[Federal Register: March 13, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 49)]
[Notices]
[Page 12140-12146]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13mr03-143]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 4299]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant
Proposals: Central and Eastern European Professional Exchanges and
Training Program for Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Estonia, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia and
Montenegro
SUMMARY: The Europe/Eurasia division of the Office of Citizen Exchanges
of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open
competition for Central and Eastern European Professional Exchanges and
Training Programs for Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Estonia, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia and
Montenegro. 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 that support international projects in
the United States and overseas involving current or potential leaders.
Interested applicants should read the complete Federal Register
announcement before addressing inquiries to the Office of Citizen
Exchanges or submitting proposals.
Announcement Title and Number: All correspondence with the Bureau
concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/
PE/C/EUR-03-39.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/
PE/C/EUR, Room 224, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20547, Attention: Central and Eastern Europe
Professional Exchanges and Training Program, telephone number: 202-205-
3003, fax number 202-619-4350 or kturner@pd.state.gov to request a
Solicitation Package. The Solicitation Package contains detailed award
criteria, required application forms, specific budget instructions, and
standard guidelines for proposal preparation.
For specific inquiries, please contact Bureau program officers by
phone or e-mail: Kendra Davis (202) 619-5328 (kldavis@pd.state.gov);
Michael George (202) 619-5330 (mdgeorge@pd.state.gov); Brent Beemer
(202) 401-6887 (bbeemer@pd.state.gov); or Henry Scott (202) 619-5327
hscott@pd.state.gov).
Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has
passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants
until the proposal review process has been completed.
To Download a Solicitation Package via Internet
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's
Web site at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/RFGPs. Please read all
information before downloading.
General Program Guidelines
Applicants should identify the local organizations and individuals
in the counterpart country with whom they are proposing to collaborate
and describe in detail previous cooperative programming and/or
contacts. Specific information about the counterpart organizations'
activities and accomplishments should be included in the section on
Institutional Capacity. Proposals should contain letters of support
tailored to the project being proposed from foreign-country partner
organizations.
Exchanges and training programs supported by institutional grants
from the Bureau should operate at two levels: they should enhance
institutional partnerships, and they should offer practical information
and experience to individuals and groups to assist them with their
professional responsibilities. Strong proposals usually have the
following characteristics:
[sbull] A proven track record of working in the proposed issue area
and country;
[sbull] Experienced staff with language facility and a commitment
by the staff to monitor projects locally to ensure implementation;
[sbull] A clear, convincing plan showing how permanent results will
be accomplished as a result of the activity funded by the grant; and
[sbull] A follow-on plan that includes activities beyond the
conclusion and scope of the Bureau grant.
Proposal narratives should clearly demonstrate an organization's
commitment to consult closely with the Public Affairs Section, and when
required, other officers at the U.S. Embassy. Proposal narratives must
confirm that all materials developed for the project will acknowledge
Bureau funding for the program as well as a commitment to invite
representatives of the Embassy and/or Consulate to participate in
various program sessions/site visits. Please note that this will be a
formal requirement in all final grant awards.
Organizations with less than four years of experience managing
[[Page 12141]]
international exchange programs are limited to requesting $60,000 in
funds.
Suggested Program Designs
Bureau-supported exchanges may include internships; study tours;
short-term, non-technical experiential learning, extended and intensive
workshops and seminars taking place in the United States or overseas.
Examples of program activities include:
1. A U.S.-based program that includes: Orientation to program
purposes and to U.S. society; study tour/site visits; professional
internships/placements; interaction and dialogue; hands-on training;
professional development; and action plan development. Proposals that
include U.S.-based training will receive the highest priority.
2. Capacity-building/training-of-trainer (TOT) workshops to help
participants to identify priorities, create work plans, strengthen
professional and volunteer skills, share their experience with
committed people within each country, and become active in a practical
and valuable way.
3. Site visits by U.S. facilitators/experts to monitor projects in
the region and to provide additional training and consultations as
needed.
Activities ineligible for support: The Office does not support
proposals limited to conferences or seminars (i.e., one to fourteen-day
programs with plenary sessions, main speakers, panels, and a passive
audience). It will support conferences only when they are a small part
of a larger project in duration that is receiving Bureau funding from
this competition. The Office will only support workshops, seminars and
training sessions that are an integral part of a larger project. No
funding is available exclusively to send U.S. citizens to conferences
or conference-type seminars overseas; nor is funding available for
bringing foreign nationals to conferences or to routine professional
association meetings in the United States.
Selection of Participants
All grant proposals should clearly describe the type of persons who
will participate in the program as well as the participant selection
process. For programs that include U.S. internships, applicants should
submit letters of support from host institutions. In the selection of
foreign participants, the Bureau and U.S. Embassies will review all
participant nominations and may accept or refuse participants
recommended by grantee institutions. When American participants are
selected, grantee institutions must provide their names and brief
biographical data to the Office of Citizen Exchanges. Priority in two-
way exchange proposals will be given to foreign participants who have
not previously traveled to the United States. (See section below on
requirements for maintenance of and provision to the Bureau of data on
participants and program activities.)
Evaluation
In general, evaluation should occur throughout the project. The
evaluation should incorporate an assessment of the program from a
variety of perspectives. Specifically, project assessment efforts will
focus on: (a) Determining if objectives are being met or have been met,
(b) identifying any unmet needs, and (c) assessing if the project has
effectively identified resources, advocates, and financial support for
the sustainability of future projects. Informal evaluation through
discussions and other sources of feedback will be carried out
throughout the duration of the project.
Formal evaluation must be conducted at the end of each component,
should measure the impact of the activities and should obtain
participants' feedback on the program content and administration. A
detailed evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of the project
and a report will be submitted to the Department of State Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs. When possible, the evaluation should
be conducted by an independent evaluator.
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 biographic sketch of all
persons who travel internationally on funds provided by the grant or
who benefit from the grant funding but do not travel.
(2) Itineraries of international and domestic travel, providing
dates of travel and cities in which any exchange experiences take
place. Final schedules for in-country and U.S. activities must be
received by the ECA/PE/C/EUR Program Officer at least three work days
prior to the official opening of the activity.
Adherence to All Regulations Governing the J Visa
The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs is the official program sponsor of the exchange
program covered by this RFGP, and an employee of the Bureau will be the
``Responsible Officer'' for the program under the terms of 22 CFR 62,
which covers the administration of the Exchange Visitor Program (J visa
program). Under the terms of 22 CFR 62, organizations receiving grants
under this RFGP will be third parties ``cooperating with or assisting
the sponsor in the conduct of the sponsor's program.'' The actions of
grantee program organizations shall be ``imputed to the sponsor in
evaluating the sponsor's compliance with'' 22 CFR 62. Therefore, the
Bureau expects that any organization receiving a grant under this
competition will render all assistance necessary to enable the Bureau
to fully comply with 22 CFR part 62 et seq. The Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs places great emphasis on the secure and proper
administration of Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by
grantee program organizations and program participants to all
regulations governing the J visa program status. Therefore, proposals
should explicitly state in writing that the applicant is prepared to
assist the Bureau in meeting all requirements governing the
administration of Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62.
If the applicant has experience as a designated Exchange Visitor
Program Sponsor, the applicant should discuss their record of
compliance with 22 CFR 62 et seq., including the oversight of their
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 Office of Citizen Exchanges of 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.
Program Information
Overview
The Bureau welcomes proposals that respond directly to the themes
and countries listed below. Given budgetary considerations, projects in
countries and
[[Page 12142]]
for themes other than those listed will not be eligible for
consideration and will be ruled technically ineligible. No guarantee is
made or implied that grants will be awarded in all categories.
For this competition, both single country and multi-country
projects are eligible for support. In order to prevent duplication of
effort, proposals should reflect an understanding of the work of
international agencies so that projects complement--not duplicate--
other assistance programs.
Two-way exchanges will be given the highest priority. Applicants
should carefully review the following recommendations for proposals in
Central and Eastern European countries.
To be eligible for a grant award under this competition, the
proposed professional training and exchange projects must address one
of the following specific themes, which are listed below in two
categories--Country Specific Programs and Regional Programs.
Country Specific
Library Exchange (Bulgaria only).
Judicial Reform Project (Macedonia only).
Mayors and Local Leaders Exchange (Kosovo only).
Regional Programs
Media Training (Regional Program for Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina
and Bulgaria and Croatia and Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro).
Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Regional Program for Albania
and Bosnia-Herzegovina and Bulgaria and Croatia and Kosovo and
Macedonia and Romania and Serbia and Montenegro).
Anti-corruption and Ethics (Regional program for Latvia and
Lithuania and Estonia).
Country Specific (Single Country Projects Only)
Library Exchange
Bulgaria--Single country project only.--ECA is interested in
proposals that will enhance institutional relationships between U.S.
and Bulgarian libraries. Projects should focus on the practical use of
new technologies and the provision of library services for citizens.
The exchange should examine the operation of resource centers/small
libraries, including strategic planning, traditional and electronic
collection development, cooperative management of information
resources, public-oriented services, outreach, and marketing
techniques. The Union of Librarians and Information Services Officers
(the Bulgarian library association) should serve as the in-country
partner organization and should assist in the recruitment and selection
of participants as well as provide logistical support for any in-
country activities. Activities may include training-of-trainers
sessions, in-country workshops, initiatives to create professional
networks or professional associations, and communication through the
Internet or regularly published newsletters. Projects should also take
into account the need for ongoing sharing of information, training, and
concrete plans for sustainability.
Project funding: The total funding available for the Bulgaria
library exchanges is approximately $200,000. The Bureau anticipates
awarding one grant under this theme.
Judicial Reform
Macedonia--Single country projects only.--Judicial reform has
become increasingly important in Macedonia as the government, legal
professionals, and concerned citizens recognize the need for a modern,
efficient court system to keep pace with the social, economic, and
political changes in their country. Legal experts note that courts in
Macedonia are overburdened, inefficient, and unresponsive to citizens.
This program should focus on judges and prosecutors in the
Macedonian legal system. The primary aim of the program will be to
establish a series of trainings, seminars and on-the-job programs in
Macedonia. These programs should aim to strengthen the functions of
prosecutors and judges; encourage continual reform of practices; and
solidify ethical standards. ECA envisions a mix of U.S.-based trainers
and Macedonian-based staff coordinating the program. Another important
component of the program will be the inclusion of an established
Macedonian partner organization. The hope would be that the Macedonian
organization would develop its own programming and could continue to
work with judges and prosecutors on its own after the grant program. A
U.S. based train-the-trainers component could be included for this
purpose. Coordination with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S.
Embassy in Skopje during the program is essential.
Project funding: The total funding available for the Macedonia
judicial reform project is approximately $200,000. The Bureau
anticipates awarding one grant under this theme.
Mayors and Local Leaders Exchange
Kosovo--Single country projects only.--ECA is seeking proposals to
conduct an exchange program for mayors and local leaders from Kosovo.
This project will support the development of the local government
sector and should be designed to offer practical, hands-on experiences
for the participants. Topics to be addressed during the project should
include financial management, the implementation of national policies
at the local level, economic development, infrastructure support and
strategic planning.
The project should consist of the following elements:
[sbull] The recruitment and selection of approximately ten
participants from Kosovo;
[sbull] A U.S. component that would include a three- to five-day
program in Washington, DC, where participants would be introduced to
the U.S. system of government and meet with elected officials and
representatives of local and regional government associations and a
two- to three-week program in small- to medium-sized U.S. cities.
[sbull] In-country workshops and/or consultations that reach out to
a wider audience and provide substantive follow-up to the U.S.-based
visits.
[sbull] Materials development.
Participants should include both elected leaders and civil servants
working at the local level. Organizations should demonstrate their
ability to recruit and select candidates for participation in the
program and describe how these activities will be carried out.
Applicants should also identify an in-country partner institution or
institutions. The partner(s) should be responsible for assisting in the
recruitment and selection of participants and for providing logistical
support for any in-country activities.
The proposal submitted by your organization must demonstrate how
these activities/objectives will be met. Your proposal narrative should
also provide detailed information on major program activities to be
undertaken. Applicants should have an understanding of the current
situation of Kosovo, and be willing to cooperate with Kosovo-based
international organizations as well as the U.S. Office in Pristina.
This office is interested in proposals that enhance institutional
relationships and offer practical information to individuals to assist
them with their professional responsibilities. The projects should also
take into account the need for ongoing sharing of
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information, training and concrete plans for self-sustainability.
Examples include: A ``train the trainers'' model (a program that
includes practice presentation sessions, followed by activities
coordinated and implemented by the participants in Kosovo); support for
in-country training/resource centers; plans to create professional
networks or professional associations; regularly published newsletters;
and ongoing Internet communication.
Project funding: The total funding available for the Kosovo mayors
and local leaders project is approximately $200,000. The Bureau
anticipates awarding one grant under this theme.
Regional Programs
Media Training
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia
and Montenegro--Multi-country projects for all six countries only.--The
Bureau is looking for proposals that will provide training for
journalists, editors and media managers. The program should include an
orientation session lasting approximately four days; an internship
assignment of approximately five weeks in a small- to medium-sized
media organization; and a two- to three-day debriefing. Projects should
include both English-speaking and non-English-speaking participants;
proposals should clearly describe what provisions would be made for
non-English speakers. ECA will consider proposals to shorten the
internships assignment in order to accommodate interpreting services
for non-English speakers. ECA strongly encourages the use of locally
hired interpreters. Those applicants that opt to find their own
interpreters should submit a budget reflecting those costs and should
demonstrate in their proposal narrative the ability to competently
address interpreting requirements.
Proposals should outline hands-on, practical internships for the
participants. A list of media establishments willing to host the
participants as well as tentative letters of commitment should be
included in the proposal. A sample program schedule or outline of a
similar program that the organization has conducted in the past should
also be submitted.
Participant Selection: Please note that the winning applicant must
consult closely with the Public Affairs Offices at the respective U.S.
embassies during program implementation. Embassies will nominate
participants for the program.
The Bureau anticipates funding no more than three grants for this
theme, averaging approximately $180,000 each. There will be a total of
approximately 40 participants funded through this RFGP. Each proposal
should accommodate approximately 12-15 participants and should be
regional in focus. ECA will consider proposals that include several
distinct exchanges during the life of the grant, but all exchange
groups should include participants from at least three countries.
Tentative participant numbers and needs are:
Albania: Four participants. English-speakers only.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Four participants. Two English and two non-
English speakers.
Bulgaria: Five participants.
Croatia: Four participants. English-speakers only.
Macedonia: Twelve participants. Six English and six non-English
speakers.
Serbia and Montenegro: Fourteen participants. Seven English and
seven non-English speakers.
Once projects are funded, ECA will work with the grantees to
solicit more detailed information on the needs and interests of
individual participants.
Prevention of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Romania,
Serbia and Montenegro, Kosovo--Multi-Country Projects for all Nine
Countries/Regions Only
Trafficking in persons continues to be a widespread problem in
Southeastern Europe (SEE). In June 2002 the United States Department of
State released its second report on the issue of trafficking in persons
worldwide. (Please see http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2002/.)
worldwide. (Please see http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2002/.)
Many SEE countries included in the study are classified as countries
that have not taken adequate steps to quell trafficking in persons or
to recognize the severity of the problem. The need to educate and
inform communities and lawmakers has become imperative to prevent
trafficking in the SEE region.
The Bureau seeks proposals that provide training to individuals and
communities in the SEE region to help combat trafficking in persons.
Programs should be regional in focus and should include cross-border
efforts to ensure integration of efforts and cooperation among SEE
countries. To avoid duplication of initiatives, applicants should be
familiar with international organizations' programs and indigenous SEE
non governmental organizations' (NGO) programs to combat trafficking.
Applicants should outline relevant thematic and regional expertise in
the proposal. Priority will be given to programs that propose to reach
high-risk groups where anti-trafficking initiatives have been limited
or nonexistent. Proposals must include a timeline for the entire grant
period, a schedule for each program activity, subcontract agreements,
resumes of trainers and proposed personnel, and letters of support from
SEE and U.S. partners. Proposals may address either of the themes
listed below. To be competitive, proposals should outline how
participants will be selected. Participants should be from the SEE
countries listed above and should be afforded networking and
information sharing opportunities throughout the grant period. Priority
should be given to foreign participants who have not traveled to the
U.S. previously. Language and interpreting issues should also be
addressed in the proposal. Applicants should expect to work closely
with the Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassies in SEE on
coordination of all activities, including participant selection.
Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must
maintain a non-political character. Proposals must demonstrate an
understanding of the principles behind the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act of 2000 (the ``ACT'') and current U.S. government
policy, as expressed through Trafficking in Persons National Security
Presidential Directive of 2/2/5/03 (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/
releases/2003/02/20030225.html
) and Executive Order 13257 (http://
nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/library/displayEO.cfm?id=EO--13257 )
Areas of focus:
(1) Two-way exchanges and training programs that may address public
awareness, victim assistance, reintegration and/or occupational
training.
The Bureau is seeking two-way exchange programs that will educate
the U.S. and SEE citizenries on the issue of trafficking. Many
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in SEE have been confronting the
issue of trafficking and have much to share with their U.S.
counterparts. (Given that many women are now being trafficked into the
United States, it is important that U.S. relief and assistance
organizations are exposed to effective prevention and assistance
programs in SEE.) SEE participants in turn will benefit from exposure
to U.S. models for job training and life skills management programs,
peer education and economic assistance programs as well as models for
successful advocacy and fundraising
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campaigns on the issue. Participants may be leaders of NGOs,
associations, community leaders, teachers and school administrators and
local government officials. Follow-up workshops/on site consultations
in the region are encouraged after the U.S.-based training. Programs
may focus on developing participants' skills to establish job training
programs in the region, but funding may not be used for the
establishment or maintenance of victims' assistance centers or
equipment for such centers. Successful proposals will offer hands-on
training, including shadowing and internship opportunities, as well as
the development of public awareness campaigns, action plans,
publications, web-based information and/or other products that can be
accessed easily by the general public and the respective SEE
governments.
(2) Training and exchanges for members of parliament (particularly
women members), ministry officials, government press spokespeople and
local government officials.
The Bureau welcomes proposals that will encourage members of
parliament, ministry officials, government press spokespeople and local
government officials to take an active stand against trafficking in the
SEE region.
Proposals should focus on how government should enforce and/or
improve laws or national action plans against trafficking. Proposals
should outline a strategy on how governments in the region can increase
information sharing and close down trafficking routes in the region.
Proposals should also address specifically how training will encourage
cooperative and complementary efforts between the government and NGO
community regarding the issue. U.S.-based exchanges and follow-up
workshops in the region are strongly encouraged. The Bureau is
interested in results-oriented proposals that include regional action
planning, publications and other work products that will serve to
educate government officials and the general public in the SEE region
regarding trafficking.
Project Funding
The total funding available for prevention of trafficking programs
is approximately $500,000. The Bureau anticipates awarding two or three
proposals for this competition averaging approximately $165,00-$250,000
each.
Anti-Corruption and Ethics
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia (Multi-Country Project for All Three
Countries Only)
The Bureau welcomes proposals for a regional anti-corruption
program, designed to improve ethics oversight and management laws and
procedures in the Baltic States. The Baltic nations continue to
struggle against corruption at various levels of society. Government
officials and law enforcement are poorly trained to recognize conflict
of interest issues. In addition, ethical codes of conflict and conflict
of interest legislation are weak. Unfortunately, influence peddling and
conflict of interest can be found at the highest levels. Government
employees deal with low salaries; difficult working conditions; lack of
support from political leaders and senior administrators; and out-of-
date equipment and records.
Citizens have low expectations for government service and can be
inclined to view bribes at low levels or embezzlement, conflicts of
interest and bribe-taking at high levels as the norm, to be tolerated
rather than fought. Education is needed for both the public and civil
servants/law enforcement on what each can expect of the other.
Proposals should outline a program that will train both Baltic
officials and non-governmental personnel in government ethics issues
and their respective roles in guaranteeing adherence to high standards
of government ethics. The overall objectives of proposed programs
should be to improve ethics oversight and management laws, policies,
procedures and institutions in the Baltic states; increase public
confidence in governmental institutions by training Baltic officials
and non-governmental entities in government ethics issues as well as
the role and responsibility of private citizens, the media and the
academic community in guaranteeing high standards of government ethics.
Target populations for these programs include: members of
Parliament, parliament staff and law enforcement officers responsible
for enforcing conflict of interest/corruption legislation, national and
municipal officials, government and civics professors from
universities, NGO leaders, and media representatives. Proposals should
describe a program that engages participants in relevant ethics issues,
including the role of public ethics in a democratic society, ethics
responsibilities for government officials, and the role of NGOs in
monitoring public ethics and corruption.
ECA is looking for programs that include a mix of participants from
different governmental and non-governmental institutions to ensure
sharing of diverse experiences and build mutual understanding of common
public ethics standards. Travel in both directions, including a hands-
on, U.S.-based program with a train-the-trainer component, should be
proposed. Continuous communication, mentoring, and consultations
between overseas participants and trainers/mentors, should be described
in detail and conducted throughout the life of the grant. Overseas,
programs should be conducted in the form of short courses and include
an appropriate public relations component (developed in coordination
with U.S. embassies), to highlight the importance of anti-corruption
efforts. Proposals should include a programming element that will bring
participants from all three countries together to increase the
program's regional impact.
Project funding: The total funding available for prevention of
trafficking programs is approximately $200,000. The Bureau anticipates
awarding one grant for this topic.
Overall Budget Guidelines
Grants awarded to eligible organizations with less than four years
of experience in conducting international exchange programs will be
limited to $60,000.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire
program. 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. Please refer to the
Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and formatting
instructions.
Since Bureau grant assistance constitutes only a portion of total
project funding, proposals should list and provide evidence of other
anticipated sources of financial and in-kind support. While there is no
minimum requirement, applicants are encouraged to provide cost sharing
to the fullest extent possible. State Department Review Panels will
consider cost sharing seriously when evaluating all proposals.
The following program costs are eligible for funding consideration:
1. Travel Costs. International and domestic airfares (per the Fly
America Act), transit costs, ground transportation
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costs, and visas for U.S. participants (J-1 visas for Bureau-supported
participants from Eurasia to travel to the U.S. are issued at no
charge).
2. Per Diem. For U.S.-based programming, organizations should use
the published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. For
activities in Europe/Eurasia, the Bureau strongly encourages applicants
to budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy. Domestic per
diem rates may be accessed at: http://www.policyworks.gov/ and foreign
diem rates may be accessed at: http://www.policyworks.gov/ and foreign
per diem rates can be accessed at: http://www.state.gov/www/perdiems/
index.html.
3. Interpreters. Local interpreters with adequate skills and
experience may be used for program activities. The Bureau strongly
encourages applicants to use local interpreters. Salary costs for local
interpreters must be included in the budget. Costs associated with
using their services may not exceed rates for U.S. Department of State
interpreters. Typically, one interpreter is provided for every four
visitors who require interpreting, with a minimum of two interpreters.
Bureau grants do not pay for foreign interpreters to accompany
delegations from their home country. U.S. Department of State
Interpreters may be used if local interpreters are not available.
Proposal budgets should contain a flat $170/day per diem for each U.S.
Department of State interpreter, as well as home-program-home air
transportation of $400 per interpreter, reimbursements for taxi fares,
plus any other transportation expenses during the program. Salary
expenses are covered centrally and should not be part of an applicant's
proposed budget.
4. Book and cultural allowance. Foreign participants are entitled
to a one-time cultural allowance of $150 per person, plus a book
allowance of $50. Interpreters should be reimbursed up to $150 for
expenses when they escort participants to cultural events. U.S. program
staff, trainers or participants are not eligible to receive these
benefits.
5. Consultants. Consultants may be used to provide specialized
expertise or to make presentations. Daily honoraria cannot exceed $250
per day. Subcontracting organizations may also be used, in which case
the written agreement between the prospective grantee and subcontractor
should be included in the proposal. Subcontracts should be itemized in
the budget.
6. Room rental. Room rental may not exceed $250 per day.
7. Materials development. Proposals may contain costs to purchase,
develop and translate materials for participants. The Bureau strongly
discourages the use of automatic translation software for the
preparation of training materials or any information distributed to the
group of participants or network of organizations. Costs for high-
quality translation of materials should be anticipated and included in
the budget. Grantee organizations should expect to submit a copy of all
program materials to the Bureau.
8. Equipment. Proposals may contain costs to purchase equipment for
Eurasia-based programming such as computers, fax machines and copy
machines. Costs for furniture are not allowed. Equipment costs must be
kept to a minimum.
9. Working meal. Only one working meal may be provided during the
program. Per capita costs may not exceed $5-8 for a lunch and $14-20
for a dinner, excluding room rental.
The number of invited guests may not exceed participants by more
than a factor of two-to-one. Interpreters must be included as
participants.
10. Return travel allowance. A return travel allowance of $70 for
each foreign participant may be included in the budget. The allowance
may be used for incidental expenses incurred during international
travel.
11. Health Insurance. Foreign participants will be covered under
the terms of a Bureau-sponsored health insurance policy. The premium is
paid by the Bureau directly to the insurance company. Applicants are
permitted to include costs for travel insurance for U.S. participants
in the budget.
12. Wire transfer fees. When necessary, applicants may include
costs to transfer funds to partner organizations overseas.
13. Administrative Costs. Costs necessary for the effective
administration of the program may include salaries for grantee
organization employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs
per detailed instructions in the Application Package. While there is no
rigid ratio of administrative to program costs, priority will be given
to proposals whose administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25)
per cent of the total requested from the Bureau. Proposals should show
strong administrative cost-sharing contributions from the applicant,
the in-country partner and other sources.
Deadline for Proposals
All proposal copies must be received at the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs by 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on Friday, May 9,
2003. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Documents
postmarked the due date but received on a later date will not be
accepted. Each applicant must ensure that the proposals are received by
the above deadline.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation
Package. The original and twelve 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/EUR-03-39, Program Management, ECA/EX/
PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
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. 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.
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 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
[[Page 12146]]
reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by other Department
elements. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the
Department of State's Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural
Affairs. Final technical authority for assistance awards resides with
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. Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Program Objectives:
Program objectives should be stated clearly and should reflect the
applicant's expertise in the subject area and region. Objectives should
respond to the priority topics in this announcement and should relate
to the current conditions in the target countries. A detailed agenda
and relevant work plan should explain how objectives will be achieved
and should include a timetable for completion of major tasks. The
substance of workshops, internships, seminars and/or consulting should
be described in detail. Sample training schedules should be outlined.
Responsibilities of in-country partners should be clearly described.
2. Institutional Capacity: The proposal should include (1) the U.S.
institution's mission and date of establishment (2) detailed
information about the in-country partner institution's capacity and the
history of the U.S. and in-country partnership (3) an outline of prior
awards--U.S. government and private support received for the target
theme/region (4) descriptions of experienced staff members who will
implement the program. Proposed personnel and institutional resources
should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program's goals. The
proposal should reflect the institution's expertise in the subject area
and knowledge of the conditions in the target country. 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
Grant Staff. The Bureau will consider the past performance of prior
recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
3. Cost Effectiveness and Cost Sharing: Overhead and administrative
costs for the proposal, including salaries, honoraria and subcontracts
for services, should be kept to a minimum. Priority will be given to
proposals whose administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25) per
cent of the total funds requested from the Bureau. Applicants are
encouraged to cost share a portion of overhead and administrative
expenses. Cost-sharing, including contributions from the applicant, the
in-country partner, and other sources should be included in the budget
request.
4. 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 venues and program evaluation) and program
content (orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource
materials and follow-up activities). Applicants should refer to the
Bureau's Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines in the Proposal
Submission Instructions (PSI).
5. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for
continued follow-on activity (without Bureau financial support)
ensuring that Bureau supported programs are not isolated events.
6. Evaluation: Proposals should include a detailed plan to monitor
and evaluate the program. A draft survey questionnaire plus a
description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original
project objectives should be included. Successful applicants will be
expected to submit intermediate reports after each project component
concludes or on a quarterly basis, whichever is less frequent.
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. The funding authority
for this program is provided through the Support for East European
Democracies (SEED) Act of 1989.
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.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures.
Dated: March 6, 2003.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 03-6083 Filed 3-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P