[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 59 (Monday, March 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-7146]


[Federal Register: March 28, 1994]


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Part IX





Corporation for National and Community Service





_______________________________________________________________________



Availability of Funds for Training and Technical Service; Notice
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE


Availability of Funds for Training and Technical Assistance

AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds.

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SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service announces 
the availability of approximately $5.1 million to provide training and 
technical assistance to State Commissions or alternative entities, 
AmeriCorps grantees (except where otherwise stated for Learn and Serve 
grantees) and those interested in becoming AmeriCorps grantees. The 
Corporation seeks proposals and concept papers describing activities to 
meet the technical assistance and training needs outlined in this 
Notice. The Corporation also invites concept papers proposing 
additional or alternative technical assistance and training activities.

DATES: Deadlines for submission of technical assistance and training 
(T/TA) proposals are 6 pm Eastern Standard Time on the following dates:

T/TA for the National Leadership Corps
May 3, 1994
Maintaining a Strong
    Organization
May 18, 1994
National Priority Skills Development Centers
June 1, 1994

    The deadlines for submission of concept papers are 6 pm Eastern 
Standard Time May 27, 1994, and September 13, 1994. Following the May 
deadline, the Corporation expects to invite potential applicants to 
submit a detailed proposal by July 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: All proposals and concept papers should be submitted to the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, 1100 Vermont Avenue 
NW., Washington, DC 20525. Attn.: T/TA Proposal or Concept Paper 
Review. Applicants are requested to include four copies of proposals or 
concept papers to facilitate the review processes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Frucher or Tracy Gray at the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, (202)606-5000 ext. 106. 
Questions about this Notice will be answered during technical 
assistance and training conference calls which are scheduled to take 
place on March 31, April 7, April 14, and April 21, 1994 from 2:00 pm-
3:00 pm. To reserve a place on a conference call, please call the 
Corporation at (202)606-5000 ext. 432 or fax a request to (202)606-
4816.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Outline

Summary--Training and Technical Assistance Activities

(I) Application by Proposal
    (A) Training and Technical Assistance for the National 
Leadership Corps
    (B) Maintaining a Strong Organization--Fundraising, Program 
Management, Evaluation, Fiscal Management, and Grievance Procedures
    (C) National Priority Skills Development Centers
(II) Application by Concept Paper
    (A) National Service Resource Center
    (B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs
    (C) Service and Citizenship
    (D) Strengthening Program Diversity
    (E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program
    (F) Learn and Serve America K-12--
    Resource Publications
    Training Initiatives on Service-Learning
(G) Learn and Serve America Higher Education--
    Higher Education Service Resource Center
    Institutionalizing Service-Learning
    Infrastructure and Capacity-Building
(H) Training and Technical Assistance for State Commissions
(III) Invitation for Original Concept Papers
    Proposing Additional or Alternative
    Training and Technical Assistance
    Activities

Summary

Background

    On September 21, 1993, the President signed into law the National 
and Community Service Trust Act, which created the Corporation for 
National and Community Service (the Corporation). The Corporation's 
mission is to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service 
that addresses the nation's education, public safety, health, and 
environmental needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results. In 
doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen 
the ties that bind us together as a people, and provide educational 
opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.
    The Corporation is a new government corporation that encompasses 
the work and staff of two existing independent agencies, the Commission 
on National and Community Service and ACTION. The Corporation will fund 
a new national service initiative called AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps 
includes a wide variety of programs operated by grantees (including 
local non-profits), the National Civilian Community Corps, and the 
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. The Corporation will 
also support service-learning initiatives for elementary and secondary 
schools and institutions of higher education called Learn and Serve 
America, and operate the senior volunteer programs previously operated 
by ACTION.
    The Act authorizes the Corporation to support and improve Summer of 
Service programs, AmeriCorps grants programs, and Learn and Serve 
programs through a variety of training and technical assistance (T/TA) 
activities. These activities should build on the AmeriCorps regulations 
and the ``Principles for High Quality National Service Programs'' 
document which lay out the Corporation's vision and expectations for 
AmeriCorps programs. The regulations and ``Principles'' document should 
be read by all potential T/TA providers. Copies may be obtained by 
calling the Corporation at 202-606-4949 or writing the Corporation at 
1100 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC, 20525. To receive information 
on getting the ``Principles'' or regulations on Internet, please send a 
blank electronic mail message to: [email protected]. There should be 
no text in the body of the message. An automatic response will be sent 
back to you with information on how to retrieve the regulations.

Overview

    The Corporation announces the availability of approximately $5.1 
million in fiscal year 1994 for training and technical assistance 
initiatives. Under each fundable activity, estimated levels of funding 
are listed. Most grants or cooperative agreements will be made for a 
term of one year, unless specified otherwise. The Corporation requests 
proposals, and, in some cases, concept papers for the specific 
activities described herein. This Notice lists applications requiring 
full proposals and areas in which concept papers are requested. In most 
cases, applicants are not required to cover all of the needs in a given 
area; for example, an organization can apply to train grantees in 
fundraising skills only in the ``Maintaining a Strong Organization'' 
section.
    Concept papers may also be submitted describing activities that 
meet needs of AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve programs not described in 
this Notice. Guidelines are described in the ``Invitation for Original 
Concept Papers'' section.
    In all cases, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of and 
commitment to the Corporation's mission and goals, a need that relates 
to that mission and goals, a sound plan for accomplishing the activity, 
and a fulfillment of the selection criteria listed below.

Eligibility

    Public agencies (including federal, state, and local agencies and 
other units of government), non-profit organizations (including youth-
serving groups, community-based organizations, service organizations, 
etc.), institutions of higher education, Indian tribes, and for-profit 
companies are eligible to apply. State and federal agencies and non-
governmental organizations that intend to operate AmeriCorps or Learn 
and Serve programs are also eligible. Organizations may apply to 
provide T/TA in partnership with organizations seeking other 
Corporation funds.

Applications for Continuation of Assistance for Current Technical 
Assistance Grantees

    The former Commission on National and Community Service issued a 
number of technical assistance grants to organizations in fiscal years 
1992 and 1993. Pursuant to the National and Community Service Trust act 
of 1993, the administration of these grants transferred to the 
Corporation for National and Community Service. Existing technical 
assistance grantees interested in the continuation of funding or 
undertaking new technical assistance activities may submit competitive 
applications in accordance with the applicable due dates and activities 
described in this Notice.

Objectives of the Training and Technical Assistance Activities

    The goal of training and technical assistance is to improve the 
ability of AmeriCorps programs and participants to ``get things done'' 
by achieving direct and demonstrable results in communities, fostering 
civic responsibility, and strengthening the ties that bind communities 
together. To best support programs, the Corporation will fund technical 
assistance that strengthens program performance and effectiveness in 
the short term and builds leadership and permanent resources in the 
long term. Technical assistance must be relevant to program needs, 
responsive to changing needs, and easily accessed by states and 
grantees. Training and technical assistance providers will build a 
strong infrastructure by--
    --Increasing the effectiveness and capacity of programs and states;
    --Increasing the resources available to support high quality work; 
and
    --Developing leaders at all levels.
    Training and technical assistance providers will also foster a 
national identity and common understanding of the goals and mission of 
national service among AmeriCorps participants, programs, and states.
    In addition, the Corporation is committed to strengthening service 
nationwide. Although technical assistance providers should show 
preference to AmeriCorps program grantees (except where activities 
pertain to Learn and Serve grantees), T/TA providers may be expected to 
serve those who wish to become grantees as well. (For more on this, see 
``Requirements'' section below).
    These principles guide the Corporation's technical assistance 
strategy:
    --Treat technical assistance as a full partnership among the 
Corporation, states, and programs, with roles for all in designing and 
delivering technical assistance.
    --Encourage collaboration among partners, especially efforts that 
team service programs and those experienced in working in the issue 
areas.
    --``Train the trainers''--focus on developing resource capacity in 
local areas.
    --Instead of repeating the excellent work of others, build on 
existing training, materials, and expertise.
    --Focus on the most pressing needs to have the greatest impact.
    --Invest sufficiently to provide adequate technical assistance 
support in the first years.

Application Guidelines

    Applications can be of two kinds as specified: full proposals and 
concept papers. While many of the same elements will be addressed in 
these two types of applications, proposals ask applicants to give a 
much more comprehensive and detailed overview of planned activities, 
organizational capacity, budget, and workplan than do concept papers. 
After reviewing concept papers, the Corporation may ask for full 
proposals from a select number of applicants based on program need, 
availability of funds, and the strength of concept paper ideas received 
by the Corporation.
    Where specified, a full proposal should be submitted for each 
activity, unless the proposal thoughtfully combines activities into a 
single coordinated initiative. A full proposal must include:
    --A cover page listing: the title of the organization applying; the 
amount of funds requested; a brief summary of the proposed T/TA program 
or activity; the name, address, phone number, and fax number of the 
organization; and the name and title of a contact person.
    --A narrative of no more than 10 double-spaced typed pages in 12-
point font, describing--
    (a) The scope of activity being proposed, e.g., number of trainers 
hired and programs served by them, relative to the amount of the grant 
requested;
    (b) the organization's plan and ability to meet compelling and 
ongoing needs, in collaboration with others where possible and 
appropriate;
    (c) the organization's capacity, including staff strengths and 
backgrounds, resumes of key people, and the organization's track 
record;
    (d) the innovation and replicability of the proposed T/TA activity; 
and
    (e) outcome objectives and indicators to be used to assess success.
    --A detailed budget, including an estimate of travel costs for 
delivery of T/TA services, with a supporting narrative explaining how 
costs are calculated and information on funding from other sources.
    --A detailed workplan for accomplishing the specific objectives 
including a timeline showing when each step toward the objectives will 
be accomplished.
    Where specified, a concept paper must include:
    --A cover page listing the title of the organization applying; the 
amount of funds requested; a brief summary of the proposed T/TA program 
or activity; the name, address, phone number, and fax number of the 
organization; and the name and title of a contact person.
    --A brief narrative of no more than 5 double-spaced typed pages in 
12-point font describing proposed T/TA activity.
    --A brief budget, with major expense line items, which may include 
a supporting narrative.
    --A preliminary workplan for accomplishing the specific objectives.
    --A preliminary timeline.

Selection Criteria

    The Corporation will assess applications based on the criteria 
listed below. The percentage weight of each criterion in the assessment 
is given.
    Quality (45%). The Corporation will consider the quality of the 
proposed activities, based on--
    --Scope of proposed T/TA activity relative to the amount of the 
grant requested, the number of people, programs, and/or State 
Commissions proposed T/TA activities are expected to reach;
    --Demonstration that the proposed activities meet clear compelling 
program and/or state needs related to the Corporation's mission and 
goals for national service;
    --Description of proposed T/TA techniques, including opportunities 
for peer exchange and peer training, experiential learning, and 
individual assistance tailored to meet specific program or state needs; 
also description of plans to use tested methods or ways to test 
training activities or curricula on a small scale and refine them 
before offering them on a large scale;
    --Plan for implementing mechanisms continually to assess and 
improve value and impact of T/TA services. This may include providing 
opportunities for customer(s) participation in design of activity and 
opportunities for ongoing training and feedback from AmeriCorps or 
Learn and Serve participants and programs, community partners of 
AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve programs, State Commissions, Corporation 
staff, and others;
    --Commitment to build on existing resources and collaborate with 
other technical assistance providers; ability to coordinate planning, 
development, and execution with other providers; efforts to prevent 
duplication of work or inefficient use of resources; and ways to 
establish networks with other T/TA providers to ensure coordination 
among providers and presentation of a clear, coherent set of assistance 
activities to programs, states, and the Corporation; and
    --Cost-effectiveness of proposed activity, the degree to which the 
T/TA provider proposes a reasonable estimate of the amount of services 
the organization will be able to provide given the requested amount of 
funds and the organization's existing resources.
    Organizational Capacity (45%). Applicants should demonstrate 
evidence of either organizational experience and success in delivering 
high-quality technical assistance and training, particularly in the 
specific area under consideration, or the similar experience of 
identified staff retained for the T/TA project. Backgrounds of key 
staff, leadership, and other individuals proposed to contribute to the 
proposed program will be considered in assessing organizational 
capacity.
    In some cases, the capacity to begin providing training and/or 
technical assistance quickly will be required. In certain instances, 
noted in the description of applicable activities, services will be 
needed as early as summer 1994. The applicant must demonstrate the 
ability to provide high quality services in the desired time frame.
    Innovation and Replicability (10%). The Corporation will assess the 
extent to which the T/TA activity, or its elements, are creative or 
distinctive in approach or in the need that is met.
    The Corporation will assess the degree to which the proposed T/TA 
activity could serve as a long-term resource by identifying other 
sources of funding and the extent to which the activity or its elements 
are applicable or adaptable to various program types, locations, or 
approaches to service.
    In addition, the Corporation will assess the use of innovative 
technology in providing training or technical assistance, where 
appropriate. This criterion includes use of technology to increase 
access to training and technical assistance activities and convenience 
for users. For example, an information session might be conducted by 
video conference, allowing users to participate from a local facility 
and avoid travel costs. The Corporation expects that all of its program 
grantees will be connected through on-line networks. Training and 
technical assistance providers will be expected to be connected to 
electronic networks as well and should be prepared to use technology 
and to distribute information through on-line networks when 
appropriate.

Requirements

    There are certain requirements that every recipient of a T/TA grant 
or cooperative agreement must fulfill. They include the following 
provisions:
    (a) T/TA providers must work closely with Corporation staff and 
other T/TA providers, especially the ``National Service Resource 
Center'' described in the ``Concept Paper'' section below. Providers 
must be willing to receive input from Corporation staff during 
development and delivery of T/TA activities; periodically attend 
meetings and conferences at the Corporation's request; inform other T/
TA providers of plans and progress and coordinate efforts when 
appropriate; and work with Corporation staff to assess the direction 
and value of each T/TA activity every six months and modify T/TA 
activity to better serve the users of T/TA and adapt to changing needs.
    (b) T/TA grantees must develop and continually apply mechanisms for 
assessing the value and impact of their T/TA activities and show 
evidence of continuous program improvement resulting from the 
application of such mechanisms.
    (c) While the Corporation has a vested interest in promoting best 
practices throughout the field, to grantee and potential grantees 
alike, grantees will be given preference when resources are limited.
    (d) Databases or other on-line materials should be created in 
Foxpro or Oracle software. This will allow easy data transfer both to 
the Corporation and among T/TA grantees. Assistance may be available to 
convert existing databases to Foxpro or Oracle if necessary.

TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES

    The Corporation expects to give grants to or enter into cooperative 
agreements with organizations to accomplish the following activities.

(I) Application by Proposal

    Proposed T/TA activities in this category include:
    (A) Technical Assistance and Training for the National Leadership 
Corps.
    (B) Maintaining a Strong Organization.
    (C) National Priority Skills Development Centers.

(A) Technical Assistance and Training for the National Leadership Corps

    --Proposals due May 3, 1994.
    --Must be able to deliver services by July 1, 1994.
Summary
    The National Leadership Corps will create a diverse cadre of 
emerging service leaders to help build the highest quality AmeriCorps 
programs and strengthen the national service infrastructure and 
identity. In the first year, the Corporation will recruit up to 50 
members from programs such as Peace Corps, VISTA, the Armed Forces, 
youth corps, and other full-time service programs. T/TA providers will 
help design and carry out initial training for the Corps which will 
last two to five weeks and begin in mid-July or early August, 1994. 
Providers will also help with ongoing training which will occur at 
least three times during the year. Leadership Corps (LC) members will 
bring skills and expertise to new AmeriCorps programs in year-long 
assignments starting September, 1994.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation expects to issue one or more grants or cooperative 
agreements totaling approximately $100,000 to accomplish the tasks 
listed below. Funding would be for one year, with possibility of 
renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of 
funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    The Corporation seeks T/TA providers who will work with Corporation 
staff and other T/TA providers to design and deliver training for the 
Leadership Corps.
    Proposals may address one or all of the activities outlined below, 
or may suggest additional activities. These include:
    --Team building among Leadership Corps members. Since LC members 
will be placed in separate AmeriCorps programs around the country, it 
is important that members develop strong bonds with each other during 
training so that they are able to provide support to each other and 
share resources, ideas, and lessons learned throughout their 
experience.
    --Specialty skills. This component of training will give LC members 
an understanding of how to organize and carry out projects that meet 
community needs in one or more of the Corporation's national priority 
areas. (The national priorities areas are discussed more fully in the 
``National Priority Skills Development'' section below). This element 
of training will ensure that members know how to make demonstrable 
impacts on specific community problems and bring resources to programs 
that do not already exist.
    --Leadership skills. Training that helps LC members master the main 
tasks required of front-line supervisors such as group facilitation, 
organizing and managing service projects, team building, handling 
conflict, community relations, working with diverse peoples and 
organizations, and others.
    --Communication skills. Training that teaches LC members how to 
communicate effectively, including public speaking and media training.
    Proposals should include a plan to train leaders in any or all of 
the activities mentioned above over a 2-5 week period during the 
initial training in July, 1994, as well as periodically throughout the 
year. The Corporation intends to involve leaders in curriculum design 
for ongoing training, so applicant plans should be flexible enough to 
accommodate their input.
Encouraged Approaches
    While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes 
one or more of the activities listed above, it especially encourages 
the following approaches:
    (a) A proposal by an organization that has experience and expertise 
in one or more of the components listed above and can arrange to have 
expert resources and information available starting in mid-May to 
provide assistance to the Corporation in designing and delivering 
training.
    (b) A proposal by a consortium of organizations whose members 
collectively have the expertise to work with the Corporation to provide 
all of the training components listed above. This sort of proposal 
should clearly describe the specific responsibilities of each provider, 
the amount of funds to be allocated to each, the amount of staff time 
devoted by each, and the mechanisms for cooperation and coordination 
among members and the Corporation. If possible, the consortium should 
have experts available to work with the Corporation starting in mid-May 
as discussed above. For more information on the leadership pool, please 
contact Jane Marsh at (202) 606-5000, extension 173.

(B) Maintaining a Strong Organization: Fundraising, Program Management, 
Evaluation, Fiscal Administration, and Grievance Procedures

    --Proposals due May 18, 1994.
    --Preference will be given to organizations which can have the 
majority of services available by August 1994.
Summary
    Strong management, well-planned and well-executed fundraising, 
evaluation, and careful, appropriate administration of funds are 
critical to the success of AmeriCorps programs. The Corporation will 
fund activities that provide information, training, and technical 
assistance to State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs to strengthen 
the ability of programs to manage, fundraise, and leverage community 
resources, design and perform program evaluation, administer funds 
effectively, establish grievance procedures, and perform other critical 
functions.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation expects to make up to five grants or cooperative 
agreements in this area. Together, grants will total approximately 
$1,000,000. Grants will be for one year, with the possibility of 
renewal based on performance, need, and availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activity Desired
    Specific tasks include but are not limited to providing, arranging 
for, or connecting programs to information, training, and technical 
assistance on the factors involved in establishing and maintaining a 
strong organization, including:
    (a) Fundraising: Building on existing Corporation materials, assist 
grantees in developing comprehensive fundraising strategies. Proposals 
may also describe ways in which technical assistance can help 
organizations put fundraising plans into action. The Corporation has an 
interest, as manifested through the match requirement, to encourage 
grantees not to rely solely on Corporation funds, but rather to solicit 
a broad range of financial and in-kind resources from foundations, 
corporations, individuals, and other governmental agencies. As the 
match increases, grantees will need to raise additional funds, create 
more partnerships, build larger constituencies, and leverage additional 
resources. Technical assistance should be designed with this mission in 
mind.
    (b) Program Management: Help programs build a strong leadership 
team as well as feedback mechanisms such as participant advisory 
councils or other vehicles which allow for regular input from 
participants and/or community members and involve them in program 
design, operation, and evaluation.
    (c) Evaluation and organizational development: Help programs use 
evaluation as a tool for program improvement. Aid them in developing a 
mission statement, goals, and annual objectives, concrete operating 
plans, and tailored evaluation strategies. As needed, work with 
Corporation evaluation staff to create materials, develop and conduct 
trainings, and/or offer technical assistance to State Commissions and 
AmeriCorps programs related to setting direct and demonstrable 
objectives and performing program monitoring and evaluation functions.
    (d) Fiscal Management: Building on Corporation materials, help 
establish appropriate and effective fiscal management and accounting 
processes, including compliance with all federal laws and regulations.
    (e) Grievance Procedures: Help grantees develop grievance 
procedures that give programs systems in which to resolve disputes with 
staff members, program participants, community residents, and others. 
These procedures should comply with the requirements for grievance 
procedures described in the National and Community Service Trust Act of 
1993.
    In each case, providers are expected to:
    --Bring to bear existing training and subject expertise. Efforts 
will focus on arranging or providing assistance, rather than developing 
new training and resources using Corporation funds;
    --Comply with federal requirements for administering federal funds. 
The T/TA provider will work with Corporation staff as needed to develop 
training on this topic;
    --Demonstrate a commitment to and experience in evaluation that 
examines outcomes and uses its findings as tools for redesigning and 
improving program activities and approaches; and
    --Assist Corporation evaluation and T/TA staff in providing other 
training or technical assistance, as requested.
Encouraged Approaches
    While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes 
the activities listed above, it encourages the following approaches:
    (a) A proposal that includes a partnership among providers who 
together can offer training and technical assistance in the areas 
listed above and who together have a presence across the country that 
enables them to provide training and assistance regionally. Such a 
proposal must clearly describe the specific responsibilities of each 
partner, the amount of funds to be allocated to each, the amount of 
staff time dedicated by each, and the mechanisms for cooperation and 
coordination among partners and the Corporation.
    (b) A proposal that includes a partnership of which at least one 
member has experience providing training and technical assistance in 
complying with federal requirements for administering federal funds.
(C) National Priority Skills Development Centers
    --Proposals due June 1, 1994.
    --Preference will be given to applicants that can begin delivering 
assistance by August 1994.
Summary
    National Priority Skills Development Centers will help meet the 
short-term, immediate training and technical assistance needs of the 
Corporation, states, and AmeriCorps programs in their efforts to make 
direct and demonstrable impacts in the areas of need the Corporation 
has identified as ``national priorities.'' The Centers will provide 
information and hands-on support, create networks and expert groups, 
and carry out other activities as needed.
    National Priority Skills Development Centers also provide an 
opportunity to begin developing resources to serve the service field 
over the long-run. Based on the lessons learned and foundations laid by 
the Skills Development Centers, grantees may begin to develop ``Centers 
of Excellence.'' Centers of Excellence will serve as more permanent 
resources for the service field and as such, will receive a much more 
significant investment of funds from the Corporation. These Centers 
will be much larger than the Skills Development Centers. Over time, 
they will develop more extensive expertise in the practices that make 
for high-quality, effective service programs in various priority area 
fields.
    At present, funding is only available for the Skills Development 
Centers. The Corporation encourages providers to devote some of their 
resources to developing plans to expand their Skills Development 
Center(s) into more comprehensive and permanent Center(s) of 
Excellence.
Need
    AmeriCorps programs must achieve direct and demonstrable results in 
the areas of education, public safety, health, human needs, and the 
environment. Programs funded through the AmeriCorps direct competition 
must achieve the results in more specific national priority areas. The 
national priority areas are as follows:
    In Education:
    --School Readiness: furthering early childhood development.
    --School Success: improving the educational achievement of school-
age children and adults who lack basic academic skills.
    In Public Safety:
    --Crime Control: improving criminal justice services, law 
enforcement, and victim services.
    --Crime Prevention: reducing the incidence of violence.
    In Human Needs:
    --Health: providing independent living assistance and home- and 
community-based health care.
    --Home: rebuilding neighborhoods and helping people who are 
homeless or hungry.
    In Environment:
    --Neighborhood Environment: reducing community environmental 
hazards.
    --Natural Environment: conserving, restoring, and sustaining 
natural habitats.
    The Corporation will fund Skills Development Centers to help 
programs and participants achieve demonstrable results in these areas 
by providing them with training, information, technical support, and 
other resources. T/TA providers will be expected to work closely with 
service programs so that providers' expertise in how to make impacts in 
certain needs areas is complemented by an understanding of service 
programs, regardless of the area of need addressed. The ``Principles of 
High Quality National Service Programs'' document mentioned in the 
Background section more extensively describes the Corporation's current 
thinking in these areas. Applicants should have the expertise to expand 
the Corporation's thinking and the ability to help make programs 
working in each area more effective.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation will make available approximately $1,500,000 for 
all activities. Up to eight Skills Development Centers may be funded to 
provide the T/TA activities described below. Grants will range from 
$50,000 to approximately $300,000, with most awards between $100,000 
and $150,000. Up to $25,000 of each award can be used in planning for a 
future ``Center of Excellence'' in the priority area addressed. Grants 
or cooperative agreements will be for up to one year, with the 
possibility of renewal or of an award to implement a ``Center of 
Excellence,'' subject to performance, need, and availability of funds. 
There is no guarantee of renewal or implementation award.
Description of T/TA Activity Desired
    The Corporation will fund Skills Development Centers to help 
programs and participants meet needs in the areas listed below. 
Applicants may propose to provide T/TA in one or more areas. Applicants 
may also combine areas rather than running two distinct Centers, for 
example, as long as the applicant's proposal provides an explanation of 
the manner in which the needs of each area can be addressed when 
combined with others.
    Skills Development Centers will be developed in the following 
areas:
    Crime Control: T/TA activities to help programs improve criminal 
justice services, enforcement, and victim services.
    Crime Prevention: T/TA activities to help programs and participants 
reduce the incidence of violence.
    Early Childhood Development: (including the Corporation's School 
Success priority) T/TA activities to help programs and participants 
further early childhood development.
    School Success: T/TA activities to help programs and participants 
improve educational achievement.
    Comprehensive Services: (including the Corporation's Home and 
Neighborhood Environment priorities) T/TA activities to help programs 
and participants link community resources together to provide for 
disadvantaged residents' basic needs.
    Preventive Health Care: T/TA activities to help programs and 
participants successfully carry out health outreach, education, and 
prevention campaigns.
    Independent Living: T/TA activities to help programs and 
participants provide independent living assistance and home-based 
health care.
    Natural Environment: T/TA activities to help programs and 
participants conserve, restore, and sustain natural habitats.
    In each case, Skills Development Centers are expected to:
    (a) Develop and/or maintain a network of geographically dispersed 
expert resource people and organizations around the country and 
maintain a database of these resources. Providers should identify 
expert resources from the specific field--organizations and 
individuals--that the Corporation, state commissions, and programs can 
access when needed. A database, developed in Foxpro or Oracle software, 
with pertinent information about these expert resources should be 
maintained and linked to the National Service Resource Center database 
(described below) so that capacity building is ensured. The provider 
should train resource people as needed to make sure that they provide 
useful assistance; receive regular feedback from T/TA customer's on 
resource peoples' performance; and work with Resource Center staff to 
make recommendations on how to ``certify'' trainers and other T/TA 
providers should the Corporation decide that this is necessary. The 
provider should also gather information from Corporation staff, state 
commissions, programs, and other T/TA grantees in order to expand the 
pool of resources in the database.
    (b) Provide hands-on support to programs using the network of 
expert trainers and other resource people. Working with the National 
Service Resource Center, National Service Skills Development Centers 
should respond to individual requests for assistance from the 
Corporation, state commissions, or programs to provide help with 
project design and implementation, specific project improvement issues, 
or other forms of training and technical assistance. Applicants should 
estimate how many person days they expect to devote to this and how 
many people and/or programs they think they have the capacity to serve. 
Whenever possible, T/TA providers should use local resource people to 
carry out these tasks. This way, T/TA efforts will help build capacity 
and relationships on the local level.
    (c) Demonstrate an understanding of the central characteristics of 
successful service programs. T/TA providers are expected to have 
expertise in the specific fields their T/TA will cover (e.g. crime 
prevention) so that they can help service programs produce direct and 
demonstrable results in those areas. Providers must also understand the 
more generic, common components of successful service programs, 
regardless of what needs service programs address. For suggestions on 
how to gain this knowledge, see ``Encouraged approaches'' below. 
Providers will be expected to collaborate with other Corporation T/TA 
providers, particularly those working to ``Strengthen the Basics of 
National Service Programs'' (as described in section below).
    (d) Gather and provide critical information on at least one of the 
priority areas. T/TA providers should identify the most important 
information and resources (including databases) from the specific 
field(s) addressed. This might include training curricula, standards of 
best practice, examples of effective practices in service and community 
work, and in project planning, and participant training and support 
specific to the needs of that field. Providers should focus their 
efforts by gathering the 50 or so ``best'' resources. The resource 
materials should be made available to the National Service Resource 
Center and should be adapted to meet the needs of Corporation staff, 
state commissions, and AmeriCorps programs where necessary. 
(Reproduction and distribution issues will be negotiated in the terms 
of the grant.)
    (e) Convene an expert group. With input from the Corporation, 
regularly convene a sounding board of leading individuals from the 
priority area field, the service community, and other areas to develop 
an agenda for T/TA activity in each priority area.
    (f) Plan for a ``Center of Excellence.'' T/TA providers should lay 
the groundwork for more established future ``Centers of Excellence,'' 
focusing on particular priority areas. Providers are encouraged to 
develop a plan to submit to the Corporation by January, 1995, for a 
potential ``Center of Excellence'' in a specific area. A maximum of 
$25,000 may be expended for this planning activity, and there is no 
guarantee of future funding from the Corporation.
    (g) Assist in applicant outreach. Providers may be asked to assist 
the Corporation in reaching out to potential AmeriCorps program 
applicants in the priority area(s) addressed.
Encouraged Approaches
    While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes 
the activities listed above, it encourages the following approaches:
    --Proposals by a small consortium of organizations that include at 
least one organization with expertise in each national priority area 
being addressed, and at least one organization with experience in the 
operation of service programs. Service programs will help organizations 
with issue-area expertise better understand issues such as participant 
recruitment, selection, training and preparation, management, and 
support; and project issues including project conception and selection, 
formation of working relationships with service sponsors, orientation 
of service sponsors, and project management and evaluation.
    --Proposals in which the organization(s) providing expertise in 
specific priority area(s) has a partnership with a service program or 
operates a service program, and where it tests project models and T/TA 
models directly in the program as it develops them for national use.
    For example, a proposal in the area of school readiness might 
include a national center that does program development and assistance 
in the early childhood area, and which operates its own pre-school 
program. The center would test certain service projects in its program, 
and test training for participants who work in the program. These 
activities would help refine and improve the training and technical 
assistance it offers to national service programs funded by the 
Corporation.

(II) Application by Concept Paper

    Proposed activities in this category include:

(A) National Service Resource Center
(B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs
(C) Service and Citizenship
(D) Strengthening Program Diversity
(E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program
(F) Learn and Serve America K-12--
    Resource Publications
    Training Initiatives on Service-Learning
(G) Learn and Serve America Higher Education--
    Higher Education Service Resource Center
    Institutionalizing Service-Learning
    Infrastructure and Capacity-Building
(H) Training and Technical Assistance for State Commissions

    Concept papers will be accepted on May 27, 1994 and September 13, 
1994. Following the May deadline, the Corporation expects to invite 
likely applicants to submit a detailed proposal by June 30, 1994.

(A) National Service Resource Center

    --Preference will be given to applicants which can begin delivering 
assistance by August, 1994.
Summary
    The Corporation seeks to provide a National Service Resource Center 
to compile, store, and retrieve the T/TA resources provided by the 
Corporation and other T/TA providers. Rather than producing materials 
and resources, the resource center will ensure that State Commissions 
and AmeriCorps programs have easy access to the T/TA services and 
resources other T/TA providers produce.
    The Resource Center will develop and manage the following:
    --A resource library that gathers training curricula, effective 
strategies for program planning and management, and other information 
and materials from Corporation T/TA providers and the service field. 
The Resource Center will also develop means of dissemination, both in 
print and through electronic outlets.
    --A start-up survey of T/TA providers around the nation who can 
meet needs of State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs. This survey 
should be done as quickly as possible, to provide an immediate resource 
for Corporation grantees, and to establish the foundation for the long-
term project of creating and developing a comprehensive database for 
the directory service.
    --A T/TA directory service that draws on the start-up survey and 
subsequent database to respond to queries for information from state 
commissions and national service programs in search of trainers, 
consultants, and other resources. On a toll-free assistance line, 
trained information specialist(s) will respond to day-to-day questions 
and inquires from grantees, state commissions, and Corporation staff, 
matching their needs with T/TA services whenever possible. The Resource 
Center will be responsible for marketing the directory service to 
AmeriCorps programs and State Commissions in order to make its services 
as accessible as possible and may make the directory service database 
available to them through print and/or electronic means.
    AmeriCorps program grantees will be required to assess the T/TA 
they use and report back to the Corporation program staff and the 
Resource Center with their evaluations. This information will inform 
Resource Center listings and eventually may serve as the foundation for 
a system of consumer-based T/TA service provider ratings. The Resource 
Center will be expected to make recommendations to the Corporation on 
how to certify T/TA providers should the Corporation decide that this 
is necessary.
    Grantee evaluations are especially important in the case of T/TA 
purchased with the up to $5,000 of discretionary T/TA money each 
AmeriCorps program grantee will be allotted. The purpose of these funds 
is to flexibly meet immediate program needs not met by other 
Corporation- or state-funded T/TA services, tap grantee-based networks, 
and help to establish a consumer-driven marketplace. The Resource 
Center, working closely with Corporation staff, will be the repository 
for all grantee evaluations of T/TA and will incorporate those 
evaluations into the resource library and directory service.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation will make available one grant totaling 
approximately $500,000. The grant or cooperative agreement will be 
issued for 18 months, with no guarantee of renewal but possibility of 
renewal based on performance, need, and availability of funds.
Requirements
    --The resource library staff must work closely with Corporation 
staff to make sure that the Corporation's own internal resource room is 
kept up to date with important materials and other pieces of 
information.
    --The Commission on National and Community Service, predecessor to 
the Corporation, awarded funds to a consortium of organizations led by 
the National Youth Leadership Council to establish a clearinghouse for 
information and technical assistance on service-learning primarily for 
K-12. To avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary costs, will be 
expected to refer interested parties to the Service-Learning 
Cooperative and coordinate other efforts with them whenever possible.
    --Providers must use Foxpro or Oracle software when establishing 
any databases.

(B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs

    --Preference will be given to applicants who can begin delivering 
assistance August 1994.
Summary
    The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help programs 
strengthen the basic components that enable programs to implement 
excellent service projects and engage participants in addressing vital 
community needs. The Corporation hopes that many seasoned service 
providers will share their expertise with others in the service field 
through these activities.
    The Corporation describes many of these components in the second 
half of its ``Principles of High Quality National Service Programs.'' 
Opportunities to provide technical assistance supporting several of 
these components--building a strong organization, evaluation 
procedures, and developing fundraising expertise--are listed in the 
``Maintaining a Strong Organization'' section of this Notice. Here, the 
Corporation encourages potential grantees to provide assistance in--
    --Designing excellent service projects;
    --Providing a high quality participant experience through 
participant preparation and support;
    --Front-line supervisor training;
    --Training in mediation and conflict resolution; and
    --Creating strong community partnerships.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation expects to make available approximately $500,000 
total for up to 10 grants or cooperative agreements with 18 month 
durations. The possibility of renewal is subject to performance, 
continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    The Corporation would like T/TA providers to provide trainings and/
or develop resource materials in the following areas:
    Excellent service projects: Develop strategies and provide 
trainings to increase the effectiveness of national service programs at 
conceiving, planning, and executing excellent service projects, 
regardless of the area of need addressed by them.
    Participant training and support: Develop strategies and provide 
trainings to program staff on the key elements of orienting and 
training program participants in all types of service programs.
    Front-line supervisor training: Develop strategies and provide 
trainings on ways to train and support front-line supervisors--whether 
team leaders or coordinators of individually-placed participants--to 
supervise and support participants in all types of national service 
programs. Activities could include developing ways to help program 
directors and/or other program supervisors address the professional 
development needs of their front-line supervisors; designing support 
structures for front-line supervisors such as peer networks, on-call 
resources, or resource lists; or preparing flexible designs for 
training modules for regional conferences or trainings
    By July 1995, the Corporation would also like the T/TA provider(s) 
in this area to train approximately 30-35 groups of supervisors in key 
tasks including but not limited to:
    --Planning and managing service projects or internship placements;
    --Management and development of participants;
    --Creating good working relationships with service sponsors, and 
other community members and organizations;
    --Teambuilding at various levels among participants, with community 
partners, and among staff;
    --Communication at all levels, within the program, with media, with 
community through other vehicles
    --Facilitation of service-learning among participants that 
encourages their development into engaged, active citizens.
    Conflict resolution and mediation: developing strategies and 
providing trainings to program staff and participants on how to deal 
effectively with conflicts through conflict resolution and mediation 
techniques.
    Community Partnerships: developing strategies and providing 
trainings on ways to help programs build and maintain strong 
partnerships and engage in collaborative efforts with a broad range of 
organizations and individuals working to solve community problems.
    For each activity listed above, T/TA providers will be expected 
to:--Coordinate efforts with other T/TA providers, especially the 
``National Priority Skills Development Centers'' and the ``National 
Service Resource Center'';
    --Provide hands-on training, consulting and other services on the 
subject;
    --Identify best practices in accomplishing these tasks, adapt as 
necessary and package for program use. Material might include 
management tools, training curricula, or other useful items; and
    --In the long term, lead the development and refinement of best 
practices in accomplishing high quality service projects.

(C) Service and Citizenship

Summary
    The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help programs 
develop participants' understanding of the relationship between service 
and the rights and responsibilities that citizenship entails.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation expects to make approximately $100,000 total 
available for up to two grants or cooperative agreements. Grantees will 
develop and pilot a variety of training curricula with several 
AmeriCorps programs, with the aim of developing trainings that can meet 
the needs of many different participants and program types. The 
possibility of renewal is subject to performance, continuing need, and 
availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    Whether addressing immediate community problems or examining 
broader social needs, AmeriCorps participants take on a variety of 
civic responsibilities. The Corporation will fund the provision of 
technical assistance and training to enable AmeriCorps participants to 
constructively examine and explore larger issues associated with their 
service work and strengthen their understanding of their engagement in 
public life.

(D) Strengthening Program Diversity

Summary
    The Corporation will fund the development and implementation of a 
strategy to provide technical assistance and training to AmeriCorps 
programs and State Commissions on how to enhance their work, build 
stronger communities, and draw strength from diversity through full 
inclusion of diverse populations of participants in programs. This will 
include developing strategies which encourage mutual respect and 
cooperation among citizens of different races, ethnicities, 
socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels, ages, and sexual 
orientations, including both men and women and individuals with both 
physical and cognitive disabilities.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation expects to make three or more grants or cooperative 
agreements in the first year. The amount of funds will be determined in 
light of need. The possibility of renewal is subject to performance, 
continuing need, and availability of funds. In its concept paper the 
applicant should present a proposed budget for the first and second 
years of activity.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    The Corporation will fund the provision of technical assistance and 
training and development of resource materials for State Commissions 
and AmeriCorps programs to give them practical guidance on how to build 
diversity into programs and identify resources, especially local and 
regional resources, which they can tap for these purposes when needed.
    Possible activities include--
    --Strategies to improve recruitment, retention, and training of 
diverse staff and program participants;
    --Strategies to find appropriate participant placements;
    --Ways to ensure that programs are sensitive to the specific 
cultural needs of the community in which the service is being 
performed;
    --Strategies specifically aimed at recruiting and ensuring full 
inclusion of people with physical and cognitive disabilities as 
participants in AmeriCorps programs;
    --Ways to help AmeriCorps programs comply with laws regarding 
accommodation of people with disabilities; and
    --Other strategies to assist programs in building diversity into 
their programs.
    T/TA providers will be expected to work closely with the National 
Service Resource Center.

(E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program

Summary
    The Corporation seeks to enhance the opportunities for program 
planners, staff and participants of AmeriCorps programs, and State 
Commission members to visit existing service programs in order to learn 
more about different approaches to accomplishing high quality service. 
To this end, the Corporation is making funds available to existing 
service programs to prepare for and host such visits.
Eligible Applicants
    Only existing service programs may apply. While an applicant does 
not have to be a former or current grantee of the Corporation or the 
Commission on National and Community Service, the applicant should 
demonstrate that the program activities it will exhibit to visitors are 
consistent with the Corporation program requirements and ``Principles 
for High Quality Programs.''
Amount and Duration of Funding
    The Corporation expects to make up to ten grants totaling 
approximately $200,000. Grants will be for one year, with possibility 
of renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of 
funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    The applicant should accomplish activities including but not 
limited to--
    --Making Corporation grantees aware of the opportunity to visit by 
being included in Corporation communications that list T/TA 
opportunities;
    --Helping potential visitors determine if a visit would be of use 
to them, and helping them select an appropriate delegation to visit;
    --Preparing a visit schedule for each group of visitors that 
includes relevant aspects of the program they should see. Possible 
activities should include observing project work, talking with 
participants, staff and/or service sponsors and other community 
partners, attending program meeting or educational activities, etc.;
    --Facilitating a debriefing session or discussion in which the 
visitors may discuss questions or concerns regarding what they have 
seen and learned; and
    --Providing a small amount of follow-up contact with visitors, 
especially in cases where the visitor wishes to adopt a practice 
observed during the visit. Note that the host organization will not be 
expected to pay for the travel costs of the visitors.
Requirements
    --Program activities to be exhibited to visitors must be consistent 
with the Corporation's program requirements and ``Principles for High 
Quality Programs.''
    --The grantee must report regularly to the Corporation on visits: 
number of visits, who visited, what was presented, some assessment of 
the value gained by visitors, and any improvements planned for the 
visitation program.

(F) Learn and Serve America K-12

Resource Publications
    The Corporation will fund development and publication of materials 
on critical subjects to the field.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    Up to three grants totaling approximately $50,000 will be made 
available. Funding is for one year, with possibility of renewal subject 
to performance, continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    Focus areas may include service-learning evaluation models, case 
studies, linking service-learning to education reform or school 
restructuring efforts, integrating service-learning into school-to-work 
transition initiatives, integrating service-learning into academic 
curricula, and other topics that would be useful in advancing the 
service-learning field.
    T/TA providers will be expected to coordinate resources and 
activities with the National Service Learning Cooperative funded by the 
Commission on National and Community Service whenever possible.
Training Initiatives on Service-Learning
    The Corporation will fund training in service-learning methodology 
for teachers, administrators, community-based organization personnel, 
potential trainers and other appropriate individuals.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    Up to four grants totaling approximately $480,000 will be made 
available. Funding will be for one year, with possibility of renewal 
subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of Program Desired
    The Corporation is interested in a broad range of training 
opportunities that include regional seminars, introductory workshops, 
institutes with specific focus areas (i.e. engaging youth with 
disabilities in service-learning, linking service-learning to education 
reform or school-to-work transition initiatives, or service-learning as 
a vehicle for addressing specific educational, public safety, human, or 
environmental needs).

(G) Learn and Serve America: Higher Education

Summary
    The Corporation seeks to enhance the quality and sustainability of 
higher education service-learning programs, through T/TA activities 
that offer ready resources for effectively integrating service and 
education, that help strengthen institutional commitment to service-
learning, that develop the ability of grantees to support one another, 
and that build capacity at state, regional, and national levels to 
support campus-based service-learning.
    The Corporation will make grants or cooperative agreements for the 
following activities:

Higher Education Service Resource Center

Summary
    The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that provide detailed, 
user-friendly resources and consultation to meet the needs of 
individual programs, Corporation staff, and State Commissions. This 
resource center should focus on service-learning in higher education, 
and should be flexible in its design so that its resources may be 
integrated eventually with the National Service Resource Center and/or 
the National Service Learning Cooperative funded by the Commission on 
National and Community Service.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    One grant or cooperative agreement of approximately $100,000 will 
be made, with the possibility of renewal.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    Specific tasks include but are not limited to--
    --Actively collecting, selecting, organizing, and disseminating 
information on model programs, best practices, and innovations in the 
higher education service-learning field;
    --Developing resources on various subject areas, including service 
integrated with academic disciplines, service-learning programs 
addressing community needs in the national priorities, critical 
reflection, co-curricular service-learning, and evaluation of service-
learning programs;
    --Regularly providing grantees, Corporation staff, and State 
Commissions with an updated inventory of resources, and responding to 
their questions and requests for information; and
    --Working with Corporation staff and grantees to identify areas 
requiring resource development.
    Providers will be expected to:
    --Have experience in collecting and disseminating information that 
is relevant to the higher education service-learning field;
    --Demonstrate an ability to set and adhere to high standards of 
quality in collecting and reviewing resources;
    --Apply in partnership with one or more organizations in order to 
broaden the scope of information and constituencies connected to the 
resource center;
    --Have adequate electronic capacity and staff to manage efficiently 
a high volume of incoming and outgoing information;
    --Be equipped to participate in a phone system, on-line computer 
network, or other technological systems, as instructed by the 
Corporation; and
    --Be prepared to work closely with the K-12 service-learning 
clearinghouse funded by the Commission on National and Community 
Service, toward the goal of integrating all the resource matching and 
clearinghouse efforts funded by the Corporation.

Institutionalizing Service-Learning

Summary
    The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help bring 
sustainability to programs in institutions of higher education.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    One or two grants or cooperative agreements of approximately 
$150,000 will be made, with the possibility of renewal.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    Specific tasks include but are not limited to--
    --Engaging faculty, administrators, students, and/or community 
partners from funded programs in intensive strategic planning, tailored 
to the needs of each program, on how to make the program a permanent 
part of the institution;
    --Creating mechanisms that enable faculty members with expertise in 
service-learning to provide ongoing, hands-on support to their peers on 
integrating service with specific academic disciplines and expanding 
faculty interest and involvement in service-learning within 
institutions;
    --Providing ongoing consultation to programs on effective 
strategies for securing support from the institution's top 
administrative and academic leadership;
    --Developing resource materials that present ``case studies'' 
describing the evolution and institutionalization of high-quality 
service-learning programs, courses, and centers on a diverse array of 
college and university campuses.
    Providers will be expected to:
    --Have experience in guiding service-learning programs beyond the 
start-up phase and into a stage of stability and institutionalization;
    --Have sufficient organizational resources and stature in the 
higher education service-learning field to work effectively with 
faculty members and top administrative and academic officials; and
    --Coordinate the distribution of resource materials and the 
implementation of workshops or institutes with the Corporation staff.

Infrastructure- and Capacity-Building

Summary
    The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that develop the ability 
of grantees to support one another, and that build capacity at state, 
regional, and national levels to support campus-based service-learning.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    One or two grant(s) or cooperative agreement(s) of approximately 
$200,000 will be made, with the possibility of renewal.
Description of T/TA Activities Desired
    Specific tasks include but are not limited to--
    --Organizing regional conferences that convene grantees in early 
1995 (after the first quarter or semester of activity) and that address 
T/TA needs identified by the Corporation staff;
    --Developing from the regional conferences a variety of facilitated 
mechanisms--utilizing electronic networks and other technology--that 
enable grantees to build and sustain supportive relationships with one 
another;
    --Working closely with Corporation staff to conduct outreach to 
State Commissions and higher education organizations and associations 
to encourage their attendance at the regional conferences, to orient 
them to higher education service-learning programs and build their 
capacity to support service-learning at state, regional, or national 
levels; and
    --Developing and implementing a strategic follow-up plan that 
sustains and strengthens relationships and initiatives catalyzed by the 
regional conferences.
    Providers will be expected to:
    --Have sufficient expertise, contacts, and organizational capacity 
to plan regional conferences for up to 150 higher education service-
learning grantees;
    --Work in partnership with organizations or individuals with 
expertise in structuring sustainable peer networks that facilitate 
lateral knowledge transfer (i.e., peer-to-peer technical assistance);
    --Have at least some experience in working with state commissions 
and higher education organizations and associations;
    --Have adequate capacity, creativity, and flexibility to channel 
the momentum developed at the regional conferences toward longer-term 
efforts and objectives, and to identify and respond actively to needs 
for on-going follow-up.

(H) Training and Technical Assistance to State Commissions

Summary
    The Corporation will fund provision of information, training, and 
support to all State Commissions involved in AmeriCorps, as provided by 
the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. This can be 
provided by independent organizations or by the States themselves, 
acting as peer trainers.
Amount and Duration of Funding
    Up to three grants or cooperative agreements totaling approximately 
$400,000. Funding would be for one year, with possibility of renewal 
subject to performance, continuing need, and availability of funds.
Description of Program Desired
    T/TA activities may address one or more of the following issues, or 
may address other issues as proposed by the applicant:
    --Help states develop a technical assistance strategy and network 
of possible T/TA providers within their states;
    --Assist states in setting objectives and designing and 
implementing an evaluation plan;
    --Help states develop specific state-wide recruitment strategies 
that are consistent with the Corporation's national recruitment plan;
    --Help states design peer review panels;
    --Help states design participant advisory groups and other vehicles 
through which they can engage participants in decision-making processes 
and feedback mechanisms;
    --Provide orientation or training to State Commission members and 
staffs about national service and the role of State Commissioners; and
    --Provide other training or assistance to State Commissions as 
needed.

(III) Invitation for Original Concept Papers Proposing Additional 
or Alternative T/TA Activities

    The Corporation has created a National Program Innovation Fund, 
through which it will support innovative training and technical 
assistance that helps make programs more effective.
    The Corporation requests concept papers which suggest ways in which 
it might best support its goals through
T/TA activities. Concept papers may expand on the activities specified 
in this Notice, improve on them, or suggest original approaches.
    In proposing an original activity, the applicant must demonstrate a 
need for it that relates to the goals of AmeriCorps, present a sound 
plan for accomplishing the activity, and otherwise satisfy the quality 
criteria listed in this Notice.
    An applicant may propose an original concept under this section and 
apply at the same time to undertake one or more of the activities 
listed in another section.

    Dated: March 22, 1994.
Terry Russell,
Acting General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 94-7146 Filed 3-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-BA-P