[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 

[[Page 56634]]
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]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M