[Federal Register: August 21, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 162)]
[Notices]
[Page 50580-50583]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21au03-100]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 4451]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant
Proposals (RFGPs): Fulbright American Studies Institutes for Foreign
University Faculty and Secondary Educators; Notice
SUMMARY: The Study of the U.S. Branch, Office of Academic Exchange
Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, announces an open
competition for three (3) assistance awards. Public and private non-
profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal
Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(C)(3) may apply to develop and
implement one of the following three post-graduate level Fulbright
American Studies Institute programs designed for multinational groups
of either 18 or 30 experienced foreign university faculty and secondary
educators:
A. American Civilization
B. U.S. Political Economy and the Global Economic System
C. American Studies for Foreign Secondary School Educators
These programs are intended to provide participants with a deeper
understanding of American life and institutions, past and present, in
order to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of teaching
about the United States at universities abroad. Programs should
therefore be designed to elucidate the topic or theme of the Institute
as well as American civilization as a whole.
Programs are six weeks in length and will be conducted during the
Summer of 2004.
The Bureau is seeking detailed proposals from colleges,
universities, consortia of colleges and universities, and other not-
for-profit academic organizations that have an established reputation
in one or more of the following fields: political science,
international relations, law, history, sociology, literature, American
studies, and/or other disciplines or sub-disciplines related to the
program themes.
It is the Bureau's intention to fund one institute in each of the
above three thematic areas, subject to the number and quality of
proposals received and the availability of funding.
Applicant institutions must demonstrate expertise in conducting
post-graduate programs for foreign educators, and must have a minimum
of four years experience in conducting international exchange programs.
Bureau guidelines stipulate that grants to organizations with less than
four years experience in conducting international exchanges are limited
to $60,000. As it is expected that the budget for these programs will
exceed $60,000, organizations that can not demonstrate at least four
years experience will not be eligible to apply under this competition.
The project director or one of the key program staff responsible
for the academic program must have an advanced degree in one of the
fields listed above. Staff escorts traveling under the cooperative
agreement must have demonstrated qualifications for this service.
Programs must conform with Bureau requirements and guidelines outlined
in the Solicitation Package. Bureau programs are subject to the
availability of funds.
Program Information
Overview and Objectives: Fulbright American Studies Institutes are
intended to offer foreign scholars and teachers whose professional work
focuses on the United States the opportunity to deepen their
understanding of American society, culture and institutions. Their
ultimate goal is to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of
teaching about the U.S. in institutions of higher learning and
secondary school systems abroad.
Programs should be six weeks in length and must include an academic
residency segment of at least four weeks duration at a U.S. college or
university campus (or other appropriate location). A study tour segment
of not more than two weeks should also be planned and should directly
complement the academic residency segment; the study tour should
include visits to one or two additional regions of the United States.
All institutes should be designed as intensive, academically
rigorous seminars intended for an experienced group of fellow scholars
from outside the United States. The institutes should be organized
through an integrated series of lectures, readings, seminar
discussions, regional travel and site visits, and they should also
include some opportunity for limited but well-directed independent
research.
[[Page 50581]]
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 Fulbright American Studies Institute programs, regardless of their
particular thematic focus, should seek to:
1. Provide participants with a view of contemporary scholarship
within the institute's governing academic discipline, delineating the
current scholarly debates within the field. In this regard, the seminar
should indicate how prevailing academic practice in the discipline
represents both a continuation of and a departure from past scholarly
trends and practices. It is therefore critical that a variety of
scholarly viewpoints be represented, including bringing in presenters
from other institutions, as appropriate. Please note that the ways
these alternative schools of thought will be presented should be
clearly described in the proposal;
2. Bring an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary focus to bear
on the program content if appropriate;
3. Give participants a multi-dimensional examination of U.S.
society and institutions that reflects a broad and balanced range of
perspectives and responsible views. Programs should include the views
not only of scholars, cultural critics and public intellectuals, but
also those of other professionals outside the university such as
government officials, journalists and others who can substantively
contribute to the topics at issue; and,
4. Ensure access to library and material resources that will enable
grantees to continue their research, study and curriculum development
upon returning to their home institutions.
Program Descriptions
A. American Civilization
The Fulbright American Studies Institute on American Civilization
should provide 18 foreign university faculty and scholars with a deeper
understanding of U.S. society, culture, values and institutions. While
the program will likely examine some of the critical historical epochs,
movements, issues and conflicts that have influenced the development of
the nation and its people, it should also include a strong contemporary
component, particularly current political, social, and economic issues
and debates.
The complexity and heterogeneous nature of American society should
be highlighted, as should the institutions and values that enable the
nation to accommodate that diversity.
The program should be designed to assist foreign university faculty
who are attempting to develop or enhance courses focusing on the United
States at their home institutions.
The program should draw from a diverse disciplinary base, and
should itself be a model of how a foreign university might approach the
study of the United States.
B. U.S. Political Economy and the Global Economic System
The Fulbright American Studies Institute on U.S. Political Economy
and the Global Economic System should provide 18 experienced foreign
university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of the
domestic political context of and influences on U.S. economic
policymaking, as well as the substance of U.S. domestic and foreign
economic policy.
Prospective topics to be treated include: philosophical assumptions
and social norms underpinning the U.S.'s democratic market system; the
evolution of post-war American economic thought on the role of the
market and the state in society (different schools or approaches);
roles of Congress and executive branch department and agencies
(including e.g. the White House, the departments of Commerce, Treasury
and State, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative), and the U.S.
Federal Reserve, in the formation of U.S. economic policy; role of
private corporations, interest groups, trade associations, lobbying
organizations, think tanks and research institutes, and other actors in
economic policymaking; regulation of the economy, and economic
consequences of governmental interventions in pursuit of environmental,
health and safety, and other policy concerns; impact of cross-border
flows of direct investment, technology and skilled labor on the
American economy and politics; role of U.S.-based multinational
corporations in the global economic system; role of the United States
in regional economic institutions (including, e.g., NAFTA and the
proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas) and in multilateral economic
institutions (e.g., the IMF, World Bank and WTO); and, current U.S.
negotiating strategies in the international economy.
Specific areas of economic policy to be examined should include
international trade and finance, U.S. fiscal and monetary policy
(especially international spillover effects), and U.S. foreign/
development assistance policy.
C. American Studies for Foreign Secondary School Educators
This Fulbright American Studies Institute should provide a
multinational group of up to 30 experienced foreign secondary school
educators (including teacher trainers, curriculum developers and
education ministry officials) with a deeper understanding of U.S.
society and culture, past and present. The institute should be
organized around a central theme or themes in U.S. civilization and
should have a strong contemporary component. Through a combination of
traditional, multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches,
program content should be imaginatively integrated in order to
elucidate the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values,
broadly defined. The program should also serve to illuminate the
contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American
society. The program's ultimate goal is to promote the development and
improvement of courses and teaching about the U.S. at secondary schools
and teacher training institutions abroad.
Program Dates: Ideally, the programs should be 44 days in length
(including participant arrival and departure days) and should begin in
late June or early July, 2004.
Participants: As specified in the Project Objectives, Goals and
Implementation (POGI) guidelines in the solicitation package, programs
should be designed for highly-motivated and experienced multinational
groups of either 18 foreign university faculty and scholars (for
programs A and B above) or 30 secondary educators, including teachers,
teacher trainers, curriculum developers and education ministry
officials (for program C above). Participants will be interested in
participating in an intensive seminar on aspects of U.S. civilization
as a means to develop or improve courses and teaching about the United
States at their home institutions and school systems.
Participants will be varied in terms of age, professional position,
and travel experience abroad. Participants can be expected to come from
educational institutions where the study of the U.S. is relatively
well-developed as well as from institutions that are just beginning to
introduce courses and programs focusing on the United States. While
participants may not have in-depth knowledge of the particular
institute program theme, they will likely have had exposure to the
relevant discipline
[[Page 50582]]
and some experience teaching about the United States.
Participants will be drawn from all regions of the world and will
be fluent in the English language.
Participants will be nominated by Fulbright Commissions and by U.S.
Embassies abroad. Nominations will be reviewed by the Study of the U.S.
Branch at the Department of State. Final selection of grantees will be
made by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Program Guidelines: While the conception and structure of the
institute program is the responsibility of the organizers, it is
critically important that proposals provide a full, detailed and
comprehensive narrative describing the objectives of the institute; the
title, scope and content of each session; and, how each session relates
to the overall institute theme. The syllabus must therefore indicate
the subject matter for each lecture or panel discussion, confirm or
provisionally identify proposed lecturers and discussants, and clearly
show how assigned readings will support each session. A calendar of all
activities for the program must also be included. Overall, proposals
will be reviewed on the basis of their fullness, coherence, clarity,
and attention to detail.
Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to the
Solicitation Package for further details on program design and
implementation, as well as additional information on all other
requirements.
Budget Guidelines: Based on groups of 18 participants, the total
Bureau-funded budget (program and administrative) for programs (A) and
(B) above should be up to approximately $220,000, and Bureau-funded
administrative costs as defined in the budget details section of the
solicitation package should be up to approximately $80,000.
Based on a group of 30 participants, the total Bureau-funded budget
(program and administrative) for program (C) above should be up to
approximately $300,000, and Bureau-funded administrative costs as
defined in the budget details section of the solicitation package
should be up to approximately $85,000.
Justifications for any costs above these amounts must be clearly
indicated in the proposal submission. Proposals should try to maximize
cost-sharing in all facets of the program and to stimulate U.S. private
sector, including foundation and corporate, 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.
Please refer to the ``POGI'' in the Solicitation Package for
complete institute budget guidelines and formatting instructions.
Announcement Name and Number: All communications with the Bureau
concerning this announcement should refer to the following titles and
reference numbers:
Fulbright American Studies Institute on ``American Civilization''--
(ECA/A/E/USS-04-02A-Taylor)
Fulbright American Studies Institute on ``U.S. Political Economy and
the Global Economic System''--(ECA/A/E/USS-04-02B-Benda)
Fulbright American Studies Institute for Foreign Secondary School
Educators--(ECA/A/E/USS-04-02C-Taylor)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request a Solicitation Package
containing more detailed program information, award criteria, required
application forms, specific budget instructions, and standard
guidelines for proposal preparation, applicants should contact: U.S.
Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office
of Academic Exchange Programs, Study of the U.S. Branch, State Annex
44, ECA/A/E/USS--Room 252, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547,
Attention: Richard Taylor, Telephone number: (202) 619-4578, Fax
number: (202) 619-6790, Internet address: rtaylor@pd.state.gov. The Study of the U.S. Branch is willing to consult with potential
applicants regarding proposal content and preparation. Please specify
Senior Program Officer Richard Taylor on all inquiries and
correspondence. Interested applicants should read the complete Federal
Register announcement before addressing inquiries to the office listed
above or submitting their proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has passed,
Bureau staff may not discuss this competition in any way with
applicants until after the proposal review process has been completed.
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/. 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 Monday, November 24, 2003. Faxed documents will NOT be
accepted, nor will documents postmarked November 24, 2003 but received
at a later date. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure
that proposal submissions arrive by the deadline.
Submissions: Applicants must follow all instructions in the
Solicitation Package. The original and 13 copies of the complete
application should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs, Reference: (insert appropriate
reference number from above, e.g. ECA/A/E/USS-04-02x-Taylor), Program
Management Staff, ECA/EX/PM, Room 534, State Annex 44, 301 4th Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Applicants should also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal in text (.txt) format
on a PC-formatted disk. If possible, please also include on the disk
any program calendar or syllabus addendum to the proposal.
Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines
Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must
maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and
representative of the diversity of American political, social, and
cultural life. ``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest
sense and encompass differences including, but not limited to
ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic
status, and physical challenges. Applicants are strongly encouraged to
adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program
administration and in program content. Please refer to the review
criteria under the ``Support for Diversity'' section for specific
suggestions on incorporating diversity into the total proposal. 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,'' the Bureau ``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.
Adherence to All Regulations Governing the J Visa
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is placing renewed
emphasis on the secure and proper
[[Page 50583]]
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 Exchange Visitor
Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 6Z, including the oversight of
Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, provision of
pre-arrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of
participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, record-keeping,
reporting and other requirements. ECA 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) 401-9810,
FAX: (202) 401-9809.
Review Process: The Bureau will acknowledge receipt of all
proposals and will review them for technical eligibility. Proposals
will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines
stated herein and in the Solicitation Package. All eligible proposals
will be reviewed by the program office. Eligible proposals will then be
forwarded to panels of senior Bureau officers for advisory review.
Proposals may also be reviewed by the Department of State's Office of
the Legal Advisor, by other Bureau elements, or by outside experts and/
or academics. 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 (cooperative
agreements) resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer.
Review Criteria: Technically eligible applications will be
competitively reviewed according to the criteria stated below. More
weight will be given to items one and two, and all remaining criteria
will be evaluated equally.
1. Overall Quality: Proposals should exhibit originality and
substance, consonant with the highest standards of American teaching
and scholarship. Program design should reflect the main currents as
well as the debates within the subject discipline of each institute.
Program elements should be coherently and thoughtfully integrated.
Lectures, panels, field visits and readings, taken as a whole, should
offer a balanced presentation of issues, reflecting both the continuity
of the American experience as well as the diversity and dynamism
inherent in it.
2. Program Planning and Administration: Proposals should
demonstrate careful planning. The organization and structure of the
institute should be clearly delineated and be fully responsive to all
program objectives. A program syllabus (noting specific sessions and
topical readings supporting each academic unit) should be included, as
should a calendar of activities. The travel component should not simply
be a tour, but should be an integral and substantive part of the
program, reinforcing and complementing the academic segment. Proposals
should provide evidence of continuous administrative and managerial
capacity as well as the means by which program activities and
logistical matters will be implemented.
3. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel, including faculty
and administrative staff as well as outside presenters, should be fully
qualified to achieve the project's goals. Library and meeting
facilities, housing, meals, transportation and other logistical
arrangements should fully meet the needs of the participants.
4. Support for Diversity: Substantive support of the bureau's
policy on diversity should be demonstrated.
This can be accomplished through documentation, such as a written
statement, summarizing past and/or on-going activities and efforts that
further the principle of diversity within the organization and its
activities. Program activities that address this issue should be
highlighted.
5. Experience: Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record
of successful exchange program activity, indicating the experience that
the organization and its professional staff have had in working with
foreign educators.
6. Evaluation and Follow-up: A plan for evaluating activities
during the Institute and at its conclusion should be included.
Proposals should discuss provisions made for follow-up with returned
grantees as a means of establishing longer-term individual and
institutional linkages.
7. Cost Effectiveness: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing
through direct institutional contributions, in-kind support, and other
private sector support. Overhead and administrative components,
including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as low as possible.
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.''
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 this 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.
Notification: Final awards cannot be made until funds have been
appropriated by Congress, and allocated and committed through internal
Bureau procedures.
Dated: August 13, 2003.
Patricia S. Harrison,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of
State.
[FR Doc. 03-21434 Filed 8-20-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P