Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), 70921-70926 [E7-24188]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 239 / Thursday, December 13, 2007 / Notices
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that
the proposed rule change will impose
any 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
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No written comments were solicited,
or received, with respect to the
proposed rule change, by NYSE Arca.
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–2007–98 and should be
submitted by January 3, 2008.
IV. Commission’s Findings and Order
Granting Accelerated Approval of the
Proposed Rule Change
After careful consideration, the
Commission finds that the proposed
III. Solicitation of Comments
rule change is consistent with the
requirements of the Act and the rules
Interested persons are invited to
and regulations thereunder applicable to
submit written data, views and
a national securities exchange 22 and, in
arguments concerning the foregoing,
particular, the requirements of Section 6
including whether the proposed rule
of the Act.23 Specifically, the
change is consistent with the Act.
Commission finds that the proposed
Comments may be submitted by any of
rule change is consistent with Section
the following methods:
6(b)(5) of the Act,24 which requires,
Electronic Comments
among other things, that the rules of a
national securities exchange be
• Use the Commission’s Internet
designed to promote just and equitable
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
principles of trade, to foster cooperation
rules/sro.shtml); or
and coordination with persons engaged
• Send e-mail to rulein regulating, clearing, settling,
comments@sec.gov. Please include File
Number SR–NYSEArca–2007–98 on the processing information with respect to,
and facilitating transactions in
subject line.
securities, to remove impediments to
Paper Comments
and perfect the mechanism of a free and
• Send paper comments in triplicate
open market and a national market
to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary,
system, and, in general, to protect
Securities and Exchange Commission,
investors and the public interest.
100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC
The Commission finds good cause for
20549–1090.
approving the proposed rule change
prior to the 30th day after the date of
All submissions should refer to File
publication of the notice of filing thereof
Number SR–NYSEArca–2007–98. This
in the Federal Register. The proposal
file number should be included on the
subject line if e-mail is used. To help the seeks to conform the Exchange’s rules
for ELNs to the rules of the Amex that
Commission process and review your
have previously been approved by the
comments more efficiently, please use
only one method. The Commission will Commission.25 Therefore, the
post all comments on the Commission’s Commission does not believe that the
Exchange’s proposal raises any novel
Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/
regulatory issues. The Commission
rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
believes that accelerating approval of
submission, all subsequent
this proposal should benefit investors
amendments, all written statements
by creating, without undue delay,
with respect to the proposed rule
additional competition in the market for
change that are filed with the
ELNs.
Commission, and all written
communications relating to the
Therefore the Commission finds good
proposed rule change between the
cause, consistent with Section 19(b)(2)
Commission and any person, other than of the Act,26 to approve the proposed
those that may be withheld from the
rule change on an accelerated basis.
public in accordance with the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
22 In approving this proposed rule change, the
Commission has considered the proposed rule’s
available for inspection and copying in
impact on efficiency, competition, and capital
the Commission’s Public Reference
formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington,
23 15 U.S.C. 78f.
DC 20549, on official business days
24 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
25 See Amex Rules 101 and 107; see also Amex
Copies of such filing also will be
Release, note 5 supra.
26 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
available for inspection and copying at
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V. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,27 that the
proposed rule change, as amended (SR–
NYSEArca–2007–98), be, and it hereby
is, approved on an accelerated basis.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.28
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E7–24134 Filed 12–12–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 6025]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs (ECA)
Request for Grant Proposals: Global
Connections and Exchange Program.
Announcement Type: New Grant.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/
PE/C/PY–08–13.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: February 8,
2008.
Executive Summary: The Youth
Programs Division of the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs
announces an open competition for the
Global Connections and Exchange
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 administer the Global
Connections and Exchange program in
(1) Afghanistan and/or (2) the
Palestinian Territories, West Bank only.
The Bureau will award one grant for
each program. The grantee organizations
and/or their partners will select
overseas schools and provide them with
access to the Internet and related
training to develop collaborative
partnerships with U.S. schools.
Thematic online projects will enhance
mutual understanding as they encourage
learning, research and free expression
among participating schools. All Global
Connections and Exchange activities
will be undertaken in regular and
consistent consultation with the Public
Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S.
Embassy in Kabul and the U.S.
Consulate in Jerusalem respectively.
Please note that all Global Connections
Exchange activities in the Palestinian
Territories must be carried out
according to all relevant laws and
27 15
28 17
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U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
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policies regarding assistance to the
Palestinian Authority, and to the West
Bank and Gaza; organizations should
consult with PAS—Jerusalem before
entering into any formal arrangements
or agreements with Palestinian
organizations or institutions.
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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 Global Connections and
Exchange program is designed to
introduce youth to a broad range of
ideas and resources while enhancing the
use of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) in schools. Through
this program, overseas secondary
schools will expand computer literacy
skills, improve general education, and
gain a deeper understanding of U.S.
society, culture and values. American
students will, in turn, gain a greater
understanding of foreign languages and
cultures.
Goals: The overarching goals of the
program are: (1) To use technology as a
democratization tool by providing
access to information and encouraging
free expression via the Internet; (2) to
improve educational tools, resources
and learning through the application of
ICT and student-centered methodology;
(3) to provide participants with the
necessary skills to enable them to apply
for exchange and study opportunities in
the United States and overseas; (4) to
generate personal and institutional ties
across borders among students,
educators and their schools; (5) to
promote civil society and youth
activism through collaborative projects
and online resources; (6) to increase
understanding of the United States
through teacher and student exchanges.
The following outcomes will indicate
a successful project:
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• Participants will use the Internet as
a source of information and means of
communication.
• Teachers will use technology to
complement existing curricula, enhance
daily lessons, and create a studentcentered classroom environment that
enhances critical thinking and problem
solving skills.
• Participants will develop
professional and congenial relationships
with people living in different societies
and cultures through online and face-toface interaction.
• Participants will gain interest in
foreign countries and languages,
exchange programs and international
issues.
• Participants will increase their
understanding of civil society and
engage in service activities that benefit
their communities.
Guidelines: The two grants are
intended to build on a network of
schools that have benefited from
participation in the program for the past
few years. Information about the two
programs can be found at the program
Web sites: Afghanistan: https://
www.connect-afghanistan.org/
index.html; West Bank: https://
www.connect-middleeast.org/.
Applicants should identify specific
objectives and measurable outcomes
based on program goals and project
specifications provided in the
solicitation. Should organizations wish
to apply for more than one program,
they must submit a separate proposal for
each since the two programs will be
judged independently.
For both programs, applicants must
demonstrate their capacity for
conducting programs of this nature.
This includes administrative
infrastructure in the geographic areas
and resources to link the foreign schools
with schools in the United States to
facilitate substantive online programs.
The grants to be awarded under this
competition will be based upon the
quality and responsiveness of proposals
to the review criteria presented later in
this document. Sub-grant and
consortium arrangements are
possibilities.
Applicants MUST refer to the Project
Objectives, Goals and Implementation
(POGI) guidelines for details.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: New Grant
Agreement.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2008.
Approximate Total Funding:
$350,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 2
grants, one for each program.
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Average Grant Award: Afghanistan:
$150,000; West Bank: $200,000.
Anticipated Award Date: Pending
availability of funds, April 2008.
Anticipated Project Completion Date:
May 2009.
Additional Information: Pending
successful implementation of this
program and the availability of funds in
subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA’s
intent to renew grants awarded under
this competition for at least 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 grants that exceed $60,000 to
support program and administrative
costs required to implement this
program. Therefore, organizations with
less than four years experience in
conducting international exchanges are
ineligible to apply under this
competition. The Bureau encourages
applicants to provide maximum levels
of cost sharing and funding in support
of its programs.
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IV. Application and Submission
Information
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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
The Office of Youth Programs, ECA/PE/
C/PY, Room 568, U.S. Department of
State, SA–44, 301 4th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20547, telephone (202)
203–7513, and fax (202) 203–7529, email Linda Beach at BeachLF@state.gov
to request a Solicitation Package. Please
refer to the Funding Opportunity
Number ECA/PE/C/PY–08–13 located at
the top of this announcement when
making your request.
Alternatively, an electronic
application package may be obtained
from https://www.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.
It also contains the POGI, which
provides specific information, award
criteria and budget instructions tailored
to this competition.
Please specify Anna Mussman
(MussmanAP@state.gov) and refer to the
Funding Opportunity Number (ECA/PE/
C/PY–08–13) 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
Web site 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 original and seven (7) copies of the
application should be sent per the
instructions under IV.3e. ‘‘Application
Deadline and Methods of Submissions’’
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,
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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 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
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 critically
important 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.
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70923
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.3.d.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
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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
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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:
IV.3e.1. ECA will provide two awards
under this competition: $150,000 for
Afghanistan and $200,000 for the West
Bank. Applicants must submit a
proposal and comprehensive budget for
each program. There must be a summary
budget as well as breakdowns reflecting
both administrative and program
budgets. Applicants may provide
separate sub-budgets for each program
component, phase, location, or activity
to provide clarification.
IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the
program and additional budget guidance
are outlined in detail in the POGI
document.
Please refer to the Solicitation
Package for complete budget guidelines
and formatting instructions.
IV.3f. Application Deadline and
Methods of Submission:
Application Deadline Date: February
8, 2008.
Reference Number: ECA/PE/C/PY–
08–13.
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Methods of Submission
Applications may be submitted in one
of two ways:
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. Only proposals submitted as
stated above will be considered.
Important note: When preparing your
submission please make sure to include one
extra copy of the completed SF–424 form and
place it in an envelope addressed to ‘‘ECA/
EX/PM’’.
The original and eight (8) copies of
the application should be sent to:
U.S. Department of State, SA–44,
Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/PY–08–13,
Program Management, ECA/EX/PM,
Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20547.
Applicants submitting hard-copy
applications must also submit the
‘‘Executive Summary’’ and ‘‘Proposal
Narrative’’ sections of the proposal in
text (.txt) or Microsoft Word format on
a PC-formatted disk. The Bureau will
provide these files electronically to the
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Public Affairs Sections at the U.S.
Embassy in Kabul or the Jerusalem
Consulate General for review.
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, 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
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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
1. Program Planning/Ability To
Achieve Program Objectives: Proposals
should exhibit originality, substance,
and relevance to the Bureau’s mission.
A detailed agenda and relevant work
plan should explain how objectives will
be achieved and should include a
timetable for completion of major tasks.
Reviewers will assess the degree in
which proposals engage American and
overseas participants in collaborative
projects, including those that focus on
foreign languages, civil society and
American studies, including English.
With respect to anticipated program
outcomes, reviewers will assess the
degree to which the proposed outcomes
of the project are realistic and
measurable.
2. Support of Diversity: Proposals
should demonstrate substantive support
of the Bureau’s policy on diversity.
Achievable and relevant features should
be cited in both program administration
(selection of participants, host families,
schools, program venue and program
evaluation) and program content
(orientations, program meetings,
resource materials and follow-up
activities).
3. Organization’s Record/Institutional
Capacity: Reviewers will assess the
applicant and its partners to determine
if they offer adequate resources,
expertise, and experience to fulfill
program objectives. Applicants should
demonstrate knowledge of each
country’s educational environment and
the capacity to recruit and retain U.S.
schools. Partner activities should be
clearly defined. Proposals should
demonstrate an institutional record of
successful exchange programs,
including responsible fiscal
management and full compliance with
all reporting and J–1 Visa requirements
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70925
for past Bureau grants as determined by
Bureau Grant Staff. The Bureau will
consider the past performance of prior
recipients and the demonstrated
potential of new applicants.
4. Multiplier Effect: Proposed
programs should strengthen long-term
mutual understanding, including
maximum sharing of information and
establishment of institutional and
individual linkages. Applicants should
detail how participants will share newly
-acquired knowledge and skills with
others.
5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation:
Proposals must include a plan to
monitor the activity’s success, both as
the activities unfold and at the end of
the program. The evaluation plan
should show a clear link between
program objectives and expected
outcomes, and should include a
description of performance indicators
and measurement tools. Applicants
should provide draft questionnaires or
other techniques for use in surveying
schools/participants to facilitate the
demonstration of results.
6. Follow-On and Sustainability:
Proposals should provide a strategy for
the continuation of the schools’ capacity
to implement Internet access and online
linkages without the Bureau’s financial
support.
7. Cost-effectiveness/Cost Sharing:
Reviewers will analyze the budget for
clarity and cost-effectiveness. They will
also assess the rationale of the proposed
budget and whether the allocation of
funds is appropriate to complete tasks
outlined in the project narrative. The
overhead and administrative
components of the proposal, including
salaries and honoraria, should be kept
as low as possible. All other items
should be necessary and appropriate.
Proposals should maximize cost-sharing
through other private sector support as
well as institutional direct funding
contributions. Preference will be given
to organizations whose proposals
demonstrate a quality, cost-effective
program.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1a. Award Notice:
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
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70926
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 239 / Thursday, December 13, 2007 / Notices
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.1b The following additional
requirements apply to this project:
For Assistance Awards involving the
Palestinian Authority: All awards made
under this competition must be
executed according to all relevant laws
and policies regarding assistance to the
Palestinian Authority. Organizations
should consult with relevant Public
Affairs Offices before entering into any
formal arrangements or agreements with
Palestinian organizations or institutions.
VI.2. Administrative and National
Policy Requirements:
Terms and Conditions for the
Administration of ECA agreements
include the following:
Office of Management and Budget
Circular A–122, ‘‘Cost Principles for
Nonprofit Organizations.’’
Office of Management and Budget
Circular A–21, ‘‘Cost Principles for
Educational Institutions.’’ OMB Circular
A–87, ‘‘Cost Principles for State, Local
and Indian Governments’’.
OMB Circular No. A–110 (Revised),
Uniform Administrative Requirements
for Grants and Agreements with
Institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals, and other Nonprofit
Organizations.
OMB Circular No. A–102, Uniform
Administrative Requirements for
Grants-in-Aid to State and Local
Governments.
OMB Circular No. A–133, Audits of
States, Local Government, and Nonprofit Organizations.
Please reference the following
websites 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. One interim program report
3. Financial reports
4. Quarterly newsletters that highlight
program activities and successes are
strongly recommended.
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.
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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.
VI.4. Program Data Requirements:
Organizations awarded grants will be
required to maintain specific data on
program participants and activities in an
electronically accessible database format
that can be shared with the Bureau as
required.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this
announcement, contact: Anna
Mussman, Office of Citizen Exchanges,
ECA/PE/C/PY, Room 568, U.S.
Department of State, SA–44, 301 4th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Telephone: (202) 203–7506 Fax number:
(202) 203–7529, Internet address:
MussmanAP@state.gov. All
correspondence with the Bureau
concerning this RFGP should reference
the above title and number ECA/PE/C/
PY–08–13.
Please read the complete Federal
Register announcement before sending
inquiries or submitting proposals. Once
the RFGP deadline has passed, Bureau
staff may not discuss this competition
with applicants until the proposal
review process has been completed.
VIII. Other Information
Notice:
The terms and conditions published
in this RFGP are binding and may not
be modified by any Bureau
representative. Explanatory information
provided by the Bureau that contradicts
published language will not be binding.
Issuance of the RFGP does not
constitute an award commitment on the
part of the Government. The Bureau
reserves the right to reduce, revise, or
increase proposal budgets in accordance
with the needs of the program and the
availability of funds. Awards made will
be subject to periodic reporting and
evaluation requirements per section VI.3
above.
Dated: December 5, 2007.
C. Miller Crouch,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affair, Department
of State.
[FR Doc. E7–24188 Filed 12–12–07; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Fifth Meeting, Special Committee 215
Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route)
Services Next Generation Satellite
Services and Equipment
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of RTCA Special
Committee 215, Aeronautical Mobile
Satellite (Route) Services, Next
Generation Satellite Services and
Equipment.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice
to advise the public of a second meeting
of RTCA Special Committee 215,
Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route)
Services, Next Generation Satellite
Services and Equipment.
DATES: The meeting will be held January
22–23, 2007, at 9 a.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
Continental Airlines, 600 Jefferson
Street, Concourse Level—Training
Room C, Houston, TX 77002.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
RTCA Secretariat, 1828 L Street, NW.,
Suite 805, Washington, DC 20036;
telephone (202) 833–9339; fax (202)
833–9434; Web site https://www.rtca.org
for directions. POC: Mr. David Pitoniak,
Phone: 713–324–3907. Note: Dress is
Business Casual.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act Pub. L. 92–
463, 5 U.S.C., Appendix 2), notice is
hereby given for a Special Committee
215 meeting. The agenda will include:
• January 22:
• Opening Plenary Session (Welcome,
Introductions, and Administrative
Remarks, Review and Approval of
Agenda for Fifth Plenary.
• Review and Approval of Fourth
Meeting Summary (215–045; RTCA
Paper No. 295–07/SC215–011).
• Review of Action List Outstanding
Actions.
• DO–262 Normative Appendix.
• Report from DO–262 Working
Groups.
• Review and Discussion of
Remaining Sections.
• DO–270—Normative Appendix.
• Overview of Approach for
Normative Appendix.
• Review of DO–270 Normative
Appendix.
• Closing Plenary Session (Other
Business, Schedule Next Plenary
Meeting, Adjourn—Wednesday,
January 23, 2007; 12 noon).
Attendance is open to the interested
public but limited to space availability.
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[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 239 (Thursday, December 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70921-70926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24188]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 6025]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
Request for Grant Proposals: Global Connections and Exchange
Program.
Announcement Type: New Grant.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-13.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: February 8, 2008.
Executive Summary: The Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the
Global Connections and Exchange 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 administer the
Global Connections and Exchange program in (1) Afghanistan and/or (2)
the Palestinian Territories, West Bank only. The Bureau will award one
grant for each program. The grantee organizations and/or their partners
will select overseas schools and provide them with access to the
Internet and related training to develop collaborative partnerships
with U.S. schools. Thematic online projects will enhance mutual
understanding as they encourage learning, research and free expression
among participating schools. All Global Connections and Exchange
activities will be undertaken in regular and consistent consultation
with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and
the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem respectively. Please note that all
Global Connections Exchange activities in the Palestinian Territories
must be carried out according to all relevant laws and
[[Page 70922]]
policies regarding assistance to the Palestinian Authority, and to the
West Bank and Gaza; organizations should consult with PAS--Jerusalem
before entering into any formal arrangements or agreements with
Palestinian organizations or institutions.
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 Global Connections and Exchange program is designed to
introduce youth to a broad range of ideas and resources while enhancing
the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools.
Through this program, overseas secondary schools will expand computer
literacy skills, improve general education, and gain a deeper
understanding of U.S. society, culture and values. American students
will, in turn, gain a greater understanding of foreign languages and
cultures.
Goals: The overarching goals of the program are: (1) To use
technology as a democratization tool by providing access to information
and encouraging free expression via the Internet; (2) to improve
educational tools, resources and learning through the application of
ICT and student-centered methodology; (3) to provide participants with
the necessary skills to enable them to apply for exchange and study
opportunities in the United States and overseas; (4) to generate
personal and institutional ties across borders among students,
educators and their schools; (5) to promote civil society and youth
activism through collaborative projects and online resources; (6) to
increase understanding of the United States through teacher and student
exchanges.
The following outcomes will indicate a successful project:
Participants will use the Internet as a source of
information and means of communication.
Teachers will use technology to complement existing
curricula, enhance daily lessons, and create a student-centered
classroom environment that enhances critical thinking and problem
solving skills.
Participants will develop professional and congenial
relationships with people living in different societies and cultures
through online and face-to-face interaction.
Participants will gain interest in foreign countries and
languages, exchange programs and international issues.
Participants will increase their understanding of civil
society and engage in service activities that benefit their
communities.
Guidelines: The two grants are intended to build on a network of
schools that have benefited from participation in the program for the
past few years. Information about the two programs can be found at the
program Web sites: Afghanistan: https://www.connect-afghanistan.org/
index.html; West Bank: https://www.connect-middleeast.org/.
Applicants should identify specific objectives and measurable
outcomes based on program goals and project specifications provided in
the solicitation. Should organizations wish to apply for more than one
program, they must submit a separate proposal for each since the two
programs will be judged independently.
For both programs, applicants must demonstrate their capacity for
conducting programs of this nature. This includes administrative
infrastructure in the geographic areas and resources to link the
foreign schools with schools in the United States to facilitate
substantive online programs.
The grants to be awarded under this competition will be based upon
the quality and responsiveness of proposals to the review criteria
presented later in this document. Sub-grant and consortium arrangements
are possibilities.
Applicants MUST refer to the Project Objectives, Goals and
Implementation (POGI) guidelines for details.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: New Grant Agreement.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2008.
Approximate Total Funding: $350,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 2 grants, one for each program.
Average Grant Award: Afghanistan: $150,000; West Bank: $200,000.
Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, April 2008.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: May 2009.
Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of this
program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is
ECA's intent to renew grants awarded under this competition for at
least 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 grants that exceed $60,000 to support
program and administrative costs required to implement this program.
Therefore, organizations with less than four years experience in
conducting international exchanges are ineligible to apply under this
competition. The Bureau encourages applicants to provide maximum levels
of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.
[[Page 70923]]
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 The Office of Youth Programs, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room 568, U.S.
Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547,
telephone (202) 203-7513, and fax (202) 203-7529, e-mail Linda Beach at
BeachLF@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to
the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY-08-13 located at the top of
this announcement when making your request.
Alternatively, an electronic application package may be obtained
from https://www.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.
It also contains the POGI, which provides specific information,
award criteria and budget instructions tailored to this competition.
Please specify Anna Mussman (MussmanAP@state.gov) and refer to the
Funding Opportunity Number (ECA/PE/C/PY-08-13) 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 Web site 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 original and seven (7)
copies of the application should be sent per the instructions under
IV.3e. ``Application Deadline and Methods of Submissions'' 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 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 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 critically
important 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.3.d.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
[[Page 70924]]
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:
IV.3e.1. ECA will provide two awards under this competition:
$150,000 for Afghanistan and $200,000 for the West Bank. Applicants
must submit a proposal and comprehensive budget for each program. There
must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both
administrative and program budgets. Applicants may provide separate
sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to
provide clarification.
IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program and additional budget
guidance are outlined in detail in the POGI document.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget
guidelines and formatting instructions.
IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission:
Application Deadline Date: February 8, 2008.
Reference Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-13.
Methods of Submission
Applications may be submitted in one of two ways:
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.
Only proposals submitted as stated above will be considered.
Important note: When preparing your submission please make sure
to include one extra copy of the completed SF-424 form and place it
in an envelope addressed to ``ECA/EX/PM''.
The original and eight (8) copies of the application should be sent
to:
U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-13, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room
534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Applicants submitting hard-copy applications must also submit the
``Executive Summary'' and ``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the
proposal in text (.txt) or Microsoft Word format on a PC-formatted
disk. The Bureau will provide these files electronically to the
[[Page 70925]]
Public Affairs Sections at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul or the Jerusalem
Consulate General for review.
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
1. Program Planning/Ability To Achieve Program Objectives:
Proposals should exhibit originality, substance, and relevance to the
Bureau's mission. A detailed agenda and relevant work plan should
explain how objectives will be achieved and should include a timetable
for completion of major tasks. Reviewers will assess the degree in
which proposals engage American and overseas participants in
collaborative projects, including those that focus on foreign
languages, civil society and American studies, including English. With
respect to anticipated program outcomes, reviewers will assess the
degree to which the proposed outcomes of the project are realistic and
measurable.
2. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of
participants, host families, schools, program venue and program
evaluation) and program content (orientations, program meetings,
resource materials and follow-up activities).
3. Organization's Record/Institutional Capacity: Reviewers will
assess the applicant and its partners to determine if they offer
adequate resources, expertise, and experience to fulfill program
objectives. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of each country's
educational environment and the capacity to recruit and retain U.S.
schools. Partner activities should be clearly defined. Proposals should
demonstrate an institutional record of successful exchange programs,
including responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all
reporting and J-1 Visa requirements for past Bureau grants as
determined by Bureau Grant Staff. The Bureau will consider the past
performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new
applicants.
4. Multiplier Effect: Proposed programs should strengthen long-term
mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of information and
establishment of institutional and individual linkages. Applicants
should detail how participants will share newly -acquired knowledge and
skills with others.
5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Proposals must include a plan
to monitor the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at
the end of the program. The evaluation plan should show a clear link
between program objectives and expected outcomes, and should include a
description of performance indicators and measurement tools. Applicants
should provide draft questionnaires or other techniques for use in
surveying schools/participants to facilitate the demonstration of
results.
6. Follow-On and Sustainability: Proposals should provide a
strategy for the continuation of the schools' capacity to implement
Internet access and online linkages without the Bureau's financial
support.
7. Cost-effectiveness/Cost Sharing: Reviewers will analyze the
budget for clarity and cost-effectiveness. They will also assess the
rationale of the proposed budget and whether the allocation of funds is
appropriate to complete tasks outlined in the project narrative. The
overhead and administrative components of the proposal, including
salaries and honoraria, should be kept as low as possible. All other
items should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize
cost-sharing through other private sector support as well as
institutional direct funding contributions. Preference will be given to
organizations whose proposals demonstrate a quality, cost-effective
program.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1a. Award Notice:
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
[[Page 70926]]
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.1b The following additional requirements apply to this project:
For Assistance Awards involving the Palestinian Authority: All
awards made under this competition must be executed according to all
relevant laws and policies regarding assistance to the Palestinian
Authority. Organizations should consult with relevant Public Affairs
Offices before entering into any formal arrangements or agreements with
Palestinian organizations or institutions.
VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:
Terms and Conditions for the Administration of ECA agreements
include the following:
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-122, ``Cost Principles
for Nonprofit Organizations.''
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-21, ``Cost Principles
for Educational Institutions.'' OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles
for State, Local and Indian Governments''.
OMB Circular No. A-110 (Revised), Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations.
OMB Circular No. A-102, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants-in-Aid to State and Local Governments.
OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Government, and
Non-profit Organizations.
Please reference the following websites 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. One interim program report
3. Financial reports
4. Quarterly newsletters that highlight program activities and
successes are strongly recommended.
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.
VI.4. Program Data Requirements:
Organizations awarded grants will be required to maintain specific
data on program participants and activities in an electronically
accessible database format that can be shared with the Bureau as
required.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: Anna Mussman,
Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room 568, U.S. Department of
State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Telephone:
(202) 203-7506 Fax number: (202) 203-7529, Internet address:
MussmanAP@state.gov. All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this
RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/PE/C/PY-08-13.
Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has
passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants
until the proposal review process has been completed.
VIII. Other Information
Notice:
The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may
not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information
provided by the Bureau that contradicts published language will not be
binding. Issuance of the RFGP does not constitute an award commitment
on the part of the Government. The Bureau reserves the right to reduce,
revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of
the program and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject
to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements per section VI.3
above.
Dated: December 5, 2007.
C. Miller Crouch,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affair,
Department of State.
[FR Doc. E7-24188 Filed 12-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P
