[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 111 (Friday, June 8, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30973-30976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-14508]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 3691]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposals: Ukrainian Media Partnership Program

SUMMARY: The Europe/Eurasia Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges 
of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open 
competition for the Ukrainian Media Partnership Program. Public and 
private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in 
IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c) may submit proposals to conduct this 
program. Grants are subject to 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 through the Fulbright-Hays Act and the FREEDOM 
Support Act.
    Programs and projects must comply with Bureau requirements and 
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package: the Request for Grant 
Proposals (RFGP) and the Proposal Submission Guidelines (PSI).

Announcement Title and Number

    All communications with the Bureau concerning this Request for 
Grant Proposals (RFGP) should refer to the announcement title ``The 
Ukrainian Media Partnership Program'' and reference number ECA/PE/C/
EUR-01-77.

Program Information

Overview

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (the Bureau) invites 
applicants to submit proposals for a project to create and foster long-
term relationships between selected American media outlets and 
Ukrainian media outlets of similar size and between the individual 
professionals that work at both outlets. Within the framework of these 
partnerships, Ukrainian professionals in print and broadcast media will 
have the opportunity to interact with US counterparts and to take part 
in practical training experiences organized by their US partner. This 
project seeks to promote the development of free and independent 
Ukrainian media outlets on the assumption that independent media is 
critical for the further democratic development of Ukraine.
    The Bureau would like to see five partnerships developed under this 
program. Each Ukrainian media outlet should be matched with an 
appropriate U.S. media outlet for partnership activities. Proposals 
should demonstrate geographic diversity by including media outlets from 
throughout Ukraine. While partnerships should primarily include media 
outlets in regional capitals or larger regional cities, a Kiev media 
outlet may be included in one of the proposed partnerships. Applicants 
should propose at least three partnerships in their submission, but are 
encouraged to propose all five. When only three or four partnerships 
are proposed by the applicant, the Public Affairs Section in at the 
American Embassy in Kiev (PAS) will identify the remaining Ukrainian 
media outlets who will then be partnered with American media outlets 
already selected by the applicant. Applicants should explain how 
proposed matches support the program's objectives and why they expect 
that the partnerships they are proposing will be sustained beyond the 
life of the grant. The grantee should work closely with the Bureau and 
PAS throughout the grant period; specific partnerships will be approved 
by the Bureau and PAS.
    Applicants should explain how partnerships will be structured and 
what activities they will include. The

[[Page 30974]]

Bureau would like to see each partnership include a combination of 
trips to the U.S. for Ukrainian participants, trips to Ukraine for 
American participants, and on-going activities and electronic 
interactions throughout the grant period. Exchanges in both directions, 
while meeting the program's objectives, should be tailored to meet the 
specific needs of the Ukrainian partners. U.S.-based visits for 
Ukrainian participants should expose Ukrainian media professionals to 
the American media industry, including business practices, work style, 
and culture. These visits should also demonstrate the important role 
journalism plays in an open and democratic society by providing 
accurate and unbiased news to the public.
    U.S. visits for Ukrainian participants should consist primarily of 
substantive internships and/or job shadowing experiences at U.S. 
partner media outlets. In addition, visits may include consultations; 
workshops and/or intensive training on specific topics; and other 
appropriate activities. The program should emphasize hands-on 
experience that will build professional expertise and strengthen links 
between the two partners. The program may include such topics as use of 
the Internet as a news tool, web design for media outlets, business 
practices, management, journalistic ethics, the relationship of 
journalists and editors, and licensing and other legal issues as they 
pertain to media. The proposal should identify the individuals who will 
be responsible for the partnership at each U.S. media outlet, and 
should, wherever possible, identify personnel that will participate 
from both the U.S. and Ukrainian sides. Roundtable discussions should 
not be a component of the training activities, but grantees are 
encouraged, time allowing, to arrange activities that will enable 
Ukrainian participants to speak to community/business and other groups 
that are interested in contemporary Ukraine and the Ukrainian media.
    For the visits to Ukraine, activities should focus on complementing 
those activities conducted in the U.S. and increasing the professional 
capacity of the Ukrainian participants and their colleagues who may not 
travel to the U.S. This aspect of the program should also strengthen 
the sustainable relationship between the two outlets.
    The Bureau encourages applicants to submit proposals for programs 
that provide for a minimum of two visits to both the U.S. and Ukraine 
within each institutional partnership. Applicants are encouraged to 
propose visits with two or more participants in each direction.
    A detailed program timeline for the entire grant period that 
outlines how components will unfold and complement each other must be 
included in the proposal.
    Applicants should explain the rationale for proposed partnerships 
as well as for individual participants with particular emphasis on 
explaining how proposed partnerships will contribute to the 
sustainability of both the Ukrainian media outlet, and to the 
partnership. The names of proposed Ukrainian participants must be 
reviewed and approved in advance of U.S. travel by PAS. The Bureau 
anticipates that the majority of Ukrainian participants will not have a 
working-level competency in English language. Applicants should 
describe the provisions that will be made for these non-English 
speaking participants.

Guidelines

    Programs should begin in January 2002 and last from one to two 
years. The Executive Summary and Narrative of the proposal should be no 
more than 20 pages in length, double-spaced, single-sided, and unbound. 
Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to the 
Solicitation Package for further information.
    In the Solicitation Package, you will also find forms required by 
Federal regulations and Bureau policy. Please follow the guidelines; 
complete and return the necessary forms with the submission. Please 
refer to the Technical Format and Instructions page in the PSI.

Budget Guidelines

    The Bureau anticipates awarding one grant in the amount of $427,000 
to support program and administrative costs required to implement this 
program. Bureau grant guidelines state that organizations that are 
unable to demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting 
international exchange programs are limited to $60,000 in Bureau 
support. Therefore, organizations with less than four years of 
experience in conducting international exchanges would not be eligible 
to apply under this competition. The Bureau encourages applicants to 
provide maximum levels of cost-sharing and funding from private sources 
in support of its programs.
    Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire 
program. There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns 
reflecting both administrative and program budgets. Applicants may 
provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, 
location, or activity to provide clarification. Allowable costs for the 
program include the following:
    1. International and domestic air fares (per the ``Fly America 
Act''). Including visas, transit costs, and ground transportation 
costs.
    2. Per Diem. Current USG per diem rates may be accessed at: http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/prdm/ (foreign), and http://policyworks.gov/org/main/mt/homepage/mtt/perdiem/travel.shtml (domestic). For activities in 
Ukraine, however, the Bureau strongly encourages the applicant to 
budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy.
    3. Interpreters. Locally-based interpreters should be hired to 
assist with training when necessary. Interpreters' salaries should 
reflect the local economy. Per diem and transportation costs for 
interpreters should be included in the budget when needed.
    4. 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.
    5. Room rental. Room rental may not exceed $250 per day. The Bureau 
encourages the applicant to cost share room rental and meeting space 
with local partners, when possible.
    6. Materials development. The proposal may contain costs to 
purchase, develop, and translate materials for participants.
    7. Equipment. The proposal may contain costs to purchase equipment 
for Ukraine-based programming such as computers and fax machines. Costs 
to purchase furniture are not allowed. Equipment costs must be kept to 
a minimum.
    8. 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.
    9. 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 
solicitation does not

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proscribe a rigid ratio of administrative to program costs, the Bureau 
encourages the applicant to spend no more than twenty-five (25) per 
cent of the total funds requested from The Bureau on administrative 
expenses. The proposal should show cost-sharing contributions from the 
applicant, partners, and other sources.
    The Bureau will provide health insurance for Ukrainian participants 
during U.S.-based program activities. Therefore, applicants do not need 
to include costs of insurance coverage for these individuals.
    Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget 
guidelines and formatting instructions.

Announcement Title and Number

    All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should 
reference the program title and grant reference number ECA/PE/C/EUR-01-
77.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/
PE/C/EUR, Room 224, U.S. Department of State, 301 4th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20547, telephone 1-202-619-5327, e-mail 
[email protected] to request a Solicitation Package. The Solicitation 
Package contains detailed award criteria, required application forms, 
specific budget instructions, and standard guidelines for proposal 
preparation. Please specify Bureau program officer Henry Scott on all 
other inquiries and correspondence.
    Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before 
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has 
passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants 
until the proposal review process has been completed.

To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet

    The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's 
website at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/RFGPs. Please read all 
information before downloading.

Deadline for Proposals

    All proposal copies must be received at the Bureau of Educational 
and Cultural Affairs by 5 p.m. Washington, DC time (Eastern Daylight 
Time) on July 26, 2001. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any 
time. Documents postmarked the due date but received on a later date 
will not be accepted. Each applicant must ensure that the proposals are 
received by the above deadline.
    Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation 
Package. The original and eight (8) copies of the application should be 
sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/EUR-01-77, Program Management, ECA/EX/
PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.

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,'' the Bureau ``shall take appropriate steps to provide 
opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and 
democracy leaders of such countries.'' Public Law 106-113 requires that 
the governments of the countries described above do not have 
inappropriate influence in the selection process. Proposals should 
reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the 
full extent deemed feasible.

Review Process

    The Bureau 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. All eligible proposals will be 
reviewed by the program office, as well as the Public Affairs Section 
in Kiev. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance with Federal 
and Bureau regulations and guidelines and forwarded to grant panels for 
advisory review. Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the 
Legal Adviser or by other Department elements. Final funding decisions 
are at the discretion of the Department of State's Acting Assistant 
Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical 
authority for assistance awards resides with the Bureau's Grants 
Officer.

Review Criteria

    Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed 
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank 
ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
    1. Program planning and ability to achieve objectives: A detailed 
agenda and relevant work plan should demonstrate substantive 
undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda and plan should adhere to 
the program overview and guidelines described above. Objectives should 
be reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly 
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and 
plan.
    2. Impact: Proposed programs should strengthen long-term mutual 
understanding, including maximum sharing of information, and the 
establishment of long-term institutional and individual linkages.
    3. 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 (selection of 
participants, program venue, and program evaluation) and program 
content (orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource 
materials and follow-up activities).
    4. Institutional capacity: Proposals should demonstrate an 
institutional record of successful exchange programs, including 
responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting 
requirements for past Bureau-supported grants as determined by staff of 
the Grants Office. The Bureau will consider the past performance of 
prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
    5. Follow-on activities: Proposals should provide a plan for 
continued follow-on activity (without Bureau support) ensuring that 
supported programs are not isolated events.
    6. Project evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate 
the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of 
the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus 
description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original 
project objectives is recommended. Successful applicants will be 
expected to submit intermediate reports after each project component is 
concluded or quarterly, whichever is less frequent.
    7. Cost-effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components 
of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as 
low as possible. All other items should be

[[Page 30976]]

necessary and appropriate. The Bureau encourages the applicant to spend 
no more than twenty-five (25) per cent of the total funds requested 
from The Bureau on administrative expenses. The proposal should show 
cost-sharing contributions from the applicant, partners, and other 
sources.

Authority

    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 above is provided through The funding authority for the program 
cited above is provided through the Fulbright-Hays Act and the FREEDOM 
Support Act.

Notice

    The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may 
not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information 
provided by the Bureau that contradicts published language will not be 
binding. Issuance of the RFGP 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.

Notification

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

    Dated: June 1, 2001.
Helena Kane Finn,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. 
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 01-14508 Filed 6-7-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-U