[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 184 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51574-51580]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24490]


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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen 
Exchanges; Exchanges and Training Programs for the New Independent 
States: Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, 
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

SUMMARY: The United States Information Agency, Bureau of Educational 
and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Europe/Eurasia 
Division, announces an open competition for an assistance award. Public 
and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described 
in IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501C may apply to develop exchanges and 
training programs. Grants are subject to the availability of funds.
    Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the 
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-
256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of 
the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase 
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the 
people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us 
with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural 
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United 
States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of 
friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States 
and the other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the 
program cited above is provided

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through the Fulbright-Hays Act and the FREEDOM Support Act.
    On October 1, 1999, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 
of the United States Information Agency will become part of the U.S. 
Department of State. The integration will not affect the content of 
this announcement or the nature of the programs described. Programs and 
projects must conform with U.S. Department of State requirements and 
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package.

Announcement Title and Number

    All communications with the Bureau concerning this Request for 
Proposals (RFP) should refer to the announcement title and reference 
number E/PN-00-09.

Deadline for Proposals

    All copies must be received at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau 
of Educational and Cultural Affairs, by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on 
Wednesday, December 22, 1999. Faxed documents will not be accepted at 
any time. Absolutely no late submissions will be accepted. Documents 
postmarked by December 22, 1999, but received at a later date, will not 
be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The United States Information Agency, 
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (the Bureau) Office of 
Citizen Exchanges, attn: Thomas Driscoll, program coordinator, tel: 
202-260-6230 and fax: 202-619-4350, or Internet address: 
[email protected], to request Application Package which includes: the 
RFP and the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).
    Please specify Program Coordinator Thomas Driscoll on all inquiries 
and correspondence. Interested applicants should read the complete 
Federal Register announcement before sending inquiries or submitting 
proposals.

To Download an Application Package via the Internet

    The entire Application Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's 
website at http://e.usia.gov/education/rfps/.

Submissions

    Applications must follow all instructions given in the Application 
Package. The applicant's original proposal and ten (10) copies 
(unbound) should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, Ref.: E/PN-00-
99, Office of Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 336, 301 4th Street, 
S.W., Washington, DC 20547.
    Once the RFP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this 
competition in any way with applicants until the proposal review 
process has been completed.

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 U.S. 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 for educational and cultural exchange in 
countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' The 
U.S. Department of State ``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.

Year 2000 Compliance Requirement (Y2K Requirement)

    The Year 2000 (Y2K) issue is a broad operational and accounting 
problem that could potentially prohibit organizations from processing 
information in accordance with Federal management and program specific 
requirements including data exchange with USIA. The inability to 
process information in accordance with Federal requirements could 
result in grantees' being required to return funds that have not been 
accounted for properly.
    USIA therefore requires that all organizations use Y2K compliant 
systems including hardware, software and firmware. Systems must 
accurately process data and dates (calculating, comparing and 
sequencing) both before and after the year 2000 and correctly adjust 
for leap years.
    Additional information addressing the Y2K issue may be found at the 
General Service Administration's Office of Information Technology 
website at <http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov>.

Overview

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (the Bureau) is 
interested in proposals that encourage the growth of democratic 
institutions in Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, 
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Exchanges and training 
programs supported by the institutional grants from the Bureau should 
operate at two levels: they should enhance institutional partnerships, 
and they should offer practical information to individuals and groups 
to assist them with their professional and volunteer responsibilities. 
Strong proposals usually have the following characteristics: a strong 
existing partnership between a U.S. organization and an in-country 
institution; a proven track record of conducting program activity; 
cost-sharing from U.S. and/or in-country sources, including donations 
of air fares, hotel and/or housing costs, ground transportation, 
interpreters, etc.; experienced staff with language facility; a clear, 
convincing plan showing how permanent results will be accomplished as a 
result of the activity funded by the grant; and a follow-on plan beyond 
the scope of the Bureau grant. The Bureau wants to see tangible forms 
of time and money contributed to the project by the prospective grantee 
institution, as well as funding from third party sources.
    Unless otherwise specified below, program activity may include: 
internships; study tours; short-term training; consultations; and 
extended, intensive workshops. Programming may take place in the United 
States and/or in Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, 
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Proposals 
should reflect an understanding of the political, economic, and social 
environment in which the program activity will take place. The Bureau 
encourages applicants to design exchange programs for non-English 
speakers.
    Applicants should identify the local organizations and individuals 
in the New Independent States (NIS) with whom they are proposing to 
collaborate and describe in detail previous cooperative programming and 
contacts. Specific information about the NIS organizations' activities 
and accomplishments is required and should be included in the section 
on ``Institutional Capacity.''
    The Bureau seeks exchange programs that address the following 
themes:

 Women's Leadership Programs (Russia, Belarus, Moldova, 
Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,

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Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan)
 Women's Political Leadership Programs (Russia, Moldova, 
Ukraine and Kazakhstan)
 Professional and Business Associations Programs (Russia, 
Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia)
 Content-Based Internet Training (West NIS Regional and 
Caucasus Regional)
 Post-election Training for Duma Staffers (Russia)
 Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls (Russia, Belarus, 
Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan)
 Distance Learning in the field of Business Management 
(Ukraine)
 Public Library Reform (Ukraine)
 Caucasus Regional Cooperation--NGO Management, Women's 
Leadership Programs, Professional and Business Associations, and 
Content-Based Internet Training

    The Bureau is interested in proposals whose designs take into 
account the need for ongoing sharing of information and training. 
Examples include: a ``train the trainers'' model (a program that 
includes practice presentation sessions, followed by activities 
coordinated and implemented by the original NIS participants in their 
home countries); support for in-country training/resource centers; 
plans to create professional networks or professional associations; 
regularly published newsletters and ongoing Internet communication.

Women's Leadership Training

Overview

    Over the past decade women and women's groups in many countries of 
the NIS have become a force for social change and democratic 
development. Women's groups have shown their willingness to cooperate 
and coordinate with organizations both in the NIS and the West. Women 
have begun to take their place in the political arena, in 
nongovernmental (NGO) development and in advocacy groups. The 
dedication and commitment of women's groups have contributed to 
democratic and civic values taking root in the NIS.
    The Bureau recognizes that women's organizations throughout the NIS 
are at various stages of development. In some cases, women's groups are 
still being established and thus need basic organizational and 
leadership training. In some regions, however, women's organizations 
could benefit from more sophisticated programs.
    The Bureau is looking for proposals that offer leadership training 
to women who are already active in their communities. In each country 
or region, the program should target women in outlying cities, towns 
and villages and not capital cities. Training should emphasize 
development of management skills in order to: identify priorities and 
needs, create organizational efficiency; develop networks and 
coalitions with other NGOs; and implement advocacy programs for 
specific issues pertinent to each local community and region. Proposals 
are not limited to a one-country focus and may include a plan for 
building regional associations and networks among women's organizations 
in specific regions.
    Program activity may take place in the NIS countries and/or in the 
United States. These programs are intended to provide NIS women and 
women's groups opportunities to increase their visibility and 
effectiveness in the political, social and democratic spheres. There 
are various possibilities for acceptable training programs. The 
following guidelines may be useful in designing programs, but the 
Bureau welcomes other programming ideas that applicants may have.

Women's Leadership Program for Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine

     Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's 
leadership. The Bureau encourages programs that are built around a 
specific theme or target audience. Target audiences could include, but 
are not limited to: Women in business, NGO leaders, professional women, 
special interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with 
disabilities, economically disadvantaged women). Priority will be given 
to programs that will result in the creation of a sustainable 
professional association or coalition with activities continuing after 
the grant period.
     Regional Programs between Russia and the Baltic countries 
as follow-up participation in the Vital Voices conference in October, 
1999, in Reykjavik, Iceland. Please visit http://www.usia.gov/
vitalvoices/
     For projects with Belarusan, Moldovan and Ukrainian 
women's organizations, the Bureau encourages programs that build 
bridges between women's groups in Central European countries, 
particularly Poland, Romania and Hungary.
     Program plans may include a component for a Small Grants 
Competition. This requires a detailed plan for recruitment and 
advertising; sample application; description of the proposal review and 
award mechanism; a plan for how the grantee would monitor and evaluate 
small grant activity; and a proposed amount for an average grant. Funds 
for the Small Grants Competition should be no more than 25% of the 
total requested from the Bureau.

Women's Leadership Program for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

     Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's 
leadership. The Bureau encourages programs that are built around a 
specific theme or target audience. Target audiences may include, but 
are not limited to: women in business, NGO leaders, professional women, 
special interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with 
disabilities, economically dissadvantaged women). The Bureau is looking 
for programs that will result in the creation of a sustainable 
professional association or coalition with activities continuing after 
the grant period. In addition, the Bureau is interested in women's 
leadership programs that include programming to help promote inter-
ethnic tolerance in the Caucasus region.
     Program plans may include a component for a Small Grants 
Competition. This requires a detailed plan for recruitment and 
advertising; sample application; description of the proposal review and 
award mechanism; a plan for how the grantee would monitor and evaluate 
small grant activity; and a proposed amount for an average grant. Funds 
for the Small Grants Competition should be no more than 25% of the 
total requested from the Bureau.

Women's Leadership Programs for Kazakhstan, Kyrgzstan and Uzbekistan

     Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's 
leadership. The Bureau encourages programs that are built around a 
specific theme or target audience. Target audiences may include, but 
are not limited to: women in business, NGO leaders, professional women, 
special interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with 
disabilities, economically disadvantaged women). The Bureau is looking 
for programs that will result in the creation of a sustainable 
professional association or coalition with activities continuing after 
the grant period.
      Program plans may include a component for a Small Grants 
Competition. This requires a detailed plan for recruitment and 
advertising; sample application; description of the proposal review and 
award mechanism; a plan for how the grantee would monitor and evaluate 
small grant activity; and a proposed amount for an average grant. Funds 
for the Small Grants Competition should be no more

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than 25% of the total requested from the Bureau.

Women's Political Leadership Programs for Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and 
Kazakhstan

     Single-country programs with a focus on political 
leadership for women. Applicants should plan a training program that 
provides a political context for leadership training. Specifically, the 
program should combine elements such as leadership fundamentals, the 
introduction or improvement of skills associated with campaign 
management, accountability to constituencies, lobbying, surveying, 
polling, advocacy, voter outreach, networking, message development, 
working with the media and fundraising. Proposals must indicate a 
practical and sophisticated knowledge of the political and legislative 
environment in the target NIS country.

Professional and Business Associations

Professional and Business Associations for Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, 
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

    Business and Professional Associations have the potential to 
stimulate economic growth, policy development and advancement in 
various professional fields. Functioning democracies need mediating 
structures such as associations that allow for a free flow of 
information among peer groups and provide channels for citizens to work 
with government. Associations that are based on democratic principles 
can provide a forum in which professional sand businespeople can 
explore opportunities and development within communities. The Bureau 
wishes to help establish and sustain associations that are committed to 
community advancement and professional growth in Russia, Moldova, 
Ukraine and the Caucasus region. Proposals should include plans to 
adopt a model that is sensitive to regional needs. The Bureau is 
interested in supporting programs that will establish or enhance 
professional and business associations (i.e. chambers of commerce; 
legal, environment, education or trade associations; women's business 
associations; and associations whose membership represents an organized 
minority group or that is devoted to minority issues). Applicants may 
award individual small grants to support work relevant to association-
building. Funds for small grants should be no more than 30% of the 
total requested from the Bureau.

Content-Based Internet Training

Content-Based Internet Training for the West NIS Region (Belarus, 
Moldova, Ukraine) and Content-Based Internet Training for the Caucasus 
Region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia)

    In the recent past, content-based Internet training has been a 
valuable tool to promote democracy and encourage cross-border 
cooperation throughout the NIS. The Bureau is seeking programs that 
will use the Internet to provide content-based training to a wide 
variety of audiences in the Caucasus region. The purpose of the 
training is not to instruct in Internet technology and use, but to 
encourage citizen participation in workshops, fora, chats, and/or 
discussions via the Internet that will stimulate communication and 
information sharing on relevant topics. (For example, a U.S.-based 
institution sponsors 12 Internet chats focused on civic education 
throughout the region and then provides follow-on mini-workshops to 
engaged audiences in the three target countries. Subsequently, the U.S. 
organization invites three individuals who participated in the in-
country training to the U.S. to learn technical and facilitation 
skills. Upon return to their home countries, they jointly facilitate 
further programming.) Topics may include but are not limited to: civic 
education, community development; corruption, conflict resolution, 
curriculum development; tolerance and peace education; refugee issues; 
youth issues; human and legal rights; family health issues; 
volunteerism; voter education and outreach. U.S. institutions must 
demonstrate their ability to coordinate a complex program with U.S. 
Government-funded Internet Access Training Program (IATP) Center, 
Internet centers sponsored by organizations such as Soros Internet 
Centers, and other locations with computer access operating 
simultaneously. Applicants must provide innovative plans to advertise, 
recruit and conduct outreach to diverse audiences in major cities and 
outlying regions in the Caucasus.

Post-Election Training for Duma Staffers

Post-Election Training for Duma Staffers for Russia

    With Duma national elections scheduled for December 19, 1999, the 
Bureau is interested in programs that will enhance Duma staffers' 
management skills. Applicants must demonstrate expertise and knowledge 
of the Russian political landscape and how the Duma functions. Programs 
may include a combination of U.S.-based internships, in-country 
workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, case studies and specially 
tailored projects. Training topics may address accountability to and 
communication with constituencies; working with the press; negotiation 
skills; conflict resolution; consensus building; coalition building 
(particularly related to bloc or partisan communications); ethics in 
government; working with diverse populations; conducting issue-related 
casework; drafting legislation and implementing policy.

Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls

Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls for Russia, Belarus, 
Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan

    Trafficking of women and girls from the NIS has grown at an 
alarming rate. The Bureau is seeking to assist NIS governments and NGOs 
in the region to address the problem by (1) educating young women, 
girls and their families about trafficking so that they will not fall 
victim to traffickers' tactics of coercion, fraud and deceit and (2) 
providing victim assistance.
    Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that show a strong 
knowledge of existing educational and assistance efforts and that 
demonstrate an ability to integrate existing materials and human 
resources. Proposals must outline a concrete plan for innovative 
programming and must reach populations in outlying regions. The Bureau 
is particularly interested in proposals that will build on local 
capacity to address trafficking. Applicants must have proven experience 
on the ground with this issue.

Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management

Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management for Ukraine

    The Bureau is interested in proposals that establish or expand 
distance learning programs in business and management at Ukrainian 
universities or institutes throughout Ukraine. Specific programs should 
include the delivery of management and business content through low-end 
technologies such as e-mail, CD-Rom, video or Internet, so that the 
model may be replicated in other regions. The target audience for the 
end product should be students and/or businesspeople. A two-way 
exchange by the U.S. and Ukrainian development teams is essential. 
Proposals should include: (1) A

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statement of need for the proposed courses and training; (2) content of 
courses that will be developed; (3) technical requirements for course 
delivery; (4) training requirements for instructors and faculty in 
distance learning technology; (5) practical training in course 
presentation; and (6) a plan for adapting courses and training into the 
target language(s). Proposals must include letters of support from 
Ukrainian institutional partners that demonstrate their commitment to 
the program. In addition, Ukrainian partners should provide cost-
sharing of program expenses such as classroom space, security, 
salaries, and support for visiting Americans such as local housing and 
transportation. Given the complex nature of distance learning 
programming, the Bureau discourages short-term visits. Grantee 
institutions are expected to consult closely with the U.S. Embassy in 
Kyiv on the development of distance learning programs.
    The Bureau will consider funding proposals in the $150,000-$200,000 
range for distance learning programs. See Project Funding section below 
for additional guidance on funding levels.

Public Library Reform

Public Library Reform for Ukraine

    The Bureau is seeking proposals that will provide program support 
to public libraries in Ukraine to modernize systems and reform library 
management. Applicants may propose activities in any region of the 
country in a minimum of three oblasts. Effective library management and 
training in technology-based information management are encouraged. 
Training may also include building effective library support networks 
(i.e. fund-raising, acquisitions such as books and equipment, 
interlibrary cooperation); engaging the community (summer reading 
programs, children's activities, bookmobiles, exhibitions, 
presentations). The Bureau seeks sustainable U.S.-Ukraine library 
partnering through this program.

Caucasus Regional Cooperation

Joint Programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

    The Bureau is particularly interested in programs that include all 
three Caucasus countries. In addition to the program themes previously 
mentioned, the Bureau encourages submissions addressing the theme of 
NGO Management for the countries of the Caucasus Region.
NGO Management
    NGOs in the Caucasus region are eager for innovative strategies to 
increase their effectiveness and visibility on local, regional, and 
national levels, as well as throughout the Caucasus region. The Bureau 
is interested in programs that will bring NGO leaders from the three 
Caucasus countries together to share ideas regarding NGO management. 
Successful proposals will expose NGO leaders to democratic, team-
centered approaches to organizational management appropriate to 
democratic societies. Training topics may include working with the 
media, advocacy, networking, coalition building, conducting research, 
fundraising and legal issues affecting NGOs. The Bureau welcomes 
proposals that include component(s) that will sustain cross-cultural 
cooperation among NGOs in the three target countries.
Women's Leadership Program
    Please see ``Women's Leadership Programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan 
and Georgia,'' as stated above.
Professional and Business Associations
    Please see ``Professional and Business Associations for Russia, 
Moldova, Ukraine and the Caucasus,'' as stated above.
Content-Based Internet Training
    Please see description for Caucasus regional programs under 
``Content-Based Internet Training,'' as stated above.

Selection of Participants

    Successful applications should include a description of an open, 
merit-based selection process, including advertising, recruitment and 
selection. A sample application should be submitted with the proposal. 
Applicants should expect to carry out the selection process, but the 
Bureau and U.S. Embassies abroad retain the right to nominate 
participants and to approve or reject participants recommended by the 
grantee institution. Priority must be given to foreign participants who 
have not traveled to the United States.

Visa Regulations

    Foreign participants on programs sponsored by the Bureau are 
granted J-1 Exchange Visitor visas by the U.S. Embassy in the sending 
country. All programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please 
refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for further 
information.

Project Funding

    Although no set funding limit exists, applicants are encouraged to 
submit proposals not to exceed $130,000. Distance Learning programs may 
be funded up to $200,000. Organizations with less than four years of 
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, location or 
activity in order to facilitate the Bureau decisions on funding. While 
a comprehensive line item budget based on the model in the Application 
Package must be submitted, separate component budgets are optional.
    Since the Bureau grant assistance constitutes only a portion of 
total project funding, proposals should list and provide evidence of 
other sources of financial and in-kind support. Proposals with 
substantial private sector support from foundations, corporations, and 
other institutions will be considered highly competitive.
    The following program costs are eligible for funding consideration:
    1. International and domestic air fares (per the Fly America Act); 
visas; transit costs; ground transportation costs.
    2. Per Diem. For U.S.-based programming, organizations should use 
the published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. For 
activities in the NIS and Central Europe, the Bureau strongly 
encourages applicants to budget realistic costs that reflect the local 
economy. Per diem rates may be accessed at http://www.policyworks.gov/.
    3. Interpreters. If needed, interpreters for the U.S. program are 
provided by the U.S. Department of State Language Services Division. 
Typically, one interpreter is provided for every four visitors who 
require interpreting. The Bureau grants do not pay for foreign 
interpreters to accompany delegations from their home country. Grant 
proposal budgets should contain a flat $160/day per diem for each U.S. 
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. Locally-arranged 
interpreters with adequate skills and experience may be used by the 
grantee in lieu of State Department interpreters, with the same 1:4 
interpreter/participant ratio. If the applicant chooses to use local 
interpreters, salary costs must be included in the budget.

[[Page 51579]]

Costs associated with using their services may not exceed rates for 
U.S. Department of State interpreters.
    4. Book and cultural allowance. Foreign participants are entitled 
to a one-time cultural allowance of $150 per person, plus a book 
allowance of $50. Interpreters should be reimbursed up to $150 for 
expenses when they escort participants to cultural events. U.S. program 
staff is not eligible to receive these benefits.
    5. Consultants. Consultants may be used to provide specialized 
expertise or to make presentations. Daily honoraria cannot 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. Subcontracts should be itemized in 
the budget.
    6. Room rental. Room rental may not exceed $250 per day.
    7. Materials development. Proposals may contain costs to purchase, 
develop and translate materials for participants.
    8. Equipment. Proposals may contain costs to purchase equipment for 
NIS-based programming such as computers, fax machines and copy 
machines. Costs for furniture are not allowed. Equipment costs must be 
kept to a minimum.
    9. Working meal. Only one working meal may be provided during the 
program. 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. 
Interpreters must be included as participants.
    10. Return travel allowance. A return travel allowance of $70 for 
each foreign participant may be included in the budget. The allowance 
may be used for incidental expenses incurred during international 
travel.
    11. Health Insurance. Foreign participants will be covered under 
the terms of a U.S. Department of State-sponsored health insurance 
policy. The premium is paid by the U.S. Department of State directly to 
the insurance company. Applicants are permitted to include costs for 
travel insurance for U.S. participants in the budget.
    12. Administrative Costs. Costs necessary for the effective 
administration of the program may include salaries for grant 
organization employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs 
per detailed instructions in the Application Package. While this 
announcement does not proscribe a rigid ratio of administrative to 
program costs, priority will be given to proposals whose administrative 
costs are less than twenty-five (25) per cent of the total requested 
from the Bureau. Proposals should show cost-sharing contributions from 
the applicant, the NIS partner and other sources.
    Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for 
complete budget guidelines.

Review Process

    The Bureau will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will 
review them for technical eligibility. Proposals will be considered 
ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein 
and in the Proposed Submission Instructions (PSI). Eligible proposals 
will be forwarded to panels of U.S. Department of State officers for 
advisory review. Funding decisions are at the discretion of the 
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final 
technical authority for assistance awards (grants or cooperative 
agreements) resides with the U.S. Department of State grants officer.

Review Criteria

    Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed 
according to the criteria stated below. Proposals should adequately 
address each area of review. These criteria are not rank ordered.
1. Program Planning and Ability To Achieve Objectives
    Program objectives should be stated clearly and precisely and 
should reflect the applicant's expertise in the subject area and the 
region. Objectives should respond to the priority topics in this 
announcement and should relate to the current conditions in the 
included countries. Objectives should be reasonable and attainable. A 
detailed work plan should explain step-by-step how objectives will be 
achieved and should include a timetable for completion of major tasks. 
The substance of workshops, internships, seminars, presentations and/or 
consulting should be described in detail. Sample training schedules 
should be outlined. Responsibilities of in-country partners should be 
clearly described.
2. Institutional Capacity
    The proposal should include: (1) The U.S. institution's mission and 
date of establishment; (2) detailed information about the NIS partner 
institution's capacity and the history of the U.S. and NIS partnership; 
(3) an outline of prior awards--U.S. government and private support 
received for the target theme/region; (4) description of experienced 
staff members who will implement the program. Proposed personnel and 
institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve 
the program's goals. The narrative should demonstrate proven ability to 
handle logistics. The proposal should reflect the institution's 
expertise in the subject area and knowledge of the conditions in the 
target country/region(s).
3. Cost Effectiveness and Cost Sharing
    Overhead and administrative costs for the proposal, including 
salaries, honoraria and subcontracts for services, should be kept to a 
minimum. Administrative costs should be less than twenty-five (25) per 
cent of the total funds requested from the Bureau. Applicants are 
encouraged to cost share a portion of overhead and administrative 
expenses. Cost-sharing, including contributions from the applicant, the 
NIS partner, and other sources should be included in the budget.
4. Program Evaluation
    Proposals must include a plan and methodology to evaluate the 
program's successes, both as the activities unfold and at the programs 
conclusion. The Bureau recommends that the proposal include a draft 
survey questionnaire or other technique (such as a series of questions 
for a focus group) to link outcomes to original program objectives.
5. Multiplier Effect/Impact
    Proposals should show how the program will strengthen long-term 
mutual understanding and institutionalization of program goals. 
Applicants should describe how responsibility and ownership of the 
program will be transferred to the NIS participants to ensure continued 
activity and impact. Programs that include convincing plans for 
sustainability will be given top priority.
6. Follow-on Activities
    Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-on activity 
(beyond the Bureau grant period) ensuring that the Bureau-supported 
programs are not isolated events. Follow-on activities should be 
clearly outlined.
7. Support of Diversity
    Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of the Bureau's 
policy on diversity. Program content (orientation, evaluation, program 
sessions, resource materials, follow-on activities) and program 
administration (selection process, orientation, evaluation) should 
address diversity in a comprehensive and innovative manner. Applicants 
should refer to the Bureau's Diversity, Freedom and

[[Page 51580]]

Democracy Guidelines on page four of the Proposal Submission 
Instructions (PSI).

Notice

    The terms and conditions published in this RFEP are binding and may 
not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information 
provided by the Bureau or program officers 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 Bureau reserves 
the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal 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. 
Organizations will be expected to cooperate with the Bureau 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 appropriated by 
Congress, allocated and committed through internal U.S. Department of 
State procedures.

    Dated: September 14, 1999.
William P. Kiehl,
Acting Deputy Associate Director, Bureau of Educational and Cultural 
Affairs.
[FR Doc. 99-24490 Filed 9-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-M