[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 178 (Thursday, September 14, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47801-47804]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-22908]
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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
Exchanges and Training Program With the Newly Independent States
ACTION: Notice--Request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Division of Russia/Eurasia of
the United States Information Agency's Bureau of Education and Cultural
Affairs announces a competitive grants program. Public or private non-
profit organizations meeting the provisions described in 26 CFR
1.501(c)(3) may apply to develop training programs in (1) local
government and public administration, (2) business administration and
business development, (3) rule of law, and (4) independent media
development for the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikstan,
Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the
Mutual
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Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as
amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act
is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual
understanding between the people of the United States and the people of
other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other
nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests,
developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and
other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of friendly,
sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the
other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the program
cited above is provided through the Fulbright-Hays Act and the Freedom
Support Act.
Programs and projects must conform with Agency requirements and
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package. USIA projects and
programs are subject to the availability of funds.
ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE AND NUMBER: All communications with USIA concerning
this announcement should refer to the above title and reference number
E/PN-96-16.
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: All copies must be received at the U.S.
Information Agency by 5 p.m., Washington, DC time on Wednesday,
November 15, 1995. Faxed documents will not be accepted, nor will
documents postmarked November 15, 1995 but received at a later date. It
is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that proposals are
received by the above deadline.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Citizen Exchanges, Russia/
Eurasia Division, E/PN, Room 216, U.S. Information Agency, 301 4th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, tel.: 202-619-5326, fax: 202-619-
4350, to request a Solicitation Package, which includes more detailed
award criteria; all application forms; and guidelines for preparing
proposals, including specific criteria for preparation of the proposal
budget. Please specify USIA Program Specialist Jim Del Giudice on all
inquiries and correspondence. Mr. Del Giudice may also be reached at
the following e-mail address: [email protected]. Interested applicants
should read the complete Federal Register announcement before
addressing inquiries to the Office of Citizen Exchanges, Russia/Burasia
Division or submitting their proposals. Once the RFP deadline has
passed, the Office of Citizen Exchanges, Russia/Eurasia Division may
not discuss this competition in any way with applicants until after the
Bureau proposal review process has been completed.
SUBMISSIONS: Applicants must follow all instructions given in the
Solicitation Package and send an original and ten copies of completed
applications to: U.S. Information Agency, Ref.: E/PN-96-16, Office of
Grants Management, E/XE, Room 336, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC
20547.
Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal on a 3.5'' diskette,
formatted for DOS. This material must be provided in ASCII text (DOS)
format with a maximum line length of 65 characters. USIA will transmit
these files electronically to USIS post overseas for their review, with
the goal of reducing the time it takes to get posts' comments for the
Agency's grants review process.
Diversity Guidelines
Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must
maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and
representative of the diversity of American political, social, and
cultural life. ``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest
sense and encompass differences including but not limited to ethnicity,
race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and
physical challenges. Applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere to
the advancement of this principle both in program administration and in
program content. Please refer to the review criteria under the `Support
for Diversity' section for specific suggestions on incorporation
diversity into the total proposal.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
USIA is interested in proposals that encourage the growth of
democratic institutions in the NIS. The main areas are local government
and public administration; rule of law; business management; and media.
Proposals should demonstrate support for host-country institutions and
should discuss what impact activities are expected to have over the
long run. Proposals which build upon previous efforts and/or show
significant cost-sharing will receive preference.
The projects may include: internships; study tours; short-term
training; consultations; and extended, intensive workshops taking place
in the United States or in the countries listed in this announcement:
We encourage applicants to design creative programs aimed at non-
English speakers both for in-country as well as for U.S.-based training
projects. USIA is interested in proposals whose designs take into
account the need for ongoing sharing of information and training.
Examples include: ``train the trainers'' models; the creation of
indigenous training centers; and/or plans to create professional
networks or professional associations to share information.
Note: While this competition may fund programs in which American
universities work with NIS counterparts, it is not intended to be a
university linkage program. Such programs are funded by USIA's
Office of Academic Programs (E/A) and proposals whose purpose is to
exchange faculty or otherwise support direct academic links should
be submitted under the E/A RFP for the College and University
Affiliations Programs (CUAP).
Local Government and Public Administration
USIA is interested in proposals for training programs that foster
effective administration of local and regional governments.
Programs in Public Administration for Kazakstan will not be
accepted.
Proposals are encouraged for the following themes/topics which have
been requested by USIA's posts in Ukraine and Russia:
RUSSIA: Projects that build the capacity of local
institutions and that use Russian language materials are strongly
encouraged. Proposals that show support from local administrations in
Russia--city or oblast--will receive preference, as will proposals that
demonstrate some basis for continuity--for example, those that build on
Sister City relationships or other professional associations. USIA is
particularly interested in exchange programs designed for regional
legislators, in particular the oblast legislatures of Irkutsk and
Buryatia. Programs that emphasize the practical ramifications of a
federated system of government will receive particular consideration.
Programs should involve exchanges and continuing consultations between
counterparts, for example, oblast duma members and U.S. state
legislators. Proposals should be very specific, emphasizing concrete,
tangible results that leave something behind in Russia once projects
are completed.
UKRAINE: Priority will be given to programs on themes such
as: setting up a civil service and the concept of merit-based
recruitment; the relationship between government and business; how to
create a business-friendly environment through local laws and
practices; combating corruption in law enforcement officials;
governmental
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budgeting processes; taxation; privatization of government services;
models of local government, including city manager, city council,
county government; regional planning at multi-city, multi-county level;
and administration of civic organizations such as library school
boards, community centers. Ukrainian partner institutions might include
the Institute of Public Administration in Kiev, the L'viv Management
Institute, the International Management Institute in Kiev, or similar
institutions.
Rule of Law
For all NIS countries, USIA is interested in proposals for
parliamentary exchanges that offer a substantive professional visit to
the United States for groups of elected legislators and their staffs,
at both national and regional levels. Programs can be designed around a
specific theme (e.g., budget and finance, legislative and parliamentary
procedure, oversight of law enforcement) or can serve as a vehicle to
develop relationships between parliamentarians and Members of Congress
and state legislators. Direct contact with U.S. Members of Congress is
a major goal of the program. Proposals for groups composed of deputies
or a combination of deputies and professional staff are acceptable. A
compelling program rationale should be given for projects mixing local
and national officials in one group. Visits to state legislatures in
the United States are encouraged. Particular care must be taken to
coordinate participant lists with the American Embassy in the given NIS
country. In general, the American Embassies will issue the formal
invitations to parliamentarians to participate in a given program.
For Russia, USIA is interested in long-term internship-based
exchange programs between Russian parliamentary staff members and their
American counterparts. Such programs should expose staff members to the
workings of a congressional office. Internships should be substantive
and involve work both in Washington and in congressional districts and
last approximately eight weeks, USIS Moscow would select English
speaking participants for this effort.
For Kazakstan, USIA is particularly interested in proposals
involving the Parliament-to-be (elections should be held by the end of
the 1995 calendar year). Programs beginning after March 1996 would be
ideal for establishing contacts with the new parliament. Proposals
should focus on the basics of and legislative procedures in drafting,
debating, and passing legislation.
For Ukraine, USIA is interested in programs that offer training in
the administration of local courts.
Business Administration and Development
USIA's definition of business development and administration is
broad. It includes: small business development, resource development
(housing, environment, energy), economic privatization and
restructuring and agri-business development, including food
distribution systems or the role of family farms. USIA is interested in
projects that strengthen university business departments and provide
management training for people already in the work place. In addition,
the following USIS posts have expressed interest in the following
specific themes:
UKRAINE: Proposals are encouraged on the following themes:
Business ethics; entrepreneurship; how to start a small business; how
to promote business; and business curriculum development.
KAZAKSTAN: Proposals should focus on management training
for established professionals; particularly in those areas that are of
importance to the future development of Kazakstan. These fields include
energy, industry, metallurgy, agriculture, mineral development, and
small business development.
Independent Media Development
USIA is interested in media training proposals that focus on
journalistic training, management of media organizations and foster
independent media. Journalistic training in basic skills and concepts
could include: effective writing, investigative reporting, objectivity,
the clear labeling of editorials and opinion pieces, intellectual
property issues and ethics.
Media management training (both print and electronic) should focus
on management of media as a business: management techniques, desk top
publishing, advertising, marketing, distribution, personnel, public
relations, and the financial benefits and pitfalls of journalistic
advocacy. USIS posts in the following countries have indicated their
priority themes:
RUSSIA: USIA is particularly interested in proposals to
work with nascent media associations and wire services. Collaborative
efforts with organizations such as (but not limited to) the newly-
founded Association for Investigative Journalists and more established
organizations like the Russian Association of Editors and Publishers,
the Glasnost Defense Fund, and the Globe Press Syndicate (GLOBUS) are
encouraged. Proposals should build institutional capacity, increase the
number of viable voices promoting the free flow of information, and
enhance institutional ability to provide training and support.
KAZAKSTAN: USIA is particularly interested in proposals
that focus on the business of media and maximize the amount of
practical, hands-on experience provided to program participants. There
are many independent media outlets in Kazakstan that are trying to make
the transition to a market-driven news business, and the Agency is
interested in proposals that promote the idea of journalism as a
business. Training programs in news reporting, television production
and the ethics of journalism are also encouraged. Priority will be
given to proposals that contain both in-country and U.S.-based
programming. Programs for non-English speakers will be given priority.
UKRAINE: The following topics have priority: Ethics in
journalism; straight news reporting; marketing and advertising in print
and broadcast media.
Guidelines
Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to
program specific guidelines in the Solicitation Package for further
details.
Proposed Budget
Organizations must submit a comprehensive line item budget based on
the specific guidance in the Program and Budget Guidelines sections of
the Solicitation Package. Proposals for less than $150,000 will receive
preference.
Grants awarded to eligible organizations with less than four years
of experience in conducting international exchange programs will be
limited to $60,000.
Applicants are invited to submit an all-inclusive budget as well as
separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or
activity in order to facilitate USIA decisions on funding.
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 stated herein and in the
Solicitation Package. Eligible proposals will be forwarded to panels of
USIA officers for advisory review. All eligible proposals will also be
reviewed by the Agency contracts office, as well
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as the USIA Office of East European and NIS Affairs and the appropriate
USIA post(s) overseas. Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of
the General Counsel or by other Agency elements. Funding decisions are
at the discretion of the USIA Associate Director for Educational and
Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for grant awards resides
with the USIA grants officer.
Review Criteria
Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank
ordered:
1. Quality of the Program Idea: Proposals should exhibit
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to Agency mission.
2. Program Planning: Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should
demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda
and plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described
above.
3. Ability to Achieve Program Objectives: Objectives should be
reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and
plan.
4. Multiplier Effect/Impact: Proposed programs should strengthen
long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual
linkages.
5. Cross Cultural/Area Expertise: Proposals should reflect the
institution's expertise in the subject area and should address specific
areas of concern facing countries involved in the project.
Additionally, projects should show evidence of sensitivity to
historical, linguistic and other cross cultural factors and should
demonstrate how this sensitivity will be used in practical aspects of
the program, such as pre-departure orientations or briefings of
American hosts.
6. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate the
recipient's commitment to promoting the awareness and understanding of
diversity throughout the program. This can be accomplished through
documentation (such as a written statement or account) summarizing past
and/or on-going activities and efforts that further the principle of
diversity within both the organization and the program activities.
7. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or
project's goals.
8. Institution's Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate an
institutional record of successful exchange programs, including
responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting
requirements for past Agency grants as determined by USIA's Office of
Contracts. The Agency will consider the past performance of prior
recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
9. Follow-On Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for
continued follow-on activity (without USIA support) which insures that
USIA supported programs are not isolated events.
10. Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate
the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of
the program. USIA recommends that the proposals include a draft survey
questionnaire or other technique plus description of a methodology to
use to link outcomes to original project objectives. Award-receiving
organizations/institutions will be expected to submit intermediate
reports after each project component is concluded or quarterly,
whichever is less frequent.
11. Cost-Effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components
of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as
low as possible. All other items should be necessary and appropriate.
12. Cost-Sharing: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through
other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding
contributions.
13. Value of U.S.-Partner Country Relations: Proposed projects
should receive positive assessments by USIA's geographic area desk and
overseas officers of program need, potential impact, and significance
in the partner country(ies).
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. The Agency reserves the right to reduce,
revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of
the program and the availability of funding. Final awards cannot be
made until funds have been appropriated by Congress, allocated and
committed through internal USIA procedures.
Notification
All applicants will be notified of the results of the review
process on or about March 1, 1996. Awards made will be subject to
periodic reporting and evaluation requirements.
Dated: September 8, 1995.
John P. Loiello,
Associate Director, Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 95-22908 Filed 9-13-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M