Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: Open Competition Seeking Professional Exchange Programs in Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, 65379-65392 [E7-22659]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 223 (Tuesday, November 20, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65379-65392]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22659]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 5994]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for 
Grant Proposals: Open Competition Seeking Professional Exchange 
Programs in Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, 
South Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere

    Announcement Type: New Grant.
    Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C-08-01.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.415.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline: February 15, 2007.
    Executive Summary: The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for 
grants that support exchanges and build relationships between U.S. non-
profit organizations and civil society and cultural groups in Africa, 
East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Central Asia and 
the Western Hemisphere. Pending availability of funds, it is 
anticipated that approximately $5,000,000 or more will be available to 
support this competition. ECA/PE/C expects to fund approximately 15-20 
projects under this competition in FY 2008. U.S. public and non-profit 
organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue code 
section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals that support the goals 
of The Professional Exchange Program. Projects should promote mutual 
understanding and partnerships between key professional and cultural 
groups in the United States and counterpart groups in other countries 
through multi-phased exchanges taking place over one to two years. 
Proposals should encourage citizen engagement in current issues, with a 
particular focus on youth and those who influence them, and promote the 
development of democratic societies and institutions, with a view 
toward creating a more stable world. To the fullest extent possible, 
programs should be two-way exchanges supporting roughly equal numbers 
of participants from the U.S. and foreign countries.
    Proposed projects should transform institutional and individual 
understanding of key issues, foster dialogue, share expertise, and 
develop capacity. Through these people-to-people exchanges, the Bureau 
seeks to break down stereotypes that divide peoples, to promote good 
governance and economic growth, to contribute to conflict prevention 
and management, and to build respect for cultural expression and 
identity in the world. Projects should be structured to allow American 
professionals and their international counterparts in eligible 
countries to develop a common dialogue for dealing with shared 
challenges and concerns. Projects should include current or potential 
leaders who will effect positive change in their communities. Exchange 
participants may include community leaders, elected and professional 
government officials, religious leaders, educators, and proponents of 
democratic ideals and institutions, including for example, the media 
and judiciary, or others who influence the way in which different 
communities approach these issues. The Bureau is especially interested 
in engaging socially and economically diverse groups that may not have 
had extensive contact with counterpart institutions in the United 
States and particularly seeks proposals that engage educators or other 
groups that directly influence youth in innovative ways.
    Applicants may not submit proposals that address more than one 
region or that include countries not eligible under a specific theme 
designated in the RFGP. Proposals that do so will be declared 
technically ineligible and will receive no further consideration in the 
review process. For the purposes of this competition, eligible regions 
are Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South 
Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. No guarantee is made or 
implied that grants will be awarded in all themes and for all countries 
listed.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

II. 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

[[Page 65380]]

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 competition is based on the premise that people-to-
people exchanges encourage and strengthen understanding of democratic 
values, nurture the social, political, cultural, and economic 
development of societies and encourage a more active citizenry. 
Exchanges supported by institutional grants from the Bureau should 
operate at two levels: they should enhance partnerships between U.S. 
and foreign institutions, and they should establish a common language 
to develop practical solutions for shared problems and concerns. The 
Bureau is particularly interested in projects that will create mutually 
beneficial and self-sustaining linkages between professional 
communities in the U.S. and their counterpart communities in other 
countries. Applicants must identify the U.S. and foreign organizations 
and individuals with whom they are proposing to collaborate and 
describe previous cooperative activities, if any. Information about the 
mission, activities, and accomplishments of partner organizations 
should be included in the submission. Proposals should contain letters 
of commitment or support from partner organizations for the proposed 
project. Applicants should clearly outline and describe the role and 
responsibilities of all partner organizations in terms of project 
logistics, management and oversight.
    Competitive proposals will include the following:
     A brief description of the issue to be addressed and how 
it relates to the target country or region. (Proposals that request 
resources for an initial needs assessment will be deemed less 
competitive under the review criterion Program Planning and Ability to 
Achieve Objectives, per item V.1 below.);
     A clear, succinct statement of program objectives and 
expected outcomes that responds to Bureau goals for each theme in this 
competition. Desired outcomes should be described in qualitative and 
quantitative terms. (See the Program Monitoring and Evaluation section 
per item V.1 below, for more information on project objectives and 
outcomes.);
     A proposed timeline, listing the optimal schedule for each 
program activity;
     A description of participant recruitment and selection 
processes;
     Letters of support from foreign and U.S. partners. 
(Letters from prospective partner institutions should demonstrate a 
capacity to arrange and conduct U.S. and overseas activities.);
     An outline of the applicant organization's relevant 
expertise in the project theme and country(ies);
     An outline of relevant experience managing previous 
exchange programs;
     Resumes of experienced staff who have demonstrated a 
commitment to implement and monitor projects and ensure outcomes;
     A comprehensive plan to evaluate whether program outcomes 
will achieve the specific objectives described in the narrative. (See 
the Program Monitoring and Evaluation section [IV.3d.d below] for 
further guidance on evaluation.);
     A post-grant plan that demonstrates how the grantee plans 
to maintain contacts initiated through the program. Applicants should 
discuss ways that U.S. and foreign participants or host institutions 
will collaborate and communicate after the ECA-funded grant has 
concluded. (See Review Criterion 5, per item V.1 below for 
more information on post-grant activities.)
     Successful projects will demonstrate the importance 
Americans place on community service as an element of active 
citizenship and may include ideas and projects to strengthen civil 
society through community service either during participants' stay in 
the U.S. or upon their return to their countries.
     In addition to addressing the specific themes described 
below, proposals should develop partner organizations' capacity in such 
areas as strategic planning, performance management, fund raising, 
financial management, human resources management, and decision-making.
    U.S. Embassy Involvement: Before submitting a proposal, all 
applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the Washington, DC-
based State Department contact for the themes/regions listed in this 
solicitation. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consult with 
Public Affairs Officers at U.S. Embassies in relevant countries as they 
develop proposals responding to this RFGP. Also, it is important that 
the proposal narrative clearly state the applicant's commitment to 
consult closely with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in 
the relevant country(ies) to develop plans for project implementation 
and to select project participants. Proposals should also acknowledge 
U.S. Embassy involvement in the final selection of all participants. 
Applicants should state their willingness to invite representatives of 
the Embassy(ies) and/or consulate(s) to participate in program sessions 
or site visits.
    ECA/DOS Acknowledgement: Narratives should state that all material 
developed for the project will prominently acknowledge Department of 
State ECA Bureau funding for the program.
    Outreach: Applicants who receive assistance awards are encouraged 
to engage in outreach activities that will promote the goals of the 
project and increase the visibility of the project activities, 
including public events and appropriate media appearances.

FY 2008 Thematic Topics by Region

    REGION: Africa (AF):
    AF: Economic Growth to Fight Poverty and Strengthen Democracy.
    Program Contact: Curtis Huff, tel: (202) 453-8159, e-mail: 
HuffCE@State.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA seeks proposals that promote entrepreneurial 
thinking, job creation, business planning, and management skills that 
will assist young African adults in launching business careers. 
Programs should increase understanding of the links between 
entrepreneurial activity and free markets as well as the importance of 
transparency and accountability in business and government. Proposals 
should also increase understanding among African and American 
participants of the influence of culture on business.
    Audience: Young adults, 25-32, especially women.
    Eligible Countries: Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, 
South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
    Successful programs will achieve the following:
     Educate young men and women in entrepreneurial thinking, 
business management skills, and attracting investment, with also the 
ability to design training and to lead others in building these skills.
     Enhance appreciation for American business practices and 
the role of the individual in creating growth through grassroots-
focused entrepreneurial efforts.
     Develop enduring professional ties between U.S. and 
partner organizations and expand leadership skills.

[[Page 65381]]

     Enable participants to initiate and support development 
and community service activities in their home countries.
    Successful applicants must demonstrate a capacity to conduct the 
following activities:
    (1) Work jointly with an African partner organization to develop a 
useful business skills program for young adult Africans that includes 
activities in both the U.S. and Africa.
    (2) U.S. experts travel to Africa for in-country consultations and 
preliminary trainings. Working with the African partner, U.S. experts 
recruit and select African participants for a U.S.-based fellowship 
program.
    (3) Provide a six- to ten-week U.S.-based fellows program for 10 to 
15 Africans on business development that features both individualized 
and group learning and practice activities which develop technical and 
leadership skills plus cultural sensitivity.
    (4) As a counterpart to the fellows program in the U.S., provide a 
multi-week program in Africa for 10-15 Americans to learn about 
business challenges and opportunities there and to assist in conducting 
workshops for a wider audience of Africans.
    (5) Develop enhancement activities and leadership development 
opportunities to reinforce program goals after all participants' return 
to their home country. An essential follow-on component will be a 
longitudinal assessment of the achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. Grantee sends Americans to work alongside African partners for 
two weeks or more to examine the needs of young adults in starting 
businesses in the region, and any in-country efforts that are already 
underway or planned to address those needs. These activities should 
include development of a working relationship among the Americans, 
their African project partners, and any African government offices that 
have responsibility for business development.
    2. Grantee works with African partner organization to recruit a 
pool of 50 or more Young Professionals who are interested in starting 
businesses and will commit to a multi-staged development program.
    3. Grantee and partner conduct a business skills program in Africa 
for the 50+ recruits, including instruction on how to write a business 
plan. Participants are invited to submit business plans to program 
organizers.
    4. Competition is held where those who develop the best plans will 
be offered a U.S.-based fellowship program.
    5. African participants come to the U.S. for fellowship program of 
six to ten weeks that features both individualized and group learning 
and practice activities which develop technical and leadership skills 
plus cultural sensitivity. (A shorter-term study tour for Africans will 
be considered inadequate.)
    6. Grantee and African partner commit to a plan for additional 
business skills development activities in Africa after the grant is 
finished. These plans might include additional basic business training 
or mentoring of new businesses by American specialists and maintenance 
of a Web site for this purpose.
    7. Grantee and African partner keep each other informed of 
developments in business education through email, telephone, video 
conferences, travel, etc, in order to maintain an informed momentum in 
their partnership.
    AF: Local Governance.
    Program Contact: Curtis Huff, tel: (202) 453-8159, e-mail: 
HuffCE@State.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA is seeking proposals that promote democratic 
institutions that are effective, responsive, transparent, and 
accountable to the people. Programs should increase skills and 
commitment to professional standards in municipal planning, policy 
analysis, bill drafting, budgeting, constituent relations, project 
implementation, and administration of services. Programs should promote 
the establishment of responsible watchdog organizations and develop a 
constructive working relationship with local government officials.
    Audience: Mayors, city councilors, public administrators, 
executives, municipal planners, and community watchdog leaders 
(especially women).
    Eligible Countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, 
Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania.
    Successful programs will achieve the following:
     Educate local officials in a professional approach to 
public administration and empower them to conduct it with integrity and 
effectiveness while also designing training and building the ability to 
lead others in this field.
     Enhance appreciation for American local governmental 
practices and the role of the watchdog groups.
     Establish structured interaction among American and 
African participants designed to develop enduring professional ties.
     Present plans to enable participants to initiate and 
support activities in their home countries that focus on local 
development and community service.
    Successful applicants must demonstrate a capacity to conduct the 
following activities:
    (1) Work jointly with an African partner organization to develop an 
effective governance skills program for young adult Africans that 
includes activities in both the U.S. and Africa.
    (2) Provide a six- to ten-week U.S.-based fellows program for 10 to 
15 Africans on local government.
    (3) As a counterpart to the fellows program in the U.S., provide a 
multi-week program in Africa for 10-15 Americans to learn about local 
governance challenges and opportunities there and to assist in 
conducting workshops for a wider audience of Africans.
    (4) Grantee and African partner commit to a plan for additional 
local governance skills development activities in Africa after the 
grant is finished. These plans might include additional basic training 
or mentoring and maintenance of a web site for this purpose.
    (5) Launch a self-sustaining program of enhancement activities and 
leadership development opportunities to reinforce program goals after 
all participants' return to their home country. An essential follow-on 
component will be a longitudinal assessment of the achievements of the 
program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. Grantee sends Americans to work alongside African partners for 
two weeks or more to learn about the local governance efforts in the 
region.
    2. Grantee and partner conduct a local governance education program 
in Africa for local leaders. Program participants would then be invited 
to submit training plans, with the incentive that those who produce the 
best plans will be invited to the U.S. for fellowships.
    3. Competition is held where those who develop the best plans will 
be offered a U.S.-based fellowship program.
    4. African participants come to the U.S. for fellowship program of 
six to ten weeks that features both individualized and group learning 
and practice activities which develop technical and leadership skills 
plus cultural sensitivity. (A shorter-term study tour for Africans will 
be considered inadequate.)
    5. Grantee and African partner commit to a plan for follow-on 
activities in Africa after the grant is finished. These plans might 
include additional

[[Page 65382]]

training in public administration or even the development of a public 
administration academy.
    6. The grantee and African partner keep each other informed of 
developments in public administration education through email, 
telephone, video conferences, travel, etc, in order to maintain their 
partnership.
    REGION: East Asia and the Pacific (EAP):
    EAP: Active and Responsible Citizenship.
    Program Contact: Clint Wright, tel: (202) 453-8164, e-mail: 
WrightHC@state.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA encourages proposals that will help educate 
citizens, local officials, and leaders of non-government organizations 
on their rights and responsibilities in a democracy. Programs should 
encourage the empowerment of foreign participants to participate in the 
development of public policy, public discussions, and debates by 
developing individual skills and organizations. Projects should engage 
government and NGO leaders in dialogue on issues impacting local 
communities and engage government leaders--national and local--on the 
importance of citizen participation in governmental decision-making. 
Projects should examine specific practices that promote an effective, 
accountable, transparent and responsive government and public 
administration that is crucial to the development of democracy.
    Audience: Should include representatives from government and non-
governmental organizations, professional associations and community 
leaders between the ages of 25 and 40 with an emphasis on equal numbers 
of men and women.
    Eligible Countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and 
Vietnam. (single-country projects only).
    Successful programs will achieve the following:
     Encourage an understanding of the important elements of a 
civil society. This includes concepts such as volunteerism, grassroots 
activism, and the importance of the rule of law in all societies.
     Programs should help develop an appreciation for American 
governmental and legal structures, an understanding of the diversity of 
American society, and the necessity for increased tolerance and respect 
for others with differing views and beliefs.
    Successful applicants must fully demonstrate a capacity to achieve 
the following:
    (1) Recruit and select approximately 10 to 15 individuals from 
government, nongovernmental organizations, and community leaders 
throughout the target country, including private business leaders for a 
six to eight week U.S.-based fellows program. Partnering with 
organizations based in the proposed host-country is required.
    (2) Coordinate and program the fellowships.
    (3) The final part of the program will be conducting enhancement 
activities and leadership development opportunities that reinforce 
program goals after the participants' return to their home country. An 
essential follow on component will be a longitudinal assessment of the 
achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. U.S. grantee identifies U.S. citizens to conduct in-country 
seminar for citizen leaders, teachers, NGO representatives, media, 
elected local government officials, and legal professionals to discuss 
transparency and accountability. The in-country partner (a local 
university or other appropriate professional group) will co-host the 
event with the U.S. grantee institution. During this phase, the grantee 
will openly recruit and select the participants to take part in the 
U.S.-based fellows program.
    2. The grantee implements the U.S.-based fellowships in local 
elected officials' offices, NGO organizations, and citizen 
organizations.
    3. An in-country program would be conducted by the U.S. experts who 
served as fellowship hosts or seminar leaders. The participants in U.S. 
program would help design seminars and serve as co-presenters. 
Organizers broaden impact through public outreach, including media.
    4. Project may also support materials translated into native 
language, small grants for projects designed to expand the exchange 
experience, and support for the development of alumni association.
    REGION: Europe (EUR):
    EUR: Legislative Education and Practice Program (LEAP).
    Program Contact: Jon Crocitto, Tel. (202) 453-8149; e-mail: 
CrocittoJA@state.gov.
    Project Goals: In some European countries, concepts such as free 
democratic elections and political parties are still not very developed 
and other aspects of democracy almost seem to be moving backward. Free 
and democratic elections and civic activism and engagement are the 
backbone of a civil society. LEAP is designed to strengthen 
understanding of the U.S. legislative process and enhance appreciation 
of civic society. LEAP will provide Young Professionals from Europe 
with hands-on exposure to the U.S. political process through six-month 
internships in state legislatures, city councils or local governments 
in the U.S. U.S. participants should be selected among staff members at 
the various internship sites who will act as primary host/mentors to 
the foreign fellows during their U.S.-based program. After the 
internships are completed, these U.S. staff members will travel 
overseas to the interns' home countries. There they will participate in 
joint outreach activities, including media, and conduct on-site 
consultancies and presentations to wider audiences.
    Audience: Generally, ECA prefers program participants who have not 
previously been part of U.S.-based exchange programs as participants in 
new programs. However, the LEAP program is an exception. Because of the 
unique nature of this program, foreign participants who are alumni of 
long-term exchange programs (an academic year or more) in the United 
States (USG or privately sponsored) are favored as participants in this 
program. These alumni have previous experience living and attending 
school in the U.S. that will provide them with the cultural and 
linguistic background necessary to benefit fully from the program. The 
foreign participants should be selected through a merit-based, 
competitive process. They should be recent university graduates in 
political affairs or other relevant fields--approximately mid to late 
20's in age, with some professional experience in the political or 
legislative arenas. Participants should have demonstrated leadership 
abilities and a commitment to or participation in the political process 
or policy-making through involvement in civic education activities, 
citizen advocacy groups, political campaigns, political parties, or 
election monitoring in their home countries. U.S. participants will be 
staff members of the state legislatures, city councils or local 
governments who act as hosts for the foreign participants during the 
inbound portion of the program.
    Eligible Countries (all should be included): Turkey, Russia, 
Ukraine, Georgia.
    Successful applicants must fully demonstrate a capacity to achieve 
the following:
    (1) Manage (both programmatically and logistically) the program in 
the United States and overseas. Interested organizations must have 
offices and staff (or partner organizations) in all countries involved 
in the program. Close coordination with ECA and U.S.

[[Page 65383]]

Embassy Public Affairs Sections in relevant countries will be 
essential.
    (2) Conduct recruitment and selection of participants through a 
merit-based competitive process. A pre-departure and an arrival 
orientation to ensure that participants have realistic expectations and 
have essential information on their individual internships, host 
communities, their responsibilities, and logistics should be included. 
Use of host families for foreign participants in the U.S. is highly 
encouraged.
    (3) Organize an intensive introduction to the U.S. political 
process to take place in whole or in part in Washington, DC.
    (4) Identify and manage individualized internships with state 
legislators, city councils or local government that will expose 
participants to citizen participation in the political process. 
Internships at the state level would be strongly preferred.
    (5) Coordinate all logistics and programming for consultancy and 
training program where U.S. participants will travel to the countries 
where foreign participants are from for two to three weeks. The U.S. 
participants would conduct workshops and trainings that cover the U.S. 
legislative process and will enhance appreciation of civic society. The 
training(s)/workshop(s) should be designed to engage a broad audience, 
not just program participants. The U.S. participants would also engage 
in joint outreach efforts, including engagement with the media.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. U.S. grantee and in-country partner select about 20 foreign 
participants to participate in the U.S.-based program followed by a 
four to six month internship in state legislatures, city councils or 
local governments in the U.S. for foreign participants.
    2. An in-country program for 10 to 15 U.S. participants (who 
hosted/worked with the foreign participants in the U.S.) for two to 
three weeks. This would include on-site consultancies and group 
workshop(s) for a broad audience. Foreign participants help design the 
seminars and serve as co-presenters.
    3. A series of enrichment activities that could include support 
materials translated into target language, small grants for projects 
designed to expand the exchange experience, the creation of a web 
portal for ongoing virtual program activities and communication, and 
other activities.
    EUR: Outreach and Integration of Marginalized Populations in 
Western Europe.
    Program Contact: Brent Beemer, tel: (202) 453-8147, e-mail: 
BeemerBT@state.gov.

    Note: Interested Applicants are HIGHLY encouraged to contact ECA 
before submitting a proposal under this theme.

    Project Goals: ECA seeks programs that will engage community 
leaders, educators, youth influencers, journalists, and community-based 
organizations in examination of programs and practices to facilitate 
integration and empowerment of minority populations, particularly 
youth, in Western European countries. This program would look at issues 
related to the integration of immigrant and minority populations into a 
modern democratic society. This includes integration in the political 
system, economic opportunity, freedom of expression, access to 
education, and practice of an open social/cultural life, while 
maintaining ethnic identity within a multi-ethnic society. A specific 
concentration of programming on immigrant and minority youth 
populations and the special needs/challenges they face in modern 
society should be a major focus. An overall comparison and sharing of 
best practices in the U.S. and in the Western European countries on 
these issues should also be included. Programming should include an 
overview of U.S. and European government and legal structures, an 
understanding of the diversity of American and European societies and 
efforts to increase tolerance and respect for others with differing 
views and beliefs. Program content will include an overview of the 
range of historical and current American and European experiences with 
integrating various immigrant and minority citizens, examination of 
what has worked well and what has not, and analysis of the range of 
actors including government, NGOs, religious organizations, immigrant 
organizations, educational institutions, and the role of the media and 
public who report on these issues.
    Audience: Participants (from the U.S. and foreign countries) in the 
program should include representatives of non-governmental 
organizations, community leaders, educators, youth influencers, 
religious leaders, and journalists from minority communities. Note: 
European Union, national, and regional government officials are welcome 
to be part of programming, but given funding limitations, ECA funds may 
not be used to support their travel expenses.
    Eligible Countries (single-country projects only) Denmark, United 
Kingdom.
    Successful programs will achieve the following:
     An understanding of issues related to the status of 
immigrant and minority populations in a modern democratic society. This 
includes integration in the political system, economic opportunity, and 
freedom of expression, education, and social/cultural life, while 
maintaining ethnic identity within a multi-ethnic society. A specific 
understanding of immigrant and minority youth populations and the 
special needs/challenges they face in modern society is envisioned.
     An appreciation for American governmental and legal 
structures, and a better understanding of the diversity of American 
society and efforts over the nation's history to increase tolerance and 
respect for others with differing views and beliefs. Program content 
will include an overview of the range of historical and current 
American experience with integrating various immigrant and minority 
citizens, examination of what has worked well and what has not, and 
analysis of the range of actors including local government, NGOs, 
religious organizations, immigrant organizations, educational 
institutions, and the role of the media.
     An enhanced leadership capacity that will enable 
participants to initiate and support activities in their home countries 
that focus on the status of minority populations.
    Successful applicants must fully demonstrate a capacity to achieve 
the following:
    (1) Recruit and select approximately 15 to 20 individuals 
throughout the target country. Program should be designed for two 
groups to travel to the U.S. Partnering with organizations based in 
target country is required. Also, given resources available in Western 
Europe, successful applicants will have West European partners that 
will cover considerable program costs within the host country and cover 
all its own administrative costs for this project.
    (2) In addition to identifying in-country partner and screening, 
selecting, and preparing participants prior to departure for the United 
States, the recipient of this grant will be responsible for building 
and executing a three to four week informative travel and training 
program in the United States.
    (3) Conduct an in-country workshop(s) to examine the process of 
integration of marginalized populations in Europe and developing 
strategies to address these issues. The workshop(s) should be designed 
to engage a broad audience, not just program participants.

[[Page 65384]]

    (4) Develop enhancement activities and development opportunities 
that reinforce program goals after the participants' return to their 
home country. An essential follow-on component will be a longitudinal 
assessment of the achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. U.S. grantee and in-country partner identify West European 
citizens to participate in the U.S.-based program. Then a three to four 
week U.S. program that includes an orientation, study tour/site visits; 
possible short-term internships/work shadowing opportunities; hands on 
training/training-of-trainers; professional development; and the 
development of action plans.
    2. An in-country workshop(s) for a broad audience to examine the 
process of integration of minority communities. Program conducted by 
U.S. experts that served as hosts or seminar leaders. Participants in 
U.S. program design the seminar and serve as co-presenters.
    3. Enrichment activities that could include support materials 
translated into native language, small grants for projects designed to 
expand and sustain the exchange experience, and other activities.
    REGION: Near East and North Africa (NEA):
    NEA: Professional Mentoring for Women in Science and Technology.
    Program Contact: Thomas Johnston, Tel: (202) 453-8162; e-mail: 
JohnstonTJ@state.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA seeks proposals that will engage young women who 
have recently embarked on professions in fields requiring skills in 
mathematics, scientific and/or technological fields. Proposals should 
encourage the use of critical thinking in the professional sphere as 
well as other aspects of life. Proposals should include plans to 
provide eight- to ten-week mentorships in American laboratories, 
professional or commercial research and development labs, or in the 
high tech industries. This program will also send American specialists 
in similar fields to conduct/participate in seminars, workshops, on-
site consultancies, and other types of activities in the home countries 
of Middle East participants, with the goal of reinforcing the 
mentorship experience and creating a wider network of women who are 
established in these professions or who aspire to do so. A principal 
goal of this program is the development of sustainable, long-term 
institutional and individual linkages based on the relationships 
established between U.S. mentors and non-American fellows.
    Mentoring programs for English-speaking fellows would be designed 
as individual affiliations with an appropriate American professional 
counterpart. Proposals should also envision small specialized shadowing 
opportunities for groups of 2-3 international participants without 
strong English skills. These group opportunities should incorporate 
diverse training methodologies and include full-time provision of an 
escort/interpreter. All proposals should also include a U.S. program 
component allowing all participants to come together, learn from each 
other and to build relationships.
    The Department has initiated outreach to women in science and 
technology in the Middle East through previous contact and conferences; 
organizers of previous projects may be consulted for additional 
contacts and information. Applicants for this ECA grant are encouraged 
to contact the ECA Program Officer, Thomas Johnston, for additional 
information and contacts.
    Audience: Middle Eastern participants will be women (22-35 years of 
age) who are newly engaged or rising in professional careers that 
require significant expertise/knowledge of mathematics, science, 
technology and/or innovative application of these skills, and who 
already are, or show promise of being, role models for others in their 
countries, particularly for women. We would consider, for example, a 
lawyer, whose work requires expert knowledge of environmental science 
as well as international law to be eligible for this program.
    Eligible Countries: Algeria; Bahrain; Egypt; Iraq; Jordan; Kuwait; 
Lebanon; Morocco; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; Syria; United Arab 
Emirates; West Bank/Gaza; Yemen.
    Successful applicants must demonstrate a capacity to achieve the 
following:
    (1) Recruit and select approximately 15 to 20 qualified individuals 
from throughout the eligible region, with representatives from as many 
countries as possible. The program should be designed for non-American 
fellows to travel to the United States for a group orientation program, 
even if they will be subsequently be engaged in individualized 
programs, in order to foster networking among the group. An in-country 
or in-region partner organization or affiliate offices overseas is 
required to coordinate recruiting and selection. Proposing 
organizations must be prepared to mount a merit-based selection 
process, to be described in the proposal.
    (2) In addition to identifying its in-country (or in-region) 
partner and identifying, selecting, and preparing participants prior to 
departure for the United States, the recipient of this grant will be 
responsible for building and implementing an eight- to ten-week 
professional mentoring experience and training program in the United 
States. This will focus primarily upon individualized fellowships for 
the foreign participants at the R & D facilities of U.S. businesses, 
non-university high-tech institutes, or other appropriate affiliation 
as well as a commitment of appropriate American professional 
counterpart women to serve as mentors. The final selection of foreign 
fellows should take into account the types of placements that may be 
available in the U.S. ECA seeks creative and cost-efficient approaches 
to this selection and placement program.
    (3) Conducting an in-country consultancy program and/or workshop in 
each participating country, during which the international fellow and 
American mentor will offer skill development and networking workshops 
for a broader range of program participants in that country.
    (4) The development of a Web site designed to foster ongoing 
communication among the international and American participants and to 
publicize the results of this program. An essential follow-on component 
will be a longitudinal assessment of the achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. U.S. grantee and in-country partner institution select young 
non-American women engaged in science and technology for participation 
in the U.S.-based mentoring/fellowship program.
    2. An eight- to ten-week U.S. program that includes an orientation 
followed by individualized fellowships for English speakers; a shorter 
program designed around work shadowing opportunities with 
interpretation for groups of 2-3 non-English speakers.
    3. An in-country program in each international participating 
country for one or more of the American mentors (who hosted/worked with 
the foreign participants in the U.S.). The in-country program would 
include on-site consultancies, group workshops/seminars and networking 
opportunities for a broad audience. Foreign participants would help 
design the seminars and serve as co-presenters.
    4. The development of a project specific Web site, as well as 
enrichment activities that could include having support material 
translated into the native language, small grants for research-
development projects designed

[[Page 65385]]

to expand the exchange experience, and other activities.
    NEA: Math, Science, and Technology in Secondary Schools.
    Program Contact: Thomas Johnston, Tel: (202) 453-8162; e-mail: 
JohnstonTJ@state.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA seeks program proposals that will help develop 
institutional (and personal) linkages between secondary school teachers 
and administrators in the United States and partners in the NEA region 
in the disciplines of math, science, and technology innovation. ECA is 
looking to support creative programs that will link secondary school 
teachers and administrators from the U.S. and overseas in programming 
designed to explore approaches to engaging students in critical 
thinking, particularly in the teaching of math, science, and innovative 
approaches to technology, both in the classroom and through focused 
extracurricular activities, and to examine how professional 
counterparts in participating countries engage the successor 
generation.
    Audience: Math, science, and technology secondary school teachers 
and administrators.
    Eligible Countries: Algeria; Bahrain; Egypt; Iraq; Jordan; Kuwait; 
Lebanon; Libya; Morocco; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; Syria; United Arab 
Emirates; West Bank/Gaza; Yemen.
    Successful programs will achieve the following:
     An understanding of techniques used in the NEA region and 
in the United States to promote student engagement in critical thinking 
and discovery, particular in math, science, and technology.
     Develop opportunities for productive personal 
relationships between groups from participating countries that could 
lead to affiliations between schools in the U.S. and schools in the NEA 
region.
     Participants from each country should come from the same 
schools or set of schools (districts) so that direct linkages on both 
sides are facilitated and encouraged by the program.
     An appreciation for the ways in which diverse populations 
can interact productively in the secondary school setting and work 
collaboratively to develop innovative responses to scientific and 
mathematics challenges. U.S. program presentations should showcase 
teaching math, science, and technology at the secondary level, special/
accelerated programs and/or schools in the math, science, and 
technology disciplines, programs to attract students to these 
disciplines (especially girls), relevant after school programs, student 
job-shadowing programs, the roles of parents in schools, and how 
secondary schools build support and relationships with local science/
technology businesses.
     Enhanced leadership capacity among the NEA educators that 
will enable participants to initiate and support activities in their 
home schools and classrooms.
     Create the foundation for collaborative partnerships among 
classrooms, through virtual or other exchanges.
    Successful applicants must fully demonstrate a capacity to achieve 
the following:
    (1) Recruit and select approximately 15 to 20 secondary school 
teachers and administrators from overseas and 15 to 20 from the U.S. to 
take part in the program. To recruit effectively, the grantee 
organization must have affiliate offices in one or more NEA countries.
    (2) The recipient of this grant will be responsible for building 
and executing a one to two week study tour for American educators in 
the NEA region and a two to three week study tour program in the United 
States for foreign educators.
    (3) Develop enhancement activities and development opportunities 
that reinforce program goals after the participants' return to their 
home country. Grantee will be responsible for establishing electronic 
communications/on-line projects or other methods of continuing 
communication and developing collaborative projects between 
participants and their classrooms. An essential follow-on component 
will be a longitudinal assessment of the achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. A merit-based competitive selection of American secondary school 
educators and administrators to participate in the overseas program is 
done.
    2. A one to two week program is developed where the U.S. 
participants travel overseas. This should be done while schools in the 
host country(ies) are in session. While overseas, the U.S. participants 
will meet with and be hosted by foreign participants (and their 
schools) who have also been selected through an open merit-based 
competitive process. Programming should include time in active 
classrooms with students and presentation opportunities for the 
American participants in foreign schools/classrooms.
    3. During an interim period, educators are in contact through 
active electronic communications and web-based programs.
    4. A two to three week program is developed where the foreign 
participants travel to the U.S. This should be done while schools in 
the U.S. are in session. While in the U.S., the foreign participants 
will be hosted by U.S. participants (and their schools) whom they met 
in their program overseas. Programming should include time in active 
classrooms and at appropriate extracurricular sites with students and 
presentation opportunities for the foreign participants in American 
schools/classrooms.
    5. Enrichment activities are developed that could include support 
materials translated into the native language, small grants for 
collaborative projects designed to expand and sustain the exchange 
experience, continuation of web/electronic activities, and other 
activities are done.
    REGION: South Central Asia (SCA):
    SCA: Secondary School Linkages.
    Program Contact: Brent Beemer, tel: (202) 453-8147, e-mail: 
BeemerBT@state.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA seeks program proposals that will help develop 
institutional (and personal) linkages between secondary schools in the 
United States and partner institutions in Turkmenistan or Pakistan. ECA 
will support creative programs that will link secondary school teachers 
and administrators from the U.S. and Turkmenistan or Pakistan in 
programming designed to explore each other's systems, schools, 
approaches to education, and study how their profession is engaging the 
successor generations in both countries.
    Audience: Secondary school teachers and administrators. Active 
parents involved with parent/teacher organizations.
    Eligible Countries: Turkmenistan, Pakistan (Single-Country Projects 
Only).
    Successful programs will achieve the following:
     An understanding of issues related to the secondary school 
system in both countries.
     Develop opportunities for personal relationships to 
develop among the participants and longer-term affiliations between 
schools in the U.S. and schools in Turkmenistan or Pakistan to take 
root. Participants from both countries in the program should come from 
the same schools or set of schools (districts) so that direct linkages 
on both sides are facilitated and encouraged by the program.
     An appreciation for American governmental and legal 
structures, and a better understanding of the diversity of American 
society and how that affects the secondary school educational

[[Page 65386]]

system. Program content should include presentations on the current 
American experience with integrating various immigrant citizens into 
the educational system, education of students with special needs, after 
school programs, student service/volunteer programs, the roles of 
parents in schools, and how secondary schools build support among local 
communities.
     An enhanced leadership capacity among the foreign 
educators that will enable participants to initiate and support 
activities in their home schools and classrooms.
    Successful applicants must fully demonstrate a capacity to achieve 
the following: 
    (1) Recruit and select approximately 15 to 20 secondary school 
teachers and administrators from Turkmenistan or Pakistan and 15 to 20 
from the U.S. to take part in the program. Partnering with a 
Turkmenistan-based or Pakistan-based organization or institution or 
having affiliate offices based there is required.
    (2) The recipient of this grant will be responsible for building 
and executing a one to two week study tour for American educators 
overseas and a two to three week study tour program in the United 
States for foreign educators.
    (3) Develop enhancement activities and development opportunities 
that reinforce program goals after the participants' return to their 
home country. Grantee will be responsible for establishing electronic 
communications/on-line projects or other methods of continuing 
communications between participants. An essential follow-on component 
will be a longitudinal assessment of the achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. A merit-based competitive selection of American secondary school 
educators and administrators to participate in the Turkmenistan-based 
or Pakistan-based program is conducted.
    2. A one to two week program is developed where the U.S. 
participants travel to Turkmenistan or Pakistan. This should be done 
while schools in Turkmenistan or Pakistan are in session. While 
overseas, the U.S. participants will meet with and be hosted by foreign 
participants (and their schools) who have also been selected through an 
open merit-based competitive process. Programming should include time 
in active classrooms with students and presentation opportunities for 
the American participants in overseas schools/classrooms.
    3. During an interim period, educators are in contact through 
active electronic communications and web-based programs.
    4. A two to three week program is developed where the foreign 
participants travel to the U.S. This should be done while schools in 
the U.S. are in session. While in the U.S, the foreign participants 
will be hosted by U.S. participants (and their schools) whom they met 
in their program in Turkmenistan or Pakistan. Programming should 
include time in active classrooms with students and presentation 
opportunities for the foreign participants in American schools/
classrooms.
    5. Enrichment activities are developed that could include support 
materials translated into the native language, small grants for 
projects designed to expand and sustain the exchange experience, 
continuation of web/electronic activities, and other activities.
    SCA: Outreach and Integration of Marginalized Populations in Sri 
Lanka.
    Program Contact: Brent Beemer, tel: (202) 453-8147, e-mail: 
BeemerBT@state.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA seeks programs that will engage community 
leaders, educators, youth influencers, journalists, and community-based 
organizations in examination of programs and practices to engage 
underserved or disengaged segments of the Sri Lankan society. This 
would include strengthening outreach to youth, as well as support for 
minority rights for the Sinhalese Muslim population, especially at the 
local level. This program would examine issues related to the 
integration of marginalized populations into a modern democratic 
society, including integration in the political system, economic 
opportunity, freedom of expression, access to education, and practice 
of an open social/cultural life. A specific concentration of 
programming on minority youth populations and the special needs/
challenges they face in modern society is encouraged. Programming 
should include a study of U.S. government and legal structures, an 
understanding of the diversity of American society and efforts over the 
nation's history to increase tolerance and respect for others with 
differing views and beliefs. Program content will include an overview 
of the range of historical and current American experience with 
integrating various immigrant and minority citizens, examination of 
what has worked well and what has not, and analysis of the range of 
actors including government, NGOs, religious organizations, immigrant 
organizations, educational institutions, and the role of the media and 
public who are involved in this these issues.
    Audience: Participants in the program should include 
representatives of non-governmental organizations, community leaders, 
educators, youth influencers, religious leaders, and journalists from 
minority communities.
    Eligible Country: Sri Lanka.
    Successful applicants must fully demonstrate a capacity to achieve 
the following:
    (1) Recruit and select approximately 15 to 20 individuals 
throughout the target country. Program should be designed for two 
groups to travel to the U.S. An in-country partnering organization 
(based in Sri Lanka) is required.
    (2) In addition to identifying in-country partner and screening, 
selecting, and preparing participants prior to departure for the United 
States, the recipient of this grant will be responsible for building 
and executing a three to four week study tour and training program in 
the United States.
    (3) Conducting an in-country workshop(s) to examine the process of 
integration of marginalized populations in different societies and 
developing strategies to address these issues. The workshop(s) should 
be designed to engage a broad audience, not just program participants.
    (4) The development of enhancement activities and development 
opportunities that reinforce program goals after the participants' 
return to their home country. An essential follow-on component will be 
a longitudinal assessment of the achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. The U.S. grantee and in-country partner identify Sinhalese 
citizens to participate in the U.S.-based program. Then a three to four 
week U.S. program would occur that includes an orientation, study tour/
site visits; possible short-term internships/work shadowing 
opportunities; hands on training/training-of-trainers; professional 
development; and the development of action plans.
    2. A Sri Lanka-based workshop(s) for a broad audience to examine 
the status of minority communities. Participants in U.S. program help 
design the seminar and serve as co-presenters.
    3. Enrichment activities would be developed that could include 
having support materials translated into the local language, small 
grants for projects designed to expand the exchange experience, and 
other activities.
    REGION: Western Hemisphere (WHA):

[[Page 65387]]

    WHA: Creating Economic Growth to Fight Poverty and Strengthen 
Democracy.
    Program Contact: Laverne Johnson, tel: (202) 453-8160, e-mail: 
JohnsonLV@state.gov.
    Project Goals: ECA seeks proposals designed to promote local 
grassroots economic growth and prosperity among emerging youth leaders 
from the indigenous and Afro-Latino communities by sharing practical 
methods to achieve this goal and to develop community leadership skills 
as a means to strengthen democracy. To increase understanding within 
the community of the linkage between entrepreneurial activity and free 
markets as well as the importance of transparency and accountability in 
business and government.
    Audience: Young entrepreneurs, media representatives, community 
leaders, and officials from governmental and non-governmental 
organizations that either service or come from the indigenous and Afro-
Latino communities of the Hemisphere with a special emphasis on women.
    Eligible Countries: (Single-country and multiple-country projects 
accepted) Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, 
and Venezuela.
    Successful programs will achieve the following:
     Educate young men and women in entrepreneurial thinking 
and business leadership skills to empower them to engage in business 
creation.
     Improve among participants an understanding of the role 
communication plays in creating the conditions necessary for a free 
market economy.
     A better understanding of the roles of the private sector, 
and to a lesser extent, public sector who shape the local business 
environment.
     An appreciation of the role of the individual entrepreneur 
in creating economic growth.
     Enhance appreciation for American business practices and 
the role of the individual in creating growth through grassroots-
focused entrepreneurial efforts.
     Establish a structured interaction among American and 
Hemisphere participants designed to develop enduring professional ties.
     Expand leadership capacity enabling participants to 
initiate and support activities in their home countries that focus on 
development and community service.
    Successful applicants must fully demonstrate a capacity to achieve 
the following:
    (1) Recruit and select approximately 30 individuals from the 
business associations, banking and regulatory agencies and print media. 
The delegation should include individual business owners and 
individuals who report on business from diverse regions of the 
participating country. Program should be designed for two groups of 15 
to travel to the U.S. for not less than ten days. For this phase of the 
program, partnering with organizations based in the proposed host-
country is required.
    (2) In addition to identifying in-country partner and screening, 
selecting, and preparing participants prior to departure for the United 
States, the grantee will be responsible for building and executing a 
four to six week residency program in the United States for 
approximately twelve additional Hemisphere participants.
    (3) The final part of the program will be conducting enhancement 
activities and leadership development opportunities that reinforce 
program goals after all participants' return to their home country. An 
essential follow on component will be a longitudinal assessment of the 
achievements of the program.
    Possible Program Model:
    1. Selected participants invited to attend in-country workshops 
(presented by the U.S. grantee and in-country partner) that focus on 
effective, practical methods of stimulating entrepreneurial skills and 
support free market structures in the countries listed in this 
announcement.
    2. Key members of the in-country workshops invited to U.S. for 
business facilitation or mentoring to promote innovation and networking 
skills. Develop action plans to promote entrepreneurial skills and free 
markets upon return home.
    3. Upon return, participants implement business action plans with 
guidance from U.S. mentors utilizing email and other direct 
communication.
    4. U.S. mentors travel to country to evaluate implementation of 
action plan and offer assistance.

III. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant Agreement.
    Fiscal Year Funds: 2008, pending availability.
    Approximate Total Funding: $5,000,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 20.
    Approximate Average Award: $250,000 (Please Note: For the 
Legislative Education and Practice (LEAP) program outlined under the 
European Section of this document, the Office anticipates awarding one 
grant for approximately $400,000. It is anticipated that all other 
awards made under this competition will average approximately 
$300,000.)
    Ceiling of Award Range: $350,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, September 1, 
2008.
    Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 30, 2010.

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

    (a.) Grants awarded to eligible organizations with less than four 
years of experience in conducting international exchange programs will 
be limited to $60,000.
    (b.) Any one organization is limited to submitting no more than 
four proposals in this entire competition. If any one organization 
submits more than four, then all submitted proposals will be deemed 
ineligible in 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.


[[Page 65388]]



IV.1. Contact Information To Request an Application Package

    Please contact the Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C, Room 220, 
U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20547, (202) 453-8174, GustafsonDP@State.gov to request a Solicitation 
Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C-08-01 
located at the top of this announcement when making your request.
    Alternatively, an electronic application package may be obtained 
from grants.gov. Please 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.
    Please specify Program Specialist David Gustafson and refer to the 
Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C-08-01 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 
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document for additional 
formatting and technical requirements.
    IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of 
application. If your organization is a private nonprofit whic