[Federal Register: October 27, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 207)]
[Notices]
[Page 62010-62014]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27oc05-77]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 5210]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for
Grant Proposals: Future Leaders Exchange Civic Education Workshop
Announcement Type: New Grant.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates: Application Deadline: November 28, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs
Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an
open competition to conduct the Spring 2006 Civic Education workshop
for the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program. Overall goals of the
workshop are: (1) To expose high school students from Eurasia to
Federal political processes and citizen participation in government at
the national level; (2) to examine the concept of effective leadership
in society through looking at positive and negative examples and role
models; (3) to instill in students the importance of tolerance and
respect for individual differences in a civil society; and (4) to
provide students with specific tools they can take home to aid in the
transformation of their home countries to democratic and civil
societies. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the
provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C.
501(c)(3) may submit proposals to develop and conduct a one-week
workshop in Washington, DC, in spring 2006 that focuses on the basic
tenets of the Constitution and the fundamental elements of a civil
society, including the relationship between the Federal government and
State and local governments, and the rule of law in a civil society.
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.
Purpose: This workshop is being conducted to expose approximately
110-120 high school students from Eurasia to important elements of a
civil society, as described in the goals above. The recipient of the
grant is responsible for developing and conducting the Civic Education
workshop based on
[[Page 62011]]
guidelines set forth by ECA's Youth Programs Division. Workshop
participants will be attending school in the United States during 2005/
06 under the Division's FLEX program. They will be selected through an
essay contest from among a group of 1,200 current FLEX students.
Competitive proposals will demonstrate a method for substantive and
specific measurement of whether the goals listed above have been
achieved. The maximum grant award will be $155,000. Only one grant will
be awarded. An effort should be made to maximize cost sharing through
other private sector support as well as direct institutional funding
contributions. Provision of cost sharing to maximize the number of
participants will be looked at very favorably.
Program Information: The grantee organization will be responsible
for coordinating travel arrangements for each participant from his/her
host community to Washington, DC, and return, and for providing room
and board for students during their time in Washington. Proposals must
demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to work with the Department
of State and the Bureau in arranging certain briefings and visits, as
the opportunity arises.
Overview: This workshop should enable participants to learn
firsthand about the federal system of government, observe government
institutions, hear about and discuss issues on the federal agenda, and
interact with government officials. Special attention should be paid to
those issues that will be especially significant to people from the
countries of Eurasia. The workshop should also provide an opportunity
for participants to gain a broader understanding of democratic concepts
and values that are such an integral part of American society and
culture, such as citizen empowerment, volunteerism, community action,
and respect and tolerance for diversity and individual differences and
points of view. The program should be arranged for seven days,
including arrival and departure.
The grantee organization will be provided with the names of the
students who will have been chosen through the competitive essay
contest conducted by another grantee organization. A group of
independent, objective selectors will review the essays. Winning essays
will be sent to the Civic Education grantee organization, as well.
Guidelines: The workshop should be held in late winter or early
Spring 2006. Proposals must effectively describe the organization's
ability to accomplish the following essential components of the
program:
1. Provide a Civic Education workshop in Washington, DC, as
described above and held at the time period indicated. Congress must be
in session during this time. Program components should include sessions
on federalism, U.S. domestic and foreign policy, the role of the media
in the United States, citizen empowerment, volunteerism, community
activism, and respect and tolerance for individual differences and
points of view. Leadership should be a sub-theme throughout the program
and should include the effective exercise of leadership in the
political process.
2. Provide pre-program training for organization staff on general
elements of Eurasian society and culture and how this impacts on FLEX
participants.
3. Provide housing and meals for the students throughout the
program.
4. Arrange travel for students from their U.S. host communities to
Washington, DC and return in coordination with FLEX placement
organizations. (Note: Students will likely be coming from most of the
50 states.) Provide ground transportation for students in the DC area,
including to and from airports.
5. Provide opportunities to attend relevant cultural events and
visit museums and monuments and use these to spark further discussion
and learning.
6. Coordinate with the Bureau's Youth Programs Division (ECA/PE/C/
PY) and the Department's Office of Congressional Affairs (H) in making
appropriate arrangements for individual meetings for all workshop
participants with their respective members of Congress (either Senator
or Representative).
7. Provide staff to assist in case of medical emergencies.
8. Incorporate and describe a program component designed to
facilitate students' transition from the DC program to their host
communities. A portion of this component should provide students with
the opportunity to demonstrate how they will share what they have
learned, both in their U.S. host communities and when they return to
their home countries.
9. Provide a mechanism for evaluation of the program in terms of
its impact on the students and its success in fulfilling the
objectives.
A competitive proposal will incorporate important elements of
American culture in sessions that are largely interactive and designed
to appeal to high school-age students. The program must be substantive
and academic while, at the same time, be paced realistically to meet
the needs of people in this age group.
Significant cost sharing is important since it will enable a
greater number of students to participate. Therefore, those proposals
that show more generous and creative cost sharing will be more
favorably viewed. Please refer to the Program Objectives, Goals, and
Implementation (POGI) section of the Solicitation Package for greater
detail regarding the design of component parts as well as other program
information.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant Agreement.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 06.
Approximate Total Funding: $155,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, January
2006.
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.
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. Proposals should maximize cost
sharing through other private sector support as well as institutional
direct funding contributions. 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, the grantee organization
must maintain written records to support all costs that are claimed as
its 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 the grantee organization does not
provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the
approved budget, ECA's contribution will be reduced in like proportion.
[[Page 62012]]
III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements: Bureau grant guidelines
require that organizations with less than four years experience in
conducting international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau
funding. Since ECA anticipates awarding only one grant in an amount up
to $155,000 to support program and administrative costs required to
implement this exchange program, organizations with less than four
years experience in conducting international exchanges are ineligible
to apply under this competition.
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 Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division (ECA/
PE/C/PY), Room 568, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20547, telephone (202)203-7513; fax (202)203-7529;
e-mail: BeachLF@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package. Please
refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02 located at
the top of this announcement when making your request.
The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission
Instruction (PSI) document that consists of required application forms,
and standard guidelines for proposal preparation, including additional
formatting and technical requirements. 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 Diana Aronson and refer to the Funding Opportunity
Number ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02 located at the top of this announcement 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 8 copies of
the application should be sent per the instructions under IV.3e.
``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.
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. For
informational purposes only, 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. 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.
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.
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
[[Page 62013]]
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.)
The grantee will be required to provide reports analyzing their
evaluation findings to the Bureau in its regular program report. 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. Please take the following information into consideration
when preparing your budget:
IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the
entire program. Organizations must bid on arranging a program for a
minimum of 110 students but may increase the number of participants
through cost sharing the additional expenses incurred, thus maximizing
cost effectiveness and optimal program planning. It is estimated that
the total costs of the Civic Education workshop will average $1,300 per
FLEX participant for a one-week program, including domestic travel. The
award may not exceed $155,000. Your submission must include 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. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for further
details, including a list of allowable costs for the program.
IV.3f. Submission Dates and Times:
Application Deadline Date: Monday, November 28, 2005.
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 eight (8) copies of the application should be sent
to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02, 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.
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. 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
assistance awards (grants) 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 the program idea: Proposals should exhibit
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Bureau's
mission, as well as the objectives of the FLEX program. Program design
must reflect an understanding of young people and of cultural traits
that would be specific to this population.
2. Program planning: Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should
demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda
and plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described
above.
3. Ability to achieve program objectives: Objectives should be
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reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the organization will meet the program's objectives and
plan.
4. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed programs should describe the
impact that workshop participants will have on others, both in their
U.S. host communities and in Eurasia after they return home. There
should be a specific plan for providing students with tools they can
take back to their Eurasian home countries to implement concepts and
ideas they have gained from the workshop. Proposals also should explain
how students will be prepared to transition back to their host
communities.
5. Support of 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, resource materials
and follow-up activities).
6. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and organizational
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or
project's goals.
7. Institution's 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.
8. Project Evaluation: 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.
9. 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.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1. 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
erms.htm#articleI.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy
financial report no more than 90 days after the expiration of the
award.
As indicated above, the grantee will be required to provide reports
analyzing its evaluation findings to the Bureau in its regular program
report. (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.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: Diana Aronson,
Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room
568, ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, phone--(202) 203-7501, fax--(202)
203-7529, AronsonDS@state.gov. All correspondence with the Bureau
concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/
PE/C/PY-06-02.
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: October 19, 2005.
Dina Habib Powell,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of
State.
[FR Doc. 05-21471 Filed 10-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P