Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: Future Leaders Exchange Civic Education Workshop, 62010-62014 [05-21471]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 207 (Thursday, October 27, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62010-62014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21471]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 5210]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for 
Grant Proposals: Future Leaders Exchange Civic Education Workshop

    Announcement Type: New Grant.
    Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline: November 28, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs 
Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an 
open competition to conduct the Spring 2006 Civic Education workshop 
for the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program. Overall goals of the 
workshop are: (1) To expose high school students from Eurasia to 
Federal political processes and citizen participation in government at 
the national level; (2) to examine the concept of effective leadership 
in society through looking at positive and negative examples and role 
models; (3) to instill in students the importance of tolerance and 
respect for individual differences in a civil society; and (4) to 
provide students with specific tools they can take home to aid in the 
transformation of their home countries to democratic and civil 
societies. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the 
provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 
501(c)(3) may submit proposals to develop and conduct a one-week 
workshop in Washington, DC, in spring 2006 that focuses on the basic 
tenets of the Constitution and the fundamental elements of a civil 
society, including the relationship between the Federal government and 
State and local governments, and the rule of law in a civil society.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Authority

    Overall grant-making authority for this program is contained in the 
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-
256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of 
the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase 
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the 
people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us 
with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural 
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United 
States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of 
friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States 
and the other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the 
program above is provided through legislation.
    Purpose: This workshop is being conducted to expose approximately 
110-120 high school students from Eurasia to important elements of a 
civil society, as described in the goals above. The recipient of the 
grant is responsible for developing and conducting the Civic Education 
workshop based on

[[Page 62011]]

guidelines set forth by ECA's Youth Programs Division. Workshop 
participants will be attending school in the United States during 2005/
06 under the Division's FLEX program. They will be selected through an 
essay contest from among a group of 1,200 current FLEX students. 
Competitive proposals will demonstrate a method for substantive and 
specific measurement of whether the goals listed above have been 
achieved. The maximum grant award will be $155,000. Only one grant will 
be awarded. An effort should be made to maximize cost sharing through 
other private sector support as well as direct institutional funding 
contributions. Provision of cost sharing to maximize the number of 
participants will be looked at very favorably.
    Program Information: The grantee organization will be responsible 
for coordinating travel arrangements for each participant from his/her 
host community to Washington, DC, and return, and for providing room 
and board for students during their time in Washington. Proposals must 
demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to work with the Department 
of State and the Bureau in arranging certain briefings and visits, as 
the opportunity arises.
    Overview: This workshop should enable participants to learn 
firsthand about the federal system of government, observe government 
institutions, hear about and discuss issues on the federal agenda, and 
interact with government officials. Special attention should be paid to 
those issues that will be especially significant to people from the 
countries of Eurasia. The workshop should also provide an opportunity 
for participants to gain a broader understanding of democratic concepts 
and values that are such an integral part of American society and 
culture, such as citizen empowerment, volunteerism, community action, 
and respect and tolerance for diversity and individual differences and 
points of view. The program should be arranged for seven days, 
including arrival and departure.
    The grantee organization will be provided with the names of the 
students who will have been chosen through the competitive essay 
contest conducted by another grantee organization. A group of 
independent, objective selectors will review the essays. Winning essays 
will be sent to the Civic Education grantee organization, as well.
    Guidelines: The workshop should be held in late winter or early 
Spring 2006. Proposals must effectively describe the organization's 
ability to accomplish the following essential components of the 
program:
    1. Provide a Civic Education workshop in Washington, DC, as 
described above and held at the time period indicated. Congress must be 
in session during this time. Program components should include sessions 
on federalism, U.S. domestic and foreign policy, the role of the media 
in the United States, citizen empowerment, volunteerism, community 
activism, and respect and tolerance for individual differences and 
points of view. Leadership should be a sub-theme throughout the program 
and should include the effective exercise of leadership in the 
political process.
    2. Provide pre-program training for organization staff on general 
elements of Eurasian society and culture and how this impacts on FLEX 
participants.
    3. Provide housing and meals for the students throughout the 
program.
    4. Arrange travel for students from their U.S. host communities to 
Washington, DC and return in coordination with FLEX placement 
organizations. (Note: Students will likely be coming from most of the 
50 states.) Provide ground transportation for students in the DC area, 
including to and from airports.
    5. Provide opportunities to attend relevant cultural events and 
visit museums and monuments and use these to spark further discussion 
and learning.
    6. Coordinate with the Bureau's Youth Programs Division (ECA/PE/C/
PY) and the Department's Office of Congressional Affairs (H) in making 
appropriate arrangements for individual meetings for all workshop 
participants with their respective members of Congress (either Senator 
or Representative).
    7. Provide staff to assist in case of medical emergencies.
    8. Incorporate and describe a program component designed to 
facilitate students' transition from the DC program to their host 
communities. A portion of this component should provide students with 
the opportunity to demonstrate how they will share what they have 
learned, both in their U.S. host communities and when they return to 
their home countries.
    9. Provide a mechanism for evaluation of the program in terms of 
its impact on the students and its success in fulfilling the 
objectives.
    A competitive proposal will incorporate important elements of 
American culture in sessions that are largely interactive and designed 
to appeal to high school-age students. The program must be substantive 
and academic while, at the same time, be paced realistically to meet 
the needs of people in this age group.
    Significant cost sharing is important since it will enable a 
greater number of students to participate. Therefore, those proposals 
that show more generous and creative cost sharing will be more 
favorably viewed. Please refer to the Program Objectives, Goals, and 
Implementation (POGI) section of the Solicitation Package for greater 
detail regarding the design of component parts as well as other program 
information.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant Agreement.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 06.
    Approximate Total Funding: $155,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
    Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, January 
2006.
    Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of this 
program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is 
ECA's intent to renew this grant for two additional fiscal years, 
before openly competing it again.

III. Eligibility Information

    III.1. Eligible applicants: Applications may be submitted by public 
and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described 
in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).
    III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds: There is no minimum or 
maximum percentage required for this competition. However, the Bureau 
encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and 
funding in support of its programs. Proposals should maximize cost 
sharing through other private sector support as well as institutional 
direct funding contributions. When cost sharing is offered, it is 
understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of 
cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an 
approved grant agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable 
direct or indirect costs. For accountability, the grantee organization 
must maintain written records to support all costs that are claimed as 
its contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal 
government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for 
determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in 
accordance with OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), Subpart C.23--Cost 
Sharing and Matching. In the event the grantee organization does not 
provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the 
approved budget, ECA's contribution will be reduced in like proportion.

[[Page 62012]]

    III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements: Bureau grant guidelines 
require that organizations with less than four years experience in 
conducting international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau 
funding. Since ECA anticipates awarding only one grant in an amount up 
to $155,000 to support program and administrative costs required to 
implement this exchange program, organizations with less than four 
years experience in conducting international exchanges are ineligible 
to apply under this competition.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    Note: Please read the complete Federal Register announcement 
before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP 
deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition 
with applicants until the proposal review process has been 
completed.


    IV.1. Contact Information to Request an Application Package: Please 
contact the Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division (ECA/
PE/C/PY), Room 568, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, 
SW., Washington, DC 20547, telephone (202)203-7513; fax (202)203-7529; 
e-mail: BeachLF@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package. Please 
refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02 located at 
the top of this announcement when making your request.
    The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission 
Instruction (PSI) document that consists of required application forms, 
and standard guidelines for proposal preparation, including additional 
formatting and technical requirements. It also contains the Project 
Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document, which provides 
specific information, award criteria and budget instructions tailored 
to this competition.
    Please specify Diana Aronson and refer to the Funding Opportunity 
Number ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02 located at the top of this announcement on all 
other inquiries and correspondence.
    IV.2. To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet: The entire 
Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's Web site at 
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 8 copies of 
the application should be sent per the instructions under IV.3e. 
``Submission Dates and Times section'' below.
    IV.3a. You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative 
agreement from the U.S. Government. This number is a nine-digit 
identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. 
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a 
DUNS number, access 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.
    IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of 
application. If your organization is a private nonprofit which has not 
received a grant or cooperative agreement from ECA in the past three 
years, or if your organization received nonprofit status from the IRS 
within the past four years, you must submit the necessary documentation 
to verify nonprofit status as directed in the PSI document. Failure to 
do so will cause your proposal to be declared technically ineligible.
    IV.3d. Please take into consideration the following information 
when preparing your proposal narrative:
    IV.3d.1 Adherence To All Regulations Governing The J Visa. For 
informational purposes only, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural 
Affairs is placing renewed emphasis on the secure and proper 
administration of Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by 
grantees and sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. A copy 
of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange 
Visitor (J) programs is available at 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) 203-5029, Fax: 
(202) 453-8640.
    IV.3d.2 Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines. Pursuant to 
the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must maintain a non-
political character and should be balanced and representative of the 
diversity of American political, social, and cultural life. 
``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass 
differences including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, 
religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and physical 
challenges. Applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere to the 
advancement of this principle both in program administration and in 
program content. Please refer to the review criteria under the `Support 
for Diversity' section for specific suggestions on incorporating 
diversity into your proposal. Public Law 104-319 provides that ``in 
carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries 
whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' the Bureau 
``shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for 
participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of 
such countries.'' Public Law 106-113 requires that the governments of 
the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in 
the selection process. Proposals should reflect advancement of these 
goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.
    IV.3d.3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation. Proposals must include 
a plan to monitor and evaluate the project's success, both as the 
activities unfold and at the end of the program. The Bureau recommends 
that your proposal include a draft survey questionnaire or other 
technique plus a description of a methodology to use to link outcomes 
to original project objectives. The Bureau expects that the grantee 
will track participants or partners and be able to respond to key 
evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the program, learning 
as a result of the program, changes in behavior as a result of the 
program, and effects of the program on institutions (institutions in 
which participants work or partner institutions). The evaluation plan 
should include indicators that measure gains in mutual understanding as 
well as substantive knowledge.
    Successful monitoring and evaluation depend heavily on setting 
clear goals and outcomes at the outset of a program. Your evaluation 
plan should include a description of your project's objectives, your 
anticipated project outcomes, and how and when you intend to measure 
these outcomes (performance indicators). The more that outcomes are 
``smart'' (specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and 
placed in a reasonable time frame), the easier it will be to conduct 
the evaluation. You should also show how your project objectives link 
to the goals of the program described in this RFGP.
    Your monitoring and evaluation plan should clearly distinguish 
between program outputs and outcomes. Outputs are products and services 
delivered, often stated as an amount. Output information is important 
to show the scope or size of project activities, but it cannot 
substitute for information about

[[Page 62013]]

progress towards outcomes or the results achieved. Examples of outputs 
include the number of people trained or the number of seminars 
conducted. Outcomes, in contrast, represent specific results a project 
is intended to achieve and is usually measured as an extent of change. 
Findings on outputs and outcomes should both be reported, but the focus 
should be on outcomes.
    We encourage you to assess the following four levels of outcomes, 
as they relate to the program goals set out in the RFGP (listed here in 
increasing order of importance):
    1. Participant satisfaction with the program and exchange 
experience.
    2. Participant learning, such as increased knowledge, aptitude, 
skills, and changed understanding and attitude. Learning includes both 
substantive (subject-specific) learning and mutual understanding.
    3. Participant behavior, concrete actions to apply knowledge in 
work or community; greater participation and responsibility in civic 
organizations; interpretation and explanation of experiences and new 
knowledge gained; continued contacts between participants, community 
members, and others.
    4. Institutional changes, such as increased collaboration and 
partnerships, policy reforms, new programming, and organizational 
improvements.


    Please note: Consideration should be given to the appropriate 
timing of data collection for each level of outcome. For example, 
satisfaction is usually captured as a short-term outcome, whereas 
behavior and institutional changes are normally considered longer-
term outcomes.


    Overall, the quality of your monitoring and evaluation plan will be 
judged on how well it (1) Specifies intended outcomes; (2) gives clear 
descriptions of how each outcome will be measured; (3) identifies when 
particular outcomes will be measured; and (4) provides a clear 
description of the data collection strategies for each outcome (i.e., 
surveys, interviews, or focus groups). (Please note that evaluation 
plans that deal only with the first level of outcomes [satisfaction] 
will be deemed less competitive under the present evaluation criteria.)
    The grantee will be required to provide reports analyzing their 
evaluation findings to the Bureau in its regular program report. All 
data collected, including survey responses and contact information, 
must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the 
Bureau upon request.
    IV.3e. Please take the following information into consideration 
when preparing your budget:
    IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the 
entire program. Organizations must bid on arranging a program for a 
minimum of 110 students but may increase the number of participants 
through cost sharing the additional expenses incurred, thus maximizing 
cost effectiveness and optimal program planning. It is estimated that 
the total costs of the Civic Education workshop will average $1,300 per 
FLEX participant for a one-week program, including domestic travel. The 
award may not exceed $155,000. Your submission must include a summary 
budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both administrative and program 
budgets. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program 
component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.
    IV.3e.2. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for further 
details, including a list of allowable costs for the program.
    IV.3f. Submission Dates and Times:
    Application Deadline Date: Monday, November 28, 2005.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Due to heightened security measures, 
proposal submissions must be sent via a nationally recognized overnight 
delivery service (i.e., DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or 
U.S. Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.) and be shipped no 
later than the above deadline. The delivery services used by applicants 
must have in-place, centralized shipping identification and tracking 
systems that may be accessed via the Internet and delivery people who 
are identifiable by commonly recognized uniforms and delivery vehicles. 
Proposals shipped on or before the above deadline but received at ECA 
more than seven days after the deadline will be ineligible for further 
consideration under this competition. Proposals shipped after the 
established deadlines are ineligible for consideration under this 
competition. It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that each 
package is marked with a legible tracking number and to monitor/confirm 
delivery to ECA via the Internet. ECA will not notify you upon receipt 
of application. Delivery of proposal packages may not be made via local 
courier service or in person for this competition. Faxed documents will 
not be accepted at any time. Only proposals submitted as stated above 
will be considered. Applications may not be submitted electronically at 
this time.
    Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation 
Package.


    Important note: When preparing your submission please make sure 
to include one extra copy of the completed SF-424 form and place it 
in an envelope addressed to ``ECA/EX/PM''.


    The original and eight (8) copies of the application should be sent 
to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural 
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 
534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
    Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above 
Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory 
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) of the solicitation document.
    IV.3g. Intergovernmental Review of Applications: Executive Order 
12372 does not apply to this program.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Review Process

    The Bureau will review all proposals for technical eligibility. 
Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the 
guidelines stated herein and in the Solicitation Package. All eligible 
proposals will be reviewed by the program office. Eligible proposals 
will be subject to compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and 
guidelines and forwarded to Bureau grant panels for advisory review. 
Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by 
other Department elements. Final funding decisions are at the 
discretion of the Department of State's Assistant Secretary for 
Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for 
assistance awards (grants) resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer.
Review Criteria
    Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed 
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank 
ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
    1. Quality of the program idea: Proposals should exhibit 
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Bureau's 
mission, as well as the objectives of the FLEX program. Program design 
must reflect an understanding of young people and of cultural traits 
that would be specific to this population.
    2. Program planning: Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should 
demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda 
and plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described 
above.
    3. Ability to achieve program objectives: Objectives should be

[[Page 62014]]

reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly 
demonstrate how the organization will meet the program's objectives and 
plan.
    4. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed programs should describe the 
impact that workshop participants will have on others, both in their 
U.S. host communities and in Eurasia after they return home. There 
should be a specific plan for providing students with tools they can 
take back to their Eurasian home countries to implement concepts and 
ideas they have gained from the workshop. Proposals also should explain 
how students will be prepared to transition back to their host 
communities.
    5. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive 
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant 
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of 
participants, program venue and program evaluation) and program content 
(orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource materials 
and follow-up activities).
    6. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and organizational 
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or 
project's goals.
    7. Institution's Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate an 
institutional record of successful exchange programs, including 
responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting 
requirements for past Bureau grants as determined by Bureau Grants 
Staff. The Bureau will consider the past performance of prior 
recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
    8. Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate 
the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of 
the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus 
description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original 
project objectives is recommended.
    9. Cost-effectiveness/Cost-sharing: The overhead and administrative 
components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be 
kept as low as possible. All other items should be necessary and 
appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through other 
private sector support as well as institutional direct funding 
contributions.

VI. Award Administration Information

    VI.1. Award Notices: Final awards cannot be made until funds have 
been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal 
Bureau procedures. Successful applicants will receive an Assistance 
Award Document (AAD) from the Bureau's Grants Office. The AAD and the 
original grant proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) 
shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient 
and the U.S. Government. The AAD will be signed by an authorized Grants 
Officer, and mailed to the recipient's responsible officer identified 
in the application. Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification 
of the results of the application review from the ECA program office 
coordinating this competition.
    VI.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Terms and 
Conditions for the Administration of ECA agreements include the 
following:
    Office of Management and Budget Circular A-122, ``Cost Principles 
for Nonprofit Organizations.''
    Office of Management and Budget Circular A-21, ``Cost Principles 
for Educational Institutions.''
    OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian 
Governments.''
    OMB Circular No. A-110 (Revised), Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations.
    OMB Circular No. A-102, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants-in-Aid to State and Local Governments.
    OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Government, and 
Non-profit Organizations.
    Please reference the following Web sites for additional 
information: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants; https://
exchanges.state.gov/education/grantsdiv/terms.htm#articleI.
    VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy 
original plus two copies of the following report: A final program and 
financial report no more than 90 days after the expiration of the 
award.
    As indicated above, the grantee will be required to provide reports 
analyzing its evaluation findings to the Bureau in its regular program 
report. (Please refer to IV. Application and Submission Instructions 
(IV.3.d.3) above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information).
    All data collected, including survey responses and contact 
information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and 
provided to the Bureau upon request.
    All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program 
Officer listed in the final assistance award document.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For questions about this announcement, contact: Diana Aronson, 
Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room 
568, ECA/PE/C/PY-06-02, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, phone--(202) 203-7501, fax--(202) 
203-7529, AronsonDS@state.gov. All correspondence with the Bureau 
concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/
PE/C/PY-06-02.
    Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before 
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has 
passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants 
until the proposal review process has been completed.

VIII. Other Information

Notice

    The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may 
not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information 
provided by the Bureau that contradicts published language will not be 
binding. Issuance of the RFGP does not constitute an award commitment 
on the part of the Government. The Bureau reserves the right to reduce, 
revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of 
the program and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject 
to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements per section VI.3 
above.

    Dated: October 19, 2005.
Dina Habib Powell,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 05-21471 Filed 10-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P