 |
 |
| 19.418 EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE, AMERICAN STUDIES INSTITUTE |
| (Study of the U.S. Program_Office of Academic Exchange Programs) |
| FEDERAL AGENCY |
| BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE |
| AUTHORIZATION |
| Public Law 87-256, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451. |
| OBJECTIVES |
| To provide faculty and other professional participants with a deeper understanding of American society, culture and institutions, past and present, in order to improve courses and teaching about the United States abroad. To provide student participants an introduction to American society and values, including principles of leadership, team building and volunteerism. |
| TYPES OF ASSISTANCE |
| Project Grants. |
| USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS |
| Through an integrated series of lectures, readings, interactive discussions, research and independent study opportunities, and site visits, the 6-week American Studies Institutes provide participants with a multi-dimensional view of the U.S. Host institutions are responsible for institute design and implementation, and all logistical aspects of the program, including: lodging and subsistence; books and materials; allowances; and transportation. |
| Applicant Eligibility |
| Accredited colleges, universities, consortia of colleges and universities, and other not-for-profit academic organizations that have an established reputation in American studies and related disciplines, and that can demonstrate expertise in conducting post-graduate level programs for foreign educators, or undergraduate level programs for foreign students are eligible to apply. Applicant institutions must have a minimum of four years' experience in conducting international exchange programs. Proposals from consortia may be submitted by a member institution with documented authority to represent all members. The project director or one of the key program staff responsible for the academic program must have an advanced degree in American studies or a related discipline. |
| Beneficiary Eligibility |
| Participants should be highly-motivated and experienced foreign university faculty, including: teachers; teacher trainers; administrators; department chairs; and, curriculum developers and textbook writers and other professionals with government or NGOs in a position to have an impact. They will have demonstrated an ability and desire to include aspects of American civilization in their teaching and professional work in their home countries. Participants must be nominated by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or by a Fulbright Commission. |
| Credentials/Documentation |
| See eligibility requirements above. |
| Preapplication Coordination |
| Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. |
| Application Procedure |
| Initial proposals are generally solicited through open competition, and only occasionally through sole-source or limited solicitations. |
| Award Procedure |
| Proposals are analyzed by the Study of the U.S. Branch, and are reviewed by an impartial panel of senior Department of State officers. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State. Final technical authority rests with the Grants Division of the Office of the Executive Director. |
| Deadlines |
| Deadline dates are specified in the requests for proposals (RFP's) or in the letter of solicitation. |
| Range of Approval/Disapproval Time |
| Grant decisions are usually complete within three months of the due date of the proposals. |
| Appeals |
| Not applicable. |
| Renewals |
| Based on host institution performance and demand for the program among the overseas audience, applicants may be asked to submit renewal proposals for up to two years following the initial award. |
| Formula and Matching Requirements |
| Cost-sharing is strongly encouraged, although there is no minimum requirement. |
| Length and Time Phasing of Assistance |
| Cooperative agreements are usually for periods of 6 to 8 months. |
| Reports |
| Interim and final program and budget reports are required. |
| Audits |
| In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133. |
| Records |
| Not applicable. |
| Account Identification |
| 19-0201-0-1-154. |
| Obligations |
| FY 07 $3,200,000; FY 08 est not available; FY 09 est not reported. |
| Range and Average of Financial Assistance |
| $260,000 to $385,000. Average: $322,500. |
| PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
| Not available at this time. |
| REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE |
| Calls for proposals, including guidelines, are published in the Federal Register, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and posted on the internet. |
| Regional or Local Office |
| None. |
| Headquarters Office |
| Department of State, ECA/A/E/USS - Study of the U.S. Branch, Attention: (until July 31, 2006) Robert C. Schmidt, Room 314 - State Annex 44, 301 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20547. Telephone: (202) 453-8538. FAX: 202-453-8533. E-mail: schmidtrc@state.gov; (after July 31, 2006) Sheila Casey, Telephone: (202) 453-8536. Fax: (202) 453-8533. E-mail: CaseySD@state.gov. |
| Web Site Address |
| http://exchanges.state.gov/education/amstudy |
| RELATED PROGRAMS |
| None. |
| EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS |
| American Studies Institute on National Security at UC/San Diego; American Studies Institute on U.S. Politics and Political Thought at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst; American Studies Institute on the Civilization of the U.S. at New York University. |
| CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS |
| Overall quality; program planning; institutional capacity; diversity; experience with foreign educators; evaluation and follow-up; administration and management; and, cost effectiveness. |
|
General Services Administration Office of Chief Acquisition Officer Regulatory and Federal Assistance Division (VIR) |
|