Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Cooperative Agreement Proposals; English Language Fellow Program for Academic Year (AY) 2012-2013, 27143-27149 [2011-11430]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27143-27149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11430]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 7448]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for 
Cooperative Agreement Proposals; English Language Fellow Program for 
Academic Year (AY) 2012-2013

    Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/A/L-12-01.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.421.
    Key Program Dates: N/A.
    Application Deadline: June 24, 2011.
    The Office of English Language Programs of the Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for 
proposals to advance the Bureau's objectives through support of 
academic exchanges that will result in the improvement of English 
teaching capacity around the world and the enhancement of mutual 
understanding between the people of the United States and those of 
other countries through exchanges of U.S. English language educators to 
all regions of the world.
    The English Language Fellow (EL Fellow) Program sends U.S. 
educators in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) 
on ten-month fellowships to overseas academic institutions. The Program 
brings foreign English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Educators to the 
U.S. for a three-week workshop/institute including participation in the 
annual Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) 
Convention. Pending the availability of Fiscal Year FY 2012 funds, the 
Bureau anticipates the placement of approximately 112 English Language 
Fellows overseas in AY 2012-2013. Public and private non-profit 
organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue 
Code, Section 26 U.S.C. 501 (c) (3) may submit proposals to administer 
and manage the EL Fellow Program for AY 2012-2013.

I. Funding Opportunity Description:

Authority

    Overall Grant and Agreement-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 English Language Fellow Program fosters mutual understanding 
between the people of the United States and those of other countries 
through exchanges of U.S. English language educators. The EL Fellow 
Program sends talented, highly qualified U.S. educators in the field of 
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

[[Page 27144]]

(TESOL) on ten-month assignments to academic institutions in all 
regions of the world. Through projects recommended by U.S. embassies, 
EL Fellows share their expertise, hone their skills, gain international 
experience, and learn about other cultures. Upon returning to the 
United States, they share their experiences and acquired knowledge with 
their communities and professional colleagues. Projects are carried out 
with host-country ministries of education, universities, teacher-
training institutions, NGOs, binational centers, and other English 
language teaching institutions.
    The EL Fellow Program allows students and teachers at host 
institutions to benefit from the EL Fellows' expertise and to gain a 
better understanding of American values, representative government, 
free enterprise, and the rule of law. EL Fellows provide foreign 
educators, professionals, and students with communications skills they 
need to participate in the global economy and to improve their access 
to diverse perspectives on a broad variety of issues.
    During the program, EL Fellows typically serve as full-time (up to 
20 classroom contact hours per week) educators assigned to foreign host 
institutions and may be engaged in teacher training, curriculum and 
materials development, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction, 
assessment, evaluation, research, English club or American Corner 
programming, summer camps, and other outreach projects.
    The overarching goals of the EL Fellow Program are to:
     Advance the Department of State's mutual understanding 
objectives;
     Enhance English teaching capacity overseas in order to 
provide foreign teachers and students with the communication skills 
they need to participate in the global economy;
     Allow students and teachers at host institutions to 
benefit from the EL Fellows' expertise and to gain a better 
understanding of American values, representative government, free 
enterprise, and the rule of law; and
     Provide an opportunity for U.S. English language educators 
to share their expertise, hone their skills, and learn about other 
cultures, so that upon returning to the United States, they can share 
their experiences and acquired knowledge with their communities and 
professional colleagues.

EL Fellow Eligibility Requirements

     U.S. citizenship;
     Master's degree with focus on Teaching English as a 
Foreign or Second Language (TEFL/TESL), Applied Linguistics, or 
relevant field, conferred no later than end of 2012 spring semester;
     Minimum of three years of professional experience in the 
field of teaching English to non-native speakers (one year of 
experience equals two semesters of 15-16 hours per week); and
     Teacher training experience (Senior EL Fellows should have 
at least four years of teacher training experience and one full year of 
international teaching experience).

Background

    The Bureau seeks to award a Cooperative Agreement to an applicant 
with the ability to achieve these objectives and that has the necessary 
infrastructure and experience conducting academic exchange programs. 
The timing of the award and the amount of funding for the EL Fellow 
Program are subject to the availability of funds in FY 2012.

EL Fellow Program Guidelines

    With the approval of the Office of English Language Programs, the 
roles and responsibilities of the Recipient administering the EL Fellow 
Program are to:
     Design and develop promotional materials to support 
advertisement and recruitment for the EL Fellow Program.
     Conduct an extensive, comprehensive, and ongoing 
promotional and advertising campaign to recruit qualified and 
experienced candidates for the EL Fellow Program.
     Identify and review with the Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, and U.S. 
embassies, candidates for approximately 112 EL Fellow projects selected 
by the U.S. Department of State. Qualified staff must interview 
candidates and match candidates' skills to the needs of specific 
projects. The recruitment, selection, and placement process shall be 
completed by May 1, 2012.
     Plan and conduct a pre-departure orientation in 
Washington, DC in August 2012.
     Conduct all financial management aspects of the EL Fellow 
Program, including processing of all EL Fellow grant payments 
electronically to EL Fellows' designated bank accounts. Maintain an EL 
Fellow Program budget spreadsheet.
     Provide fiscal management for EL Fellows' professional 
development activities during the assignment. These activities are 
selected by the Bureau and are supported by U.S. embassies and the 
Public Diplomacy Offices of the U.S. Department of State's Regional 
Geographic Bureaus.
     Make all necessary travel arrangements for the EL Fellows 
including reservations and issuance of tickets.
     Enroll the selected EL Fellows in the Bureau Accident and 
Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) Benefit Plan.
     Collect EL Fellows' health verification forms and arrange 
for proper medical clearance by a qualified medical practitioner.
     Monitor the EL Fellow Program activities and the EL 
Fellows, including emergencies, project performance, housing, security, 
terminations, and making regional site visit(s).
     Prepare and enter into a fellowship agreement which 
establishes the terms and conditions of the 10-month fellowship 
including communications, project performance, terminations, and other 
program-related issues.
     Communicate directly with EL Fellows with regard to 
fellowship-related issues including, in consultation with the relevant 
U.S. embassy and host institution(s), project performance, emergencies, 
terminations, reporting, highlights, and successes.
     Notify and consult with the Office of English Language 
Programs (ECA/A/L) immediately in regard to EL Fellows' emergencies, 
evacuations, project performance, terminations, etc., and act in 
accordance to guidance from the Bureau.
     Develop evaluation and implement strategies designed to 
measure the impact and outcome of the EL Fellow Program and the 
effectiveness of each individual EL Fellow's professional activities at 
his/her designated host institution(s).
     Maintain information sharing tools (e.g., Web site/
listserv, database, and social networking media) and provide EL Fellow 
information to the Bureau's Alumni Office.
     Organize and implement activities related to the annual 
TESOL Convention, including: conducting a one-week Exchange EFL 
(English as a Foreign Language) Educators Fellow workshop/institute for 
foreign participants chosen by the State Department; arranging for the 
workshop/institute participants to attend the annual TESOL Convention; 
and, making all provisions for the Office of English Language Programs' 
networking event at the TESOL Convention for the workshop/institute 
participants and EL Fellow Program alumni;

[[Page 27145]]

     Prepare Form DS-2019 and send the Form to each selected 
Exchange EFL Educator Fellow at least 60 days before his/her departure 
from his/her home country for the workshop/institute.
    The responsibilities of the Recipient are clearly detailed in the 
Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI). Due to the 
diverse responsibilities involved in administering the Cooperative 
Agreement, the Bureau welcomes the submission of proposals involving 
partnering organizations. In addition to the primary grantee, these 
other organizations may be sub-grantees responsible for carrying out 
specific activities or components of the EL Fellow Program, such as 
recruitment, financial and logistical management, reporting 
requirements, pre-departure orientation, evaluations, clearance of 
health verification records, TESOL 2012 related activities, etc. 
Applicants should include a minimum of two management staff with 
qualifications and experience in TEFL/TESL or Applied Linguistics. 
Applications involving partnering organizations, if applicable, must 
clearly delineate the role each partnering organization will play and 
its responsibilities. Letters of commitment from any potential 
partnering organization(s) must be included.
    In a Cooperative Agreement, ECA/A/L is substantially involved in 
the program activities above and beyond routine monitoring. ECA/A/L 
activities and responsibilities for this program are as follows:
     Providing overall program and policy design and direction;
     Inviting U.S. embassies to submit EL Fellow proposals;
     Reviewing and analyzing the ability of projects to raise 
the academic standards of English language teaching and to promote the 
Bureau's public diplomacy and exchanges goals;
     Analyzing the prospective impact of projects on host-
country English teaching institutions and the likelihood of projects 
meeting host-country institutional needs;
     Prioritizing and finalizing selection of projects for 
which the Recipient will recruit EL Fellow candidates;
     Reviewing candidates' qualifications and 
r[eacute]sum[eacute]s;
     Monitoring participants and program activities;
     Communicating and working with U.S. embassies to resolve 
EL Fellow issues (academic, health, security, etc.); and
     Reviewing reports of EL Fellow activities and projects in 
host countries.
    U.S. embassies submit proposals to the Bureau identifying 
opportunities for placement of Fellows in host-country institutions in 
accordance with the guidance provided by the Bureau. U.S. embassies are 
responsible for managing the EL Fellow Program in-country. The role of 
the U.S. embassies includes:
     Selecting host institutions, including evaluating the 
security of prospective sites;
     Establishing viable partnerships with prospective in-
country host institutions that have critical English language 
programming needs;
     Developing project proposals in consultation with in-
country host institutions to be implemented by EL Fellows;
     Reviewing applicants' qualifications and making final 
selections of EL Fellow candidates in consultation with in-country host 
institutions;
     Contacting EL Fellows prior to their arrival to answer 
questions about work-related issues, and to ensure that they have 
accurate information regarding housing, visa requirements, security, 
etc.;
     Conducting an EL Fellows' in-country arrival orientation 
and ensuring that the EL Fellows receive a security briefing by the 
embassy's Regional Security Officer;
     Working to maximize participants' safety and well-being, 
locating and securing quality housing, ensuring that the EL Fellows' 
visa/residency status is adjusted immediately after arrival in host 
country to comply with host-country immigration regulations, and acting 
as the EL Fellows' and Bureau's direct point of contact;
     Conducting site visits and jointly monitoring EL Fellows' 
programs and activities with the recipient and sharing of information 
with the recipient; and
     Selecting nominees (foreign teachers of English as a 
Foreign language) for participation in the 46th Annual TESOL Convention 
(TESOL 2012) and related activities in the U.S.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    Bureau's level of involvement in the EL Fellow Program is listed 
under number I above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2012 (pending availability of funds).
    Approximate Total Funding: $8,500,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
    Approximate Average Award: $8,500,000.
    Floor of Award Range: N/A.
    Ceiling of Award Range: N/A.
    Anticipated Award Date: October 1, 2011, pending availability of 
funds.
    Anticipated Project Completion Date: March 31, 2014.
    Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of the EL 
Fellow Program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal 
years, it is the Bureau'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 Cooperative Agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of 
allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, the applicant 
must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as 
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 applicant does not provide the minimum amount of cost 
sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, the Bureau's contribution 
will be reduced in like proportion.

III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements

    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 one Cooperative Agreement in an amount up to $8,500,000 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. The Bureau encourages applicants to 
provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its 
programs.

[[Page 27146]]

IV. Application and Submission of 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 English Language Programs, ECA/A/L, 
U.S. Department of State, SA-5, 4th Floor, 2200 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20522, telephone (202) 632-9267, fax: (202) 632-9267, e-
mail williamsoncj@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package. Please 
refer to Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/L-12-01 located at the top of 
this announcement when making your request.
    Alternatively, an electronic application package may be obtained 
from Grants.gov. Please see section IV.2 for further information.
    The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission 
Instructions (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 ECA/A/L Program Officer, Catherine Williamson, and 
refer to Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/L-12-01 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. Applicant is 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 the applicant's 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 for 
formatting and technical requirements. The package contains the 
mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document and the 
Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document.
    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. Applicant must have nonprofit status with the 
IRS at the time of application. Please note: Effective March 14, 2008, 
all applicants for ECA Federal assistance awards must include with 
their application, a copy of page 5, Part V-A, ``Current Officers, 
Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees'' of their most recent Internal 
Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990, ``Return of Organization Exempt From 
Income Tax.'' If the organization is a private nonprofit which has not 
received a Grant or Cooperative Agreement from ECA in the past three 
years, or if the applicant organization has received nonprofit status 
from the IRS within the past four years, the applicant must submit the 
necessary documentation to verify nonprofit status as directed in the 
PSI document. Failure to do so will cause the 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 places critical 
emphases on the security and proper administration of Exchange Visitor 
(J visa) programs and adherence by the Recipient 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 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.
    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.
    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 the 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 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.

[[Page 27147]]

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 the proposal include a draft survey 
questionnaire, or other technique, plus a description of a methodology 
to be used to link outcomes to original project objectives. The Bureau 
expects that the Recipient 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. The evaluation 
plan should include a description of the project's objectives, the 
anticipated project outcomes, and how and when the Recipient intends 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. The Recipient should also show how the project 
objectives link to the goals of the program described in this RFGP. The 
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, i.e., the 
results achieved. Examples of outputs include the number of people 
trained or the number of seminars conducted. Outcomes, in contrast, 
represent specific intended project results to achieve, and is usually 
measured as an extent of change. Findings on outputs and outcomes 
should both be reported, but the focus should be on outcomes.
    We encourage the applicant 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; such as 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 the 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.)
    The Recipient will be required to provide reports analyzing the 
evaluation findings to the Bureau in the 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. 3d.4. Describe plans for sustainability, e.g., overall program 
management, staffing, coordination with ECA and embassies.
    IV.3e. Please take the following information into consideration 
when preparing the budget:
    IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit SF-424A--``Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs'' along with a comprehensive budget for the 
entire program. The budget request may not exceed $8,500,000. 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. For allowable costs for the program and complete budget 
guidelines and formatting instructions, please refer to the 
Solicitation Package and POGI.
IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission
    Application Deadline Date: June 24, 2011.
    Reference Number: ECA/A/L-12-01.
    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., DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. 
Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.), or
    2. Electronically through https://www.grants.gov.
    Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above 
Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory 
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 deadline, 
are ineligible for consideration under this competition. ECA will not 
notify the applicant 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 the 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 11 copies of the application should be sent to: 
Program Management Division, ECA-IIP/EX/PM, Ref: ECA/A/L-12-01, SA-5, 
Floor 4, U.S. Department of State, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20037.

[[Page 27148]]

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 to complete. 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 connectivity. 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 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.
    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 and Agreement 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 a 
Cooperative Agreement 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. Quality of the program idea/program planning: Proposals should 
exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the 
Bureau's mission. 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. Proposal should clearly demonstrate how the applicant will meet 
the program's objectives and plan.
    2. Ability to achieve program objectives: 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 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 supported programs are not isolated events.
    8. Project evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate 
the activities' 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 be used 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 budgeted items 
should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost-
sharing through other private sector support as well as institutional 
direct funding contributions.
    10. Professional expertise in teaching English as a Foreign/Second 
Language (TEFL/TESL): The proposal should demonstrate a publicity and 
recruitment plan that allows for the greatest dissemination of 
information to professionals in the areas of teaching English as a 
foreign language, Applied Linguistics, and related fields.

[[Page 27149]]

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 documents 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.
    The Recipient shall insert the foregoing provision in all sub-
agreements under the 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.

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.
    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 be transmitted to OMB, and be made available to 
the public via OMB's USAspending.gov Web site--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.
    4. A Quarterly Program Report: A narrative program report 
describing and evaluating the activities shall be submitted within 30 
days following each calendar year quarter.
    5. A Quarterly Financial Report: A financial report using SF 425-
FFR to reflect expenditures shall be submitted within 30 days following 
each calendar year quarter. The report must be certified by the 
Recipient's Chief Fiscal Officer or an officer of comparable rank.
    Award recipients will be required to provide reports analyzing 
evaluation findings to the Bureau in the regular program reports. 
(Please refer to IV. Application and Submission Instructions (IV.3.d.3) 
above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information).
    All data collected, including survey responses and contact 
information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and 
provided to the Bureau upon request.
    All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program 
Officer listed in the final assistance award document.
    VI.4. Optional Program Data Requirements: Organizations awarded a 
Cooperative Agreement 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 
Cooperative Agreement or who benefit from the Cooperative Agreement 
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: Catherine 
Williamson, Office of English Language Programs, ECA/A/L, U.S. 
Department of State, SA-5, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522, 
telephone (202)632-9267, fax (202) 632-9464, e-mail 
williamsoncj@state.gov.
    All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should 
reference the above title and number ECA/A/L-12-01.
    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: May 3, 2011.
Ann Stock,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, 
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2011-11430 Filed 5-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P