Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: Africa Workforce Development, 23897-23901 [05-8990]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 86 / Thursday, May 5, 2005 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
8482, or by e-mail to Cherise Reid at
reidcherised@State.gov.
[Public Notice 4898]
Harold S. Burman,
Executive Director, Secretary of State’s
Advisory Committee on Private International
Law, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 05–8987 Filed 5–4–05; 8:45 am]
Secretary of State’s Advisory
Committee on Private International
Law: Notice of Renewal of Charter
The Charter of the Secretary of State’s
Advisory Committee on Private
International Law was renewed on
January 11, 2005 and expires on January
10, 2007.
The Advisory Committee assists the
State Department to monitor domestic
and international developments in
private international law, provides a
means for state, local and private sector
viewpoints to be made available to the
Department, and provides information
to assist in the development of positions
for international efforts to harmonize or
negotiate uniform rules of private law
through model national laws, legal
guidelines, treaties, and other means.
The Advisory Committee has focused
on work undertaken or proposed for
various international bodies, including
but not limited to the Hague Conference
on Private International Law; the United
Nations Commission on International
Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the
International Institute for the
Unification of Private Law UNIDROIT),
and the Organization of American States
(OAS).
Topics reviewed by the Committee
include, but are not limited to,
jurisdiction and enforcement of foreign
judgments; party choice of forum,
enforcement of foreign arbitral awards;
cross-border business insolvency law;
the protection of minors; inter-country
adoption; child abduction; electronic
commerce; secured finance; carriage of
goods by sea and by other modes of
transportation; international
franchising; and other topics of current
interest in private law as they arise.
Meetings are open to the public, and
participation by the public is relied on
for the Committee’s work. Interested
persons, organizations, academic
centers and others can participate pro
bono in all aspects of the Committee’s
work. All interested parties can seek
additional information from the Office
of the Assistant Legal Adviser for
Private International Law (L/PIL),
Department of State, by contacting
Jeffrey Kovar, Mary Helen Carlson or
Hal Burman at 202–776–8420, fax 776–
VerDate jul<14>2003
13:10 May 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
BILLING CODE 4710–08–P
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 5060]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant
Proposals: Africa Workforce
Development
Announcement Type: New Grant.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/
PE/C/NEAAF–05–49.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates: Application Deadline: June
6, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Office of
Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs, United
States Department of State, announces
an open competition for grants to
support exchanges and training
programs promoting ‘‘Africa Workforce
Development.’’ U.S. 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 implement exchanges and
training programs involving participants
from Sub-Saharan Africa, including
training conducted in Sub-Saharan
Africa. These U.S. organizations should
provide evidence of a current expertise
in Sub-Saharan Africa, or experience
working in Sub-Saharan Africa, and
work in conjunction with Sub-Saharan
African NGO partners. Three grants, not
exceeding $133,333 each, are
anticipated, although more awards
could be accommodated if they are at
smaller amounts.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00064
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
23897
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 the Conference
Report accompanying the FY–2005
Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub.
L. 108–447) which earmarks $400,000 to
support Africa Workforce Development.
Purpose: The Bureau seeks proposals
for an exchange program on African
Workforce Development. U.S.-African
partnership is emphasized as a mutually
beneficial, direct and efficient method
of promoting this goal. Partnerships
promote the interests and long-term
commitment of African and American
participants going beyond U.S.
government financing. The Bureau
encourages applicants to consider
carefully the choice of target countries.
Applicants should research the work of
development agencies (such as USAID,
UN agencies) on the target themes, and
select countries for which there has
been limited investment on the issue.
Applicants are encouraged to contact
the Public Affairs Sections (PAS) in U.S.
Embassies in Africa, and the Office of
Citizen Exchanges, to discuss proposed
activities and their relevance to mission
priorities.
Proposals should focus on one or two
countries rather than a large group so as
to maximize impact. The Bureau offers
the following programming ideas and
suggestions.
Africa Workforce Development: The
purpose of this program is to enhance
Workforce Development efforts in SubSaharan Africa through Citizen
Exchanges. ECA has set the following
broad goals for the program this year:
• To foster a more productive and
fully employed workforce in Africa
through collaboration between U.S. and
African workforce development
specialists;
• To develop professional and
personal linkages between African and
U.S. host institutions and communities
that will lead to sustained interaction;
• To promote mutual understanding
between cultures and societies in the
U.S. and Africa.
The Office realizes that there are
many different approaches to workforce
development, and is open to a wide
variety of program plans. However, in
order to be eligible for consideration,
each proposal must explain its
methodology for assessing workforce
development needs and explain how its
choice of needs to be addressed in the
proposed program is relevant to the
focus country(ies). In addition, the
Office recommends that each applicant
E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM
05MYN1
23898
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 86 / Thursday, May 5, 2005 / Notices
consider addressing the following
objectives in its plan:
• Assist citizens in making the
transition from academic studies to
participation in the workforce;
• Assist citizens in learning skills and
attitudes which make them more
employable;
• Guide citizens in seeking jobs and
in carrying them out satisfactorily;
• Provide training in information
technology;
• Assist Africans in identifying
workforce needs and developing plans
to ameliorate those needs;
• Develop programs which are
adaptable to local and individual needs;
and
• Develop programs that will attract
and maintain the attention of citizens,
encouraging their initiative and
commitment.
The commitment of African partners
will be important to long-term program
success, and applicants should consider
the possibility of selecting African
partners through a competitive process
to assess their commitment and
capability.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant Agreement.
ECA’s level of involvement in this
program is listed under number I above.
Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
Approximate Total Funding:
$400,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 3.
Approximate Average Award:
$133,333.
Anticipated Award Date: Pending
availability of funds, September 1, 2005.
Anticipated Project Completion Date:
September 1, 2007.
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
Proposals that clearly demonstrate
significant cost sharing—with 25% of
the amount requested from ECA as the
preferred target—will be judged more
competitive under review criterion #10.
When cost sharing is offered, it is
understood and agreed that the
applicant must provide the amount of
cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal
and later included in an approved grant
agreement. Cost sharing may be in the
form of allowable direct or indirect
costs. For accountability, you must
maintain written records to support all
VerDate jul<14>2003
13:52 May 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
costs which are claimed as your
contribution, as well as costs to be paid
by the Federal government. Such
records are subject to audit. The basis
for determining the value of cash and
in-kind contributions must be in
accordance with OMB Circular A–110,
(Revised), Subpart C.23—Cost Sharing
and Matching. In the event you do not
provide the minimum amount of cost
sharing as stipulated in the approved
budget, ECA’s contribution will be
reduced in like proportion.
III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements
Grants awarded to eligible
organizations with less than four years
of experience in conducting
international exchange programs will be
limited to $60,000. If one or more grants
are approved at or below that limit, it
will affect the number and amounts of
other grants; however, the total amount
available to be awarded across all grants
in this competition is $400,000.
IV. Application and Submission
Information
Note: Please read the complete Federal
Register announcement before sending
inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the
RFGP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may
not discuss this competition with applicants
until the proposal review process has been
completed.
IV.1. Contact Information to Request an
Application Package
To obtain an application package for
this competition, please see IV.2 below.
IV.2. To Download a Solicitation
Package Via Internet
The entire Solicitation Package may
be downloaded from the Bureau’s Web
site at https://exchanges.state.gov/
education/rfgps/menu.htm. Please read
all information before downloading.
IV.3. Content and Form of Submission
Applicants must follow all
instructions in the Solicitation Package.
The original and ten 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 https://
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1–
866–705–5711. Please ensure that your
PO 00000
Frm 00065
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
DUNS number is included in the
appropriate box of the SF–424 which is
part of the formal application package.
IV.3b. All proposals must contain an
executive summary, proposal narrative
and budget.
Please Refer to the Solicitation
Package. It contains the mandatory
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI)
document for additional formatting and
technical requirements.
IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status
with the IRS at the time of application.
If your organization is a private
nonprofit which has not received a grant
or cooperative agreement from ECA in
the past three years, or if your
organization received nonprofit status
from the IRS within the past four years,
you must submit the necessary
documentation to verify nonprofit status
as directed in the PSI document. Failure
to do so will cause your proposal to be
declared technically ineligible.
IV.3d. Please take into consideration
the following information when
preparing your proposal narrative:
IV.3d.1. Adherence to All Regulations
Governing the J Visa. The 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 part 62,
which covers the administration of the
Exchange Visitor Program (J visa
program). Under the terms of 22 CFR
part 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
part 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 part 62. If your organization
has experience as a designated
Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor, the
E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM
05MYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 86 / Thursday, May 5, 2005 / Notices
applicant should discuss their record of
compliance with 22 CFR part 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 https://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.
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 disabilities. 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 contain an
evaluation plan that describes how the
applicant organization intends to gather
data on the project’s effectiveness in
achieving its outcomes. Competitive
evaluation plans will include the
following four components:
VerDate jul<14>2003
13:10 May 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
a. A restatement of anticipated
outcomes;
b. A list of data the applicant would
collect in order to assess progress
toward each outcome;
c. A description of how the applicant
would collect the information (for
example, through surveys) and a draft
timeline for collecting data;
d. Draft questionnaires, surveys, focus
group questions, or other instruments
with which the applicant would gather
quantitative and qualitative data.
Proposals should indicate how each
instrument would provide information
on progress toward each project
outcome.
Statement of Anticipated Outcomes:
Proposals should indicate the category
of each outcome such as participant
satisfaction, participant learning,
participant behavior, or institutional
change.
Data To Be Collected: Proposals
should list the data that applicants
would collect. Applicants may use
quantitative data or qualitative data to
measure progress toward outcomes.
Below are examples of data that
applicants might collect for each type of
outcome as well as sample survey
questions that applicants might use to
gather this data:
Example 1:
Outcome: Participants are satisfied
with the exchange experience.
Outcome type: Participant
Satisfaction.
Data to be collected: Percent of
participants who express satisfaction
with the exchange experience based on
an average of several factors.
Sample question: On a scale of one to
five (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very
satisfied), please rate your satisfaction
with (a) project administration, (b)
content, (c) variety of experiences, (d)
relevance to professional or educational
development.
Example 2:
Outcome: Participants increase their
abilities to organize volunteer activities
in their home communities.
Outcome type: Participant Learning.
Data to be collected: Percent of
participants who improved their
abilities in areas necessary to organize
volunteer activities.
Sample question: On a scale of one to
four (1 = no or very limited ability, 4 =
substantial ability), please rate your
ability in the following areas: (a)
Volunteer recruitment, (b) volunteer
management, (c) community outreach,
(d) resource management.
Example 3:
Outcome: Participants increase their
participation and/or responsibility in
community or civil society.
PO 00000
Frm 00066
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
23899
Outcome type: Participant Behavior.
Data to be collected: Percent of
participants who increase their
participation or level of responsibility.
Sample question: As a direct result of
your participation in the exchange, have
you done or received any of the
following in your community (answer
yes or no to each item): (a) Assumed a
leadership role or position in your
community, (b) organized or initiated
new activities or projects in your
community, (c) established a new
organization in your community.
Example 4:
Outcome: Increased collaboration and
linkages.
Outcome type: Institutional changes.
Data to be collected: Percent of
participants who establish or continue
professional collaboration.
Sample question: Have you
established or continued any
professional collaboration that grew out
of your exchange experience? (Answer
yes or no)
Methods and Timeline: Applicant
organizations should plan to gather data
a minimum of three times during the
project: (1) Before exchange activities,
(2) following exchange activities, and (3)
as a follow-up (approximately six
months to a year after exchange
activities). The exact timing depends on
the nature of the project itself. Proposals
should suggest grant periods of
sufficient length to collect follow-up
information.
Applicants should consider the
timing of data collection for each level
of outcome. For example, grantees may
measure participant learning at the end
of an activity since this is a shorter-term
outcome. Behavioral and institutional
outcomes are longer-term and it might
not be possible to adequately assess
them until a follow-up survey. Preprogram surveys should collect baseline
data as appropriate.
Draft data collection instruments:
Proposals should include sample
surveys, lists of questions, or other
instruments that the applicant
organization proposes to use.
Applicants should include samples of
instruments they would use during each
evaluation activity (pre-program, postprogram, and follow-up).
Evaluation plans should describe how
the applicant will tabulate data, where
the data will be kept, and who will have
access to such data. Interim and final
reports should provide summary data in
tabular and graphic form as well as
tabulated raw data. ECA may ask for
immediate notice of information that
indicates significant progress or delay in
achieving outcomes. All data collected,
including survey responses and contact
E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM
05MYN1
23900
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 86 / Thursday, May 5, 2005 / Notices
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. There must be a summary
budget as well as breakdowns reflecting
both administrative and program
budgets. Applicants may provide
separate sub-budgets for each program
component, phase, location, or activity
to provide clarification.
IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the
program include the following: (1)
Direct Program Expenses (including
general program expenses, such as
orientation and program-related
supplies, educational materials,
traveling campaigns, consultants,
interpreters, and room rental; and
participant program expenses, such as
domestic and international travel and
per diem).
(2) Administrative Expenses,
including indirect costs (i.e. salaries,
telephone/fax, and other direct
administrative costs).
(3) Travel costs for visa processing
purposes: All foreign participants
funded by any grant agreement resulting
from this competition must travel on J–
1 visas. Failure to secure a J–1 visa for
the foreign participant will preclude
charging the participant’s cost to the
grant agreement. Participants will apply
for J–1 visas only after the Office of
Citizen Exchanges and the mission
Public Affairs Section or consulate have
approved their participation in this
program. The Office of Citizen
Exchanges will issue DS–2019 forms
and deliver to foreign program visitors
through the mission Public Affairs
Section. All J visas for African program
visitors must be issued by the Posts in
the target country, so proposals should
include costs for potential participants
to travel to those Posts to pick up DS–
2019 forms and for visa interviews and
processing.
Please refer to the Solicitation
Package for complete budget guidelines
and formatting instructions.
IV.3f. Submission Dates and Times:
Application Deadline Date: June 6,
2005.
Explanation of Deadline and
Shipping Method: 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
VerDate jul<14>2003
13:10 May 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
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 nine 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/NEAAF–05–49, Program
Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 534,
301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC
20547.
Along with the Project Title, all
applicants must enter the above
Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF–
424 contained in the mandatory
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI)
of the solicitation document.
IV.3g. Intergovernmental Review of
Applications: Executive Order 12372
does not apply to this program.
Applicants must also submit the
‘‘Executive Summary’’ and ‘‘Proposal
Narrative’’ sections of the proposal in
text (.txt) format on a PC-formatted disk.
The Bureau will provide these files
electronically to the appropriate Public
Affairs Section(s) at the U.S.
embassy(ies) for its (their) review.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00067
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
the program office, as well as the Public
Diplomacy section overseas, where
appropriate. Eligible proposals will be
subject to compliance with Federal and
Bureau regulations and guidelines and
forwarded to Bureau grant panels for
advisory review. Proposals may also be
reviewed by the Office of the Legal
Adviser or by other Department
elements. Final funding decisions are at
the discretion of the Department of
State’s Assistant Secretary for
Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final
technical authority for 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
conceptualization: Proposals should
exhibit originality, substance, precision,
and relevance to the Bureau’s mission.
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 ‘‘smart’’
(specific, measurable, attainable, resultsoriented and placed in a reasonable time
frame). Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the institution will
meet the program’s objectives and plan.
4. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed
programs should strengthen long-term
mutual understanding, including
maximum sharing of information and
establishment of long-term institutional
and individual linkages.
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 wrapup sessions, program meetings, resource
materials and follow-up activities).
6. Institutional Capacity: Proposed
personnel and institutional resources
should be adequate and appropriate to
achieve the program or project’s goals.
In order to qualify for a grant of more
than $60,000, the proposal must
demonstrate an institutional record of
conducting more than four years of
successful international exchanges. If
the applicant has received previous
support from the ECA Bureau, the
proposal should show responsible fiscal
E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM
05MYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 86 / Thursday, May 5, 2005 / Notices
management and full compliance with
ECA Bureau reporting requirements.
7. Post-grant Activities: Proposals
should provide a plan for continued
follow-on activity (without Bureau
support) ensuring that Bureau
supported programs are not isolated
events.
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.
The plan should follow the guidance
given in Section IV.3d.3 above.
9. Cost-effectiveness: 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.
10. Cost-sharing: Proposals should
maximize cost-sharing through other
private sector support as well as
institutional direct funding
contributions. Note Section III.2 above
which states that proposals that clearly
demonstrate significant cost sharing—
with 25% of the amount requested from
ECA as the preferred target—will be
judged more competitive under this
criterion.
11. Value to U.S.-Partner Country
Relations: Proposed projects should
receive positive assessments by the U.S.
Department of State’s geographic area
desk and overseas officers of program
need, potential impact, and significance
in the partner country(ies).
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
VerDate jul<14>2003
13:10 May 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
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 Nonprofit Organizations.
Please refer to the following Web sites
for additional information: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants.
https://exchanges.state.gov/education/
grantsdiv/terms.htm#articleI.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
Grantees must provide ECA with a
hard copy original plus two copies of
the following reports:
1. A final program and financial
report no more than 90 days after the
expiration of the award;
2. Quarterly program and financial
reports.
Grantees will be required to provide
reports analyzing their evaluation
findings to the Bureau in their regular
program reports. (Please refer to IV.
Application and Submission
Instructions (IV.3.d.3) above for Program
Monitoring and Evaluation information.
All data collected, including survey
responses and contact information, must
be maintained for a minimum of three
years and provided to the Bureau upon
request.
All reports must be sent to the ECA
Grants Officer and ECA Program Officer
listed in the final assistance award
document.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this
announcement, contact: James E. Ogul,
Office of Citizens Exchange, ECA/PE/C/
NEA–AF, Room 216, U.S. Department of
State, SA–44, 301 4th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20547, Telephone:
202–453–8161, Fax: 202–453–8168,
Internet address: ogulje@state.gov. All
correspondence with the Bureau
concerning this RFGP should reference
the above title and number ECA/PE/C/
NEAAF–05–49.
Please read the complete Federal
Register announcement before sending
inquiries or submitting proposals. Once
PO 00000
Frm 00068
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
23901
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: April 28, 2005.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs,
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 05–8990 Filed 5–4–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Agency Information Collection
Activities Under OMB Review
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In compliance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice
announces that the Information
Collection Requests (ICR) abstracted
below have been forwarded to the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) for
extension of the currently approved
collections. The ICR describes the
nature of the information collection and
the expected burden. The Federal
Register Notices with a 60-day comment
period soliciting comments on the
following collections of information
were published on February 17, 2005,
pages 8132–8133, with the exception of
the notice for 2120–0574, which was
published on August 25, 2004, page
52324.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
or before, June 6, 2005. A comment to
OMB is most effective if OMB receives
it within 30 days of publication.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judy
Street on (202) 267–9895.
E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM
05MYN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 86 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23897-23901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8990]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 5060]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for
Grant Proposals: Africa Workforce Development
Announcement Type: New Grant.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/NEAAF-05-49.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates: Application Deadline: June 6, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State,
announces an open competition for grants to support exchanges and
training programs promoting ``Africa Workforce Development.'' U.S.
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 implement exchanges and training
programs involving participants from Sub-Saharan Africa, including
training conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa. These U.S. organizations
should provide evidence of a current expertise in Sub-Saharan Africa,
or experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, and work in conjunction
with Sub-Saharan African NGO partners. Three grants, not exceeding
$133,333 each, are anticipated, although more awards could be
accommodated if they are at smaller amounts.
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 the Conference Report accompanying the FY-2005 Consolidated
Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 108-447) which earmarks $400,000 to support
Africa Workforce Development.
Purpose: The Bureau seeks proposals for an exchange program on
African Workforce Development. U.S.-African partnership is emphasized
as a mutually beneficial, direct and efficient method of promoting this
goal. Partnerships promote the interests and long-term commitment of
African and American participants going beyond U.S. government
financing. The Bureau encourages applicants to consider carefully the
choice of target countries. Applicants should research the work of
development agencies (such as USAID, UN agencies) on the target themes,
and select countries for which there has been limited investment on the
issue. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Public Affairs Sections
(PAS) in U.S. Embassies in Africa, and the Office of Citizen Exchanges,
to discuss proposed activities and their relevance to mission
priorities.
Proposals should focus on one or two countries rather than a large
group so as to maximize impact. The Bureau offers the following
programming ideas and suggestions.
Africa Workforce Development: The purpose of this program is to
enhance Workforce Development efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa through
Citizen Exchanges. ECA has set the following broad goals for the
program this year:
To foster a more productive and fully employed workforce
in Africa through collaboration between U.S. and African workforce
development specialists;
To develop professional and personal linkages between
African and U.S. host institutions and communities that will lead to
sustained interaction;
To promote mutual understanding between cultures and
societies in the U.S. and Africa.
The Office realizes that there are many different approaches to
workforce development, and is open to a wide variety of program plans.
However, in order to be eligible for consideration, each proposal must
explain its methodology for assessing workforce development needs and
explain how its choice of needs to be addressed in the proposed program
is relevant to the focus country(ies). In addition, the Office
recommends that each applicant
[[Page 23898]]
consider addressing the following objectives in its plan:
Assist citizens in making the transition from academic
studies to participation in the workforce;
Assist citizens in learning skills and attitudes which
make them more employable;
Guide citizens in seeking jobs and in carrying them out
satisfactorily;
Provide training in information technology;
Assist Africans in identifying workforce needs and
developing plans to ameliorate those needs;
Develop programs which are adaptable to local and
individual needs; and
Develop programs that will attract and maintain the
attention of citizens, encouraging their initiative and commitment.
The commitment of African partners will be important to long-term
program success, and applicants should consider the possibility of
selecting African partners through a competitive process to assess
their commitment and capability.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant Agreement. ECA's level of involvement in this
program is listed under number I above.
Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.
Approximate Total Funding: $400,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 3.
Approximate Average Award: $133,333.
Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, September 1,
2005.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 1, 2007.
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
Proposals that clearly demonstrate significant cost sharing--with
25% of the amount requested from ECA as the preferred target--will be
judged more competitive under review criterion 10.
When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the
applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its
proposal and later included in an approved grant agreement. Cost
sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For
accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs
which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by
the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis
for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in
accordance with OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), Subpart C.23--Cost
Sharing and Matching. In the event you do not provide the minimum
amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's
contribution will be reduced in like proportion.
III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements
Grants awarded to eligible organizations with less than four years
of experience in conducting international exchange programs will be
limited to $60,000. If one or more grants are approved at or below that
limit, it will affect the number and amounts of other grants; however,
the total amount available to be awarded across all grants in this
competition is $400,000.
IV. Application and Submission Information
Note: Please read the complete Federal Register announcement
before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP
deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition
with applicants until the proposal review process has been
completed.
IV.1. Contact Information to Request an Application Package
To obtain an application package for this competition, please see
IV.2 below.
IV.2. To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's
Web site at https://exchanges.state.gov/education/rfgps/menu.htm. Please
read all information before downloading.
IV.3. Content and Form of Submission
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation
Package. The original and ten 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 https://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-
5711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the
appropriate box of the SF-424 which is part of the formal application
package.
IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal
narrative and budget.
Please Refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document for additional
formatting and technical requirements.
IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of
application. If your organization is a private nonprofit which has not
received a grant or cooperative agreement from ECA in the past three
years, or if your organization received nonprofit status from the IRS
within the past four years, you must submit the necessary documentation
to verify nonprofit status as directed in the PSI document. Failure to
do so will cause your proposal to be declared technically ineligible.
IV.3d. Please take into consideration the following information
when preparing your proposal narrative:
IV.3d.1. Adherence to All Regulations Governing the J Visa. The
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 part 62, which
covers the administration of the Exchange Visitor Program (J visa
program). Under the terms of 22 CFR part 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 part 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 part 62. If your organization has experience as
a designated Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor, the
[[Page 23899]]
applicant should discuss their record of compliance with 22 CFR part 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 https://
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.
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 disabilities.
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 contain
an evaluation plan that describes how the applicant organization
intends to gather data on the project's effectiveness in achieving its
outcomes. Competitive evaluation plans will include the following four
components:
a. A restatement of anticipated outcomes;
b. A list of data the applicant would collect in order to assess
progress toward each outcome;
c. A description of how the applicant would collect the information
(for example, through surveys) and a draft timeline for collecting
data;
d. Draft questionnaires, surveys, focus group questions, or other
instruments with which the applicant would gather quantitative and
qualitative data. Proposals should indicate how each instrument would
provide information on progress toward each project outcome.
Statement of Anticipated Outcomes: Proposals should indicate the
category of each outcome such as participant satisfaction, participant
learning, participant behavior, or institutional change.
Data To Be Collected: Proposals should list the data that
applicants would collect. Applicants may use quantitative data or
qualitative data to measure progress toward outcomes. Below are
examples of data that applicants might collect for each type of outcome
as well as sample survey questions that applicants might use to gather
this data:
Example 1:
Outcome: Participants are satisfied with the exchange experience.
Outcome type: Participant Satisfaction.
Data to be collected: Percent of participants who express
satisfaction with the exchange experience based on an average of
several factors.
Sample question: On a scale of one to five (1 = very dissatisfied,
5 = very satisfied), please rate your satisfaction with (a) project
administration, (b) content, (c) variety of experiences, (d) relevance
to professional or educational development.
Example 2:
Outcome: Participants increase their abilities to organize
volunteer activities in their home communities.
Outcome type: Participant Learning.
Data to be collected: Percent of participants who improved their
abilities in areas necessary to organize volunteer activities.
Sample question: On a scale of one to four (1 = no or very limited
ability, 4 = substantial ability), please rate your ability in the
following areas: (a) Volunteer recruitment, (b) volunteer management,
(c) community outreach, (d) resource management.
Example 3:
Outcome: Participants increase their participation and/or
responsibility in community or civil society.
Outcome type: Participant Behavior.
Data to be collected: Percent of participants who increase their
participation or level of responsibility.
Sample question: As a direct result of your participation in the
exchange, have you done or received any of the following in your
community (answer yes or no to each item): (a) Assumed a leadership
role or position in your community, (b) organized or initiated new
activities or projects in your community, (c) established a new
organization in your community.
Example 4:
Outcome: Increased collaboration and linkages.
Outcome type: Institutional changes.
Data to be collected: Percent of participants who establish or
continue professional collaboration.
Sample question: Have you established or continued any professional
collaboration that grew out of your exchange experience? (Answer yes or
no)
Methods and Timeline: Applicant organizations should plan to gather
data a minimum of three times during the project: (1) Before exchange
activities, (2) following exchange activities, and (3) as a follow-up
(approximately six months to a year after exchange activities). The
exact timing depends on the nature of the project itself. Proposals
should suggest grant periods of sufficient length to collect follow-up
information.
Applicants should consider the timing of data collection for each
level of outcome. For example, grantees may measure participant
learning at the end of an activity since this is a shorter-term
outcome. Behavioral and institutional outcomes are longer-term and it
might not be possible to adequately assess them until a follow-up
survey. Pre-program surveys should collect baseline data as
appropriate.
Draft data collection instruments: Proposals should include sample
surveys, lists of questions, or other instruments that the applicant
organization proposes to use. Applicants should include samples of
instruments they would use during each evaluation activity (pre-
program, post-program, and follow-up).
Evaluation plans should describe how the applicant will tabulate
data, where the data will be kept, and who will have access to such
data. Interim and final reports should provide summary data in tabular
and graphic form as well as tabulated raw data. ECA may ask for
immediate notice of information that indicates significant progress or
delay in achieving outcomes. All data collected, including survey
responses and contact
[[Page 23900]]
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. There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns
reflecting both administrative and program budgets. Applicants may
provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase,
location, or activity to provide clarification.
IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program include the following: (1)
Direct Program Expenses (including general program expenses, such as
orientation and program-related supplies, educational materials,
traveling campaigns, consultants, interpreters, and room rental; and
participant program expenses, such as domestic and international travel
and per diem).
(2) Administrative Expenses, including indirect costs (i.e.
salaries, telephone/fax, and other direct administrative costs).
(3) Travel costs for visa processing purposes: All foreign
participants funded by any grant agreement resulting from this
competition must travel on J-1 visas. Failure to secure a J-1 visa for
the foreign participant will preclude charging the participant's cost
to the grant agreement. Participants will apply for J-1 visas only
after the Office of Citizen Exchanges and the mission Public Affairs
Section or consulate have approved their participation in this program.
The Office of Citizen Exchanges will issue DS-2019 forms and deliver to
foreign program visitors through the mission Public Affairs Section.
All J visas for African program visitors must be issued by the Posts in
the target country, so proposals should include costs for potential
participants to travel to those Posts to pick up DS-2019 forms and for
visa interviews and processing.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget
guidelines and formatting instructions.
IV.3f. Submission Dates and Times: Application Deadline Date: June
6, 2005.
Explanation of Deadline and Shipping Method: 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 nine 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/NEAAF-05-49, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM,
Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above
Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) of the solicitation document.
IV.3g. Intergovernmental Review of Applications: Executive Order
12372 does not apply to this program.
Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal in text (.txt) format
on a PC-formatted disk. The Bureau will provide these files
electronically to the appropriate Public Affairs Section(s) at the U.S.
embassy(ies) for its (their) review.
V. Application Review Information
V.1. Review Process
The Bureau will review all proposals for technical eligibility.
Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the
guidelines stated herein and in the Solicitation Package. All eligible
proposals will be reviewed by the program office, as well as the Public
Diplomacy section overseas, where appropriate. Eligible proposals will
be subject to compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and
guidelines and forwarded to Bureau grant panels for advisory review.
Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by
other Department elements. Final funding decisions are at the
discretion of the Department of State's Assistant Secretary for
Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for
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 conceptualization: Proposals should
exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the
Bureau's mission.
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
``smart'' (specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented and
placed in a reasonable time frame). Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and
plan.
4. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed programs should strengthen
long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual
linkages.
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 institutional
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or
project's goals. In order to qualify for a grant of more than $60,000,
the proposal must demonstrate an institutional record of conducting
more than four years of successful international exchanges. If the
applicant has received previous support from the ECA Bureau, the
proposal should show responsible fiscal
[[Page 23901]]
management and full compliance with ECA Bureau reporting requirements.
7. Post-grant Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for
continued follow-on activity (without Bureau support) ensuring that
Bureau supported programs are not isolated events.
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. The plan should follow the guidance given in Section
IV.3d.3 above.
9. Cost-effectiveness: 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.
10. Cost-sharing: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through
other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding
contributions. Note Section III.2 above which states that proposals
that clearly demonstrate significant cost sharing--with 25% of the
amount requested from ECA as the preferred target--will be judged more
competitive under this criterion.
11. Value to U.S.-Partner Country Relations: Proposed projects
should receive positive assessments by the U.S. Department of State's
geographic area desk and overseas officers of program need, potential
impact, and significance in the partner country(ies).
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 refer to the following Web sites for additional information:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants.
https://exchanges.state.gov/education/grantsdiv/terms.htm#articleI.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
Grantees must provide ECA with a hard copy original plus two copies
of the following reports:
1. A final program and financial report no more than 90 days after
the expiration of the award;
2. Quarterly program and financial reports.
Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their
evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports.
(Please refer to IV. Application and Submission Instructions (IV.3.d.3)
above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information.
All data collected, including survey responses and contact
information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and
provided to the Bureau upon request.
All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program
Officer listed in the final assistance award document.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: James E. Ogul,
Office of Citizens Exchange, ECA/PE/C/NEA-AF, Room 216, U.S. Department
of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, Telephone:
202-453-8161, Fax: 202-453-8168, Internet address: ogulje@state.gov.
All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should
reference the above title and number ECA/PE/C/NEAAF-05-49.
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: April 28, 2005.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 05-8990 Filed 5-4-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P