[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 26 (Thursday, February 7, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5875-5879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-3006]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 3905]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposals: Central and East European Exchanges and Training Programs 
for Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, 
Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, the Slovak Republic, 
and Slovenia

SUMMARY: The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational 
and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for Central and East 
European Exchanges and Training Programs. 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 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 Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, 
Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, the 
Slovak Republic, and Slovenia. 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 track record for conducting successful 
program activity; cost-sharing from U.S. and in-country sources, 
including donations of air fare, 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 achieved 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, e-mail, 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, site visits, workshops; and (2) programming may take 
place in the United States or, when possible, in the target 
country(ies), or in both. 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 
undertaken by the organizations/individuals. 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 coalitions, professional interests groups, networks, or 
associations; regularly published electronic and/or hard-copy 
newsletters; and ongoing mentoring through Internet communication.
    All proposals should include a discussion of the follow-on 
activities that will continue after the USG funding period is over.
    Grants awarded to eligible organizations with less than four years 
of experience in conducting international exchange programs will be 
limited to $60,000.
    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 regional projects or single country 
projects, as specified.
     Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls--Regional 
Project--Must include all of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, 
and Serbia
     Diplomatic Training--Single Country Project: Must target 
Macedonia or Romania
     Professional Internships--Projects for Bulgaria, Hungary, 
Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia (please see topics and country 
assignments below)

Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls

    Trafficking in Women and Girls has become a widespread problem in 
Southeastern Europe (SEE). In June 2001 the U.S. Department of State 
released its first report on the issue of trafficking in persons 
worldwide. (Please see http://www.state.gov/g/inl/rls/tiprpt/2001/.) 
The need to educate and inform communities, lawmakers and media 
representatives has become imperative to prevent women and girls from 
falling victim to trafficking in the SEE region.
    The Bureau seeks proposals that provide training and capacity 
building to individuals and communities in the SEE region to help 
combat trafficking in women and girls. Programs should be regional in 
focus and should include cross-border efforts to ensure integration of 
efforts and cooperation among SEE countries. To avoid duplication of 
efforts, applicants should be familiar with the International 
Organization for Migration and the UNHCR's programs as well as 
indigenous SEE NGOs' programs to combat trafficking. Priority will be 
given to programs that propose to reach risk groups where anti-
trafficking initiatives have been limited or

[[Page 5876]]

nonexistent. Proposals may address multiple themes listed below. 
Applicants should expect to work closely with the Public Affairs 
Sections of the U.S. Embassies in SEE on coordination of all 
activities, including participant selection.

Areas of Focus

    Bilateral exchange and training programs that may address public 
awareness, victim assistance, reintegration and/or occupational 
training:
    1. The Bureau is seeking two-way exchange programs that will 
educate the U.S. and SEE citizenries on the issue of trafficking. Many 
NGOs in SEE have been confronting the issue of trafficking and have 
much to share with their U.S. counterparts. Given that many women are 
now being trafficked into the United States, it is important that U.S. 
relief and assistance organizations are exposed to effective prevention 
and assistance programs in SEE. SEE participants in turn will benefit 
from exposure to U.S. models for job training and life skills 
management programs, peer education and economic assistance programs as 
well as models for successful advocacy and fundraising campaigns on the 
issue. Participants may be leaders of NGOs, community leaders, teachers 
and school administrators and local government officials. Follow-up 
workshops/on site consultations in the region are encouraged after the 
U.S.-based training. Programs may focus on developing participants' 
skills to establish job training programs and centers in the region, 
but funding may not be used for the establishment of the centers. 
Successful proposals will offer hands-on training, including shadowing 
and internship opportunities, as well as the development of action 
plans, publications, web-based information and/or other products that 
can be accessed easily by the general public.
    2. Training and exchanges of SEE media representatives: The Bureau 
seeks proposals that will provide hands-on training to SEE journalists 
to ensure widespread, accurate media coverage on the issue of 
trafficking, to raise media professionals' awareness of the issue, and 
to train journalists to cover the issue of trafficking without 
stigmatizing victims. Workshops and on-site consultations at media 
outlets in the region are strongly encouraged. U.S.-based training may 
also be proposed when appropriate. Target participants may include 
media managers, editors and journalists. Successful proposals will 
include plans for interactive training, as well as the development of 
action plans, publications, web-based information and/or other results-
oriented products that media representatives may access.
    3. Training and exchanges of parliamentarians and other government 
officials: The Bureau welcomes proposals that will encourage members of 
parliament and other government officials to take an active stand 
against trafficking in the SEE region. Proposals should focus on how 
government should enforce and/or improve laws against trafficking. 
Proposals should outline a strategy on how governments in the region 
can increase information sharing among the SEE governments on the issue 
and cooperate to close down trafficking routes in the region. Proposals 
should also address how training will encourage cooperative and 
complementary efforts among government, the media and the NGO community 
regarding the issue. Two-way exchanges and follow-up workshops in the 
region are strongly encouraged. The Bureau is interested in results-
oriented proposals that include regional action plans, publications and 
other work products that will serve to educate government officials 
throughout the SEE region regarding the issue of trafficking.
    Funding: The total funding available for prevention of trafficking 
programs is $989,450. The Bureau anticipates awarding 4-6 proposals for 
this competition, averaging approximately $60,000-$215,000 each.

Diplomatic Training

For Macedonia

    The Bureau is seeking proposals that will offer training to 
representatives of Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). 
Programs will offer training and assistance to the Macedonian MFA to 
help establish a unified foreign policy in the face of ethnic and 
political divisions and to create a professional, multi-ethnic 
Macedonian foreign service that can represent the country abroad.
    Macedonian diplomats, including deputy chiefs of mission and other 
senior, mid-level and junior officials, should be trained in the 
essentials of foreign policy formulation. Training will be based on 
courses offered to U.S. diplomats and will incorporate such practical 
and substantive themes as: international politics (including 
international organizations and lending institutions); the structure 
and operation of an embassy; professional ethics; management skills; 
analytical reporting; negotiation skills; media relations and public 
diplomacy; trade promotion; management of VIP visits and other relevant 
topics.
    The program should include in-country training as well as training 
in the United States. Program activity may incorporate training-of-
trainers, workshops, internships and site visits and should reflect a 
practical understanding of the current political, economic and social 
climate in Macedonia. Training should balance formal presentations, 
discussions and group exercises and should be targeted at diplomats 
with a wide range of experience, including some who are new to the 
profession. The Macedonian MFA will nominate participants. The U.S. 
Embassy in Skopje will make final participant selection. Applicants are 
required to work closely with the Public Affairs Section in Skopje 
during all program planning and implementation. Language issues must 
also be addressed throughout the proposal.
    Funding: The total funding available for Diplomatic Training in 
Macedonia is $239,375. The Bureau anticipates awarding one grant.

For Romania

    The Bureau is seeking proposals that will provide consultative 
support and professional training for the staff and faculty of the 
Diplomatic Academy (DA) in Bucharest. The objectives of the project 
are:

--To improve the existing training of new foreign service officers;
--To develop advanced training programs for mid- and senior-level 
career diplomats;
--To develop short-term academic courses in international affairs to be 
offered to Romanian government employees and employees of Romanian 
NGOs;
--To establish a documentation center for the DA;
--To establish a system for evaluating work performance at DA which 
will help the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in determining 
assignments and promotions of diplomats.

    Currently, the only activity that the DA conducts is beginning-
level training for new foreign service officers. There is one class per 
year composed of about fifteen freshman foreign service officers. The 
nine-month course is composed of six months of theoretical instruction 
at the academy followed by three months of practical training somewhere 
else in the MFA, which oversees the work of the DA.
    The following program activities should be proposed:

[[Page 5877]]

An Initial Needs Assessment of the DA by a U.S. Consultant
    A needs assessment of the DA should be carried out in the opening 
weeks of the program. Specific recommendations will be provided to the 
Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. These 
recommendations will, in turn, be shared with the MFA.
US-Based Training Visit(s) for Faculty/Staff of the DA
    The grantee organization will organize short-term U.S.-based 
training for key DA staff in order to allow them to: (1) Improve the 
existing training that it provides to new foreign service officers, (2) 
develop training courses for mid- and senior-level diplomats, and (3) 
develop and implement a mechanism for evaluating work performance to 
help in determining diplomat assignments and promotions. Further, U.S.-
based training may be proposed for the DA staff that will be setting up 
the documentation center.
Visit(s) to DA by U.S. Trainers and/or Grantee Coordinators
    The in-country components should be proposed for American experts 
who will: (1) Provide follow-on consultations and assess the 
effectiveness of the U.S.-based training on developing curriculum and 
courses for DA, (2) develop courses on international relations, and (3) 
assist with the establishment of the DA's documentation center.
Equipment Purchases
    Based on the finds of the initial needs assessment, reasonable 
requests for basic office equipment, such as a computer, printer, or 
scanner, may be proposed for the documentation center.
    Applicants will be required to work very closely with PAS/Bucharest 
throughout the program, including the recruitment and selection of 
participants.
    Funding: The total funding available for Diplomatic training in 
Romania is $137,250. The Bureau anticipates awarding one grant.

Professional Internships

    The Bureau is seeking proposals that provide community based, four-
to six-week practical training opportunities with home-stays in the 
United States on the topics listed below. The objectives of the 
exchanges are to provide participants with exposure to the day-to-day 
functioning of a democratic, free market system and create links 
between U.S. and CEE regions and communities. Projects may also include 
in-country components that send American experts to conduct or co-
conduct workshops or consultancies. These activities may be held in a 
central location or in individual countries. Participants in the 
internship components must speak English; interpreters may be used at 
in-country workshops.
    Proposals should address one of the following themes and include 
the countries listed beside each topic.

1. Public Administration Focusing on Transparency at the Local Level--
Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovak Republic,Slovenia (Must Include All 
Countries)

    Projects should examine transparency and freedom of information 
issues for local governments and NGOS.

2. Tolerance, Pluralism and Diversity--Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, 
Slovak Republic (Must Include All Countries)

    Projects should examine approaches taken by NGO, government and 
education leaders to promote tolerance and protect the rights of 
minority populations.
    Funding: The total funding available for Professional Internships 
is approximately $400,000. The Bureau anticipates awarding 2-3 grants 
for this competition. Although no set funding limit exists, proposals 
for less than $150,000 will receive preference.
    Guidelines: Subject to the availability of funds, ECA anticipates 
that grant will begin in August, 2002.

Selection of Participants

    Except when the U.S. 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 SubmissionInstructions (PSI) for further information.

Project Funding

Budget Guidelines

    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 Central 
and Eastern Europe 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 
applicants to use local interpreters. U.S.

[[Page 5878]]

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. Subgrantees may also be used, in which case the written 
agreement between the prospective grantee and the subgrantee should be 
included in the proposal. Subgrants 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-02-60.

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: Central and Eastern European Exchanges & Training Programs
    By phone:  Tel: (202) 619-5328 (Kendra Davis), (202) 619-5327 
(Henry Scott); or (202) 619-5330 (Michael George); fax: 202-619-4350
    By e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], or 
[email protected].
    Interested applicants may request an application package that is 
composed of the Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP), the Proposal 
Submission Instructions (PSI), and the Bureau's Diversity Flyer. Please 
specify Kendra Davis, Henry Scott, or Michael George 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 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 April 12, 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-02-60, 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

[[Page 5879]]

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 Diplomacy section overseas, where appropriate. Eligible 
proposals will be subject to compliance with Federal and Bureau 
regulations and guidelines and forwarded to Bureau 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 CulturalAffairs. Final technical authority for 
assistance awards cooperative agreements 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: 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 subgrantee's or 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 authorities for the 
programs above are provided through the Fulbright-Hays Act and the 
Support for East EuropeanDemocracy (SEED) Act of 1989.

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: January 31, 2002.
Patricia S. Harrison,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. 
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 02-3006 Filed 2-6-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P