[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 217 (Thursday, November 9, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56633-56636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-27800]
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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program; Request for Proposals;
Notice
SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Programs, Academic Exchanges Division,
European Branch of the United States Information Agency's Bureau of
Educational 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 and public administration, to host
graduate students from Armenia, Azerbaijan*, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia,
Kazakhastan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan for nine month, one-
year, eighteen month, or two-year degree, certificate, or professional
development programs under the auspices of the 1996 Edmund S. Muskie
Fellowship Program. Priority will be given to institutions that can
provide academic guidance and professional development support to
Fellows and that have experience working with international students.
Due to budgetary considerations, and to allow participation of as many
Fellows as possible, the cost per student to USIA will be given serious
consideration in the review of institutional applications.
*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 Azerbaijan or any of its
instrumentalities. In addition, the Government of Azerbaijan or any
of its instrumentalities will have no control in the actual
selection of participants.
The Edmund S. Muskie Program is administered by USIA through
cooperative agreements with the following organizations: The American
Council of Teaches 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/Open Society Institute (Soros/
OSI). Under these agreements ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, and Soros/OSI are
responsible for the recruitment, selection, academic placement, and
monitoring of Fellows.
DATES: Deadline for proposals: Completed applications must be received
at the appropriate organization (listed below) by 5 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time, on Wednesday, January 31, 1996. Faxed documents will not
be accepted, nor will documents postmarked on January 31, 1996, but
received at a later date. It is the responsibility of each applicant to
ensure that proposals are received by the above deadline. Institutions
selected to host Muskie Fellows should expect to receive students Fall
semester of 1996.
PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION: Overall authority for these programs 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.''
DIVERSITY GUIDELINES: 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.
``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. Programs shall also ``maintain their scholarly
integrity and shall meet the highest standards of academic excellence
or artistic achievement.''
APPLICATION PROCESS AND FURTHER INFORMATION: Interested institutions
should read the complete Federal Register announcement and then contact
ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, or Soros/OSI directly for an application and
further instructions. The original and three copies of the proposal
should be submitted by the deadline to the appropriate organization
listed below:
For degree programs in business administration or two-year degree
programs in public administration: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship
Program, c/o ACTR/ACCELS, 1776 Massachusetts
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Avenue, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, e-mail: [email protected].
For two-year degree programs in economics: The Edmund S. Muskie
Fellowship Program, c/o IREX, 1616 H Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006,
e-mail: [email protected].
For degree programs in law or nine month/one-year/eighteen month
programs in public administration: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship
Program, c/o The Open Society Institute, 888 Seventh Avenue, 31st
Floor, New York, NY 10106, e-mail: [email protected].
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, 1400
K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005-2403, e-mail: [email protected].
RENWAL PROCESS FOR CURRENT HOST INSTITUTIONS: U.S. institutions
currently hosting or who have been approved to host 1994 and/or 1995
Muskie Fellows in degree, certificate, or professional development
programs that wish to receive Fellows in 1996 in the same fields of
study are not required to complete the institutional application
providing the 1996 academic programs, support services, and cost-
sharing level remain consistent with or better than the 1995 program.
These institutions must demonstrate intent to receive 1996 Muskie
Fellows in the same field(s) by submitting a renewal application
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.
Addressing how the host institution will work with its
local community to provide assistance in the professional training and
cultural enrichment of the students, including the use of such groups
as Councils of International Visitors, business associations, local
schools, and local government.
Indicating the desired numbers of Fellows to be hosted,
the length and type of program in which they will be placed (non-
degree, degree, certificate, or professional development), the name and
contact information of the Muskie coordinator, the 1996-97 academic
calendar, what kind of pre-academic/ESL support can be offered, and the
amount of cost-sharing provided for each Fellow, adjusted as needed for
1996-97 costs.
Current host institutions need to contact the appropriate contract
organizations (ACTR/ACCELS, IREX, IIE, or Soros/OIS) 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, 1996.
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. Any institutions that are unsure which
application materials to submit should contact the appropriate contract
organization (ACTR/ACCELS, IREX, IIE, or Soros/OSI).
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION: 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, IIE, and Soros Foundations/OSI will not approve the
transfer of visa sponsorship to universities or the extension of visas
for the purpose of Ph.D. programs, extended practical training, or
other additional academic study. Universities that do not comply with
the policies of the Muskie program and J-Visa regulations will be
removed from the pool of host institutions.
Muskie Fellows are identified through a merit-based, open
competition and a rigorous selection process implemented by ACTR/
ACCELS, IIE, IREX, and Soros/OSI, in conjunction with USIA,
professional associations, and U.S. faculty from the different academic
fields. Semi-finalists in all disciplines must take the Test of English
as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Candidates for degree programs may also
be required to take standardized admissions tests such as the Graduate
Management Admission Test (GMAT), or 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. Currently 130 Muskie Fellows are
enrolled at U.S. institutions.
To be eligible for a Muskie Fellowship, applicants must be citizens
of one of the country 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 studying, working or living outside the fifteen participating
countries, spouses of U.S. citizens, and individuals who have applied
for an immigrant visa or political asylum to any country are not
eligible for the Muskie Program. Individuals who have spent four or
more consecutive months outside the fifteen participatory nations since
June 1994 are not eligible for the 1996 competition.
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 1996. Fellows who
receive TOEFL scores above 550 may be placed in summer pre-academic
programs prior to arrival at their host universities.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES: Degree and Certificate Programs: In general,
Fellows with degree awards in business administration or economics,
should take part in eighteen-month/two-year academic programs leading
to the degree of Master of Business Administration (BMA) or Master of
Arts (MA) degree. Economics programs should focus on applied fields
such as economic policy and planning, economic development,
econometrics, banking, international development and trade. Fellows
with degree awards in public administration should take part in nine
month, one-year, eighteen month, 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 1997, after
one year of academic 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. Longer
LLM programs are also admissible.
[[Page 56635]]
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 master'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: Nationally and professionally
accredited U.S. institutions and accredited departments 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 1996 Muskie Fellows will be selected by ACTR/ACCELS,
IIE, IREX, Soros/OSI, and USIA, based on the following criteria:
a. Strength of academic program: Academic rigor and demonstrated
capacity to meet participant needs in an accredited institution and
department.
b. Track record: Experience working with and providing a full range
of support services for international students. Recognition of and
compliance with the intent, policies, and regulations governing the
Muskie Program.
c. Professional support: Commitment to playing an active role in
locating appropriate internships and professional affiliations.
Additionally, proposals should briefly describe local community
resources upon which the institution will draw.
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 and
internships.
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. Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of
the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant features
should be cited in both program administration and program content. 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 and policies of the Edmund S. Muskie Program.
Interested institutions should indicate what kinds of pre-academic/
ESL support they can offer Fellows. Commuter and/or non-residential
schools should address how they will provide additional support to
integrate Fellows into the university and local community.
Fellows' applications will be sent to the universities in June. The
academic interests and professional needs of candidates selected as
Fellows will be considered in the final designation of U.S. host
institutions. Universities cannot select their own 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
should be described in the proposal. In the event the institution does
not provide the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the
institution's budget, the Agency's contribution will be reduced in
proportion to the institution's contribution.
The National Performance Review, under Vice President Gore's
leadership, has focused during the past several months on international
exchange and training programs throughout the federal government. USIA
has participated actively in the review and has committed itself to the
aggressive pursuit of greater cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the
conduct of our programs. We anticipate that cost-effectiveness and
cost-sharing will be important criteria by which the NPR will determine
which U.S. Government exchange and training programs should be
maintained and which reduced or eliminated in an effort to prevent
duplication.
Demonstrable efforts to significantly increase efficiency,
therefore, are critical both to the continuation of U.S. and foreign
student programs and the continued administration of them. 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/OSI representative.
Explanatory information provided by USIA, ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX,
or Soros/OSI that contradicts published language will not constitute a
commitment on the part of the Government or the implementing
organization.
NOTIFICATION: Final notifications cannot be made until funds have been
fully appropriated by Congress, allocated, and committed through
internal USIA procedures. Applicants will be notified in writing of the
results of the review process on or about April 15, 1996. Final
placement of students at institutions is subject to the specific
academic interests and needs of individuals selected as Muskie Fellows
and availability of funding.
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, IIE, or Soros/OSI 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
the General
[[Page 56636]]
Counsel, or other Agency elements, where appropriate.
Notification
All applicants will be notified of the results of the review
process on or about April 15, 1996.
Dated: November 1, 1995.
Dell Pendergrast,
Deputy Associate Director, Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 95-27800 Filed 11-8-95; 8:45 am]
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