[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 123 (Thursday, June 26, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34498-34503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16646]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY


International Education and Cultural Activities; Open Grant 
Program

ACTION: Notice; Request for proposals.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Office of Citizen Exchanges (E/P) of the United States 
Information Agency's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 
announces an open competition for an assistance award program. Public 
or private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in 
IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c) may apply to develop projects that link 
their international exchange interests with counterpart institutions/
groups in ways supportive of the aims of the Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs. Overall grant making authority for this program is 
contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, 
as amended, Public Law 87-256, also know 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,

[[Page 34499]]

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.'' Programs and projects must conform with 
Agency requirements and guidelines outlined in the Application Package. 
USIA projects and programs are subject to the availability of funds.
    Interested applicants should read the complete Federal Register 
announcement before addressing inquiries to the Office of Citizen 
Exchanges or submitting their proposals. Once the RFP deadline has 
passed, the Office of Citizen Exchanges may not discuss this 
competition in any way with applicants until after the Bureau program 
and project review process has been completed.

ANNOUNCEMENT NAME AND NUMBER: All communications concerning this 
announcement should refer to the Annual Open Grant Program. The 
announcement number is E/P-98-2. Please refer to title and number in 
all correspondence or telephone calls to USIA.
    Deadline for Proposals: All copies must be received at the U.S. 
Information Agency by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on Friday, October 
10, 1997. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Documents 
postmarked by the due date but received at a later date will not be 
accepted. It is the responsibility of each grant applicant to ensure 
that proposals are received by the above deadline. This action is 
effective from the publication date of this notice through October 10, 
1997, for projects where activities will begin between January 1, 1998 
and December 31, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Interested organizations/institutions must contact the Office of 
Citizen Exchanges, E/PL, Room 216, United States Information Agency, 
301 4th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547, (202) 619-5326, to 
request detailed application packets which include award criteria; all 
application forms; and guidelines for preparing proposals, including 
specific criteria for preparation of the proposal budget. Please direct 
inquiries and correspondence to Charlene Toles, E-Mail 
{[email protected]}.

TO DOWNLOAD A SOLICITATION PACKAGE VIA INTERNET: The Solicitation 
Package may be downloaded from USIA's website at http://www.usia.gov/
education/rfps. Please read all information before beginning to 
download.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must follow all instructions given in the 
Application Package and send only complete applications with 15 copies 
to: U.S. Information Agency, REF: E/P-98-2 Annual Open Grant 
Competition, Grants Management Division (E/XE), 301-4th Street, S.W., 
Room 336, Washington, D.C. 20547.
    Applicants must also submit to E/XE the ``Executive Summary'' and 
``Narrative'' sections of each 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 posts 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, Freedom and Democracy 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 incorporating diversity into the total proposal. Public 
Law 104-319 provides that ``in carrying out programs of educational and 
cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom 
and democracy,'' USIA ``shall take appropriate steps to provide 
opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and 
democracy leaders of such countries.'' Proposals should account for 
advancement of this goal in their program contents, to the full extent 
deemed feasible.

Overview

    The Office of Citizen Exchanges works with U.S. private sector, 
non-profit organizations on cooperative international group projects 
that introduce American and foreign participants to each others' 
social, economic, and political structures, and international 
interests. The Office supports international projects in the United 
States or overseas involving leaders or potential leaders in the 
following fields and professions: urban planners, jurists, specialized 
journalists (specialists in economics, business, political analysis, 
international affairs), business professionals, NGO leaders, 
environmental specialists, parliamentarians, educators, economists, and 
other government officials.

Guidelines

    Applicants should carefully note the following restrictions/
recommendations for proposals in specific geographical areas:
    Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Newly Independent States 
(NIS): Requests for proposals involving the following countries will be 
announced in separate competitions: CEE--Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 
Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 
Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, and Slovenia; NIS--
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, 
Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Proposals 
involving these regions will not be accepted under this competition.
    Western Europe and Canada (WEU): Request for proposals involving 
Western Europe and Canada will be announced in a separate competition. 
Proposals involving these regions will not be accepted under this 
competition.
    East Asia and the Pacific (EA): Priority consideration will be 
given to the following themes and target countries/subregions.
    Defense Writers' Seminar on East Asian Security (DW-SEAS) (regional 
project, including participants from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong 
Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, 
the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and/or 
Vietnam--This project would bring senior editors and writers covering 
security issues to USCINCPAC to Hawaii, to Washington and to an Asian 
country where U.S. defense forces are forward-deployed for an in-depth 
review of current security issues and the role that the U.S plays in 
ensuring regional stability.
    Trade, Investment and Intellectual Property Rights (single-country 
or multi-country project involving Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, 
Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and/or Vietnam--This project should 
focus on the vital role that observance of intellectual property rights 
protection, open access to business information, transparency in public 
administration and observance of the rule of law can play in 
encouraging foreign investment, increased trade and access to 
technology. Projects in China

[[Page 34500]]

should focus on ICR and the role of trade associations in advancing 
industry interests; projects elsewhere could pair decision-makers from 
an ASIAN ``tiger'' economy (such as the Philippines, Malaysia or 
Thailand) with economic leaders from a country in transition (such as 
Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam).
    The Administration of Justice and Rule of Law (multi-country or 
single-country project involving China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the 
Philippines and/or Vietnam)--This project would help senior judges and 
legal experts develop a better understanding of how Federal and state 
judicial systems interact in the U.S. and how transparency, judicial 
integrity and independence help foster a climate that encourages 
business confidence.
    Building Democracy at the Local Level (single-country or multi-
country project involving Korea, Japan, Mongolia and/or the 
Philippines)--Projects should address the decentralized nature of 
American politics at the local level and the important role that non-
governmental organizations, citizen's groups and grassroots 
institutions can play in a democracy. Participants could include 
community leaders from government, business, the media and NGOs; 
emphasis should be placed on the management of grassroots organizations 
and strategies to help make them more self-sustaining.
    Asian Environments in Transition (multi-country project including 
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and/or 
Vietnam)--As nations in East Asia move from largely agrarian to 
industrialized economies, the potential for ecological disaster 
intensifies. Participants in this exchange would include government 
officials and NGO leaders who are responsible for meeting the needs of 
an increasingly urban population, while trying to preserve biodiversity 
and a healthy environment. E/P contact for EA programs: Steve Koenig, 
202/260-5485; E-Mail ([email protected])
    American Republics (AR): Only those proposals will be considered 
that evidence the applicant's substantial knowledge of both the 
proposed theme and the country/countries where the project is to take 
place. Preference will be given to proposals on the following themes 
and for the following eligible countries.
    Civic Education--Proposals should focus on curriculum development 
and educational reform in the field of education for democracy. 
Projects must have as their ultimate goal the development or 
improvement of school curricula that prepare pupils for active and 
responsible citizenship. Eligible countries: Mexico, Chile, Argentina; 
the Andean Region (proposals should include two or more of the 
following countries: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela); Central 
America (proposals should include at least two of the following 
countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, 
Panama); and the Caribbean Region (Haiti and/or the Dominican 
Republic).
    Democatic Institution Building--Priority will be given to proposals 
that focus on ethics in government/good governance/the fight against 
corruption. Other topics that will be considered are: human rights; 
grassroot democracy and citizen participation; women and leadership. 
Projects must have as their principal objective the strengthening of 
local institutions that promote these topics. Eligible countries: 
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, 
Paraguay.
    Rule of Law--Proposal should focus on the administration of 
justice, judicial reform, or alternative dispute resolution.
    Eligible countries: Brazil; Central America (proposals should 
include at least two of the following countries: Costa Rica, El 
Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama); the Caribbean Region (Haiti or 
the Dominican Republic). E/P contact for AR programs: Laverne Johnson, 
202/619-5337; E-Mail ([email protected])
    Africa (AF): Proposals are requested for projects in the following 
thematic categories:
    Trade and Investment--Proposals should foster an understanding of 
and commitment to policies and practices that support economic growth 
through the private sector and international trade. Preference will be 
given to projects that focus on creating an ``enabling environment'' 
supportive of these goals. Issues covered might include intellectual 
property rights, trade liberalization (e.g., tax and investment laws, 
along with other incentives), mechanisms of transparency and 
accountability, the role of business associations, and regional 
economic cooperation/integration.
    Democratic Governance--Proposals should work to strengthen 
institutions of government whose work has a direct impact on the 
quality of a country's democracy. Examples of high-priority topics 
would be parliamentary administration; local government administration 
and/or decentralization; the administration of justice and rule of law; 
alternate dispute resolution; and protection of human rights.
    Citizen Participation--Proposals should encourage the effective 
engagement of citizens in their country's political life. This could be 
done through projects that focus on organizations, both governmental 
and non-governmental, whose aim is to educate citizens about their 
democratic rights and responsibilities (civic education), or through 
projects that explore the important role played by key institutions of 
civil society, such as citizen's (e.g. women's) groups, grassroots/
community organizations, professional associations, and non-
governmental organizations generally.
    Electronic Connectivity--Proposals should promote information 
sharing and network building between Americans and Africans as well as 
among Africans themselves. Preference will be given to projects that 
address the three thematic categories listed above. African 
participants might include government institutions (e.g., parliaments 
or trade policy departments within ministries); educational 
institutions; professional associations (e.g., bar, business, or 
journalism associations); and civic organizations (e.g., human rights 
or environmental groups). USIA funds may not be used for the purchase 
of equipment. Proposals must demonstrate a commitment to use and a 
capacity to maintain the necessary equipment.
    Other themes may be proposed, but strong preference will be given 
to proposals that follow the guidelines above, and to proposals that 
include programming in at least three countries.
    E/P contact for AF programs: Stephen Taylor, 202/205-0535; E-Mail 
{[email protected]}
    Near East, North Africa and South Asia (NEA): Proposals which 
respond to the following suggested themes and organizational approaches 
will receive priority consideration in the awarding of grants for 
exchange activity in the Near East, North Africa, and South Asia. While 
not all countries suggested as participants for each project must be 
included in the exchange, projects which bring together representatives 
from three or more countries will be given preference.
    Urban Environment (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal)--The 
quality of life in urban areas throughout South Asia is deteriorating 
rapidly due to unchecked population growth, the byproducts of 
industrialization, and unprecedented--and unsatisfiable--demands on 
social infrastructure and natural resources. This undermines the 
viability of South Asia's cities both as places to live and as 
commercial centers. A project is needed which will bring together 
community activities, city

[[Page 34501]]

officials, and industry and business representatives to address such 
urban environmental issues as the need for clean air, clean water, 
effective waste management, and recycling. The public and the private 
sectors should be mobilized to cooperate in practicing environmental 
stewardship while supporting sustainable development, thereby creating 
a more hospitable environment for human habitation and for regional and 
international trade and investment.
    Strengthening of Non-governmental Organizations (Syria, Jordan, 
Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, the Palestinian Authority)--Non-
governmental organizations are an increasingly important catalyst for 
change in the Arab world. A project is needed to strengthen the ability 
of these organizations to mobilize support, organize, develop mutually 
reinforcing networks, strengthen the concept of voluntarism, and 
develop democratic methods of operation. Primary themes are those of 
political and social participation, professional development, and 
skills enhancement.
    Reinventing Government (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal)--
Worldwide, many governments have become dysfunctionally cumbersome, 
bureaucratic, and unresponsive to the public. The project should stress 
practical and practicable approaches to streamlining government and 
increasing government's accountability, transparency, and 
responsiveness to the public. American federal, state, and local 
government ``success stories''--particularly those that feature public/
private sector partnerships/collaboration--might be utilized both as 
case studies for workshops and as internship sites. Participants might 
include higher level civil servants (focus on short-term reforms) and 
educators (focusing on longer-term programs for training future public 
servants).
    Young Journalists (Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the Palenstinian 
Authority, Tunisia, Morocco)--There is a need for young journalists in 
the Middle East and North Africa to focus more on--and improve the 
objectivity and the quality of--their investigative journalism and 
their writing about regional issues and a need for such journalists to 
develop cross-border professional relationships.
    Public Administration/Management (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, 
Behrain, Saudi Arabia)--Growing internet and satellite connectivity and 
the complexities inherent in the post-petroleum era global marketplace 
are inevitably challenging traditional public administration practices 
in the Gulf. The grantee organization will work with government 
officials and educators to examine, adapt, and/or develop new public 
sector management techniques, organizational structures, and market 
incentives applicable to the region.
    Business and the Arts (Syria, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Israel, 
Jordan, the Palestinian Authority)--The arts serve as a major means of 
communication and cultural integration in many countries of the region. 
Stereotypes and communication barriers among diverse communities may be 
broken down through the creative use of the arts and the involvement of 
(for example) young people working together to understand the issues 
that separate--and unite--them. The grantee will, using examples from 
American society, demonstrate the value of effective partnerships among 
community activists, the private business sector, and cultural 
institutions in developing a cooperative, artistic medium of expression 
through which community differences can be examined and understanding 
enhanced. Participants might include businessmen involved in community 
outreach and local artists' associations.
    Eco-tourism (Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, 
Tunisia, Morocco)--There is a need for enhanced public/private sector 
cooperation in promoting national and regional tourism (supporting 
local and regional economic development and expansion) while 
concomitantly safeguarding and preserving natural and historical sites. 
The American grantee could develop a series of workshops highlighting 
U.S. public/NGO partnerships in promoting tourism while conserving 
natural areas. Selected participants might travel to the United States 
and work with each other and their American counterparts in learning 
about and developing strategies to promote eco-tourism.
    E/P contact for NEA programs: Tom Johnston, 202/619-5325; E-Mail 
{[email protected]}
    The Office of Citizen Exchanges strongly encourages the 
coordination of activities with respected universities, professional 
associations, and major cultural institutions in the U.S. and abroad, 
but particularly in the U.S. Projects should be intellectual and 
cultural, not technical. Vocational training (an occupation other than 
one requiring a baccalaureate or higher academic degree; i.e., clerical 
work, auto maintenance, etc., and other occupations requiring less than 
two years of higher education) and technical training (special and 
practical knowledge of a mechanical or a scientific subject which 
enhances mechanical, narrowly scientific, or semi-skilled capabilities) 
are ineligible for support. In addition, scholarship programs are 
ineligible for support.
    The Office does not support proposals limited to conferences or 
seminars (i.e., one to fourteen-day programs with plenary sessions, 
main speakers, panels, and a passive audience). It will support 
conferences only insofar as they are part of a larger project in 
duration and scope which is receiving USIA funding from this 
competition. USIA-supported projects may include internships; study 
tours; short-term, non-technical training; and extended, intensive 
workshops taking place in the United States or overseas. The themes 
addressed in exchange programs must be of long-term importance rather 
than focused exclusively on current events or short-term issues. In 
every case, a substantial rationale must be presented as part of the 
proposal, one that clearly indicates the distinctive and important 
contribution of the overall project, including, where applicable, the 
expected yield of any associated conference. No funding is available 
exclusively to sent U.S. citizens to conferences or conference-type 
seminars overseas; nor is funding available for bringing foreign 
nationals to conferences or to routine professional association 
meetings in the United States. Projects that duplicate what is 
routinely carried out by private sector and/or public sector operations 
will not be considered. The Office of Citizen Exchanges strongly 
recommends that applicants consult with host country USIS posts prior 
to submitting proposals.

Selection of Participants

    All grant proposals should clearly describe the type of persons who 
will participate in the program as well as the process by which 
participants will be selected. It is recommended that programs in 
support of U.S. internships include letters tentatively committing host 
institutions to support the internships. In the selection of foreign 
participants, USIA and USIS posts abroad retain the right to nominate 
all participants and to accept or deny participants recommended by 
grantee institutions. However, grantee institutions are often asked by 
USIA to suggest names of potential participants. The grantee 
institution will also provide the names of American participants and 
brief (two pages) biographical data on each American participant to the 
Office of Citizen Exchanges for information purposes. Priority will be 
given to foreign participants who have not previously travelled to the 
United States.

[[Page 34502]]

Additional Guidance

    The Office of Citizen Exchanges offers the following additional 
guidance to prospective applicants:
    1. The Office of Citizen Exchanges encourages project proposals 
involving more than one country. Pertinent rationale which links 
countries in multi-country projects should be included in the 
submission. Single-country projects that are clearly defined and 
possess the potential for creating and strengthening continuing 
linkages between foreign and U.S. institutions are also welcome.
    2. Proposals for bilateral programs are subject to review and 
comment by the USIS post in the relevant country, and pre-selected 
participants will also be subject to USIS post review.
    3. Bilateral programs should clearly identify the counterpart 
organization and provide evidence of the organization's participation.
    4. The Office of Citizen Exchanges will consider proposals for 
activities which take place exclusively in other countries when USIS 
posts are consulted in the design of the proposed program and in the 
choice of the most suitable venues for such programs.
    5. Office of Citizen Exchanges grants are not given to support 
projects whose focus is limited to technical or vocational subjects, or 
for research projects, for publications funding, for student and/or 
teacher/faculty exchanges, for sports and/or sports related programs. 
Nor does this office provide scholarships or support for long-term (a 
semester or more) academic studies. Competitions sponsored by other 
Bureau offices are also announced in the Federal Register.
    For projects that would begin after December 21, 1998, competition 
details will be announced in the Federal Register on or about June 1, 
1998. Inquiries concerning technical requirements are welcome prior to 
submission of applications.

Funding

    Although no set funding limit exists, proposals for less than 
$135,000 will receive preference. Organizations with less than four 
years of successful experience in managing international exchange 
programs are limited to $60,000. Applicants are invited to provide both 
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. While an all-inclusive budget must be 
provided with each proposal, separate component budgets are optional. 
Competition for USIA funding support is keen.
    The selection of grantee institutions will depend on program 
substance, cross-cultural sensitivity, and ability to carry out the 
program successfully. Since USIA grant assistance constitutes only a 
portion of total project funding, proposals should list and provide 
evidence of other anticipated sources of financial and in-kind support. 
Proposals with substantial private sector support from foundations, 
corporations, other institutions, et al. will be deemed highly 
competitive. The Recipient must provide a minimum of 33 percent cost 
sharing of the total project cost.
    The following project costs are eligible for consideration for 
funding:
    1. International and domestic air fares; visas; transit costs; 
ground transportation costs.
    2. Per Diem. For the U.S. program, organizations have the option of 
using a flat $140/day for program participants or the published U.S. 
Federal per diem rates for individual American cities. For activities 
outside the U.S., the published Federal per diem rates must be used. 
NOTE: U.S. escorting staff must use the published Federal per diem 
rates, not the flat rate. Per diem rates may be accessed at 
(www.usia.gov/agency/ebur-ref.html).
    3. Interpreters: If needed, interpreters for the U.S. program are 
provided by the U.S. State Department Language Services Division. 
Typically, a pair of simultaneous interpreters is provided for every 
four visitors who need interpretation. USIA grants do not pay for 
foreign interpreters to accompany delegations from their home country. 
Grant proposal budgets should contain a flat $140/day per diem for each 
Department of State interpreter, as well as home-program-home air 
transportation of $400 per interpreter plus any U.S. travel expenses 
during the program. Salary expenses are covered centrally and should 
not be part of an applicant's proposed budget.
    4. Book and cultural allowance: Participants are entitled to and 
escorts are reimbursed a one-time cultural allowance of $150 per 
person, plus a participant book allowance of $50. U.S. staff do not get 
these benefits.
    5. Consultants. May be used to provide specialized expertise or to 
make presentation. Daily honoraria generally do not exceed $250 per 
day. Subcontracting organizations may also be used, in which case the 
written agreement between the prospective grantee and subcontractor 
should be included in the proposal.
    6. Room rental, which generally should not exceed $250 per day.
    7. Materials development. Proposals may contain costs to purchase, 
develop, and translate materials for participants.
    8. One working meal per project. Per capita costs may not exceed 
$5-8 for a lunch and $14-20 for a dinner, excluding room rental. The 
number of invited guests may not exceed participants by more than a 
factor of two-to-one.
    9. A return travel allowance of $70 for each participant which is 
to be used for incidental expenditures incurred during international 
travel.
    10. All USIA-funded delegates will be covered under the terms of a 
USIA-sponsored health insurance policy. The premium is paid by USIA 
directly to the insurance company.
    11. Other costs necessary for the effective administration of the 
program, including salaries for grant organization employees, benefits, 
and other direct and indirect costs per detailed instructions in the 
application package. Note: the 20 percent limitation of 
``administration costs'' included in previous announcements does not 
apply to the RFP. Please refer to the Application Package for complete 
budget guidelines.

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 established herein and in the 
Application Packet. Eligible proposals will be forwarded to panels of 
USIA officers for advisory review. All eligible proposals will also be 
reviewed by the program office, as well the USIA geographic regional 
office and the USIS post overseas, where appropriate. Proposals may 
also be reviewed by the USIA's Office of 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 assistance awards (grants or cooperative 
agreements) resides with USIA's grants officer.

Review Criteria

    USIA will consider proposals based on their conformance with the 
objectives and considerations already stated in this RFP, as well as 
the following criteria:
    1. Quality of Program Idea: Proposals should exhibit originality, 
substance, precision, and relevance to the Agency mission.
    2. Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Program Objectives: Detailed 
agenda and relevant work plan should

[[Page 34503]]

demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda 
and plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described 
below. Objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible. 
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet the 
program objectives and plan.
    3. 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.
    4. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate the 
substantive support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievement 
and relevant features should be cited in both program administration 
(selection of participants, program venue, and program evaluation) and 
program content (orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, 
resource materials, and follow-up activities.
    5. Institutional Capacity/Reputation/Ability: Proposed personnel 
and institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to 
achieve the program's or project's goal. 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.
    6. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for 
continued follow-on activity (without USIA support) which ensures that 
USIA-supported programs are not isolated events.
    7. Evaluation Plan: Proposals should provide a plan for a thorough 
and objective evaluation of the program/project by the grantee 
institution.
    8. Cost-Effectiveness/Cost Sharing: 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. Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through other 
private sector support as well as institutional direct funding 
contributions.

Notice

    The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding and may 
not be modified by any USIA representative. Explanatory information 
provided by USIA 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 need of the 
program and the availability of funds. Organizations will be expected 
to cooperate with USIA in evaluating their programs under the 
principles of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which 
requires federal agencies to measure and report on the results of their 
programs and activities.

Notification

    Final awards cannot be made until funds have been fully 
appropriated by the Congress, allocated, and committed through internal 
USIA procedures. Awarded grants will be subject to periodic reporting 
and evaluation requirements.

    Dated: June 20, 1997.
Dell Pendergrast,
Deputy Director for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 97-16646 Filed 6-25-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M