[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 34 (Friday, February 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-3678]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 18, 1994]


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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
 

Title: Russia-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program (RUSTEP)

AGENCY: United States Information Agency.

ACTION: Notice--request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Programs [E/A] of the United States 
Information Agency [USIA] invites applications from U.S. educational, 
cultural, and other not-for-profit organizations, with a minimum of 
four years experience in successfully administering international 
exchange programs, to arrange U.S. teaching assignments and programming 
for 25 experienced Russian teachers in U.S. schools, colleges, and 
universities; to monitor the Russian teachers in the participating U.S. 
schools and colleges/universities during academic year 1994-95; to 
identify five experienced American teachers to teach in Russia; and to 
provide program evaluations. Consortia of U.S. non-profit organizations 
may also collaboratively develop program proposals in response to this 
announcement. Only one organization or consortium will be awarded the 
grant.
    This program may be funded by the Freedom Support Act and final 
awards are subject to the availability of FY94 funds.

DATES: Deadline for proposals: All copies of proposals for grants under 
this request must be received at the U.S. Information Agency by 5 p.m. 
Washington, DC time on March 18, 1994. Faxed documents will not be 
accepted, nor will documents postmarked on March 18 but received at a 
later date. It is the responsibility of each grant applicant to ensure 
that its proposal is received by the above deadline.
    Approximate program dates (participants' arrival and departure): 
August, 1994 to end of the academic year in May or June 1995.
    Duration: The award will begin approximately four months prior to 
participants' arrival date in August, 1994, for which period only 
administrative costs concerned with recruitment, placement and 
orientation planning will be allowed. The termination date will be 
approximately three months following participants' departure to their 
home countries. No funds may be expended until the agreement is signed.

ADDRESSES: The original, four fully tabbed copies (Tabs A-U), and 10 
copies (Tabs A-D) of the completed application, including required 
forms, should be submitted in the format described in the Bureau's 
application package and mailed to: U.S. Information Agency, Ref: 
Freedom Support--Teacher Exchange, Grants Management Division, E/XE, 
room 336, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Interested organizations/institutions should contact Ilo-Mai Harding, 
Teacher Exchange Branch, E/ASX, room 353, 301 4th Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20547, telephone: (202) 619-4556, fax (202) 401-1433, to 
request detailed application packets, which include award criteria 
additional to this announcement, all necessary forms, and guidelines 
for preparing proposals, including specific budget preparation 
information, and the Attachment Checklist outlining the contents of a 
complete application package.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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.

Overview

    Grant funding is intended to provide an opportunity for 25 
experienced Russian teachers from secondary schools and pedagogical 
institutes to actively teach in U.S. classrooms, experience community 
life in the United States, and develop projects in such areas as 
teaching methodologies, curricula, and/or text book writing for use in 
Russia. The grant also provides for five experienced U.S. teachers to 
introduce teaching methodologies, curricula, and/or text book writing 
approaches to Russian secondary schools and pedagogical institutes. 
USIA is interested in proposals that foster long-term linkages between 
U.S. high schools and colleges/universities and comparable Russian 
schools and pedagogical institutes. The participating U.S. schools and 
colleges/universities should reflect a broad institutional and 
geographic diversity. Additionally, in selecting the participating host 
institutions, the recipient institution should be mindful of USIA's 
goal to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the U.S. in all 
programs. While the benefits of the exchange may be directly enjoyed by 
the Russian participants, the American institutions and individuals 
will also gain from the cultural and professional expertise which these 
Russian educators are able to offer.

Guidelines

    Eligibility: U.S. non-profit educational, cultural, and other not-
for-profit organizations with a minimum of four years experience in 
successfully administering international exchange programs are eligible 
to apply.
    Program planning and administration: The recipient organization 
will be responsible for activities related to the identification of 
host U.S. educational institutions, placement of Russian teachers 
therein, identification of U.S. teachers to be assigned in Russia, and 
all program logistics, as described below, orientation coordination, 
coordination of one mid-program seminar, monitoring in the U.S., and 
program evaluation.
    The following factors should be considered and addressed in detail 
in proposals which are submitted by applicants:
    A. The recruitment and selection of host U.S. educational 
institutions: USIA will be responsible for the final approval of all 
participating host institutions. The recipient organization will be 
responsible for:

--Identifying U.S. secondary schools and accredited institutions of 
higher education to host the selected Russian participants;
--Working with U.S. institutions to devise constructive teaching 
assignments in the teachers' fields of expertise; and
--Assuring that host institution officials will identify affordable 
housing, to be paid for with each participant's USIA stipend.

    The recipient organization will place no fewer than 25 teachers in 
separate schools/colleges. Some placements will be for one full 
academic year and some for one semester: The specific number of each 
will be determined by USIA. The organization must demonstrate the 
capacity to secure quality school/college placements. The proposal must 
include a description of the process the organization will use to make 
school/college placements.
    To reflect the diversity of the country, placements will be spread 
all across the U.S. At the same time, the recipient organization may 
concentrate groups of teachers in clusters of two to three in a given 
area or region. The purpose of clustering is to facilitate periodic 
gatherings, networking among participants, and coordination of 
programming and excursions, as well as monitoring and feedback. All 
proposals must identify the target regions, states and/or communities 
in which placements will be sought.
    During the exchange period, participants should have sole 
responsibility for no more than three courses (two at the post-
secondary level) at one time and should be given opportunities to 
observe, team teach and serve as cultural resources. Outside of the 
assigned school setting, participants should be provided opportunities 
to visit other school systems, interact in the community and possibly 
attend courses at local universities.
    The host institution will be expected to provide a buddy system and 
mentorship by at least one administrator, appropriate orientation 
activities, appropriate days of leave for professional development and 
language training, and other considerations which are valuable to 
international visitors.
    Each teacher will be required to work on and complete by the end of 
his/her tenure a project designed to capture his/her educational 
experiences in the United States and to enhance teaching practices in 
Russia. Examples of such projects are: Writing textbooks, developing 
new curriculum, or comparing methodologies. Following guidelines 
provided by USIA, through the recipient organization, the host 
institutions will be expected to provide support and guidance as well 
as sufficient time to complete the project.
    B. The placement of Russian candidates: USIA will be responsible 
for final selection of all Russian participants. Candidates will be 
recruited by an independent organization based in Russia, under 
contract with USIA. The U.S. recipient organization will be responsible 
for:

--Reviewing the Russian dossiers; and
--Placing the teachers in appropriate institutions after securing the 
approval of a candidate by the host institution.

    Selected participants will be fluent in English. The majority of 
participants will be experienced teachers of social sciences. Other 
fields from which participants will be drawn include English as a 
foreign language, business, math and science. Courses to be taught 
could include topics such as English as a Second Language, Russian 
culture and/or Russian literature, and statistics.
    C. The identification of American educators to teach in Russia: 
USIA will be responsible for final selection of all U.S. participants. 
The U.S. recipient institution will be responsible for:

--Soliciting applications from secondary and post-secondary educators 
associated with the participating institutions (U.S. institutions 
hosting Russian educators);
--Developing an application form using existing USIA models; and
--Communicating with an independent organization based in Russia, 
contracted by USIA, who is responsible for the placement of U.S. 
teachers in Russian institutions.

    Applicants must meet the qualifications deemed necessary by USIA. 
Some placements will be for an academic year and some for one semester: 
The specific number of each will be determined by the recipient 
institution in consultation with USIA.

    D. Logistics, Orientation and Maintenance in the U.S.: The 
recipient will be responsible for:

--Arranging in-bound and out-bound international travel for all 
participants;
--Coordinating domestic transportation in Russia to and from the point 
of international travel with USIA designated organization in Moscow;
--Arranging U.S. domestic and local travel for all participants;
--Preparing and sending necessary pre-departure orientation materials 
to all participants;
--Assisting U.S. teachers in acquiring Russian visas;
--Conducting a three-day orientation program in Washington, D.C. for 
all participants;
--Conducting a two-day, mid-program seminar on teaching methodologies 
and curriculum development for the Russian participants;
--Providing sufficient guidelines (such as time-lines, standards, and 
responsibilities) to both the host institution and the Russian educator 
throughout the conception, development and completion of the individual 
projects;
--Gathering these projects to be part of the final evaluation report to 
USIA;
--Disbursing stipend in three installments, with the first installment 
larger than subsequent amounts to allow for ``settling-in'' expenses;
--Administering tax withholding and reporting as required by Federal, 
State, and local authorities and in accordance with relevant tax 
treaties;
--Providing assistance to Russian participants regarding tax 
procedures;
--Disbursing books/materials allowance checks and providing teachers 
with guidance for use of this materials grant;
--Purchasing computers and software, including electronic communication 
capabilities (which will be usable and serviceable in Russia) for use 
during and after the program;
--Providing more than adequate training for Russian participants in the 
use of basic software, especially electronic communications; and
--Communicating clearly the guidelines and information regarding visa 
regulations and the participants' expedient return upon completion of 
the program;
--Enrolling participants in USIA insurance programs and preparing 
insurance identification cards.

    The organization's approach to the Washington, D.C. orientation and 
mid-term seminar, in terms of program and logistics, should be 
described.
    Proposed Budget: Grant-funded items of expenditure will include, 
but are not limited to, the following categories:
Program Costs:
--A stipend of $2,000 per month for each Russian and U.S. teacher for 
basic support and housing expenses;
--A book allowance of $1,000 for each Russian and U.S. teacher to 
purchase U.S. educational materials for donation to the Russian home/
host institutions;
--A personal computer for each Russian and U.S. teacher to use during 
the program and subsequently donate to the Russian home/host 
institution;
--International and domestic (in Russia and U.S.) transportation for 
each Russian and U.S. teacher from the home city to orientation, from 
orientation to the city of assignment, and return to the home city;
--A three-day orientation program in Washington, DC for U.S. and 
Russian participants, including lodging, meals, speaker fees, 
materials, facilities, local transportation, etc.;
--Preparation and shipment of pre-department orientation materials;
--A two-day, mid-program seminar for the Russian participants, 
including domestic and local transportation, lodging, meals, speaker 
fees, materials, facilities, etc.;
--Computer training and other professional development; and
--Tax withholdings, if necessary.

    Administrative costs:

--Salaries and benefits;
--Communications (e.g., fax, telephone, postage);
--Office supplies;
--If necessary, administration of tax withholding and reporting as 
required by Federal, State, and local authorities and in accordance 
with relevant tax treaties;
--Audit expenses, as outlined below;
--Other direct costs; and
--Indirect costs.

    Administrative costs should be kept low; this will be an important 
factor in the grant competition. Organizations must submit a 
comprehensive line item budget. Details are available in the 
application packet. Organizations should be familiar with OMB Circulars 
A110, A122/A-21 and A133/A-128 on cost accounting principles.
    Cost sharing is strongly encouraged. Cost sharing may be in the 
form of allowable direct or indirect costs. The recipient must maintain 
written records to support all allowable costs which are claimed as 
begin its contribution to cost participation, 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 A110, Attachment 
E. Cost sharing and matching should be described in the proposal. In 
the event the recipient does not provide the minimum amount of cost 
sharing as stipulated in the recipient's budget, the Agency's 
contribution will be reduced in proportion to the recipient's 
contribution.
    The recipient's proposal shall include the cost of an audit that:
    (1) Complies with the requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133, 
Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit 
Institutions;
    (2) Complies with the requirements of American Institute of 
Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 
92-9; and
    (3) Includes review by the recipient's independent auditor of a 
recipient-prepared supplemental schedule of indirect cost rate 
computation, if such a rate is being proposed.
    The audit costs shall be identified separately for:
    (1) Preparation of basic financial statement and other accounting 
services; and
    (2) Preparation of the supplemental reports and schedules required 
by OMB Circular No., A-133, AICPA SOP 92-9, and the review of the 
supplemental schedule of indirect cost rate computation.
    Review process: USIA will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and 
will review them for technical eligibility. Proposals will be deemed 
ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines established 
herein and in the application packet. Eligible proposals will be 
forwarded to panels of USIA officers for advisory review. All eligible 
proposals will also be reviewed by the appropriate geographic area 
office, and the budget and contract offices. Proposals may also be 
reviewed by the Agency's Office of General Counsel.
    Funding decisions are at the discretion of the Associate Director 
of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for 
grant awards resides with the Agency's Office of Contracts.
    Review Criteria: Technically eligible applications will be 
competitively reviewed according to the following criteria:
    1. Reasonable, Feasible, and Flexible Objectives: Proposals should 
clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's 
purposes as outlined in this RFP.
    2. Multiplier Effect/Impact: Proposed programs should strengthen 
long-term mutual understanding, to include maximum sharing of 
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual 
linkages.
    3. Cost Effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components 
of grants, as well as 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 contribution.
    4. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional 
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or 
project's goals.
    5. Institution's Track Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate 
a track record of successful programs, including responsible fiscal 
management and full compliance with all reporting requirements for past 
Agency grants as determined by USIA's Office of Contracts (M/KG). The 
Agency will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the 
demonstrated potential new applicants.
    6. Follow-on Activities: proposals may provide an independent plan 
for continued activity (without USIA support) and communication which 
insures that USIA supported programs are not isolated events.
    7. Evaluation Plan: Proposals should provide a plan for evaluation 
by the recipient institution.
    8. Geographic Diversity: The Agency will seek to provide geographic 
diversity through the placement in the United States.
    9. Organizational Restrictions: The Agency will need to consider 
any restrictions an organization may have on their acceptance of 
teachers for the placement program. If no restrictions are mentioned 
and explained in the proposal, the organization is obligated to accept 
any participant assigned by the Agency.
    10. Organizational Standing: An organization submitting a proposal 
should be in good standing with USIA and the Council on Standards for 
International Educational Travel.
    11. Re-entry Training: The proposal should demonstrate the 
organization's understanding of the importance of re-entry training and 
describe the content of the proposed program.
    Notice: The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding 
and may not be modified by any USIA representative. Explanatory 
information provided by the Agency that contradicts published language 
will not be binding. Issuance of the RFP does not constitute an award 
commitment on the part of the Government. Final award cannot be made 
until funds have been fully appropriated by Congress, allocated and 
committed through internal USIA procedures.
    The winning organization may be asked to conduct a second and 
possibly third year of the RUSTEP, depending upon the organization's 
performance during year one and the availability of program funds.
    Notification: All applicants will be notified of the results of the 
review process in April, 1994. Awarded grants will be subject to 
periodic reporting and evaluation requirements.

    Dated: February 10, 1994.
Barry Fulton,
Acting Associate Director, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 94-3678 Filed 2-17-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M