Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: “American Film Showcase-Contemporary Voices in Documentary and Fiction Film”, 22429-22437 [2011-9727]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22429-22437]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9727]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 7421]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for 
Grant Proposals: ``American Film Showcase--Contemporary Voices in 
Documentary and Fiction Film''

    Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/CU-11-46.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.415.
    Key Dates: September 1, 2011 to January 31, 2013.
    Application Deadline: May 25, 2011.
    Executive Summary: The Cultural Programs Division of the Office of 
Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 
(ECA) announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to 
administer the ``American Film Showcase--Contemporary Voices in 
Documentary and Fiction Film.'' Through this program, ECA seeks to 
bring award-winning independent American documentaries and narrative 
films to audiences around the world to offer contemporary new insights 
into American life and culture and issues affecting democratic 
societies. The films and their filmmakers will be showcased at 
international venues, including U.S. Embassy-organized events and/or 
U.S. Embassy-supported international documentary and feature film 
festivals. This program will provide for travel by documentary and 
feature filmmakers and film experts in conjunction with public 
presentation of the films overseas. In addition to presentations, 
American filmmakers and film experts will be expected to conduct or 
participate in master classes, workshops, lectures and other outreach 
activities designed for a variety of audiences, with a focus on younger 
and underserved audiences. The classes are expected to include 
filmmaking workshops and training in digital technology, emergent 
media, and creative use of social media. The Showcase also will provide 
for follow-up programming that could include return visits overseas by 
American filmmakers or visits by young foreign filmmakers to the United 
States.
    Through this solicitation, ECA seeks an organization to identify 
and select a collection of contemporary American documentary and 
narrative films that offer a broad overview of the best in current 
American independent filmmaking.
    The films should demonstrate high artistic quality, illustrate 
diverse viewpoints, address a variety of social issues, and reflect the 
creativity inherent in an open, democratic society.
    Documentaries are the priority focus of the American Film Showcase. 
They should address important and compelling themes and represent more 
than half of the films in the Showcase, with the remainder being 
narrative/fiction films. The Showcase also should include a small 
collection of animated shorts.
    U.S. public and non-profit organizations meeting the provisions 
described in Internal Revenue code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may 
submit proposals for the American Film Showcase.
    For this competition, all applicants must demonstrate sufficient 
experience successfully exhibiting, distributing, or otherwise 
promoting American documentaries and narrative films. They also should 
demonstrate extensive knowledge of independent filmmaking--especially 
the documentary field--both in the U.S. and overseas.
    Proposals from organizations with significant international 
experience and also educational programming experience will be more 
competitive.

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 Bureau seeks proposals that will showcase and promote 
contemporary American independent documentaries and narrative films and 
their filmmakers at a variety of international venues, including U.S. 
Embassy-organized events and U.S. Embassy-supported documentary film 
festivals, as well as at universities, museums, binational

[[Page 22430]]

centers and elsewhere. These events will help engage audiences overseas 
that have access to few if any American independent documentaries and 
narrative films. The Showcase will provide opportunities for 
international audiences to become exposed to American viewpoints on 
socially relevant issues as presented in these films; gain an 
understanding of the role of filmmaking as a catalyst for dialogue and 
for exploring solutions to contemporary problems; and allow American 
filmmakers to learn about life and culture in the foreign host 
countries.
    Documentaries are the priority focus of the Showcase because they 
can inspire critical discussion of difficult topics, help foster mutual 
understanding and demonstrate the importance of free speech in bringing 
about public discourse to effect change. The documentaries should 
address a variety of compelling themes and reflect contemporary 
American society as seen by independent documentary filmmakers. These 
themes should include--but not be limited to--human rights, ethnic 
diversity, immigration, democratic processes, women and families, civil 
society, the environment, science and technology, education and other 
subjects reflecting contemporary life.
    Documentaries should represent more than half of the films in the 
Showcase, with the remainder being narrative/fiction films. Selected 
narrative films should not be extraneous to the program but should 
elaborate in some way on the themes explored in the documentaries. ECA 
is looking for a creative and imaginative proposal to illustrate this 
connection. The American Film Showcase should include at least 15 and 
no more than 20 documentaries and narrative films, with documentaries 
comprising more than 50% of the total number. Applicant organizations 
should specify what that number should be and explain the reason for 
the documentary/narrative film ratio. In addition, the applicant also 
will select a small collection of animated shorts (approx. five) that 
demonstrate the latest in American animation techniques and increase 
programming interest, especially for younger audiences.
    The applicant will be responsible for identifying and assembling a 
collection of American documentaries on diverse social themes, whose 
filmmakers will be available for overseas travel and programming by 
U.S. Embassies in connection with the presentation of their 
documentaries at Embassy-sponsored events or local film festivals, as 
well as other programming possibilities. The applicant also will be 
responsible for identifying and assembling a selection of narrative/
fiction films that elaborate on the themes explored in the 
documentaries. Fiction filmmakers also must be available for overseas 
travel and presentation of their films at U.S. Embassy-sponsored 
events, local film festivals, and other program venues. In addition to 
presentations, all American Showcase filmmakers and film experts will 
be expected to conduct or participate in master classes, lectures and 
workshops on a variety of subjects, including filmmaking, story-
telling, and cinematography; marketing, distribution and funding; 
animation techniques and computer animation; digital technology, cell-
phone and YouTube filmmaking; other forms of emergent media, as well as 
creative use of social networking. They also are expected to be 
available for interviews, radio and television appearances, and other 
outreach activities. Audiences are expected to include film 
professionals, film students and festival goers; journalism students 
and other university students; younger students with little background 
in film; environmental activists and civil society representatives; 
NGO's seeking to help the disabled; as well as general audiences.
    The Showcase also will provide for follow-up programming that could 
include the return of filmmakers or film experts to countries already 
visited for more in-depth programs. Alternatively, several young 
foreign filmmakers encountered during the Showcase tour might be 
invited to present their films at one or more festivals in the United 
States. The award recipient will develop follow-up programs in 
consultation with ECA and U.S. Embassies.
    Applicants should submit proposals that show how they will identify 
and select the collection outlined here and how they will assist ECA in 
programming the films and their filmmakers in approximately 20 to 25 
countries overseas.
Guidelines
    The successful applicant must fully demonstrate a capacity to 
achieve the following:
    (1) Identify the film professionals, subject matter specialists, 
and other experts who will be members of the panel(s) selecting the 
documentaries and narrative films. Provide credentials to illustrate 
the film and international expertise of the review panelists.
    (2) Identify the specific selection criteria the review panel(s) 
will use to select the documentary and narrative films and 
participating filmmakers. The panel(s) may include an ECA 
representative as an observer.
    Since the films and documentaries will be presented abroad as part 
of ECA's public diplomacy outreach, they should be balanced, represent 
the diversity of American political, social and cultural life, and take 
political and cultural sensitivities into consideration. ECA will 
review and approve nominated documentaries and narrative films and 
provide final approval for the selection panel(s) recommendations.
    (3) Identify, select, and obtain approximately 15-20 American 
documentaries and narrative films appropriate for overseas 
presentation. Documentaries should comprise more than 50% of the 
collection and should reflect compelling themes and issues such as 
human rights, ethnic diversity, women's issues, and the environment as 
well as categories such as history and social documentaries, 
ethnographic films, biographies, and the arts. The narrative films 
should relate to the themes presented in the documentaries. The 
collection should include documentary and narrative films appropriate 
for entry into international film festivals if requested by U.S. 
embassies. It also should include a mix of feature length and short 
films to allow for flexible programming at various venues.
    (4) Identify, select, and obtain at least five or more animated 
shorts that demonstrate the latest in American animation techniques, 
enhance program flexibility, and increase programming interest, 
especially for younger audiences.
    (5) Identify the filmmakers, film professionals, and other film 
experts who will travel overseas to present the films and arrange their 
travel, assisting with passport, visa, immunizations, and other pre-
travel preparations. Filmmakers must be U.S. citizens who are at least 
21 years old; demonstrate the highest artistic ability; be conversant 
with broader aspects of contemporary American society and culture; be 
conversant with the other films in the collection, as well as their 
own; and be adaptable to unescorted, rigorous touring through regions 
where travel and performance situations may be difficult.
    (6) Ensure documentaries and narrative features are available in 
appropriate formats for various kinds of screening venues and that 
sufficient copies of the entire collection are available for multiple 
bookings in various geographic areas. The applicant is responsible for 
producing Showcase film packages in appropriate formats

[[Page 22431]]

with sufficient copies for multiple exhibitions overseas.
    (7) Obtain all necessary and appropriate rights clearances for the 
documentaries, narrative features and animation shorts included in the 
Showcase collection to ensure copyright protection and permit 
flexibility in programming. This includes obtaining translation rights.
    (8) Obtain transcripts and dialogue lists for all documentaries and 
narrative films to allow for subtitling when needed. The applicant's 
budget should include funds to cover some subtitling, with ECA or 
individual embassies paying the balance.
    (9) Ensure all Showcase documentaries and narrative films meet film 
festival criteria, in the event they are to be submitted for 
presentation at a U.S. Embassy-supported festival. Assist with festival 
entry forms.
    (10) Work with ECA and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections to 
develop program models for Embassy-sponsored or Embassy-organized film 
events that are appropriate for many different audiences and venues.
    (11) Working in coordination with ECA, ensure Embassy Public 
Affairs Sections concur with suitability of selected Showcase films for 
their programming.
    (12) Develop educational, programming and promotional materials to 
support the Showcase collection, including a website, study guides, 
posters, press kits, and media packets.
    (13) Develop a comprehensive media and public relations strategy 
that includes outreach to international and U.S. media. The successful 
applicant will incorporate social media and innovative technologies 
into their outreach strategy. All final public relations strategies 
will be developed in consultation with and approved by ECA.
    (14) Arrange and provide orientation sessions and pre-travel 
briefings for filmmakers and film experts, produce press materials and 
provide publicity and other support while the filmmakers are overseas.
    (15) Evaluate program activities.
    (16) Report on program activities to ECA immediately following each 
overseas visit and provide a summary report using a format that ECA 
will provide.
    (17) Assist ECA and U.S. embassies with possible follow-on program 
development and implementation.
    Proposals should reflect a practical understanding of global issues 
and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, political, economic, and 
social differences in regions where the documentaries and narrative 
films will be shown and the filmmakers and experts programmed. Special 
attention should be given to describing the applicant organization's 
experience with documentary and narrative film, with planning and 
implementing logistical scenarios overseas, and with international and 
educational programming of the type described here. Please provide 
details of all such past experience. Applicants also should outline 
their project team's capacity for doing projects of this nature and 
provide a detailed sample program to illustrate planning capacity and 
ability to achieve program objectives. Applicants must identify all 
U.S. and foreign partner organizations and/or venues with whom they are 
proposing to collaborate, and describe previous cooperative projects in 
the section on ``Institutional Capacity.'' For this competition, 
applicants must include in their proposal supporting materials that 
demonstrate a minimum of four years experience in conducting 
international exchange programs. Proposals also must include references 
with name and contact information for other assistance awards the 
applicant may have received so the Bureau may contact them directly and 
include examples of successful projects.
    ECA intends to award one cooperative agreement to a qualified 
institution or organization to administer the American Film Showcase 
program globally. Activities funded through this cooperative agreement 
support the organization and implementation of programs in 
approximately 20 to 25 countries overseas.
    Activities must include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Selection of contemporary independent documentaries and 
narrative films with associated filmmakers.
    (2) Production of film packages in appropriate formats with 
appropriate rights clearances for multiple exhibitions overseas.
    (3) Development of promotional and corollary support material, 
including educational and media packets.
    (4) Shipping overseas.
    (5) Travel overseas by filmmakers and other experts.
    (6) Advance program planning.
    (7) Programming educational, media, and other outreach activities 
in consultation with ECA and U.S. embassies.
    (8) Assisting filmmakers with passport, visa, immunizations, and 
other pre-travel preparations.
    (9) Arranging and providing orientation sessions and pre-travel 
briefings, producing press materials, and providing support for 
publicity while the filmmakers are overseas.
    (10) Working with ECA and directly with the media to publicize the 
American Film Showcase program.
    (11) Evaluating program activities.
    (12) Reporting on program activities to ECA.
    (13) Providing suggestions for--and assistance with--follow-on 
program development, including the option of bringing foreign 
filmmakers to the United States.
    Applicants must have experience in aspects of documentary and 
narrative filmmaking and in planning and implementation of programs--
with particular emphasis on documentary programs, and on overseas and 
educational programs--and should address these elements in the 
proposal. Proposals that include strong programmatic and outreach 
elements targeted to young audiences will be more competitive. The 
grantee must be highly responsive and able to work in close 
consultation with ECA and the Public Affairs Sections of the 
participating U.S. embassies.
    Successful applicants will include with their proposal specific 
criteria for the selection of American documentaries and filmmakers and 
the selection of narrative films and filmmakers.
    ECA Responsibilities: This is a cooperative agreement, and ECA will 
be substantially involved in program activities above and beyond 
routine monitoring. ECA activities and responsibilities for this 
program are as follows:
    (1) The final selection of films and filmmakers.
    (2) Determination of the countries to which the films and 
filmmakers will travel. Priority countries will be those in all world 
regions of greatest importance to the Department of State's public 
diplomacy mission to build mutual understanding and support U.S. 
foreign policy objectives.
    (3) Facilitative assistance with the overseas program arrangements, 
as needed.
    (4) Final approval of all program arrangements.
    (5) Approval of media and public relations strategies and 
arrangements for Showcase events.

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 2011.
    Approximate Total Funding: $700,000.

[[Page 22432]]

    Approximate Number of Awards: One.
    Approximate Average Award: $700,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, September 1, 
2011.
    Anticipated Project Completion Date: January 31, 2013.
    Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of this 
program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is 
ECA's intent to renew this cooperative agreement for two additional 
fiscal years, before openly competing it again.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    Applications may be submitted by public and private non-profit 
organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code 
section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds

    There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this 
competition. However, the Bureau encourages applicants to provide 
maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.
    When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the 
applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its 
proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may 
be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For 
accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs 
which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by 
the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis 
for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in 
accordance with OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), Subpart C.23--Cost 
Sharing and Matching. In the event you do not provide the minimum 
amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's 
contribution will be reduced in like proportion.

III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements

    (a.) 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 making one award, 
in an amount up to $700,000 to support program and administrative costs 
required to implement this exchange program. Therefore, organizations 
with less than four years experience in conducting international 
exchanges are ineligible to apply under this competition.
    (b.) Technical Eligibility: All proposals must comply with the 
following: (1) Full adherence to the guidelines stated herein and in 
the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI); (2) proposal submission 
deadline date; (3) non-profit organization status, and; (4) for 
purposes of this competition, a demonstrated track record in 
independent documentary and narrative film programming and at least 
four years experience in international exchanges, or your proposal will 
be declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration 
in the review process. Eligible applicants may submit only ONE proposal 
(TOTAL) in response to this RFGP. If multiple proposals are received, 
all submissions will be declared technically ineligible and will be 
given no further consideration in the review process. Please note: 
Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number 
as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting 
documentation outlined in the PSI document.

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 Susan L. Cohen in the Cultural Programs Division, 
Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C/CU, SA-5, Third Floor, U.S. 
Department of State, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037, tel: 
202-632-6424, fax: 202-632-9355, e-mail CohenSL@state.gov to request a 
Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number 
ECA/PE/C/CU-11-46 located at the top of this announcement when making 
your request. Alternatively, an electronic application package may be 
obtained from grants.gov. Please see section IV.3f for further 
information.
    The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission 
Instruction (PSI) document which consists of required application 
forms, and standard guidelines for proposal preparation.
    Please specify Program Officer Susan L. Cohen, Cultural Programs 
Division, ECA/PE/C/CU, and refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/
PE/C/CU-11-46 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/grants/open2.html, 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 com or call 1-866-705-
5711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the 
appropriate box of the SF-424 which is part of the formal application 
package.
    IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal 
narrative and budget.
    Please Refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory 
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document for additional 
formatting and technical requirements.
    IV.3c. All federal award recipients and sub-recipients must 
maintain current registrations in the Central Contractor Registration 
(CCR) database and have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) number. Recipients and sub-recipients must maintain 
accurate and up-to-date information in the CCR until all program and 
financial activity and reporting have been completed. All entities must 
review and update the information at least annually after the initial 
registration and more frequently if required information changes or 
another award is granted.
    You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of 
application. Please note: Effective January 7, 2009, all applicants for 
ECA federal assistance awards must include in their application the 
names of directors and/or senior executives (current officers, 
trustees, and key employees, regardless of amount of compensation). In 
fulfilling this requirement, applicants must submit information in one 
of the following ways:


[[Page 22433]]


    (1) Those who file Internal Revenue Service Form 990, ``Return 
of Organization Exempt From Income Tax,'' must include a copy of 
relevant portions of this form.
    (2) Those who do not file IRS Form 990 must submit information 
above in the format of their choice.

    In addition to final program reporting requirements, award 
recipients will also be required to submit a one-page document, derived 
from their program reports, listing and describing their grant 
activities. For award recipients, the names of directors and/or senior 
executives (current officers, trustees, and key employees), as well as 
the one- page description of grant activities, will be transmitted by 
the State Department to OMB, along with other information required by 
the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), and 
will be made available to the public by the Office of Management and 
Budget on its USASpending.gov website as part of ECA's FFATA reporting 
requirements.
    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 awards (either a grant or cooperative agreement) under this 
RFGP will be third parties ``cooperating with or assisting the sponsor 
in the conduct of the sponsor's program.'' The actions of recipient 
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 an award 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 emphases on the secure and proper administration of Exchange 
Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by recipient 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:

Office of Designation, Private Sector Programs Division, U.S. 
Department of State, ECA/EC/D/PS, SA-5, 5th Floor, 2200 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20037.
IV.3d.2. Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines
    Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must 
maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and 
representative of the diversity of American political, social, and 
cultural life. ``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest 
sense and encompass differences including, but not limited to 
ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic 
status, and disabilities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere 
to the advancement of this principle both in program administration and 
in program content. Please refer to the review criteria under the 
``Support for Diversity'' section for specific suggestions on 
incorporating diversity into your proposal. Public Law 104-319 provides 
that ``in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in 
countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' the 
Bureau ``shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for 
participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of 
such countries.'' Public Law 106-113 requires that the governments of 
the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in 
the selection process. Proposals should reflect advancement of these 
goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.
IV.3d.3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation
    Proposals must include a plan to monitor and evaluate the project's 
success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program. 
The Bureau recommends that your proposal include a draft survey 
questionnaire or other technique plus a description of a methodology to 
use to link outcomes to original project objectives. The Bureau expects 
that the recipient organization 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.

[[Page 22434]]

    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.)
    Recipient organizations 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. Applicants must submit SF-424A--``Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs'' along with a comprehensive budget for the 
entire program. The award may not exceed $700,000. There must be a 
summary budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both administrative and 
program budgets. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each 
program component, phase, location, or activity to provide 
clarification.
    IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program include the following:
    (1) Program Expenses, including but not limited to: Costs involved 
in the identification and selection of an American documentary and 
narrative film collection, including organization of selection panel/s; 
costs of producing multiple copies of the documentary and film 
collection; domestic and international travel for the selected 
filmmakers (per The Fly America Act) to approximately 20 to 25 
countries overseas for an average of one-to-two weeks of programming; 
visas and immunizations; airport taxes and country entrance fees; 
honoraria for the filmmakers; educational materials and presentation 
items; excess and overweight baggage fees for educational material; 
trip itinerary booklets; press kits and promotional materials; follow-
on activities; monitoring and evaluation; and international travel for 
program implementation and/or evaluation purposes. The following 
guidelines may be helpful in developing a proposed budget:
    A. Travel Costs. International and domestic airfares. (per The Fly 
America Act), transit costs, ground transportation, and visas for 
American Film Showcase participants to travel to overseas program 
destinations.
    B. Per Diem: For any U.S. portion of the travel, organizations 
should use the published Federal per diem rates. The Public Affairs 
Sections of the participating U.S. embassies and consulates are 
responsible for per diem abroad. Domestic per diem rates may be 
accessed at: https://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=17943&contentType=GSA_BASIC%20.
    C. Sub-grantees and Consultants. Sub-grantee organizations may be 
used, in which case the written agreement between the prospective 
grantee and sub-grantee should be included in the proposal. Sub-grants 
must be itemized in the budget under General Program Expenses. 
Consultants may be used to provide specialized expertise. Daily 
honoraria cannot exceed $250 per day, and applicants are strongly 
encouraged to use organizational resources, and to cost share heavily 
in this area.
    D. Health Insurance. Each American Film Showcase participant 
traveling abroad will be covered under the terms of the ECA-sponsored 
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) insurance policy. 
Upon notification from the grant recipient, ECA will enroll 
participants in the plan for the period of the exchange. Details about 
the insurance program can be provided by the ECA contact for this 
solicitation. Insurance premiums are paid by ECA and should not be 
included in the grant proposal budget. However, the cost for 
international travel insurance for staff travel may be included in the 
proposal budget.
    E. Honoraria for American Film Showcase filmmakers abroad. Daily 
honorarium is $200 per day for each filmmaker or film expert, including 
rest and travel days.
    F. Educational and Promotional Items. ECA funds for educational and 
promotional items should not exceed $200 per filmmaker or film expert 
per program.
    G. Excess Baggage. For brochures, educational and other support 
material related to overseas programming.
    H. Immunizations/Visas. For purposes of a proposed budget, line 
items for immunizations should be estimated at $400 per filmmaker, and 
visas/visa photos should be estimated at $600 per filmmaker or film 
expert.
    I. Press Kits. Each relevant U.S. embassy should receive 
appropriate contents for press kits. Items may be sent electronically 
with the understanding that in some cases, embassies may not be able to 
access large files or attachments. This line item may include funds for 
shooting and duplicating publicity photos and duplicating documentary 
clips. Hard copy versions of press kits also must be available.
    J. Staff Travel. Allowable costs include domestic staff travel for 
one staff member to attend recruitment/selection events in 
approximately two U.S. cities. International staff travel will be 
allowable, especially if associated with monitoring and evaluation and 
undertaken in consultation with ECA. Cost-sharing for staff travel is 
strongly encouraged.
    2. Administrative Costs. Costs necessary for the effective 
administration of the program may include salaries for grantee 
organization employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs 
per detailed instructions in the Solicitation Package. While there is 
no rigid ratio of administrative to program costs, proposals in which 
the administrative costs do not exceed 25% of the total requested from 
ECA grant funds will be more competitive on cost effectiveness. Please 
refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and 
formatting instructions.
    IV.3f. Application deadline and methods of submission:
    Application Deadline Date: May 25, 2011.
    Reference Number: ECA/PE/C/CU-11-46.

[[Page 22435]]

    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.
    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 14 copies of the application should be sent to:

Program Management Division, ECA-IIP/EX/PM, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/CU-11-046, 
SA-5, Floor 4, Department of State, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20037.

    (Include following language re: CD-ROM submission only if proposals 
will be forwarded to embassies. If post input is not necessary, delete 
language.)
    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 CD-ROM. As 
appropriate, the Bureau will provide these files electronically to 
Public Affairs Section(s) at the U.S. embassy(ies) for its (their) 
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 Note:  ECA bears no responsibility for applicant 
timeliness of submission or 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: 
grants.gov">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 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 
cooperative agreements resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer.
Review Criteria
    Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed 
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank 
ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
    1. Quality of the Program Idea: Proposals should exhibit 
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Bureau's 
mission.

[[Page 22436]]

    2. Program Planning and Ability To Achieve Objectives: Detailed 
agenda and relevant work plan should demonstrate substantive 
undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda and plan should adhere to 
the program overview and guidelines described above. Objectives should 
be reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly 
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and 
plan.
    3. Multiplier Effect/Impact: Proposed programs should strengthen 
long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of 
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual 
linkages.
    4. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive 
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant 
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of 
participants, program venue and program evaluation) and program content 
(orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource materials 
and follow-up activities).
    5. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional 
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or 
project's goals.
    6. Institution's Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate an 
institutional record of successful exchange programs, including 
responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting 
requirements for past Bureau awards (grants or 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.
    7. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for 
continued follow-on activity (without Bureau support), ensuring that 
Bureau funded programs are not isolated events. Please also provide 
suggestions for follow-on program development to be funded by this 
grant.
    8. Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate 
the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of 
the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus 
description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original 
project objectives is recommended.
    9. Cost-effectiveness and Cost-Sharing: The overhead and 
administrative components of the proposal, including salaries and 
honoraria, should be kept as low as possible. All other items should be 
necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost-sharing 
through other private sector support as well as institutional direct 
funding contributions.

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1a. Award Notices

    Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by 
Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures. 
Successful applicants will receive a Federal Assistance Award (FAA) 
from the Bureau's Grants Office. The FAA and the original proposal with 
subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding 
authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S. Government. The 
FAA 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. Should any proposals include programming for Iranian 
audiences or include follow-on activities involving Iranian grantees, 
the following additional requirements would apply to this project:
    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 Susan L. Cohen at (202) 
632-6424 for additional information.

    Should any proposals include programming involving the Palestinian 
Authority, West Bank, and Gaza, the following additional requirements 
would apply: 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 
Susan L. Cohen, ECA/PE/C/CU, 202-632-6424, cohensl@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 websites for additional information:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants.
https://fa.statebuy.state.gov.

    VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy 
original plus two copies of the following reports:
    (1.) A final program and financial report no more than 90 days 
after the expiration of the award;
    (2.) A concise, one-page final program report summarizing program 
outcomes no more than 90 days after the expiration of the award. This 
one-page report will will be transmitted to OMB, and be made available 
to the public via OMB's USAspending.gov website--as part of ECA's 
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting 
requirements.
    (3.) A SF-PPR, ``Performance Progress Report'' Cover Sheet with all 
program reports.
    Award recipients will be required to provide reports analyzing 
their evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program 
reports. (Please

[[Page 22437]]

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. Optional Program Data Requirements: Award recipients 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. As a minimum, the data must include 
the following:
    (1) Name, address, contact information and biographic sketch of all 
persons who travel internationally on funds provided by the agreement 
or who benefit from the award funding but do not travel.
    (2) Itineraries of international and domestic travel, providing 
dates of travel and cities in which any exchange experiences take 
place. Final schedules for in-country and U.S. activities must be 
received by the ECA Program Officer at least three work days prior to 
the official opening of the activity.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For questions about this announcement, contact: Susan L. Cohen, 
U.S. Department of State, Cultural Programs Division, ECA/PE/C/CU, SA-
5, Third Floor, ref: ECA/PE/C/CU-11-46, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, 
DC 20037, tel: 202-632-6424, fax: 202-632-9355, CohenSL@state.gov/.
    All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should 
reference the above title and Ref. number ECA/PE/C/CU-11-46.
    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.

    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 15, 2011.
Ann Stock,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 2011-9727 Filed 4-20-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P