[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9908-9911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4838]


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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY


Multi-Regional Project for International Visitors ``Ethics in 
Government and Business''

ACTION: Notice, request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The Office of International Visitors (IV) of the United States 
Information Agency's (USIA) Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 
announces an open competition for an assistance award. Public and 
private nonprofit organizations meeting the provisions described in IRS 
regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3)-1 may apply to develop a Multi-Regional 
Group of International Visitors traveling in the United States for 24 
days. The group will be comprised of from 12 to 30 American Embassy 
contacts in the fields of government officials, business leaders, 
politicians, civic and community leaders, journalists and educators.
    Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the 
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Pub. L. 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 to 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.''.
    Program and project must conform with Agency requirements and 
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package. The U.S. Information 
Agency projects, programs and assistance award are subject to the 
availability of funds and sufficient number of participant nominations.
    Announcement Title and Number: All communications with USIA 
concerning this announcement should refer to the above title and 
reference number E/VP-98-1.
    To download a solicitation package via Internet: Information about 
USIA's IV Program is available via Internet at website: http://
www.usia.gov. The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from 
USIA's website at http://www.usia.gov/education/rfps.
    To receive a solicitation package via FAX on demand: The entire 
Solicitation Package may be received via the Bureau's ``Grants 
Information Fax on Demand System'', which is accessed by calling 202/
401-7616. Please request a ``Catalog'' of available documents and order 
numbers when first entering the system.
    Deadline for Proposals: All copies must be received at the U.S. 
Information Agency by 5 p.m. Washington, DC, time on May 19, 1998. 
Faxed documents will not be accepted, nor will documents postmarked on 
the proposal due date but received at a later date. It is the 
responsibility of each applicant to ensure that proposals are received 
by the due date which has been established for each available project, 
as follows:

[[Page 9909]]

    Title: Ethics in Government and Business.
    Type: Multi-Regional (English-Speaking).
    Proposal Due Date: May 19, 1998.
    Project Dates: August 20-September 10, 1998.
    Contact: Susan Lockwood.
    Telephone: (202) 619-6889, FAX: (202) 205-0792.
    Project Goals: 
     To enhance knowledge of the structure and function of 
ethics systems in government and business in the United States.
     To explore how ethical issues impact civil society;
     To explore similarities, contrasts and connections between 
ethics in government and in the private sector in the U.S.
    Participants
    This project is intended for government officials, business 
leaders, politicians, civic and community leaders, journalists and 
educators.
    Summary: For a democratic form of government in a pluralistic 
society to be effective, citizens must have confidence in its 
integrity. This program will provide a venue for a diverse group of 
participants to discuss the meaning and implications of ethical 
standards and how they are defined, monitored, and enforced. Topics for 
discussion will include the common ethical values that underlie 
democratic systems, comparison of administrative structures of ethics 
programs and the implementation of ethics laws and codes of conduct 
(e.g., financial disclosure systems, education of employees, methods of 
enforcement, resolution of conflicts of interest). Through visits with 
representatives from private industry, participants will explore the 
link between government and business to discover how this relationship 
can support democratic values. At a relevant point in the three-week 
program, the group should be divided into teams to permit more 
intensive discussions with American colleagues.
    The project will open in Washington, DC with an overview of the 
U.S. political system and economic system. An emphasis will be placed 
on explaining the principles of separation of powers and accountability 
of elected officials to the electorate and on the responsibilities of 
corporate leaders to stockholders and consumers. The role of government 
and private oversight organizations will be addressed. An appointment 
with officials of the Federal Election Commission to discuss the issues 
of election and campaign regulation, including campaign financing and 
campaign fund raising will be included. A discussion of ethics law will 
be arranged, perhaps with an official of the American Bar Association's 
Center for Professional Responsibility. A session will be organized to 
address practical techniques for establishing and maintaining ethics 
systems in democracies. Additionally, the uniquely American concept of 
``lobbying'' will be the focus of one segment of the Washington 
program. One-half day of the Washington program should be left free for 
the participants to pursue specific individual interests (which will be 
ascertained before their arrival in the U.S.).
    Participants will travel outside Washington to meet with and 
observe ethics officials on the state and local levels. Participants 
will also meet with corporate ethics officials to understand their 
responsibilities in dealing with government agencies. Topics for 
discussion will include: the ``watchdog'' role of the media; citizens' 
involvement through advocacy organizations; and how businesses promote 
high ethical conduct among their members and employees.
    The itinerary will include a combination of geographically diverse 
areas of the country as well as communities of varying sizes and ethnic 
composition. An in-depth orientation tour of each community visited 
will be arranged at the beginning of each city segment. Opportunities 
for the participants to attend cultural and social events, met with and 
address local groups experience local hospitality, will be incorporated 
throughout the program; these events will relate to the themes of the 
project to the extent possible.
    To receive a solicitation package by mail, contact: The Office of 
International Visitors, Group Projects Division (E/VP), Room 255, U.S. 
Information Agency, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547 telephone 
202/205-3058, fax 202/205-0792. The Solicitation Package contains more 
detailed information including required application forms, and standard 
guidelines for preparing proposals, as well as specific criteria for 
preparation of the proposal budget.
    On all inquiries and correspondence, please specify the name of the 
USIA Program Officer as it appears on the ``Contact'' line of the above 
project. Interested applicants should read the complete Federal 
Register announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. 
Once the RFP deadline has passed, Agency staff may not discuss this 
competition in any way with applicants until the Bureau proposal review 
process has been completed.
    Submissions: Applicants must follow all instructions given in the 
Solicitation Package. The original and 12 copies of the application 
should be sent to: U.S. Information Agency, Ref.: E/VP-98-1, Project 
Title: Ethics in Government and Business, Contract Officer: Susan 
Lockwood, Office of Grants Management, E/XE, 301 4th Street, SW., Room 
336, 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 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 204-319 
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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Programs must maintain a non-partisan character. Programs and 
awards must conform to all Agency requirements and guidelines and are 
subject to final review by the USIA Grants Officer, Bureau of 
Management, Office of Contracts, Grants Division,

[[Page 9910]]

(M/KG).

Guidelines

    USIA seeks proposals from non-profit organizations for development 
and implementation of a professional program for USIA-sponsored 
International Visitors to the U.S. who will participate in a Multi-
Regional Group Project (MRP). Participants in the project will be 
foreign leaders or potential leaders selected by U.S. embassy 
committees abroad. The group will typically consist of from 12 to 30 
foreign visitors in addition to the two to three American escort 
officers (ELEOs) selected by USIA, who accompany them. The project will 
be a 24 days in length and will begin in Washington, DC, with an 
orientation and overview of the issues and a central examination of 
federal policies regarding these issues. Well-paced project itineraries 
include programs in four or five communities. Project itineraries will 
ideally include urban and rural small communities and diverse 
geographical and cultural regions of the U.S., as appropriate to the 
project theme. The project should provide opportunities for 
participants to experience the diversity of American society and 
culture. Depending on the size and theme of the project, the 
participants can be divided into smaller sub-groups for simultaneous 
visits to different communities, with subsequent opportunities to share 
their experiences with the full group once it is reunited. The project 
may provide opportunities for the visitors to share a meal or similar 
experience (home hospitality) in the homes of Americans of diverse 
occupational, age, gender and ethnic groups. The participants may be 
provided opportunities to address student, civic and professional 
groups in relaxed and informal settings. ``Shadowing'' experiences with 
American professional colleagues may be proposed. As appropriate, 
opportunities for site visits and hands-on experiences that are 
relevant to project themes may be included. Time should also be allowed 
for participants to reflect on their experiences and share observations 
with project colleagues. Participants should have opportunities to 
visit cultural and tourist sites. Arrangements for community visits 
must be made through affiliates of the National Council for 
International Visitors (NCIV). (The NCIV is a national network of 
private citizen organizations located in more than one hundred U.S. 
communities, which arrange local programs for international visitors.) 
In cities where there is no such council, the applicant will arrange 
for coordinator of local programs.
    The applicant is expected to have e-mail capability to consult with 
USIA program officers, and access to internet resources. USIA will 
provide close coordination and guidance throughout the duration of the 
award.

Visa Requirements

    Program participants will travel on
J-1 visas arranged by USIA. The project must comply with J-1 visa 
regulations.
    Please refer to program specific guidelines in the Solicitation 
Package for further details.

Budget

    Organizations are required to submit a comprehensive line-item 
budget in accordance with the instructions in the Solicitation Package. 
Cost items must be clearly categorized as administrative costs, group 
project costs, or program costs. Applicants must use the budget format 
presented in the ``1998 Guidelines for Proposals Submitted to the USIA 
Office of International Visitors'' for all budget submissions. There 
must be a summary budget as well as a detailed breakdown showing the 
administrative budget, group project budget and program budget. 
Proposed staffing and costs associated with staffing must be 
appropriate to fulfillment of all project requirements, which will 
include close consultation with the responsible E/VP Program Officer 
throughout development and implementation of the program. Proposed 
costs may not exceed the guideline amounts. Combined administrative and 
indirect costs proposed should be controlled and are subject to 
negotiation. Cost sharing is encouraged and, if applicable, must be 
shown in the budget presentation. The Agency anticipates that awards to 
cover administrative and indirect costs (where applicable) will be less 
than $20,400.
    Organizations that have received a renewal assistance award from 
the Agency for the Office of International Visitors must submit a 
budget showing all administrative costs associated with the project for 
which application is made. Any award to such an organization pursuant 
to this announcement may be adjusted to reflect the status of the 
renewal award. Renewal award recipients must identify individuals or 
organizations to who they have already paid honoraria in FY 1998 if 
they propose to pay an additional honorarium for any project included 
in this announcement.
    The Agency welcomes proposals from organizations that have not 
received USIA grants or assistance awards in the past. Agency 
requirements stipulate that ``Grants awarded to eligible organizations 
with less than four years of experience in conducting international 
exchange programs will be limited to $60,000.'' It is not expected that 
the project in this announcement will cost $60,000 or less. It is, 
therefore, incumbent on organizations to demonstrate four years of 
successful experience in conducting international exchange programs to 
be eligible for an assistance award.

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 be 
reviewed by the program office, as well as the USIA's Geographic Area 
Offices and the USIA post overseas, where appropriate. Proposals may 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 assistance awards (grants or cooperative agreements) 
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, and 
be responsive to all goals and requirements stated in the RFP, 
Preliminary Project Summaries and the ``1998 Guidelines for Proposals 
Submitted to the United States Information Agency Office of 
International Visitors.''
    2. Program planning: The proposed program and work plan should 
include a planning and implementation time-line, describe any 
preliminary planning undertaken, and demonstrate logistical capability 
to implement the program as described.
    3. Ability to achieve project objectives: Objectives should be well 
designed, reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly 
demonstrate how the institution will meet the project's objectives.
    4. Multiplier effect/impact: The proposed project should strengthen 
long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of 
information and establishment of long-

[[Page 9911]]

 term institutional and individual linkages.
    5. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive 
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant 
features should be cited in both program administration (program venue 
and project evaluation) and program content (orientation and wrap-up 
sessions, program meetings, resource materials and follow-up 
activities).
    6. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional 
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve effective 
implementation and fulfillment of the project's goals.
    7. 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 Federal assistance awards, if any. The Agency 
will consider the past performance of prior USIA award recipients and 
the demonstrated potential of new applicants. All applicants must 
demonstrate a minimum of four years of successful experience in 
conducting international exchange programs.
    8. Cost-effectiveness: The administrative and indirect cost 
components of the proposal, including salaries, should be kept as low 
as possible and should not exceed the amount stated above.
    9. Cost-sharing: Consideration will be given to proposed cost-
sharing through other private sector support as well as institutional 
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 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 budgets in accordance with the needs of the program 
and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject to periodic 
reporting and evaluation requirements.

Notification

    Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by 
Congress, allocated and committed through internal USIA procedures.

    Dated: February 19, 1998.
Robert Earle,
Deputy Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-4838 Filed 2-25-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M