Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA); Request for Grant Proposals: International Visitor Leadership Program Assistance Awards, 17734-17741 [E9-8640]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 72 (Thursday, April 16, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17734-17741]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-8640]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 6580]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA); Request for 
Grant Proposals: International Visitor Leadership Program Assistance 
Awards

    Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/V-10-01.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.402.
    Key Dates: October 1, 2009-September 30, 2010 (pending availability 
of funds).
    Application Deadline: June 5, 2009.
    Executive Summary: The Office of International Visitors, Division 
of Professional and Cultural Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs (ECA/PE/V), United States Department of State (DoS) 
announces an open competition for two assistance awards to develop and 
implement International Visitor Leadership Programs (IVLP). The IVLP 
seeks to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and foreign 
publics through carefully designed professional programs for 
approximately 4,500 foreign visitors per year from all regions of the 
world. The two awards will fund programming for a minimum of 251 and a 
maximum of 712 International Visitors (IVs). Subject to availability of 
funds, Award A will fund: (1) Up to approximately 593 visitors 
($1,939,113), of which approximately 75 visitors will be funded, if 
required, through seasonal administrative funding for one 7-month and 
one 4-month program team included in this total or (2) up to 
approximately 712 visitors ($2,326,936), of which 75 visitors will be 
funded, if required, through seasonal administrative funding for one 7-
month and one 4-month program team included in this total. Award B will 
fund: (1) Up to approximately 251 visitors ($684,657) or (2) up to 
approximately 301 visitors ($821,588). Applicant organizations must 
include two separate proposed budgets at the two different projected 
funding levels described above for each award for which they apply. For 
Award A, each of the proposed budgets should also

[[Page 17735]]

include a separate budget spreadsheet for the one 7-month and one 4-
month supplemental program team described above. Applicant 
organizations may bid on one or both awards. Pending availability of 
funds, one assistance award will be made for each category described 
above. If an organization is interested in bidding on more than one 
award, a separate proposal and budget is required for each award. See 
Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) for definitions of 
program-related terminology.
    The intent of this announcement is to provide the opportunity for 
organizations to develop and implement a variety of programs for 
International Visitors from multiple regions of the world. Please refer 
to the POGI for a breakdown of regions. The award recipients will 
function as national program agencies (NPAs) and will work closely with 
Department of State (DoS) Bureau staff, who will guide them through 
programmatic, procedural, and budgetary issues for the full range of 
IVL programs. (Hereafter, the terms ``award recipient'' and ``national 
program agency'' will be used interchangeably to refer to the grantee 
organization[s].)

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: Program Information.
    Overview: The International Visitor Leadership Program seeks to 
increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and foreign publics 
through carefully designed professional programs. IVL programs support 
U.S. foreign policy objectives. Participants are current or potential 
foreign leaders in government, politics, media, education, science, 
labor relations, non-government organizations (NGOs), the arts, and 
other key fields. They are selected by officers of U.S. embassies 
overseas and are approved by the DoS staff in Washington, DC. Since the 
program's inception in 1940, there have been over 140,000 distinguished 
participants in the program. Over 290 program alumni subsequently 
became heads of state or government in their home countries. All IVL 
programs must maintain a non-partisan character.
    The Bureau seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations for 
development and implementation of professional programs for Bureau-
sponsored International Visitors to the U.S. Once the awards are made, 
separate proposals will be required for each group project [Single 
Country (SCP), Sub-Regional (SRP), Regional (RP), and Multi-Regional 
(MRP)] as well as less formal proposals for Individual and Individuals 
Traveling Together (ITT) and Voluntary Visitors (Volvis) programs. Each 
program will be focused on a substantive theme. Some typical IVL 
program themes are: (1) U.S. foreign policy; (2) U.S. government and 
political system; (3) economic development; (4) education; (5) media; 
(6) interfaith dialogue; (7) freedom of information; (8) NGO 
management; (9) women's issues; (10) tolerance and diversity; (11) 
counterterrorism; (12) democracy and human rights; (13) rule of law; 
(14) international crime; and (15) environmental issues. IVL programs 
must conform to all Bureau requirements and guidelines. Please refer to 
the Program Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document for a 
more detailed description of each type of IVL program.
    Guidelines: Goals and objectives for each specific IVL program will 
be shared with the award recipients at an appropriate time following 
the announcement of the assistance awards. DoS will provide close 
coordination and guidance throughout the duration of the awards. Award 
recipients will consult closely with the responsible ECA/PE/V program 
officer throughout the development, implementation, and evaluation of 
each IVL program. Prospective program agencies should demonstrate the 
potential to develop the following types of programs.
    1. Programs must contain substantive meetings that focus on foreign 
policy goals and program objectives and are presented by experts. 
Meetings, site visits, and other program activities should promote 
dialogue between participants and their U.S. professional counterparts. 
Programs must be balanced to show different sides of an issue.
    2. Most programs will be three weeks long and will begin in 
Washington, DC, with an orientation and overview of the issues and a 
central examination of Federal policies regarding these issues. Well-
paced program itineraries usually include visits to four or five 
communities. Program itineraries ideally include urban and rural small 
communities in diverse geographical and cultural regions of the U.S., 
as appropriate to the program theme.
    3. Programs should provide opportunities for participants to 
experience the diversity of American society and culture. Participants 
in RPs or MRPs are divided into smaller sub-groups for simultaneous 
visits to different communities, with subsequent opportunities to share 
their experiences with the full group once it is reunited.
    4. Programs should provide opportunities for the participants to 
share a meal or similar experience (home hospitality) in the homes of 
Americans of diverse occupational, age, gender, and ethnic groups. Some 
individual and group programs might include an opportunity for an 
overnight stay (home stay) in an American home.
    5. Programs should provide opportunities for participants to 
address student, civic and professional groups in relaxed and informal 
settings.
    6. Participants should have appropriate opportunities for site 
visits and hands-on experiences that are relevant to program themes. 
The award recipients may propose professional ``shadowing'' experiences 
with U.S. professional colleagues for some programs (a typical 
shadowing experience means spending a half- or full-workday with a 
professional counterpart.)
    7. Programs should also allow time for participants to reflect on 
their experiences and, in group programs, to share observations with 
program colleagues. Participants should have opportunities to visit 
cultural and tourist sites.
    8. The award recipients must make arrangements for community visits 
through affiliates of the National Council for International Visitors 
(NCIV). In cities where there is no such council, the award recipients 
will arrange for coordination of local programs.

Qualifications

    1. Proposals must demonstrate a minimum of four years of successful 
experience in coordinating international exchanges.
    2. Proposals must demonstrate the ability to develop and administer 
IVL programs.

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    3. Proposals must demonstrate an applicant's broad knowledge of 
international relations and U.S. foreign policy issues.
    4. Proposals must demonstrate an applicant's broad knowledge of the 
United States and U.S. domestic issues.
    5. Award recipients must have a Washington, DC presence. Applicants 
who do not currently have a Washington, DC presence must include a 
detailed plan in their proposal for establishing such a presence by 
October 1, 2009. The costs related to establishing such a presence must 
be borne by the award recipient. No such costs may be included in the 
budget submission in this proposal. The award recipient must have e-
mail capability, access to Internet resources, and the ability to 
exchange data electronically with all partners involved in the 
International Visitor Leadership Program.
    6. Proposals must demonstrate that an applicant has an established 
resource base of programming contacts and the ability to keep this 
resource base continuously updated. This resource base should include 
speakers, thematic specialists, or practitioners in a wide range of 
professional fields in both the private and public sectors.
    7. All proposals must demonstrate sound financial management.
    8. All proposals must contain a sound management plan to carry out 
the volume of work outlined in the Project Objectives, Goals, and 
Implementation guidelines (POGI). This plan should include an 
appropriate staffing pattern and a work plan/timeframe.
    9. Applicant organizations must include two separate proposed 
budgets at the two different projected funding levels for each award 
for which they apply.
    10. Proposals must describe capacity to employ additional staff 
during particularly busy months of the IVLP cycle and to assume 
additional projects, if requested. For Award A, each of the proposed 
budgets should also include a separate budget spreadsheet for the one 
7-month and one 4-month supplemental program team described above.
    11. Applicants must include in their proposal narrative a 
discussion of ``lessons learned'' from past exchange coordination 
experiences, and how these will be applied in implementing the 
International Visitor Leadership Program.
    12. Award recipients must have the capability to utilize the world 
wide Web for the electronic retrieval of program data from the 
Department of State's IVLP Web site. The award recipient's office 
technology must be capable of exchanging information with all partners 
involved in the International Visitor Leadership Program. The award 
recipient must have the capability to electronically communicate 
through eNPA (Electronic National Program Agency), the software 
application that allows award recipients to share information and data 
electronically through the Department of State's Exchange Visitor 
Database (EVDB-e) and with the Councils for International Visitors 
(CIVs), as well as to produce a national program book and other 
supporting documents (e.g., appointment requests and confirmations, 
participant welcome letters, and mailing labels) generated directly 
into Microsoft Word.
    13. Applicants must include as a separate attachment under TAB G of 
their proposals the following:
    a. Samples of at least two schedules for international exchange or 
training programs that they have coordinated within the past four years 
that they are particularly proud of and that they feel demonstrate 
their organization's competence and abilities to conduct the activities 
outlined in the RFGP;
    b. Samples of orientation and NPA self-evaluation materials used in 
past international exchange or training programs.

Requirements for Past Performance References

    Instead of Letters of Endorsement, DoS will use past performance as 
an indicator of an applicant's ability to successfully perform the 
work. TAB E of the proposal must contain between three and five 
references who may be called upon to discuss recently completed or 
ongoing work performed for professional exchange programs (which may 
include the IVL Program). The reference must contain the information 
outlined below. Please note that the requirements for submission of 
past performance information also apply to all proposed sub-recipients 
when the total estimated cost of the sub-award is over $100,000.
    At a minimum, the applicant must provide the following information 
for each reference:
     Name of the reference organization.
     Project name.
     Project description.
     Performance period of the contract/grant.
     Amount of the contract/grant.
     Technical contact person and telephone number for 
referenced organization.
     Administrative contact person and telephone number for 
referenced organization.
    DoS may contact representatives from the organizations cited in the 
examples to obtain information on the applicant's past performance. DoS 
also may obtain past performance information from sources other than 
those identified by the applicant.
    Personnel: Applicants must include complete and current resumes of 
the key personnel who will be involved in the program management, 
design, and implementation of IVL programs. Each resume is limited to 
two pages per person.

Budget Guidelines

    Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive line-item 
administrative budget in accordance with the instructions in the 
Solicitation Package (Proposal Submission Instructions.) The submission 
must include a summary budget and a detailed budget showing all 
administrative costs. Proposed staffing and costs associated with 
staffing must be appropriate to the requirements outlined in the RFGP 
and in the Solicitation Package. Cost sharing is encouraged and should 
be shown in the budget presentation.
    The Department of State is seeking proposals from public and 
private nonprofit organizations that are not already in communication 
with DoS regarding an FY-2010 assistance award from ECA/PE/V. All 
applicants must have a minimum of four years' experience conducting 
international exchanges, an ability to closely consult with DoS staff 
throughout program administration, and proven fiscal management 
integrity. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget 
guidelines and formatting instructions.
    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, as sponsor and 
manager of the International Visitor Leadership Program, plays a 
significant role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all 
types of International Visitor Leadership Programs and is responsible 
for all communication with overseas missions. The Bureau will provide 
close coordination and guidance throughout the duration of the awards. 
Award recipients will consult closely with the responsible ECA/PE/V 
program officer throughout the development, implementation, and 
evaluation of each IVL program.
    All liaison shall be with the designated elements of the DoS 
relative to the following responsibilities incurred by the recipient 
under this agreement:
    A. Program Administration--Bureau of Educational and Cultural 
Affairs,

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Office of International Visitors, Community Resources Division, ECA/PE/
V/C.
    B. Financial--Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Grants 
Division, ECA-IIP/EX/G.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. ECA's level of involvement in 
this program is listed under number I above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY-2010 (pending availability of funds).
    Approximate Total Funding: $2,623,770 or $3,148,524. Administrative 
funding only; program funds provided as needed.
    Number of Awards: Two.
    Approximate Average Award: $1,443,074.
    Floor of Award Range: $684,657 (251 visitors).
    Ceiling of Award Range: $2,326,936 (712 visitors).
    Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, October 1, 
2009.
    Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 30, 2010.
    Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of this 
program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is 
ECA's intent to renew these cooperative agreements for five additional 
fiscal years, before openly competing them 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 USC 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, award recipients must maintain written records to 
support all costs which are claimed as its contribution, as well as 
costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to 
audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind 
contributions must be in accordance with OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), 
Subpart C.23--Cost Sharing and Matching. In the event the recipient 
organization does not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as 
stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution will be reduced 
in like proportion.

III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements

    (a) Bureau cooperative agreement 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 two cooperative agreements of which the minimum 
award is $684,657. Therefore, organizations with less than four years 
experience in conducting international exchanges are ineligible to 
apply under this competition. Program costs will be transferred 
directly to the award recipient based upon International Visitor 
workload, and should not be included in the proposal. The Bureau 
encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and 
funding in support of its programs.
    (b) Technical Eligibility: All proposals must comply with the 
technical eligibility requirements specified in the Proposal Submission 
Instructions (PSI) and the Project Objectives, Goals, and 
Implementation (POGI) documents. Failure to do so will result in 
proposals being declared technically ineligible and given no further 
consideration in the review process.

IV. Application and Submission Information

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

IV.1. Contact Information to Request an Application Package

    Please contact the Office of International Visitors, Community 
Relations Division (ECA/PE/V/C), Room 247, U.S. Department of State, 
SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, telephone (202) 453-
8624, fax (202) 453-8631 number, or e-mail JohnsonPA2@state.gov to 
request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity 
Number (ECA/PE/V-10-01) located at the top of this announcement when 
making your request.
    Alternatively, an electronic application package may be obtained 
from https://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 Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation 
(POGI) document, which provides specific information, award criteria 
and budget instructions tailored to this competition.
    Please specify Patricia Johnson and refer to the Funding 
Opportunity Number (ECA/PE/V-10-01) 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 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 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 and the Project 
Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document for additional 
formatting and technical requirements.
IV.3c.
    You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of 
application. If your organization is a private nonprofit which has not 
received a grant or

[[Page 17738]]

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 the proposal narrative:
    IV.3d.1. Adherence to all regulations governing the J Visa: The 
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is placing renewed emphasis 
on the secure and proper administration of Exchange Visitor (J visa) 
Programs and adherence by grantees and sponsors to all regulations 
governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should demonstrate the 
applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the 
administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 
part 62, including the oversight of 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 International Visitors (ECA/PE/V) 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.
    Please refer to Solicitation Package for further information.
    IV.3d.2. Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines: Pursuant to 
the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must maintain a non-
political character and should be balanced and representative of the 
diversity of American political, social, and cultural life. 
``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass 
differences including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, 
religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and disabilities. 
Applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere to the advancement of this 
principle both in program administration and in program content. Please 
refer to the review criteria under the `Support for Diversity' section 
for specific suggestions on incorporating diversity into your proposal. 
Public Law 104-319 provides that ``in carrying out programs of 
educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not 
fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' the Bureau ``shall take 
appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in such 
programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such countries.'' 
Public Law 106--113 requires that the governments of the countries 
described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection 
process. Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their 
program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.
    IV.3d.3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Successful monitoring 
and evaluation depend heavily on setting clear objectives and outcomes 
at the outset of a program. In support of the Bureau's evaluation 
goals, the Office of International Visitors will administer a post-
program evaluation for International Visitors upon conclusion of 
Regional and Multi-Regional programs.
    In addition, applicants must monitor and evaluate the program's 
success, both as activities unfold and at the end of each program. (See 
Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document.) Proposal 
submissions should include a monitoring and evaluation plan that 
demonstrates: An understanding of overall IVLP goals, as well as the 
objectives of assigned projects; the anticipated results and outcomes, 
including specific changes in International Visitors' behavior, 
knowledge, skills, and status resulting from the program activities; 
and the link between the outcomes and the original project objectives.
    Proposals should further demonstrate how applicants will obtain an 
understanding of the goals and objectives of each assigned IVL program, 
and how applicants will review and analyze the outcomes and results 
upon conclusion of each IVL program. For regional and multi-regional 
programs, participation at a final oral evaluation session is expected 
and a final program report is required. (See Project Objectives, Goals 
and Implementation (POGI) document.) Proposal submissions should 
demonstrate how award recipients will apply the feedback provided by 
International Visitors to strengthen the overall goals and objectives 
of the International Visitor Leadership Program.
    IV.3d.4. Alumni Outreach Follow on Programming: No alumni outreach 
follow-on programming is expected or will be funded. However, the 
Bureau expects that all recipient organization(s) will encourage and 
assist participants in registering and using the State Alumni Web site 
(https://alumni.state.gov) and the Exchanges Connect Web site (https://connect.state.gov) at multiple points during their exchange experience, 
at a minimum during program orientations and pre-departure briefings as 
well as at the end of programs to encourage participants to create 
groups and/or forums on exchanges connect. Proposals should detail how 
the Web sites will be promoted to exchange participants and how the 
recipient organization(s) will facilitate participant registration. The 
Bureau expects that all recipient organization(s) will place a link to 
both State Alumni and Exchanges Connect on their own Web sites.
    IV.3d.5. Program Management: Proposals should describe the 
applicant's plans for: overall program management, staffing, 
coordination with ECA or any other requirements, sustainability, etc.
IV.3e. Please Take the Following Information Into Consideration When 
Preparing the Proposed Budget
    IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit comprehensive budgets for the 
entire program. Funding levels are listed under Section II of this 
announcement. There must be summary budgets as well as breakdowns 
reflecting the administrative budgets. Applicants may provide separate 
sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to 
provide clarification.
    IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program include the following:
    (1) Staff Salaries and Benefits;
    (2) Office and Program Supplies;
    (3) Telephone and Communications;
    (4) Staff Travel and Per Diem;
    (5) ADP Equipment Maintenance and IT Costs;
    (6) Indirect Costs.
    Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget 
guidelines and formatting instructions.
IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission
    Application Deadline Date: June 05, 2009.
    Reference Number: ECA/PE/V-10-01.
    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., Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. Postal 
Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.), or
    (2) Electronically through https://www.grants.gov.


[[Page 17739]]


    Please Note: ECA strongly encourages organizations interested in 
applying for this competition to submit printed, hard copy 
applications as outlined in section IV.3f.1., below rather than 
submitting electronically through Grants.gov. This recommendation is 
being made as a result of the anticipated high volume of grant 
proposals that will be submitted via the Grants.gov Web portal as 
part of the Recovery Act stimulus package. As stated in this RFGP, 
ECA bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from 
transmission or conversion processes for proposals submitted via 
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 
Proposal Submission Instructions (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 10 number of copies of the application should be 
sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/V-10-01, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, 
Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
    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 Note: ECA strongly encourages organizations interested in 
applying for this competition to submit printed, hard copy 
applications as outlined in section IV.3f.1. above, rather than 
submitting electronically through Grants.gov. This recommendation is 
being made as a result of the anticipated high volume of grant 
proposals that will be submitted via the Grants.gov Web portal as 
part of the Recovery Act stimulus package. As stated in this RFGP, 
ECA bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from 
transmission or conversion processes for proposals submitted via 
Grants.gov.

    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. In 
addition, validation of an electronic submission via Grants.gov can 
take up to two business days.
    Therefore, we strongly recommend that you not wait until the 
application deadline to begin the submission process through 
Grants.gov.
    The Grants.gov Web site includes extensive information on all 
phases/aspects of the Grants.gov process, including an extensive 
section on frequently asked questions, located under the ``For 
Applicants'' section of the Web site. ECA strongly recommends that all 
potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov Web site, well in 
advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA 
bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or 
conversion processes.
    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.
    Please refer to the Grants.gov Web site, for definitions of various 
``application statuses'' and the difference between a submission 
receipt and a submission validation. Applicants will receive a 
validation e-mail from Grants.gov upon the successful submission of an 
application. Again, validation of an electronic submission via 
Grants.gov can take up to two business days. Therefore, we strongly 
recommend that you not wait until the application deadline to begin the 
submission process through Grants.gov. ECA will not notify you upon 
receipt of electronic applications.
    It is 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. 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 or cooperative agreements resides with the Bureau's 
Grants Officer.

V.2. Review Criteria

    Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed 
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank 
ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
    1. Evidence of Understanding/Program Planning: The proposal should 
convey that the applicant has a good understanding of the overall goals 
and objectives of the IVL Program. It should

[[Page 17740]]

exhibit originality, substance, and precision, and be responsive to the 
requirements stated in the RFGP and the Solicitation Package. The 
proposal should contain a detailed and relevant work plan that 
demonstrates substantive intent and logistical capacity. The agenda and 
plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described in 
the RFGP and the POGI.
    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 
program resources and interlocutors, program venue, etc.) and program 
content (orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource 
materials and follow-up activities).
    3. Institutional Capacity: The award recipient must have a 
Washington, DC presence. Applicants who do not currently have a 
Washington, DC presence must include a detailed plan in their proposal 
for establishing such a presence by October 1, 2009. The costs related 
to establishing such a presence must be borne by the award recipient. 
No such costs may be included in the budget submission in this 
proposal. The proposal should clearly demonstrate the applicant's 
capability for performing the type of work required by the IVL Program 
and how the institution will execute its program activities to meet the 
goals of the IVL Program. It should reflect the applicant's ability to 
design and implement, in a timely and creative manner, professional 
exchange programs which encompass a variety of project themes. Proposed 
personnel and institutional resources should be adequate and 
appropriate to achieve the program goals. The proposal must demonstrate 
that the applicant has or can recruit adequate and well-trained staff. 
All recipients must submit their IVL Program and national itinerary 
data electronically to the DoS by utilizing either the eNPA tool 
provided by the Department or the mandated standard data format 
submission that has been established as an interface to existing legacy 
systems.
    4. Institution's Record/Ability: The proposal should demonstrate an 
institutional record of a minimum of four years of successful 
experience in conducting IVL or other professional exchange programs, 
which are similar in nature and magnitude to the scope of work outlined 
in this solicitation. The applicant must demonstrate the potential for 
programming IVL participants from multiple regions of the world. 
Applicants should demonstrate that their organizations would consult 
with DoS program officers on a regular basis to ensure that the 
assigned visitor projects would consistently meet program objectives. 
Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful 
exchange programs, including responsible fiscal management and full 
compliance with all reporting requirements for past Bureau cooperative 
agreements as determined by Bureau Grants Staff. The Bureau will 
consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated 
potential of new applicants.
    5. Project Evaluation: While program agencies do not have sole 
responsibility for program evaluation, proposals should describe how 
program agency will evaluate the activity's success, both as the 
activities unfold and through required reporting at the conclusion of 
group program, and address how lessons learned will be incorporated in 
future program planning. A description of the methodology to be used to 
link outcomes to original project objectives is recommended.
    6. Cost-effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components 
of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as 
low as possible. This includes acquiring and retaining capable staff. 
All other costs, such as building maintenance, should be necessary and 
appropriate.
    7. Cost-sharing: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through 
other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding 
contributions.

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1a. Award Notices

    Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by 
Congress, and allocated and committed through internal Bureau 
procedures. Successful applicants will receive an Assistance Award 
Document (AAD) from the Bureau's Grants Office. The AAD and the 
original grant proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) 
shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient 
and the U.S. Government. The AAD will be signed by an authorized Grants 
Officer, and mailed to the recipient's responsible officer identified 
in the application.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of 
the application review from the ECA program office coordinating this 
competition.

VI.1b. Optional--The Following Additional Requirements Apply to This 
Project

For Assistance Awards Involving Iran
    A critical component of current U.S. government Iran policy is the 
support for indigenous Iranian voices. The State Department has made 
the awarding of grants for this purpose a key component of its Iran 
policy. As a condition of licensing these activities, the Office of 
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has requested the Department of State to 
follow certain procedures to effectuate the goals of Sections 481(b), 
531(a), 571, 582, and 635(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (as 
amended); 18 U.S.C. 2339A and 2339B; Executive Order 13224; and 
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 6. These licensing conditions 
mandate that the Department conduct a vetting of potential Iran 
grantees and sub-grantees for counter-terrorism purposes. To conduct 
this vetting the Department will collect information from grantees and 
sub-grantees regarding the identity and background of their key 
employees and Boards of Directors.

    Note: To assure that planning for the inclusion of Iran complies 
with requirements, please contact Patricia Johnson (ECA/PE/V/C), 
Office of International Visitors, by e-mail JohnsonPA2@state.gov for 
additional information.

Prohibition on the Use of Federal Funds To Promote, Support, or 
Advocate for the Legalization or Practice of Prostitution
    The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related 
activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and 
contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons. None of the 
funds made available under this agreement may be used to promote, 
support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution. 
Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to preclude 
assistance designed to ameliorate the suffering of, or health risks to, 
victims while they are being trafficked or after they are out of the 
situation that resulted from such victims being trafficked.
    The recipient shall insert the foregoing provision in all sub-
agreements under this award.
    This provision includes express terms and conditions of the 
agreement and any violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral 
termination of the agreement by the Department of State prior to the 
end of its term.

[[Page 17741]]

For Assistance Awards Involving the Palestinian Authority, West Bank, 
and Gaza
    All awards made under this competition must be executed according 
to all relevant U.S. laws and policies regarding assistance to the 
Palestinian Authority, and to the West Bank and Gaza. Organizations 
must consult with relevant Public Affairs Offices before entering into 
any formal arrangements or agreements with Palestinian organizations or 
institutions.

    Note: To assure that planning for the inclusion of the 
Palestinian Authority complies with requirements, please contact 
Patricia Johnson (ECA/PE/V/C), Office of International Visitors, by 
e-mail JohnsonPA2@state.gov for additional information.

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Terms and Conditions for the Administration of ECA agreements 
include the following:
    Office of Management and Budget Circular A-122, Cost Principles for 
Nonprofit Organizations.
    Office of Management and Budget Circular A-21, Cost Principles for 
Educational Institutions.
    OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian 
Governments.
    OMB Circular No. A-110 (Revised), Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations.
    OMB Circular No. A-102, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants-in-Aid to State and Local Governments.
    OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Government, and 
Non-profit Organizations.
    Please reference the following Web sites for additional 
information:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants
https://exchanges.state.gov/education/grantsdiv/terms.htm#articleI.

VI.3. Mandatory Reporting Requirements

    Award recipients 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. This report must disclose cost sharing and 
be certified by the award recipient's chief financial officer or an 
officer of comparable rank.
    (2) Quarterly financial reports within thirty (30) days following 
the end of the calendar year quarter. These reports should itemize 
separately International Visitor costs, Voluntary Visitor costs, 
English Language Officer/Interpreter costs for International Visitors, 
English Language Officer/Interpreter costs for Voluntary Visitors, 
special project costs by projects, and administrative costs for the 
previous quarter on a cash basis. These reports should also list 
separately the number of English Language Officers/Interpreters 
accompanying International Visitors, and the number of English Language 
Officers/Interpreters accompanying Voluntary Visitors for whom funds 
are expended. Quarterly financial reports must be certified by the 
award recipient's chief financial officer or an officer of comparable 
rank. For further information, please refer to the Project Objectives, 
Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document.
    (3) Providing ECA with Quarterly Projected Expenditure Reports: Due 
by the 15th day of the 3\rd\ month of each quarter. These reports 
should indicate projections for the next quarter in the following 
categories: Grant Benefits: Regional Program Visitor Benefits (plus 
group enhancements, per diem and ground transportation), Voluntary 
Visitor Benefits (plus group enhancements, per diem and ground 
transportation), English Language Office/Interpreter Benefits (plus per 
diem and ground transportation), and Multi-Regional Projects (MRP group 
enhancements). Travel Manager Company (TMC): Regional/MRP Program 
domestic air travel, Voluntary Visitor domestic air travel and English 
Language Officers/Interpreter domestic air travel. Number of Visitors: 
Number of Regional/MRP Program Visitors, number of Voluntary Visitors, 
and number of English Language Officers/Interpreters. The original hard 
copy of the reports should be sent to ECA/PE/V/C--Patricia Johnson, who 
is responsible for Cooperative Agreement administration. The report 
should also be sent to JOHNSONPA2@state.gov.
    (4) Such operating, statistical, and financial information relating 
to the program as may be requested by the DoS to meet its reporting 
requirements and answer inquiries concerning the operation of the IVL 
Program, as stipulated in the FY 2010 Project Objectives, Goals, and 
Implementation.
    (5) Reports analyzing evaluation findings should be provided to the 
Bureau in award recipient's 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 must 
be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the Bureau 
upon request.
    All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program 
Officer listed in the final assistance award document.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For questions about this announcement, contact: Patricia Johnson, 
Office of International Visitors, Community Relations Division, Room 
247, Reference Number ECA/PE/V-08-01, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 
301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, telephone 202-494-8714, fax 
202-453-8631, or e-mail JohnsonPA2@state.gov.
    All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should 
reference the above title and number ECA/PE/V-10-01. Please read the 
complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. 
Once the RFGP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this 
competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been 
completed.

VIII. Other Information

Notice

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

    Dated: April 9, 2009.
C. Miller Crouch,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, 
Department of State.
 [FR Doc. E9-8640 Filed 4-15-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P