[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 221 (Thursday, November 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-28061]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 17, 1994]


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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY

 

The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program; Request for Proposals

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Programs, Academic Exchanges Division, 
European Branch of the United States Information Agency's Bureau of 
Education and Cultural Affairs announces opportunities for regionally 
and professionally accredited U.S. institutions offering degree and 
executive education programs at the master's level in business 
administration, economics, law, or public administration, to host 
graduate students from Armenia, Azerbaijan* (see program overview 
below), Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzia, Latvia, 
Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, or 
Uzbekistan for one- or two-year, degree, certificate, or professional 
development programs under the auspices of the 1995 Edmund S. Muskie 
Fellowship Program. Priority will be given to institutions which can 
provide academic guidance and professional development support to 
Fellows and which have experience working with international students. 
Institutions which are approved to host 1995 Edmund S. Muskie Fellows 
will automatically be eligible to host 1995 Freedom Support Act (FSA) 
Graduate Fellows in the same disciplines.

Current Host Campuses

    U.S. institutions currently hosting 1993 and/or 1994 Muskie Fellows 
in degree, certificate, or professional development programs that wish 
to receive Fellows again in 1995 in the same fields of study will not 
be required to complete the institutional application providing the 
1995 academic program, support services, and cost-sharing level remain 
consistent with these 1994 programs. Current host institutions must 
demonstrate intent to receive 1995 Muskie Fellows in the same field(s) 
through a separate renewal process outlined below.
    Institutions which were approved to host Edmund S. Muskie Fellows 
through the 1993 or 1994 competitions but which actually hosted only 
Freedom Support Act (FSA) Graduate Fellows may submit renewal requests 
as detailed below.
    Current host institutions that wish to host Fellows in a different 
academic field must submit a full application to be eligible to receive 
students in that discipline. Institutions which hosted only Freedom 
Support Act (FSA) Graduate Fellows and which were not approved during 
either the 1993 or 1994 competitions for Muskie host institutions are 
also required to submit a complete application. Any institutions that 
are unsure which application materials to submit should contact the 
appropriate contract organization (ACTR/ACCELS, IREX, Soros, or IIE).

DATES: Deadline for proposals: Completed applications must be received 
at the appropriate office (listed below) by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard 
Time, on Tuesday, January 31, 1995. Faxed documents will not be 
accepted, nor will documents postmarked on January 31, 1995, but 
received at a later date. It is the responsibility of each applicant to 
ensure that proposals are received by the above deadline.

ADDRESSES: The original and three copies of the proposal should be 
submitted by the deadline and addressed as follows:
    For Degree Programs in Business Administration and for Two-Year 
Degree Programs in Public Administration: The Edmund S. Muskie 
Fellowship Program, c/o ACTR/ACCELS, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 
Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036.
    For Degree, Non-Degree and Certificate Programs in Economics: The 
Edmund S. Muskie Program, c/o IREX, 1616 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 
20006.
    For Degree Programs in Law and for One-Year Programs in Public 
Administration: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program, c/o The Soros 
Foundations/The Consortium for Academic Partnerships, 888 Seventh 
Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10106.
    For Professional Development Programs in Business Administration, 
Economics, Law, or Public Administration: The Edmund S. Muskie 
Fellowship Program, c/o The Institute of International Education, 809 
United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-3580, Attn: Martha Loerke.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Interested U.S. institutions should 
write ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX or the Soros Foundations to request 
application packets, which include guidelines and award criteria. 
Interested applicants should read the complete Federal Register 
announcement before addressing inquiries to the organizations noted 
above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Edmund S. Muskie Program is administered 
by USIA through cooperative agreements to the following organizations: 
The American Council of Teachers of Russian/American Council for 
Collaboration in Education and Language Study (ACTR/ACCELS), the 
Institute of International Education (IIE), the International Research 
& Exchanges Board (IREX), and the Soros Foundations. Under these 
agreements ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, and the Soros Foundation are 
responsible for the recruitment, selection, academic placement, and 
monitoring of Fellows.
    Please Note: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program is not 
intended as a precursor to doctoral studies in the United States. At 
the end of their designated academic and internship programs, Fellows 
are required to return to their home countries to fulfill the two-year 
home residency requirement as specified in the Exchange Visitor (J-
Visa) regulations.
    ACTR, IREX, Soros, and IIE will not approve the transfer of visa 
sponsorship to universities or the extension of visas for the purpose 
of Ph.D. programs or other additional academic study.
    Overall authority for this program is contained in the Mutual 
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended Public Law 
87-256 (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 people of other countries 
by means of educational and cultural exchange, 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 assist in the 
development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between 
the United States and other countries of the world.'' Pursuant to the 
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs authorizing legislation, 
programs must maintain a non-political character and should be balanced 
and representative of the diversity of the American political, social 
and cultural life. Programs shall also ``maintain their scholarly 
integrity and shall meet the highest standards of academic excellence 
or artistic achivement.''

Program Overview

    The Edmund S. Muskie Program was established in Fiscal Year 1992 to 
promote democratic and economic development in Armenia, Azerbaijan,* 
Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzia, Latvia, Lithuania, 
Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and 
Uzbekistan. It is an academic program providing graduate level 
instruction at the master's level in business administration, 
economics, law, and public administration along with exposure to the 
concepts of market economics and democratic principles. A professional 
affiliation experience and networking opportunities are major program 
components.

    *Please note: Programs with Azerbaijan are subject to 
restrictions of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act: Employees of 
the government of Azerbaijan or any of its instrumentalities are 
excluded from participation, and no U.S. participant overseas may 
work for the Government of Azerbijan or any of its 
instrumentalities. In addition, the Government of Azerbijan or any 
of its instrumentalities will have no control in the actual 
selection of participants.

    Fellows are identified through a merit-based, open competition and 
a rigorous selection process implemented by ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, and 
the Soros Foundation, in conjunction with USIA, professional 
associations, and U.S. faculty from the four academic fields. Semi-
finalists in all disciplines will take the Test of English as a Foreign 
Language (TOEFL). Candidates for degree programs in business 
administration will take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), 
and candidates for degree programs in economics will take the Graduate 
Record Examination (GRE). Candidates for the law program must have an 
undergraduate law degree from their home country. Fellows are matched 
with universities by selection committees composed of graduate 
admissions officers and faculty in the appropriate disciplines. 
Placements are determined according to Fellows' academic interests and 
needs. Fellows may not choose their own academic placements.
    To be eligible for a Muskie Fellowship, applicants must be citizens 
of one of the fifteen countries targeted by the Program, have 
successfully completed an undergraduate program, be proficient in 
spoken and written English at the time of application, demonstrate 
professional aptitude and leadership potential in the field of 
specialization, and be under the age of 40. Applicants for professional 
development programs must have a minimum of three years relevant work 
experience in addition to an undergraduate degree. To be eligible for 
awards in law candidates must have received an undergraduate diploma in 
law. Individuals currently enrolled in academic programs in the U.S., 
persons working or earning a living in the United States, spouses of 
U.S. citizens, or individuals who have applied for an immigrant visa or 
political asylum to any country are not eligible for the Muskie 
Program. Muskie Fellows under the terms of the grant and under the laws 
governing the student visa required for participation in the Program, 
must return to their home country for a period of a least two years 
immediately upon completion of the academic program and internship. 
Visa sponsorship will not be transferred to universities or other 
sponsors and visas will not be extended for the purpose of pursuing 
doctoral or other additional studies in the United States.
    No financial support or provision is made for Fellows' dependents 
under the Muskie Program.
    Muskie Fellows receive scholarships for international 
transportation, domestic transportation within the United States, 
stipend, health insurance, full or partial tuition, room/board, and 
other expenses.
    Fellows who receive TOEFL scores below 550 will enroll in courses 
of English as a Second Language (ESL) in summer 1995. Whenever 
possible, Fellows who receive TOEFL scores above 550 will take part in 
summer pre-academic programs prior to arrival at their host 
universities.
    Currently 136 students are enrolled at U.S. institutions under the 
auspices of the 1994 Muskie Program. Approximately 140 Fellows will be 
selected for participation in the 1995 Muskie Program.

Program Guidelines

    The Muskie Fellowship comprises the degree, certificate, and 
professional development programs outlined below. Fellows will enter 
U.S. graduate studies in the 1995 fall semester.

Degree and Certificate Programs

    In general, Fellows with degree awards in business administration 
and economics should take part in two-year academic programs leading to 
the degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of 
Arts (MA), respectively. Internships should take place during the 
summer between the first and second years of study. All programs in law 
must lead to the Master of Laws (LLM) degree. Fellows with awards in 
law generally participate in nine-month LLM programs followed by a 
three-month internship; however, longer LLM programs are also 
admissible. Fellows with degree awards in public administration should 
take part in one- or two-year programs leading to the Masters of Public 
Administration (MPA) or Master of Arts (MA) degree. In some cases, 
certificates may be awarded instead of degrees. Three-month internships 
should take place during the summer of 1996, after one year or academic 
study.

Professional Development Programs

    The Professional Development awards are specifically designed for 
mid-career professionals with at least three years substantive work 
experience prior to application. These non-degree programs in business 
administration, economics, and public administration generally include 
two semesters of tailored academic study at the mater's level, followed 
by up to six months of practical training. The law program for mid-
career professionals should lead to the LLM degree with up to six 
months of practical training after the period of academic study.

Program Requirements and Review Criteria

    U.S. institutions may apply to receive Fellows individually or in 
groups of two to ten people representing one or any combination of the 
four disciplines. Host institutions for 1995 Muskie Fellows will be 
selected by ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, the Soros Foundation, and USIA, 
based on the following criteria:
    a. Strength of academic program--Academic rigor and demonstrated 
capacity to meet participant needs.
    b. Track record--Expericence working with and providing a full 
range of support services for international students. Recognition of 
and compliance with the intent, rules, and regulations governing the 
Muskie Program.
    c. Professional support--Ability to facilitate professional 
affiliations and internships.
    d. Academic support--Capacity to assign a faculty advisor and a 
Muskie Program coordinator to provide academic guidance, logistical 
support, and assistance in arranging enrichment activities.
    e. Cost-effectiveness--Ability to provide a high quality program 
for lowest costs. A key measure of cost-effectiveness is the host 
institution's program cost per Fellow. The Agency also reviews the 
ratio of cost-sharing to program costs exhibited through such means as 
tuition scholarships, fellowships, or reduced room and board expenses.
    f. Geographic diversity--The Agency Seeks to achieve maximum 
geographic diversity in the selection of host institutions.
    g. Evaluation plan--Proposals should outline methods for monitoring 
the academic progress and integration of Fellows in the campus and 
community.
    h. Adherence of proposed activities to the criteria outlined above 
and the goals of the Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program.
    Institutions receiving two or more Fellows are encouraged to 
provide commensurate cost-sharing for such groups. The academic 
interests and professional needs of candidates selected as Fellows will 
be considered in the final designation of U.S. host institutions.
    Proposals must be submitted to ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, or the Soros 
Foundations, according to discipline and type of program (degree, 
certificate, or professional development), as indicated above.

Renewal Process for Current Host Institutions

    Institutions currently hosting Edmund S. Muskie Fellows under the 
1993 and/or 1994 Programs are eligible to submit a renewal application. 
U.S. institutions currently hosting 1993 or 1994 Freedom Support Act 
Fellows that applied to and were approved by the 1993 or 1994 Muskie 
university competitions are also eligible to submit a renewal 
application. In order to apply to host Fellows in the same field(s), 
universities must submit a letter confirming that the academic program, 
professional and enrichment support, and adherence to other grant 
requirements will, at a minimum, remain consistent with current levels. 
The letter must also indicate the desired number of Fellows to be 
hosted, the type of program in which they will be placed (degree, 
certificate, or professional development), the name of the Muskie 
coordinator, the 1995-96 academic calendar, and the amount of cost-
sharing provided for each Fellow, adjusted as needed for 1995-96 costs. 
Current host institutions need to contact the appropriate contract 
organization (ACTR/ACCELS, IREX, Soros or IIE) to receive the required 
budget worksheet that must be submitted along with the letter. Original 
letters must be received by the appropriate contact organization by 
January 31, 1995.

    Please Note: Those institutions currently hosting only Freedom 
Support Act Graduate Fellows and which were not approved through 
either the 1993 or 1994 Muskie university competition must submit a 
complete application to be considered to host 1995 Muskie Fellows.

Agency Cost Sharing Guidelines

    U.S. institutions hosting Muskie Fellows are strongly encouraged to 
provide cost-sharing toward tuition and/or room and board expenses, so 
that greater numbers of students may take part in the program. Cost-
sharing may also be in the form of direct program and participant 
costs. Indirect and administrative costs will not be considered 
allowable cost-sharing items, nor will these costs be covered by the 
Muskie Program. 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 and 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.
    Preference will be given to institutions that provide cost-sharing 
on direct participant costs. While the Agency strongly encourages cost-
sharing, it is not a requirement. Institutions unable to offer cost-
sharing are eligible to apply.

Application Disclaimer

    The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding and may 
not be modified by any USIA, ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, or Soros 
Foundations representative. Explanatory information provided by USIA, 
ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, or the Soros Foundation that contradicts 
published language will not constitute a commitment on the part of the 
Government or the implementing organization. Final notifications cannot 
be made until funds have been fully appropriated by Congress, 
allocated, and committed through internal USIA procedures.

Notification

    Applications will be notified in writing of the results of the 
review process on or about April 15, 1995. Final placement of students 
at institutions is subject to the specific academic interests and needs 
of individuals selected as Muskie Fellows.

    Please note: USIA retains the right to determine final selection 
decisions with regard to the competition for institutions to host 
Muskie Fellows. The Agency also reserves the right to determine 
final placement decisions. When the needs of the program warrant, 
the Agency may invite selected institutions to host Fellows whose 
academic needs require specialized placement.

Options for Renewal

    Subject to the availability of funding and the satisfactory 
performance of host institutions, USIA, on behalf of the Muskie 
Fellowship Program, may invite grantee organizations to submit 
proposals for renewal of awards.

Review Process

    ACTR/ACCELS, IREX Soros, or IIE will acknowledge receipt of all 
applications and will review them for technical eligibility. 
Applications will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to 
the guidelines stated herein and in the Application Package. Eligible 
applications will be forwarded to panels of USIA officers for advisory 
review. All eligible applications may also be reviewed by the Agency 
contracts office, as well as the USIA Office of East European and NIS 
Affairs, the USIS posts overseas, the Office of General Council, or 
other Agency elements, where appropriate.

Notification

    All applicants will be notified of the results of the review 
process on or about April 15, 1994.

    Dated: November 9, 1994.
John P. Loiello,
Associate Director, Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 94-28061 Filed 11-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M