[[Page 74414]]
III. Eligibility Information:
III.1. Eligible applicants: Applications may be submitted by public
and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described
in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds: There is no minimum or
maximum percentage required for this competition. However, the Bureau
encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and
funding in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is
understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of
cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an
approved grant agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable
direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written
records to support all costs that are claimed as your contribution, as
well as costs to be paid by the Federal Government. Such records are
subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-
kind contributions must be in accordance with OMB Circular A-110,
(Revised), Subpart C.23--Cost Sharing and Matching. In the event you do
not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the
approved budget, ECA's contribution will be reduced in like proportion.
III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements: Grants awarded to eligible
organizations with less than four years of experience in conducting
international exchange programs will be limited to $60,000.
IV. Application and Submission Information:
Note: 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.
IV.1. Contact Information to Request an Application Package:
Please contact the Branch for the Study of the United States, ECA/
A/E/USS, Room 314, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20547; tel. (202) 453-8536; fax (202) 453-8533; e-
mail: caseysd@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer
to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/E/USS-06-MEPI-4.
The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission
Instruction (PSI) document, which consists of required application
forms and standard guidelines for proposal preparation. It also
contains the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI)
document, which provides specific information, award criteria and
budget instructions tailored to this competition.
Please specify Sheila Casey and refer to the Funding Opportunity
Number ECA/A/E/USS-06-MEPI-4 on all other inquiries and correspondence.
IV.2. To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet: The entire
Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's Web site at:
http://exchanges.state.gov/education/rfgps/menu.htm. Please read all
information before downloading.
IV.3. Content and Form of Submission: Applicants must follow all
instructions in the Solicitation Package. The original and ten (10)
copies of the application should be sent per the instructions under
IV.3f. ``Submission Dates and Times section'' below.
IV.3a. You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative
agreement from the U.S. Government. This number is a nine-digit
identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities.
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a
DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-
5711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the
appropriate box of the SF-424 which is part of the formal application
package.
IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal
narrative and budget.
Please Refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory
PSI document, as well as the POGI document for additional formatting
and technical requirements.
IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of
application. If your organization is a private nonprofit which has not
received a grant or cooperative agreement from ECA in the past three
years, or if your organization received nonprofit status from the IRS
within the past four years, you must submit the necessary documentation
to verify nonprofit status as directed in the PSI document. Failure to
do so will cause your proposal to be declared technically ineligible.
IV.3d. Please take into consideration the following information
when preparing your proposal narrative:
IV.3d.1. Adherence To All Regulations Governing the J Visa: The
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is placing renewed emphasis
on the secure and proper administration of Exchange Visitor (J visa)
Programs and adherence by grantees and sponsors to all regulations
governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should demonstrate the
applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the
administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR
part 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate
Responsible Officers, screening and selection of program participants,
provision of pre-arrival information and orientation to participants,
monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms,
record-keeping, reporting and other requirements.
The Bureau will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to
participants in this program.
A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of
Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at http://exchanges.state.gov
or from: United States Department of State, Office
of Exchange Coordination and Designation, ECA/EC/ECD-SA-44, Room 734,
301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Telephone: (202) 203-5029.
FAX: (202) 453-8640.
Please refer to Solicitation Package for further information.
IV.3d.2. 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 your 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,'' the Bureau
``shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for
participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of
such countries.'' Public Law 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.
[[Page 74415]]
IV.3d.3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Proposals must include
a plan to monitor and evaluate the project's success, both as the
activities unfold and at the end of the program. The Bureau recommends
that your proposal include a draft survey questionnaire or other
technique plus a description of a methodology to use to link outcomes
to original project objectives. The Bureau expects that the grantee
will track participants or partners and be able to respond to key
evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the program, learning
as a result of the program, changes in behavior as a result of the
program, and effects of the program on institutions (institutions in
which participants work or partner institutions). The evaluation plan
should include indicators that measure gains in mutual understanding as
well as substantive knowledge.
Successful monitoring and evaluation depend heavily on setting
clear goals and outcomes at the outset of a program. Your evaluation
plan should include a description of your project's objectives, your
anticipated project outcomes, and how and when you intend to measure
these outcomes (performance indicators). The more that outcomes are
``smart'' (specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and
placed in a reasonable time frame), the easier it will be to conduct
the evaluation. You should also show how your project objectives link
to the goals of the program described in this RFGP.
Your monitoring and evaluation plan should clearly distinguish
between program outputs and outcomes. Outputs are products and services
delivered, often stated as an amount. Output information is important
to show the scope or size of project activities, but it cannot
substitute for information about progress towards outcomes or the
results achieved. Examples of outputs include the number of people
trained or the number of seminars conducted. Outcomes, in contrast,
represent specific results a project is intended to achieve and is
usually measured as an extent of change. Findings on outputs and
outcomes should both be reported, but the focus should be on outcomes.
We encourage you to assess the following four levels of outcomes,
as they relate to the program goals set out in the RFGP (listed here in
increasing order of importance):
1. Participant satisfaction with the program and exchange
experience.
2. Participant learning, such as increased knowledge, aptitude,
skills, and changed understanding and attitude. Learning includes both
substantive (subject-specific) learning and mutual understanding.
3. Participant behavior, concrete actions to apply knowledge in
work or community; greater participation and responsibility in civic
organizations; interpretation and explanation of experiences and new
knowledge gained; continued contacts between participants, community
members, and others.
4. Institutional changes, such as increased collaboration and
partnerships, policy reforms, new programming, and organizational
improvements.
Please note: Consideration should be given to the appropriate
timing of data collection for each level of outcome. For example,
satisfaction is usually captured as a short-term outcome, whereas
behavior and institutional changes are normally considered longer-
term outcomes.
Overall, the quality of your monitoring and evaluation plan will be
judged on how well it (1) Specifies intended outcomes; (2) gives clear
descriptions of how each outcome will be measured; (3) (identifies when
particular outcomes will be measured; and (4) provides a clear
description of the data collection strategies for each outcome (i.e.,
surveys, interviews, or focus groups). (Please note that evaluation
plans that deal only with the first level of outcomes [satisfaction]
will be deemed less competitive under the present evaluation criteria.)
Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their
evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. All
data collected, including survey responses and contact information,
must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the
Bureau upon request.
IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the
entire program. Awards may not exceed $418,000. There must be a summary
budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both administrative and program
budgets. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program
component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.
IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program include the following:
(1) Institute staff salary and benefits.
(2) Participant housing and meals.
(3) Participant travel.
(4) Textbooks and educational materials.
(5) Speaker honoraria.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget
guidelines and formatting instructions.
IV.3f. Submission Dates and Times:
Application Deadline Date: January 31, 2006.
Explanation of Deadlines: Due to heightened security measures,
proposal submissions must be sent via a nationally recognized overnight
delivery service (i.e., DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or
U.S. Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.) and be shipped no
later than the above deadline. The delivery services used by applicants
must have in-place, centralized shipping identification and tracking
systems that may be accessed via the Internet and delivery people who
are identifiable by commonly recognized uniforms and delivery vehicles.
Proposals shipped on or before the above deadline but received at ECA
more than seven days after the deadline will be ineligible for further
consideration under this competition. Proposals shipped after the
established deadlines are ineligible for consideration under this
competition. It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that each
package is marked with a legible tracking number and to monitor/confirm
delivery to ECA via the Internet. ECA will not notify you upon receipt
of application. Delivery of proposal packages may not be made via local
courier service or in person for this competition. Faxed documents will
not be accepted at any time. Only proposals submitted as stated above
will be considered. Applications may not be submitted electronically at
this time.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation
Package.
Important note: When preparing your submission please make sure
to include one extra copy of the completed SF-424 form and place it
in an envelope addressed to ``ECA/EX/PM''.
The original and ten (10) copies of the application should be sent
to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/A/E/USS-06-MEPI-4, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM,
Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above
Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) of the solicitation document.
IV.3g. Intergovernmental Review of Applications: Executive Order
12372 does not apply to this program.
Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal in text (.txt) format
on a PC-formatted disk. The Bureau will provide these files
electronically to the appropriate Public
[[Page 74416]]
Affairs Section(s) at the U.S. embassy(ies) for its (their) review.
Applicant institutions or organizations may submit only one (1)
proposal to conduct one (1) MEPI Study of the United States Institute
for Undergraduate Student Leaders.
V. Application Review Information
V.1. Review Process
The Bureau will review all proposals for technical eligibility.
Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the
guidelines stated herein and in the Solicitation Package. All eligible
proposals will be reviewed by the program office, as well as the Public
Diplomacy section overseas, where appropriate. Eligible proposals will
be subject to compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and
guidelines and forwarded to Bureau 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
cooperative agreements resides with the Bureau'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:
1. Quality of Program Idea/Plan: Proposals should exhibit
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Bureau's
mission. Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should demonstrate
substantive undertakings and logistical capacity.
2. Ability to Achieve Overall Program Objectives: Objectives should
be reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and
plan.
3. Support for Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of
participants, program venue and program evaluation) and program content
(orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings and resource
materials).
4. Evaluation and Follow-Up: Proposals should include a plan to
evaluate the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at
the end of the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique
plus description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original
project objectives is recommended.
5. Cost-effectiveness/Cost-sharing: The overhead and administrative
components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be
kept as low as possible. All other items should be necessary and
appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through other
private sector support as well as institutional direct funding
contributions.
6. Institutional Track 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 Bureau grants as determined by Bureau Grants
Staff. The Bureau will consider the past performance of prior
recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1a. Award Notices
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures.
Successful applicants will receive an Assistance Award Document (AAD)
from the Bureau's Grants Office. The AAD and the original grant
proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the
only binding authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S.
Government. The AAD will be signed by an authorized Grants Officer, and
mailed to the recipient's responsible officer identified in the
application.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of
the application review from the ECA program office coordinating this
competition.
VI.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements:
Terms and Conditions for the Administration of ECA agreements
include the following:
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-122, ``Cost Principles
for Nonprofit Organizations.''
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-21, ``Cost Principles
for Educational Institutions.''
OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian
Governments''.
OMB Circular No. A-110 (Revised), Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations.
OMB Circular No. A-102, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants-in-Aid to State and Local Governments.
OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Government, and
Non-profit Organizations
Please reference the following Web sites for additional
information: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants http://exchanges.state.gov/education/grantsdiv/terms.htm#articleI.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy
rms.htm#articleI.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy
more than 90 days after the expiration of the award.
Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their
evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports.
(Please refer to IV. Application and Submission Instructions (IV.3.d.3)
above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information.
All data collected, including survey responses and contact
information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and
provided to the Bureau upon request.
All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program
Officer listed in the final assistance award document.
VI.4. Program Data Requirements:
Organizations awarded grants will be required to maintain specific
data on program participants and activities in an electronically
accessible database format that can be shared with the Bureau as
required. As a minimum, the data must include the following:
(1) Name, address, contact information and academic major of all
participants.
(2) Itineraries of international and domestic travel for all
participants, providing dates of travel and cities in which any
exchange experiences take place. Final itineraries must be received by
the ECA Program Officer at least three work days prior to the
participants' arrival in the United States.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: Sheila Casey,
Branch for the Study of the United States, ECA/A/E/USS, Room 314, ECA/
A/E/USS-06-MEPI-4, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20547; tel. (202) 453-8536; fax (202) 453-8533, e-
mail: caseysd@state.gov.
All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should
reference the above title and number ECA/A/E/USS-06-MEPI-4.
[[Page 74417]]
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.
VIII. Other Information
Notice
The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may
not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information
provided by the Bureau that contradicts published language will not be
binding. Issuance of the RFGP 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 per section VI.3
above.
Dated: December 7, 2005.
Dina Habib Powell,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of
State.
[FR Doc. E5-7390 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P