[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 218 (Friday, November 9, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56722-56727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28247]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 3826]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposals: Exchanges and Training Programs for Europe and Eurasia: 
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, 
Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan

SUMMARY: The Office of Citizen, Europe/Eurasia Division, of the Bureau 
of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for 
Exchanges and Training Programs for Europe and Eurasia: Armenia, 
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, 
Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
    Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions 
described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit 
proposals to conduct exchanges and training programs.

Program Information

Overview

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites 
applicants to submit proposals that encourage the growth of democratic 
institutions in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. (Note: The Department 
previously referred to this region as the New Independent States (NIS). 
It is now being referenced as Europe and Eurasia.) Exchanges and 
training programs supported by institutional grants from ECA 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: an 
active, existing partnership between a U.S. organization and an in-
country institution(s); a proven successful track record for conducting 
program activity; cost-sharing from U.S. and in-country sources, 
including donations of air fares, hotel and/or housing costs, ground 
transportation, interpreters, room rentals, etc.; experienced staff 
with language ability; a clear, convincing plan outlining exactly how 
the program components will be carried out and how permanent results 
will be accomplished as a result of the grant; and a follow-on plan 
that extends beyond the ECA grant period. Knowledge of the current 
technological capacity (Internet connectivity, email, hardware and 
software) of in-country partners and their countries and/or regions, 
and a description of the role of technology in the proposed program, 
are essential. Cost sharing, which should be included in the budget, 
must be in tangible forms, both in-kind and monetary. Cost sharing may 
be contributed to the program by the prospective grantee institution, 
in-country partners and by third party sources.
    Unless otherwise specified below: (1) Program activity may include: 
``training of trainers (TOT),'' internships, short-term training, 
consultations, study tours, site visits, and extended,

[[Page 56723]]

intensive workshops; and (2) programming may take place in the United 
States and/or, when possible, in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, 
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. 
Proposals should reflect a practical understanding of the current 
political, economic and social environment that is relevant to the 
theme addressed in the proposal. In order to avoid the duplication of 
activities and programs, proposals should also indicate knowledge of 
similar projects being conducted in the region.
    Applicants are expected to identify the U.S. and in-country partner 
organizations and individuals with whom they are proposing to 
collaborate and describe in detail previous cooperative projects. 
Specific information about in-country partners' activities and 
accomplishments is required and should be included in the section on 
``Institutional Capacity.'' Resumes for individuals mentioned in the 
proposal should be provided, including proposed U.S. and in-country 
staff, trainers, consultants, etc. Letters of support from partner 
organizations as well as internship and site visit hosts should be 
included in the proposal.
    Programs should be designed so that the sharing of information and 
training that occurs during the grant period will continue long after 
the grant period is over. Proven methods of sustainability include, but 
are not limited to: a model TOT program that would include initial 
training, practice presentation sessions for the in-country 
participants, followed by training activities coordinated and 
implemented by the in-country participants in their home countries; a 
commitment to create or support in-country training/resource centers; 
plans to create online communities, professional networks or 
professional associations; regularly published electronic and/or hard-
copy newsletters; and ongoing mentoring through Internet communication.
    To be eligible for a grant award under this competition, the 
proposed training and exchange programs must address one of the 
following specific themes for single country projects. Multi-country 
projects are not eligible for this competition. Proposals for projects 
in Belarus, Moldova and Tajikistan are not eligible.
     Media Training (Armenia or Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan or 
Kyrgyzstan or Russia)
     Press Spokesperson Training (Georgia or Uzbekistan)
     Tourism and Economic Development (Armenia or Ukraine)
     Business Development (Azerbaijan)
     Library Exchanges (Georgia or Ukraine)
     Youth Issues (Russia)
     Civil Rights (Kazakhstan)
     Lawmaker Exchange (Turkmenistan)
     Public Health (Russia)

Media Training

    ECA is interested in proposals from applicants who possess a 
thorough understanding of the current state and needs of the media in 
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Training 
activities should not duplicate the work done under recent or existing 
media training programs, but should complement those efforts. Proposals 
should include in-country and U.S.-based training activities for 
journalists and/or media outlet managers. When proposing a U.S.-based 
component, the program should include a hands-on internship training 
component at an appropriate media outlet. For these internships, the 
names of those media outlets willing to host participants should be 
provided, and the applicant should describe why these media 
establishments have been chosen. Internships may be developed for 
individuals or small groups consisting of not more than three persons. 
If the small group format is used, the internships must have a 
practical program component with hands-on experience. Efforts should be 
made to recruit participants who possess a working knowledge of the 
English language. If participants who do not speak English are 
nominated for the U.S.-based program, the applicant should explain how 
the interpreting needs of those participants will be met. In-country 
activities may include workshops and seminars. These seminars and 
workshops may be led by the participants themselves, or by U.S. 
trainers. Continuous activities, including mentoring and consultations 
between U.S.-based trainers/hosts and participants, should be conducted 
throughout the life of the grant and described in detail.

For Armenia

    Media programs for Armenia should focus on television production 
and broadcasting. Programs should include a two-way exchange whereby an 
expert (or experts) in production and broadcast techniques will travel 
to Armenia to conduct practical seminars. At the conclusion of the 
seminars, the experts, in consultation with the Public Affairs Section 
(PAS) at the American Embassy in Yerevan, will designate teams composed 
of journalists and cameramen, as well as producers to be sent to the 
U.S. for an internship of approximately one month at comparable 
television stations.

For Azerbaijan

    Media programs for Azerbaijan should promote the development of an 
independent media sector that is both professionally competent and 
economically viable. Print and/or broadcast media may be addressed, but 
all projects should include a two-way exchange and include hands-on 
internships in the U.S. that emphasize methods of income generation, 
better fiscal management practices, and a commitment to objective 
reporting.

For Kazakhstan

    Media training for Kazakhstan should include a two-way exchange and 
offer hands-on internships in the U.S. that emphasize methods of income 
generation, better fiscal management practices, and a commitment to 
objective reporting. Programs designed for Kazakhstan should also 
emphasize the role of media in reporting on minority and conflict 
issues.

For Kyrgyzstan

    Media training for Kyrgyzstan should concentrate on teaching 
objective reporting, ethical standards, and business management skills 
for professionals in print media. The program should involve a two-way 
exchange that links Kyrgyz and U.S. media institutions. Participants 
should include faculty from departments of journalism, and media 
managers and journalists from independent media outlets from both 
countries. Awareness of Kyrgyz cultural issues and the media climate in 
Kyrgyzstan is essential.

For Russia

    For Russia, media programs should include a two-way exchange and 
include hands-on, U.S.-based internships that emphasize developing new 
methods of income generation, better fiscal management practices, and a 
commitment to objective reporting. Participants must be recruited from 
cities outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Applicants should explain 
in detail activities and components that will ensure long-term 
relationships between the Russian participants and their U.S. hosts.

Press Spokespersons Training

For Georgia

    ECA welcomes proposals that provide an in-depth, comprehensive 
training program that will raise the level of professionalism among 
Georgian government spokespersons and

[[Page 56724]]

introduce them to their U.S. counterparts. Program activities should 
cover such topics as how public affairs offices function in government; 
the importance of transparency in government; communicating openly with 
citizens and journalists; crisis communication; strategic planning; 
press office management; and the provision of accurate, timely 
information to the public. Applicants should have a good understanding 
of the cultural contexts in Georgia. Training should include a two-way 
exchange.

For Uzbekistan

    ECA is interested in proposals that provide intensive, hands-on 
training to Uzbek national and government spokespersons as well as 
spokespersons from non-governmental entities. Proposals should focus on 
public affairs and public information as they are handled by government 
and non-governmental institutions. Program activities should cover such 
topics as how public affairs offices function in government; the 
importance of transparency in government; communicating openly with 
citizens and journalists; crisis communication; strategic planning; 
press office management; and the provision of accurate, timely 
information to the public.
    Programs should consist of a Washington, DC, component, including 
meetings with the public affairs offices and spokespersons of federal 
agencies and departments, as well as meetings and shadowing experiences 
with state or local governments and non-governmental organizations. A 
train-the-trainers component should be included. In-country workshops 
should also be implemented, during which Uzbek participants from the 
U.S. program will work as co-trainers, and will reach out to a larger 
audience of Uzbek governmental and non-governmental spokespersons. 
Media representatives should also participate in the in-country 
training program.
    The Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Tashkent will be responsible 
for selecting participants through an open, merit-based process 
designed jointly by the grantee and PAS.

Tourism and Economic Development

For Armenia

    ECA is seeking a project that will match Armenian tourism 
professionals with their U.S. colleagues for professional exchange and 
consultations. The central training component of the program should be 
a one-month, interactive internship for Armenian tourism professionals 
at tourism service providers in the U.S. Visits to Armenia by U.S. 
hosts may also be conducted. Networking among the Armenian and U.S. 
participants should be facilitated throughout the grant period to 
ensure ongoing cooperation.

For Ukraine

    This project should provide an opportunity for local government and 
business leaders from Ukraine to examine the experience of U.S. towns 
and cities, where preservation of cultural heritage and historic sites 
has been combined with tourism infrastructure development. Strategies 
that have led to reversing economic decline (i.e. aggressive marketing 
and the incorporation of heritage tourism into local economic 
development plans) should be examined. ECA is seeking proposals that 
will allow U.S. communities to share this experience and expertise with 
Ukrainian local governments, NGOs, and business leaders in selected 
smaller cities with potential for the development of cultural tourism. 
Multiple trips in both directions, including a hands-on, U.S.-based 
internship or study tour, should be proposed. Continuous communication, 
mentoring, and consultations between Ukrainian participants and 
trainers/mentors, should be described in detail and conducted 
throughout the life of the grant.

Business Development

For Azerbaijan

    ECA welcomes proposals that will foster the development of small 
and medium businesses in Azerbaijan. Given the international 
community's focus on the energy sector, projects should involve other 
industries. Topics to be addressed may cover management, marketing, 
business-government relations, use of innovative business technologies 
and business association development. Programs may include a variety of 
training opportunities such as internships, hands-on workshops and case 
studies. Azeri participants should be linked with U.S. counterparts 
with similar work responsibilities, in order to ensure ongoing 
professional interaction.

Library Exchanges

For Georgia

    One of the many challenges libraries in Georgia are facing is a 
lack of continuing education for their staff. This is due to 
information isolation and lack of finances to support this type of 
service. Georgian library professionals would benefit greatly from 
exposure to U.S. libraries and library professionals. Projects should 
match Georgian library employees with their U.S. colleagues from 
similar-sized libraries for training and consultations by means of 
reciprocal visits and virtual communication. One or multiple trips 
between the U.S. and Georgia by library professionals may be proposed. 
Continuous activities, including mentoring and consultations between 
partnered libraries, should be conducted throughout the life of the 
grant and described in detail.

For Ukraine

    U.S. libraries, whose traditional role has been changing in recent 
years, have much to offer their Ukrainian counterparts. Recently, a 
program called the Library Electronic Access Project (LEAP) was 
launched in Ukraine. (http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/press/010307--leap 
eng.html). The purpose of the LEAP project is to assist participating 
libraries with the development of Internet access projects for its 
local users. In addition, participating libraries will work together in 
setting up standardized training approaches, and will network with one 
another and share their experiences in order to identify and utilize 
best practices. ECA is seeking projects that build on LEAP's foundation 
by facilitating interaction and exchange between U.S. library 
professionals and LEAP libraries. This exchange should focus on 
transforming these libraries into community resource centers that will 
serve as communication facilitators between citizens and local 
government, as educational outreach centers, and as focus points for 
civic involvement. One or multiple trips between the U.S. and Ukraine 
by library professionals may be proposed.

Youth Issues

For Russia

    ECA is seeking projects that focus on how NGOs and communities can 
organize productive and attractive activities for young people. 
Participants should be representatives of youth-oriented NGOs and local 
government entities charged with managing youth programs. Topics to be 
addressed might include community service, vocational training, and 
drug and alcohol awareness. Projects should include a U.S. component. 
Small, provincial cities in Russia should be targeted.

[[Page 56725]]

Civil Rights

For Kazakhstan

    In Kazakhstan, people lack a general understanding of their civil 
rights, specifically knowledge of existing laws. ECA is seeking a 
project that would support a public education campaign on laws, 
legislation, and citizen rights. Project activities should be primarily 
conducted in Kazakhstan, but may include U.S.-based training 
activities, if justified. Grantees should partner with NGOs in 
Kazakhstan that are working to address human rights concerns. One such 
NGO is ``The International Bureau of Human Rights and the Rule of 
Law.'' (http://www.bureau.kz/index eng.shtml). Project partnerships 
with other local organizations may also be proposed.

Lawmaker Exchange

For Turkmenistan

    ECA is seeking projects that will provide members of Turkmenistan's 
parliament, the Mejlis, with the opportunity to meet with U.S. members 
of Congress, state-level lawmakers, lawyers, and other individuals 
involved in or knowledgeable of the U.S. lawmaking process, in order to 
gain a better understanding of their role as parliamentarians in the 
lawmaking process. The central project activity should be a training 
visit to Washington, DC and a state capital that would include 
shadowing of members of Congress and state-level lawmakers, and 
interactive discussions with lawyers and other experts on lawmaking and 
governance. Of particular interest to participants will likely be the 
congressional committee system and the other group structures used for 
lawmaking management. Visits to Turkmenistan by U.S. lawmakers and 
experts may also be proposed. Grantee organizations will work very 
closely with the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat throughout the project.

Public Health

For Russia

    Russia's difficult transition to a market economy has had negative 
effects on the public health system throughout the country and has 
weakened the government's ability to respond to and raise awareness of 
serious public health issues, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, 
alcoholism and sexually transmitted diseases.
    ECA welcomes proposals that are designed to improve public health 
standards and awareness in regions throughout Russia. Specifically, ECA 
is interested in training and exchanges that will improve the skills of 
local and regional government officials whose responsibilities include 
developing public health policy, disease control and prevention, and 
emergency management issues. Proposals should stress how health 
officials and non-governmental entities collaborate to view public 
health as a regional policy issue. Programs should provide practical, 
hands-on methodologies to strengthen participants' skills and may 
consist of a two-way exchange that includes shadowing opportunities, 
case studies, internships and interactive workshops. Applicants should 
plan a broad-based training workshops. Applicants should plan a broad-
based training program for a particular region that includes exposure 
to comparable U.S. public health models.

Guidelines

    Pending the availability of FY-2002 funding, it is anticipated that 
approximately one to two projects for each country listed under each 
topic will be supported. Subject to the availability of funds, ECA 
anticipates that grant periods will begin in August, 2002.

Selection of Participants

    Except in cases noted above where the Embassies' Public Affairs 
Sections will nominate participants, a competitive selection process is 
required. The majority of proposals should include a description of an 
open, merit-based participant selection process, including advertising, 
recruitment and selection. A sample application should be submitted 
with the proposal. Applicants should expect to carry out the entire 
selection process, with the understanding that ECA and the Public 
Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassies abroad must be consulted during 
the recruitment and selection procedures. ECA and the U.S. Embassies 
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 ECA 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

Budget Guidelines

    Although no set funding limit exists, proposals for less than 
$150,000 will receive preference. Grants awarded to eligible 
organizations with less than four years of experience in conducting 
international exchange programs will be limited to $60,000. Applicants 
must submit a comprehensive line item budget based on the model in the 
Proposal Submission Instructions, but are encouraged to provide the 
optional separate sub-budgets for each program component, location or 
activity in order to facilitate decisions on funding. Applicants should 
include a budget narrative or budget notes for clarification of each 
line item.
    Cost sharing: Since ECA's grant assistance constitutes only a 
portion of total project funding, proposals should list and provide 
evidence of other sources of cost sharing, including financial and in-
kind support. Proposals with substantial private sector support from 
foundations, corporations, and other institutions will be considered 
highly competitive. Please refer to the statement on cost sharing in 
the Proposal Submission Instructions.

The Following Program Costs Are Eligible for Funding Consideration

    1. Transportation. International and domestic airfares (per the Fly 
America Act), transit costs, ground transportation costs, and visas for 
U.S. participants (visas for ECA-supported participants from Europe and 
Eurasia to travel to the U.S. are issued at no charge).
    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 Europe and Eurasia, ECA strongly encourages applicants to 
budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy. Domestic per 
diem rates may be accessed at: http://www.policyworks.gov/ and foreign 
per diem rates can be accessed at: http://www.state.gov/www/perdiems/index.html.
    3. Interpreters. Local interpreters with adequate skills and 
experience may be used for program activities. Typically, one 
interpreter is provided for every four visitors who require 
interpreting, with a minimum of two interpreters. ECA grants do not pay 
for foreign interpreters to accompany delegations from their home 
country. Salary costs for local interpreters must be included in the 
budget. Costs associated with using their services may not exceed rates 
for U.S. Department of State interpreters. ECA strongly encourages

[[Page 56726]]

applicants to use local interpreters. U.S. Department of State 
Interpreters may be used for highly technical programs with the 
approval of the Office of Citizen Exchanges. Proposal budgets should 
contain a flat $170/day per diem for each U.S. Department of State 
interpreter, as well as home-program-home air transportation of $400 
per interpreter, reimbursements for taxi fares, plus any other 
transportation expenses during the program. Salary expenses are covered 
centrally and should not be part of an applicant's proposed budget.
    4. Book and cultural allowance. 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, trainers or participants are 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. ECA strongly 
discourages the use of automatic translation software for the 
preparation of training materials or any information distributed to the 
group of participants or network of organizations. Costs for good-
quality translation of materials should be anticipated and included in 
the budget. Grantee organizations should expect to submit a copy of all 
program materials to ECA.
    8. Equipment. Proposals may contain costs to purchase equipment for 
Europe/Eurasia-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 Bureau-sponsored health insurance policy. The premium is 
paid by ECA 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 grantee 
organization employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs 
per detailed instructions in the Application Package. While there is no 
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 ECA. Proposals should show strong 
administrative cost-sharing contributions from the applicant, the in-
country partner and other sources.
    Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for 
complete budget guidelines.
    Announcement Title and Number: All correspondence with ECA 
concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/
PE/C/EUR-02-32.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

By mail: United States Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges (ECA/PE/
C), Room 220, Washington, DC 20547, attn: Europe and Eurasia Exchanges 
& Training.
By phone: Tel: (202) 619-5328 (Kendra Davis), (202) 619-5327 (Henry 
Scott); fax: 202-619-4350.
By e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected].

    Interested applicants may request the Application Package, which 
includes the Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) and the Proposal 
Submission Instructions (PSI). Please specify Kendra Davis or Henry 
Scott on all 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 ECA's web 
site 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 on Friday, January 
25, 2002. 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 copies (unbound) 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-02-32, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 
534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.

Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines

    Pursuant to ECA'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. Pub. L. 104-319 provides that ``in 
carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries 
whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' ECA ``shall 
take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in 
such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such 
countries.'' Pub. L. 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

    ECA 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

[[Page 56727]]

the program office, as well as the Public Diplomacy section overseas, 
where appropriate. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance 
with Federal and ECA regulations and guidelines and forwarded to ECA 
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 
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final 
technical authority for assistance awards resides with ECA'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: 
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 in-country partner institution's capacity and the 
history of the U.S. and in-country partnership (3) an outline of prior 
awards--U.S. government and private support received for the target 
theme/region (4) descriptions 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. Priority will be given to 
proposals whose administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25) per 
cent of the total funds requested from ECA. Applicants are encouraged 
to cost share a portion of overhead and administrative expenses. Cost-
sharing, including contributions from the applicant, the in-country 
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 program's conclusion. ECA recommends that the 
proposal include a draft survey questionnaire or other technique (such 
as a series of questions for a focus group). The evaluation plan should 
show a clear link between program objectives and expected outcomes in 
the short- and medium-term, and provide a well-thought-out description 
of performance indicators and measurement tools.
    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 in-country 
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 ECA grant period) ensuring that 
the ECA-supported programs are not isolated events. Follow-on 
activities should be clearly outlined.
    7. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive 
support of ECA'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 ECA's Diversity, Freedom and Democracy 
Guidelines on page four of the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).

Authority

    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 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 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 ECA representative. Explanatory information 
provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be 
binding. Issuance of the RFGP does not constitute an award commitment 
on the part of the Government. ECA 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: October 30, 2001.
Patricia S. Harrison,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. 
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 01-28247 Filed 11-8-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P