Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: Algeria Youth Leadership Program, 61928-61933 [E7-21562]

Download as PDF 61928 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 211 / Thursday, November 1, 2007 / Notices Equities Rule 5.2(j)(6)(B)(I)(1)(b)(ii) that relates to minimum trading volume for each component security is more stringent than the trading volume requirement related to options trading.8 Notwithstanding the foregoing, while a significant number of listed equity securities meet the minimum market capitalization and trading volume requirements for components of equity indexes under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(6), the Exchange represents that many do not meet the current criteria for standardized options trading. The Exchange believes that the explicit market capitalization and trading volume requirements of NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(6)(B)(I)(1)(b)(i) and (ii), respectively, are sufficient to ensure that any component security comprising an Equity Reference Asset underlying a series of Equity Index-Linked Securities will have an adequate liquid trading market. In addition, the Exchange believes that, by requiring that both proposed conditions to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(6)(B)(I)(1)(b)(v) (i.e., enhancing concentration limits for component securities and increasing the minimum number of component securities) be met in order to avail of the proposed exemption to such rule, the proposal would significantly reduce the possibility of manipulation of the index. Based on the foregoing, the Exchange believes that the protection of requiring such securities to be qualified for options trading is unnecessary. 2. Statutory Basis mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,9 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,10 in particular, in that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 8 NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(6)(B)(I)(1)(b)(ii) requires that each component security must have trading volume in each of the last six months or not less than 1,000,000 shares per month, except that for each of the lowest dollar weighted component securities in the index that, in the aggregate, account for no more than 10% of the dollar weight of the index, the trading volume shall be at least 500,000 shares per month in each of the last six months. In contrast, the options criteria for underlying securities generally require a minimum trading volume (in all markets in which the underlying security is traded) of 2,400,000 shares in the preceding twelve months, as stated above. 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 10 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:40 Oct 31, 2007 Jkt 214001 system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange believes the proposed rule change will impose no burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others The Exchange states that no written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which NYSE Arca consents, the Commission will: A. By order approve such proposed rule change, or B. Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NYSEArca–2007–110 on the subject line. post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSEArca–2007–110 and should be submitted on or before November 23, 2007. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–21454 Filed 10–31–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5980] Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: Algeria Youth Leadership Program Announcement Type: New Grant. Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/ PE/C/PY–08–12. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000. Key Dates: Paper Comments Application Deadline: January 3, • Send paper comments in triplicate 2008. to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Executive Summary: The Office of Securities and Exchange Commission, Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC Division, of the Bureau of Educational 20549–1090. and Cultural Affairs announces an open All submissions should refer to File competition for the Algeria Youth Number SR–NYSEArca–2007–110. This Leadership Program. Public and private file number should be included on the non-profit organizations meeting the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the provisions described in Internal Commission process and review your Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. comments more efficiently, please use 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). only one method. The Commission will PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 211 / Thursday, November 1, 2007 / Notices 501(c)(3) will submit proposals to recruit and select high school students in Algeria, and conduct a program in Algeria and the United States approximately six weeks in length that will focus on themes of leadership development, respecting diversity, and civic education. 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 FulbrightHays 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Purpose The Algeria Youth Leadership Program has been established to offer youth from Algeria an opportunity to interact with their American peers and jointly develop their leadership skills. The Office of Citizen Exchanges’ Youth Programs Division, through the Algeria Youth Leadership Program, will bring Algerian and American exchange participants (ages 15–17) together in the United States for approximately four weeks in the summer of 2008. The Algerian participants will also undergo two (2) weeks of intensive English language instruction before their departure to the United States. Components of the program will include: (A) Two (2) weeks of intensive English language instruction in Algeria for the Algerian participants; (B) a predeparture and post-arrival orientation for the Algerian students, each being no more than two (2) days in length; (C) approximately two (2) weeks of structured activities in U.S. communities when the Algerian students will have homestays with American families; (D) a week at a summer program site for both the Algerians and Americans; (E) a weeklong civic education workshop for both the Algerians and Americans, and (F) a one-day wrap-up session at the VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:40 Oct 31, 2007 Jkt 214001 conclusion of the program for both the Algerian and American participants. Follow-on activities for alumni will be designed to reinforce the lessons learned on the exchange and enable the alumni to apply their new skills in their home communities. The grantee organization will be responsible for the entire cycle of the program to include: Recruitment and selection of Algerian and American students; management of travel documents, international airline reservations for Algerian students and up to two (2) adult escorts, who will accompany the Algerian students and participate in the program; domestic transportation for Algerian and American participants; preparation and oversight of all programmatic components in the United States; provision of follow-on activities for Algerian alumni in their home country, and, to the extent possible, for American alumni in the United States. The grantee organization must recruit and select the Algerian exchange participants in consultation with the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers. The grantee organization must make arrangements for the students to take part in intensive English language instruction before their departure to the United States. English language classes should be no longer than two (2) weeks in duration. The grantee organization must also recruit and select American high school students. Preference will be given to a nationwide recruitment plan, though a regional recruitment plan may also be considered. The grantee organization must provide the Algerian participants with pre-departure and post-arrival orientations to prepare them for both the content and the logistics of the exchange. The American students must receive pre-program information on content and logistics. A successful project will be one that nurtures a cadre of students to be actively engaged in their schools and communities upon their return home, and that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to do so. By the end of the program, Algerian students will have developed relationships with their peers in the United States and within their delegation; developed their own impression of the United States; strengthened their English language skills; and obtained an understanding of how American democracy operates on a daily basis. The American students will develop an appreciation for another culture and learn more about Algerian society and traditions through their PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61929 relationships with the Algerian participants. Goals • To develop leadership, civic responsibility, and commitment to community service among youth; • To strengthen the English language skills of the Algerian participants; • To foster relationships between Americans and Algerians with a focus on respect for ethnic, socioeconomic and religious diversity; and • To promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Algeria. Applicants should identify their own specific program objectives, as well as measurable outcomes based on the program goals and specifications provided in this solicitation. Applicants should outline their capacity for doing projects of this nature, focusing on three areas of competency: (1) Provision of leadership and civic education programming, (2) age-appropriate programming for youth, and (3) prior work with individuals from the region. Participants Selection of Algerian students must focus on teenagers, aged 15–17, from across the country who represent the full diversity of the Algerian population. They should demonstrate an interest in the project themes and exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness. The program must also include American students, aged 15–17, who demonstrate an interest in the project themes and exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness. Care should be taken to ensure a recruitment process that targets a diverse pool of Americans from across the county (or from throughout a region). Algerian adult participants will be educators or leaders of nongovernmental organizations that work with youth. They should be available to support the participants during the course of each component of the exchange. There will be at least 20 participants from Algeria, plus the two adult escorts. They will be joined by a delegation of at least 10 American students for the camp and civic education components. Applicants must specify the size and composition of each country delegation in their proposal. U.S. Program The approximate six-week program will begin in the United States with a two-day orientation for the Algerian participants and wrap up with a oneday debriefing session for both the Algerian and American students. The E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 61930 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 211 / Thursday, November 1, 2007 / Notices camp and civic education experiences will allow Algerian and American students to build relationships, and should combine both recreational and substantive elements addressing such topics as participatory democracy, community service, and respect for diversity. The civic education workshop should include briefings, simulations, and discussions on citizen participation and the fundamentals of the American democratic system of government. During the time that the Algerian students are living with American host families, their scheduled events should include a structured and sustained mix of workshops, simulations and roleplaying, meetings, tours, training, and social time among their peers. The primary components are described in more detail in the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES II. Award Information Type of Award: Grant Agreement. Fiscal Year Funds: FY–2008, pending availability of funds. Approximate Total Funding: $225,000. Approximate Number of Awards: 1. Approximate Average Award: $225,000. Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, March 10, 2008. Anticipated Project Completion Date: Approximately 18 months after start date. 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. 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 Aug<31>2005 19:40 Oct 31, 2007 Jkt 214001 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: Bureau grant guidelines require that organizations with less than four years experience in conducting international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau funding. ECA anticipates awarding one grant, in an amount up to $225,000 to support program and administrative costs required to implement this exchange program. Therefore, 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 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 Matt O’Rourke, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room M23, U.S. Department of State, SA–44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, (t) 202–453–8170, (f) 202–453– 8169, ORourkeMM@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY–08– 12 located at the top of this announcement when making your request. Alternatively, an electronic application package may be obtained from grants.gov. See section IV.3f for further information. The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission Instruction (PSI) document, which consists of required application forms, and standard guidelines for proposal preparation. It also contains the POGI, which provides specific information, award criteria and budget instructions tailored to this competition. Please specify Matt O’Rourke and refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY–08–12 located at the top of this announcement on all other inquiries and correspondence. IV.2. To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet: The entire PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau’s Web site at https://exchanges.state.gov/education/ rfgps/menu.htm, or from the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov. Please read all information before downloading. IV.3. Content and Form of Submission: Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package. The application should be submitted per the instructions under IV.3f. ‘‘Application Deadline and Methods of Submission’’ 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 PSI document and the POGI 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 E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 211 / Thursday, November 1, 2007 / Notices 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 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) 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, socioeconomic 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:40 Oct 31, 2007 Jkt 214001 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 progress towards outcomes or the results achieved. Examples of outputs PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61931 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 shortterm 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.) Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. 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: E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 61932 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 211 / Thursday, November 1, 2007 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire program. Awards may not exceed $225,000. 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 for clarification. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and formatting instructions. IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission: Application Deadline Date: January 3, 2008. Reference Number: ECA/PE/C/PY– 08–12. Methods of Submission: Applications may be submitted in one of two ways: (1) In hard-copy, via a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (i.e., DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.), or (2) Electronically through https:// www.grants.gov. Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF– 424 contained in the mandatory PSI of the solicitation document. IV.3f.1. Submitting Printed Applications. Applications must be shipped no later than the above deadline. 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. ECA will not notify you upon receipt of application. 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. 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. 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, one fully-tabbed copy, and six copies of the application with VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:40 Oct 31, 2007 Jkt 214001 Tabs A–E (for a total of 8 copies) should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA–44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/PY– 08–12, Program Management, ECA/EX/ PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Applicants must also submit the executive summary, proposal narrative, budget section, and any important appendices as e-mail attachments in Microsoft Word and Excel to the following e-mail address: ORourkeMM@state.gov. In the e-mail message subject line, include the name of the applicant organization and the partner country. IV.3f.2. Submitting Electronic Applications. Applicants have the option of submitting proposals electronically through Grants.gov https://www.grants.gov. Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov in the ‘‘Find’’ portion of the system. Please follow the instructions available in the ’Get Started’ portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/ GetStarted). Several of the steps in the Grants.gov registration process could take several weeks. Therefore, applicants should check with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this RFGP to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov. Once registered, the amount of time it can take to upload an application will vary depending on a variety of factors including the size of the application and the speed of your internet connection. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you not wait until the application deadline to begin the submission process through Grants.gov. Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission to: Grants.gov Customer Support, Contact Center Phone: 800– 518–4726, Business Hours: Monday– Friday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Eastern Time, email: support@grants.gov. Applicants have until midnight (12 a.m.), Washington, DC time of the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after midnight of the application deadline date will be automatically rejected by the grants.gov system, and will be technically ineligible. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail from grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. ECA will not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications. It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via the PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Grants.gov web portal to ensure that proposals have been received by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. 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, 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 Please see the review criteria in the accompanying POGI document. VI. Award Administration Information VI.1a. 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.’’ E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 211 / Thursday, November 1, 2007 / Notices 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 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 one copy of the following reports: (1) A final program and financial report no more than 90 days after the expiration of the award; (2) Interim reports, as required in the Bureau grant agreement. 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES VII. Agency Contacts For questions about this announcement, contact: Matt O’Rourke, Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C/ PY, Room M23, ECA/PE/C/PY–08–12, U.S. Department of State, SA–44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, (t) 202–453–8170, (f) 202–453–8169, ORourkeMM@state.gov. All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/PE/C/ PY–08–12. Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:40 Oct 31, 2007 Jkt 214001 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 25, 2007. C. Miller Crouch, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7–21562 Filed 10–31–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5978] Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: The Future Leaders Exchange Program: Host Family and School Placement Announcement Type: New Grant. Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/ PE/C/PY–08–10. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000. Key Dates: Application Deadline: December 14, 2007. Executive Summary: The Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the placement component of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program. 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 recruit and select host families and schools for high school students between the ages of 15 and 17 from countries of the former Soviet Union, hereafter referred to as Eurasia. This solicitation and the activities to which it refers, applies only to FLEX students from the following Eurasian countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61933 Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. In addition to identifying schools and screening, selecting, and orienting families, organizations will be responsible for: (1) Providing English language enhancement activities for a small percentage of students who are specially identified; (2) orienting all students at the local level; (3) providing support services for students; (4) arranging enhancement activities and skill-building opportunities; (5) assessing student performance and progress; (6) providing mid-year programming and re-entry training; and (7) evaluating project success. Preference will be given to those organizations that offer participants opportunities to develop leadership skills and raise their awareness of tolerance and social justice through community activities and networks. The award of grants and the number of students who will participate is subject to the availability of funding in fiscal year 2008. I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority: Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, Public Law 87–256, 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: The Future Leaders Exchange Program seeks to provide approximately 1,100 high school students from Eurasia with an opportunity to live in the United States for the purpose of promoting democratic values and institutions throughout their home countries. Participants will reside with American host families and attend high school during the 2008–09 academic year. During the year, FLEX participants will be engaged in a variety of activities, such as community and school-based programs, skill-building workshops, and cultural events. Academic year 2008/ 2009 will be the fifteenth year of the FLEX program, with more than 17,000 E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 211 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61928-61933]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-21562]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 5980]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for 
Grant Proposals: Algeria Youth Leadership Program

    Announcement Type: New Grant.
    Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-12.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline: January 3, 2008.
    Executive Summary: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs 
Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces 
an open competition for the Algeria Youth Leadership Program. Public 
and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described 
in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C.

[[Page 61929]]

501(c)(3) will submit proposals to recruit and select high school 
students in Algeria, and conduct a program in Algeria and the United 
States approximately six weeks in length that will focus on themes of 
leadership development, respecting diversity, and civic education.

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

    The Algeria Youth Leadership Program has been established to offer 
youth from Algeria an opportunity to interact with their American peers 
and jointly develop their leadership skills. The Office of Citizen 
Exchanges' Youth Programs Division, through the Algeria Youth 
Leadership Program, will bring Algerian and American exchange 
participants (ages 15-17) together in the United States for 
approximately four weeks in the summer of 2008. The Algerian 
participants will also undergo two (2) weeks of intensive English 
language instruction before their departure to the United States.
    Components of the program will include: (A) Two (2) weeks of 
intensive English language instruction in Algeria for the Algerian 
participants; (B) a pre-departure and post-arrival orientation for the 
Algerian students, each being no more than two (2) days in length; (C) 
approximately two (2) weeks of structured activities in U.S. 
communities when the Algerian students will have homestays with 
American families; (D) a week at a summer program site for both the 
Algerians and Americans; (E) a week-long civic education workshop for 
both the Algerians and Americans, and (F) a one-day wrap-up session at 
the conclusion of the program for both the Algerian and American 
participants. Follow-on activities for alumni will be designed to 
reinforce the lessons learned on the exchange and enable the alumni to 
apply their new skills in their home communities.
    The grantee organization will be responsible for the entire cycle 
of the program to include: Recruitment and selection of Algerian and 
American students; management of travel documents, international 
airline reservations for Algerian students and up to two (2) adult 
escorts, who will accompany the Algerian students and participate in 
the program; domestic transportation for Algerian and American 
participants; preparation and oversight of all programmatic components 
in the United States; provision of follow-on activities for Algerian 
alumni in their home country, and, to the extent possible, for American 
alumni in the United States.
    The grantee organization must recruit and select the Algerian 
exchange participants in consultation with the Public Affairs Section 
at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers. The grantee organization must make 
arrangements for the students to take part in intensive English 
language instruction before their departure to the United States. 
English language classes should be no longer than two (2) weeks in 
duration.
    The grantee organization must also recruit and select American high 
school students. Preference will be given to a nationwide recruitment 
plan, though a regional recruitment plan may also be considered.
    The grantee organization must provide the Algerian participants 
with pre-departure and post-arrival orientations to prepare them for 
both the content and the logistics of the exchange. The American 
students must receive pre-program information on content and logistics.
    A successful project will be one that nurtures a cadre of students 
to be actively engaged in their schools and communities upon their 
return home, and that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and 
confidence to do so. By the end of the program, Algerian students will 
have developed relationships with their peers in the United States and 
within their delegation; developed their own impression of the United 
States; strengthened their English language skills; and obtained an 
understanding of how American democracy operates on a daily basis. The 
American students will develop an appreciation for another culture and 
learn more about Algerian society and traditions through their 
relationships with the Algerian participants.

Goals

     To develop leadership, civic responsibility, and 
commitment to community service among youth;
     To strengthen the English language skills of the Algerian 
participants;
     To foster relationships between Americans and Algerians 
with a focus on respect for ethnic, socioeconomic and religious 
diversity; and
     To promote mutual understanding between the people of the 
United States and the people of Algeria.
    Applicants should identify their own specific program objectives, 
as well as measurable outcomes based on the program goals and 
specifications provided in this solicitation. Applicants should outline 
their capacity for doing projects of this nature, focusing on three 
areas of competency: (1) Provision of leadership and civic education 
programming, (2) age-appropriate programming for youth, and (3) prior 
work with individuals from the region.

Participants

    Selection of Algerian students must focus on teenagers, aged 15-17, 
from across the country who represent the full diversity of the 
Algerian population. They should demonstrate an interest in the project 
themes and exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
    The program must also include American students, aged 15-17, who 
demonstrate an interest in the project themes and exhibit maturity, 
flexibility, and open-mindedness. Care should be taken to ensure a 
recruitment process that targets a diverse pool of Americans from 
across the county (or from throughout a region).
    Algerian adult participants will be educators or leaders of non-
governmental organizations that work with youth. They should be 
available to support the participants during the course of each 
component of the exchange.
    There will be at least 20 participants from Algeria, plus the two 
adult escorts. They will be joined by a delegation of at least 10 
American students for the camp and civic education components. 
Applicants must specify the size and composition of each country 
delegation in their proposal.

U.S. Program

    The approximate six-week program will begin in the United States 
with a two-day orientation for the Algerian participants and wrap up 
with a one-day debriefing session for both the Algerian and American 
students. The

[[Page 61930]]

camp and civic education experiences will allow Algerian and American 
students to build relationships, and should combine both recreational 
and substantive elements addressing such topics as participatory 
democracy, community service, and respect for diversity. The civic 
education workshop should include briefings, simulations, and 
discussions on citizen participation and the fundamentals of the 
American democratic system of government. During the time that the 
Algerian students are living with American host families, their 
scheduled events should include a structured and sustained mix of 
workshops, simulations and role-playing, meetings, tours, training, and 
social time among their peers.
    The primary components are described in more detail in the Project 
Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant Agreement.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY-2008, pending availability of funds.
    Approximate Total Funding: $225,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
    Approximate Average Award: $225,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, March 10, 
2008.
    Anticipated Project Completion Date: Approximately 18 months after 
start date.
    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.
    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: Bureau grant guidelines 
require that organizations with less than four years experience in 
conducting international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau 
funding. ECA anticipates awarding one grant, in an amount up to 
$225,000 to support program and administrative costs required to 
implement this exchange program. Therefore, 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 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 Matt O'Rourke, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room M23, U.S. Department of State, 
SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, (t) 202-453-8170, (f) 
202-453-8169, ORourkeMM@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package.
    Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY-08-12 
located at the top of this announcement when making your request. 
Alternatively, an electronic application package may be obtained from 
grants.gov. See section IV.3f for further information.
    The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission 
Instruction (PSI) document, which consists of required application 
forms, and standard guidelines for proposal preparation. It also 
contains the POGI, which provides specific information, award criteria 
and budget instructions tailored to this competition.
    Please specify Matt O'Rourke and refer to the Funding Opportunity 
Number ECA/PE/C/PY-08-12 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, or from the 
Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov. Please read all 
information before downloading.
    IV.3. Content and Form of Submission: Applicants must follow all 
instructions in the Solicitation Package. The application should be 
submitted per the instructions under IV.3f. ``Application Deadline and 
Methods of Submission'' 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 
PSI document and the POGI 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

[[Page 61931]]

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 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) 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 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 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 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.)
    Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their 
evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. 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:

[[Page 61932]]

    IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the 
entire program. Awards may not exceed $225,000. 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 for clarification. Please refer 
to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and 
formatting instructions.
    IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission:
    Application Deadline Date: January 3, 2008.
    Reference Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-12.
    Methods of Submission: Applications may be submitted in one of two 
ways:
    (1) In hard-copy, via a nationally recognized overnight delivery 
service (i.e., DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. 
Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.), or
    (2) Electronically through https://www.grants.gov.
    Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above 
Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory PSI 
of the solicitation document.
    IV.3f.1. Submitting Printed Applications. Applications must be 
shipped no later than the above deadline. 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. ECA will not notify you upon 
receipt of application. 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. 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.

    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, one fully-tabbed copy, and six copies of the 
application with Tabs A-E (for a total of 8 copies) should be sent to: 
U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural 
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-12, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 
534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
    Applicants must also submit the executive summary, proposal 
narrative, budget section, and any important appendices as e-mail 
attachments in Microsoft Word and Excel to the following e-mail 
address: ORourkeMM@state.gov. In the e-mail message subject line, 
include the name of the applicant organization and the partner country.
    IV.3f.2. Submitting Electronic Applications. Applicants have the 
option of submitting proposals electronically through Grants.gov  
https://www.grants.gov. Complete solicitation packages are available at 
Grants.gov in the ``Find'' portion of the system. Please follow the 
instructions available in the 'Get Started' portion of the site (http:/
/www.grants.gov/GetStarted). Several of the steps in the Grants.gov 
registration process could take several weeks. Therefore, applicants 
should check with appropriate staff within their organizations 
immediately after reviewing this RFGP to confirm or determine their 
registration status with Grants.gov. Once registered, the amount of 
time it can take to upload an application will vary depending on a 
variety of factors including the size of the application and the speed 
of your internet connection. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you 
not wait until the application deadline to begin the submission process 
through Grants.gov. Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov 
registration and submission to: Grants.gov Customer Support, Contact 
Center Phone: 800-518-4726, Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-9 
p.m. Eastern Time, e-mail: support@grants.gov.
    Applicants have until midnight (12 a.m.), Washington, DC time of 
the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been 
uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no exceptions to the above 
deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after midnight of the 
application deadline date will be automatically rejected by the 
grants.gov system, and will be technically ineligible.
    Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail from grants.gov upon 
the successful submission of an application. ECA will not notify you 
upon receipt of electronic applications.
    It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via 
the Grants.gov web portal to ensure that proposals have been received 
by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for 
data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.
    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, 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

    Please see the review criteria in the accompanying POGI document.

VI. Award Administration Information

    VI.1a. 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.''

[[Page 61933]]

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 one copy of the following reports:
    (1) A final program and financial report no more than 90 days after 
the expiration of the award;
    (2) Interim reports, as required in the Bureau grant agreement.
    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: Matt O'Rourke, 
Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room M23, ECA/PE/C/PY-08-12, 
U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20547, (t) 202-453-8170, (f) 202-453-8169, ORourkeMM@state.gov.
    All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should 
reference the above title and number ECA/PE/C/PY-08-12.
    Please read the complete 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 25, 2007.
C. Miller Crouch,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, 
Department of State.
 [FR Doc. E7-21562 Filed 10-31-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P
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