[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21780-21782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10759]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

National Institute of Corrections


Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--Executive Leadership 
Training for Women

AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Solicitation for a cooperative agreement.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) invites 
applications for a cooperative agreement to provide for the revision of 
the current curriculum for the program, Executive Leadership Training 
for Women, and to plan all aspects of program delivery for the 
leadership series. The cooperative agreement includes the delivery of 
Phase I of the program in fiscal year 2002.
    The award recipient will become familiar with the work currently 
being done at NIC that provides for an understanding of the history and 
future development goals of the NIC Executive Leadership Training 
Program for Women. Through an NIC briefing and review of written 
materials the recipient will have access to the original design 
methodology and all aspects of curriculum development and delivery. The 
recipient will have the full benefit of the work in progress under the 
cooperative agreement, ``Documentation of the Impact of NIC Executive 
Leadership Training for Women'' that will provide for an assessment of 
the impact of the current program on graduates.
    This project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Prisons 
Division. NIC seeks to continue to offer the most current and effective 
leadership development for women in senior positions in corrections. A 
total of $120,000 is reserved for the project during fiscal years 2001 
and 2002. The 2001 allocation is $40,000 and the 2002 allocation is 
$80,000. Funds are subject to congressional approval at the beginning 
of each fiscal year. The cooperative agreement funds are intended to 
support one cooperative agreement over an 18 month period. The 
recipient of the award will be selected through the competitive 
solicitation process.

Background

History

    In the early 1990's the Prisons Division of the National Institute 
of Corrections made a commitment to a leadership development curriculum 
that would enhance the ability of women for executive level positions 
in corrections. Although some women were in mid-level management and 
executive positions, the gains realized during the previous 20 years 
seemed to be slowing. Noting the under-representation of women in 
executive positions NIC awarded a Cooperative Agreement to develop a 
competency-based executive leadership training program for women. The 
development of the program was divided into two phases: Needs 
assessment and curriculum design; and a pilot presentation. The program 
was originally designed for senior level women working in state 
departments of corrections. It quickly expanded to include professional 
women from jails and community corrections. Since the development of 
the core program, additional ``phases'' or training events have been 
added to further enhance the long-term development of the graduate and 
her contribution to her agency.

Curriculum Design

    The curriculum design for Executive Leadership for Women was 
developed as a competency model based on research done with 
correctional visionaries and women in senior positions in correctional 
leadership. The administration of several assessment instruments 
created findings that formed the development of the competencies. 
Through one such instrument, Strategic Directions Questionnaire, 
correctional leaders identified 10 competencies as essential to a 
commissioner's future leadership

[[Page 21781]]

effectiveness. From this, a Correctional Leadership Competency Model 
was developed. In this original research for the program 48 directors 
of corrections participated.
    In addition, twenty women in correctional leadership positions 
(directors, deputy directors and regional directors of corrections) 
completed the Leadership 360\TM\ questionnaire, a competency assessment 
instrument, which was used in conjunction with the Correctional 
Leadership Competency Model to identify the areas in which women most 
needed leadership development.
    The three largest gap areas--strategic, communication and 
consensual--were given particular emphasis in the design of the 
training. All ten competencies were used in the development of the 
curriculum. Participants attending the program receive Leadership 
360TM feedback, which includes a profile of the individual 
gap scores against the Correctional Leadership Competency Model.
    A brief description of the phases offers an overwiew of the goals 
throughout the process. Classes are small, ranging from 20-22 
participants. Participants return a year after the first five day 
program for the Phase II program, a three day event.
Phase I: Executive Leadership
    This five-day program focuses on leadership development. A number 
of assessments, including the Leadership 360TM feedback, are 
combined with experiential activities and simulations to help 
participants gain understanding of their own behavior and leadership 
effectiveness. The program is highly individualized.
Phase II: Strategic Leadership
    At the recommendation of Phase I participants, NIC funded a three-
day follow-up training. Phase II emphasizes strategic thinking, the 
leaders' role in challenging and encouraging change within the 
organization, and the use of persuasion and consensual skills for 
managing change.
    Phase I and II program participants overlap, thereby creating 
opportunities for the two classes to network and further build 
leadership capacity on a national level.
Phase III: Organizational Leadership

    Note: Redevelopment of Phase III is not within the scope of this 
cooperative agreement activity.


    With Phase III, NIC extended its leadership program to directors of 
corrections. Partnerships between Phase I and II participants and their 
directors are the cornerstone in building organizational competency. 
Phase III is focused on the dynamics of the organization, especially 
the use of innovative problem-solving, and the role of the executive 
team in creating effective vehicles for systemic change.

Scope of the Project

    The National Institute of Corrections is interested in ideas the 
applicant may present that will maximize the opportunity to update the 
program content based on current research on women's leadership 
development. Applicants are encouraged to become not only familiar with 
the existing program model but also to explore a variety of program 
models that may enhance the existing program.
    The work of this project will result in:

A. Background Summary for Women's Leadership Development Program

    Development of a brief, research-based written overview that 
identifies the benefits of offering a program specific to women's 
leadership development. This document should include a review of 
leadership education principles or concepts as they apply to women's 
leadership development.

B. Curriculum Revision

    Review of current Executive Leadership Training curriculum and the 
development of revised material or design model through one of the 
following ways:
Existing Model With Enhancements
     A review and update of the curriculum based on work being 
done by NIC on leadership competencies that will include an update of 
the research originally done to support the Correctional Leadership 
Model as well as recommendations from the information gathered during 
the course of this cooperative agreement.
Introduction of a New Model
     A review and update of the curriculum using a competency 
based leadership education model that can be modified to be corrections 
specific for women in senior management as well as recommendation from 
the information gathered during the course of this cooperative 
agreement.
    Either approach to program design must include the following:
     A continuation of a two phase program design with an 
increased emphasis on project work and the use of technology as a tool 
to strengthen the application of program goals during the calendar year 
between the two phases.
     A program design that includes an increased emphasis on 
coaching and mentoring as an executive skill with practical 
applications.
     An updated participant manual and a faculty companion 
manual.

C. Training Evaluation Model

    Recommendation for a training evaluation design for prospective use 
which will be developed in consultation with NIC and the provider of 
the NIC Cooperative Agreement, ``Documentation of the Impact of NIC 
Executive Leadership Training for Women.''

D. Site Selection

    Selection of site for Phase I program delivery. An important 
component to the success of the previous programs has been the 
effectiveness of the learning environment. The site description or 
recommendations included within the application of this cooperative 
agreement will be a consideration in the selection criteria. The 
learning environment must be a site that is conducive to outdoor 
experimental activities; individual quiet work; and provide space for 
small group break out space. The recommended site should be located 
within a one hour drive from a major airport.

E. Program Delivery

    Delivery of Phase I in the summer of 2002 is a part of this 
agreement. Traditionally offered in June, the delivery of this program 
may be delivered between the months of June and September of 2002 to 
assure adequate program development time. The delivery of the Executive 
Leadership Training Program, Phase I includes preparation of program 
material, setting the agenda for and hosting a faculty planning 
meeting, negotiating faculty contracts and coordination of all on site 
logistics. Participant and faculty travel is managed and funded 
separately by NIC. Participant lodging and meals are funded within this 
agreement based on government per diem.

Required Project Activities

    A. Identification of women's leadership training programs in the 
private or public sector to provide background for further 
understanding of the role of such programs in Executive Leadership and 
to review various models.
    B. If an award has been made, attendance of the primary team 
members at the June 20-24, 2001 class

[[Page 21782]]

at the Searles Castle in Salem, New Hampshire to allow for a more in 
depth orientation to the current program and to participate in a focus 
group with graduates and the provider for the ``Documentation of the 
Impact of NIC Executive Leadership Training for Women.'' (If an award 
has not been made by that date, one team member, preferably the project 
director, from the top three applicants will be invited at NIC's 
expense to observe aspects of the program.)
    C. Initial meeting with NIC, the current provider of the training, 
and the awardee of the Cooperative Agreement, ``Documentation of the 
Impact of NIC Executive Leadership for Women'' for an overview of 
program's history, development and current goals. This commitment may 
be met under item B above, if a final award has been made.
    D. All activities necessary to meet the goals under Scope of 
Project. Inclusion of a person on the project team with recent 
experience in developing leadership programs for and/or conducting 
training for executive women is desirable.
    E. Collaborating with NIC and the awardee of the cooperative 
agreement entitled ``Documentation of the Impact of NIC Executive 
Leadership Training for Women,'' announced in the February 2001 Federal 
Register. This collaboration will be for the purpose of sharing 
information for program development.

    Authority: Public Law 93-415.

    Funds Available: The award will be limited to $120,000 (direct and 
indirect costs) and project activity must be completed within 18 months 
of the date of award. Participant and faculty travel for the delivery 
of Phase I is not included in the funding for this project. This 
project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Prisons Division. 
Funds will be allocated for fiscal year 2001, at $40,000 and fiscal 
year, 2002 at $80,000.
    Application Requirements: The successful applicant will propose a 
project approach that will ensure accomplishment of each of the stated 
desired outcomes under the section Scope of the Project within this 
announcement. The applicant will assure that the project team offers 
technical expertise in the areas of program development, leadership 
education specific to the development of women in leadership, and 
administrative capabilities to coordinate all logistical requirements 
of the project. The project staff identified must indicate a 
willingness to the commitment of time necessary to complete the project 
plan.
    The success of the work under this project is critical to the 
further development of NIC's leadership series for executive women. 
This announcement is running concurrently with the NIC cooperative 
agreement entitled ``Documentation of the Impact of the NIC Executive 
Leadership Training for Women.'' Successful applicants for each of 
these related projects must be willing to work in collaboration to 
provide for coordinated information sharing in the curriculum 
refinement goals of NIC. The NIC Program Manager will be responsible 
for assuring adequate opportunities for coordination.
    Deadline for Receipt of Applications: Applications must be received 
by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2001. They should be addressed to: 
Director, National Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street, NW., 
Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534. Hand delivered applications should be 
brought to 500 First Street, NW., Washington, DC 20534. The front desk 
will call Bobbi Tinsley at (202) 307-3106, extension 0 for pickup.
    Addresses and Further Information: A copy of this announcement, 
application forms, and information on the current NIC Executive 
Leadership Training for Women Program may be obtained through the NIC 
web site: http://www.nicic.org (click on ``Cooperative Agreements''). 
If a written copy is needed contact Judy Evens, Cooperative Agreement 
Control Office (1-800-995-6423 ext. 44222 or (202) 307-3106 ext. 44222, 
e-mail at [email protected].) All technical and/or programmatic questions 
concerning this announcement should be directed to Andie Moss, at 320 
First Street, NW., Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534 or by calling 800-
995-6423, ext. 30485, 202-307-3106, ext. 30485, or e-mail: 
[email protected].
    Eligibility Applicants: An eligible applicant is any State or 
general unit of local government, public or private agency, educational 
institution, organization, team, or individual with the requisite 
skills to successfully meet the outcome objectives of the project.
    Review Considerations: Applications received under this 
announcement will be subjected to an NIC 3 to 5 member Peer Review 
Process.
    Number of Awards: One (1).
    NIC Application Number: 01P04. This number should appear as a 
reference line in your cover letter and also in box 11 of Standard Form 
424.
    Executive Order 12372: This program is subject to the provisions of 
Executive Order 12372. Executive Order 12372 allows States the option 
of setting up a system for reviewing applications from within their 
States for assistance under certain Federal programs. Applicants (other 
than Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments) should contact 
their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), a list of which is included 
in the application kit, along with further instructions on proposed 
projects serving more than one State.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.603)
    Dated: April 25, 2001.
Morris L. Thigpen,
Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 01-10759 Filed 4-30-01; 8:45 am]
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