[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 75 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19293-19298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9503]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 3990]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposals: African Workforce Development

SUMMARY: The Near East/South Asia/Africa Division of the Office of 
Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), 
announces an open competition to spur development of the African 
workforce for effective and satisfying participation in 21st century 
businesses, government, NGOs, and other venues. U.S.-based public and 
private non-profit organizations meeting

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the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 
501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct international exchange 
programs.
    Programs and projects must comply with Bureau requirements and 
guidelines outlined in this Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) and the 
Bureau's Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).

Overview

    The Bureau seeks proposals for an exchange program on African 
Workforce Development linking U.S. vocational trainers with African 
organizations seeking to strengthen their ability to upgrade the 
African workforce. U.S.-African partnership is emphasized as a mutually 
beneficial, direct and efficient method of promoting this goal. 
Partnerships promote the interests and long-term commitment of African 
and American participants going beyond U.S. government financing. 
Partnerships also help to establish a strong network of counterpart 
institutions in the U.S. and Africa, which invigorate and inform each 
other, enable collaborations and joint projects, and promote the 
exchange of information and resources.

Guidelines

    The Office of Citizen Exchanges encourages applicants to be 
creative in planning project activities. Proposals should include 
practical, hands-on, community-based initiatives, designed to achieve 
concrete objectives in the field. The proposal should not focus on 
theoretical/academic workshops, seminars, studies or research.
    In an effort to increase mutual understanding and build long-
lasting linkages between the U.S. and African countries, proposals 
should include, to the fullest extent possible, an exchange involving 
equal numbers of American and African participants. In addition, 
applicants are encouraged to include participants who are new to 
international exchanges and/or to the target countries.
    The Bureau encourages applicants to consider carefully the choice 
of target countries. In order to prevent duplication of effort, 
applicants should research the work of development agencies (such as 
USAID, UN agencies) on the target themes, and select countries for 
which there has been limited investment on the issue. Applicants are 
welcome to contact the Public Affairs Sections (PAS) in U.S. Embassies 
in Africa, and the Office of Citizen Exchanges, to discuss proposed 
activities and their relevance to mission priorities.
    Applicants may design single-country or multiple-country projects. 
The Bureau offers the following programming ideas and suggestions.
    Africa Workforce Development. The purpose of this program is to 
enhance Workforce Development efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa through 
Citizen Exchanges. In developing and carrying out such a program, we 
have a keen interest in utilizing electronic information technologies 
both as a vehicle for correspondence and training and as a workforce 
skill to be taught.
    The Office realizes that there are many different conceptions of 
and approaches to workforce development, and is open to considering a 
wide variety of program plans while recommending that they do the 
following:
     Assist citizens in making the transition from academic 
studies to participation in the workforce;
     Assist citizens in learning skills and attitudes which 
make them more employable;
     Guide citizens in seeking jobs and in carrying them out 
satisfactorily;
     Provide training in information technology;
     Develop programs which can be delivered online as well as 
in person;
     Develop programs which are adaptable to local and 
individual needs;
     Develop programs which are easily portable and can be 
replicated in different venues; and
     Develop programs which will attract and maintain the 
attention of citizens, encouraging their initiative and commitment.
    We anticipate awarding two $150,000 grants. While all of Sub-
Saharan Africa is eligible in this solicitation, proposals should focus 
on one or two countries rather than a large group so as to maximize 
impact.
    This program is intended to be a catalyst to stimulate thinking 
about the possibilities for wide range implementation of Workforce 
Development programs afforded though the use of new technologies.
    It is expected that the selected grantees will install or enhance 
working Internet systems at the facilities of the African partners that 
will be linked to U.S. counterparts. Note that the Bureau would provide 
only modest support for this work out of the grant funds, but would 
expect that additional funds would be raised privately or otherwise 
cost-shared.
    It is further expected that there will be a commitment on the part 
of the African partners to pay for future maintenance and on-line fees 
for the installations so that the systems will be fully operable far 
beyond the completion of the grant. The commitment of African partners 
will be important to long-term program success, and applicants should 
consider the possibility of selecting African partners through a 
competitive process to assess their commitment and capability.
    The grantee is also expected to provide in its proposal an 
explanation of the need for workforce development in the targeted 
African country(ies) and to propose a detailed plan for working 
together with African partners to develop a basic curriculum to address 
this need. The final product of this grant activity must include the 
following:
     A basic interactive curriculum that works over the 
Internet and serves to advance Workforce Development in Sub-Saharan 
Africa;
     A plan to train presenters of the basic curriculum;
     A set of lead trainers who have gone through the prototype 
training program and who have performed a trial implementation of the 
basic course; and
     Establishment of an Internet network between U.S. 
organizations and the African partners to sustain productive 
interaction on this activity far beyond the term of the grant itself.
    In order to achieve the most widespread understanding, appreciation 
and impact of this grant, this Office will expect the Grantee at the 
end of the program to come to Washington DC to make a presentation of 
the accomplishments and lessons learned through the grant to an 
audience selected by the Office of Citizen Exchanges.
    Program activities for the above-listed theme might include:
    1. A U.S.-based program that includes orientation to program 
purposes and to U.S. society; study tour/site visits; professional 
internships/placements; interaction and dialogue for learning; hands-on 
training; and action plan development.
    2. Capacity-building/training-of-trainer (TOT) workshops in Africa 
to help participants to identify priorities, create work plans, 
strengthen professional and volunteer skills, share their experiences 
with committed people within each country, train leading trainers, and 
become active in other practical and valuable ways.
    3. Site visits by U.S. facilitators/experts to monitor projects in 
the region and to provide additional training and consultations as 
needed.
    4. Content-based Internet training/cyber-training to encourage 
citizen participation in workshops, fora, chats, and/or discussions via 
the Internet that will stimulate communication and

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information sharing among key opinion leaders on priority topics. In 
addition to using the Internet and Cyber Training to develop those very 
skills, on-line programs should be developed to teach other workforce 
skills such as literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, decision-making, 
leadership, personnel management, and personal qualities such as 
initiative, integrity, responsibility, flexibility, sociability, and 
respect for diversity.

Additional Guidance

    Content-Based Internet Training: As noted above, the Bureau 
encourages applicants to use the Internet to assist African 
counterparts in networking, communicating and organizing on the above-
listed priority issues. Proposals that include content-based Internet 
training must reflect knowledge of the opportunities and obstacles that 
exist for use of information technologies in the target country or 
countries, and, if needed, provide hardware, software and servers, 
preferably as a form of cost sharing. Internet and Cyber Training 
should be only one component of an overall program.
    In-Country Partners: Applicants should identify the U.S. and 
African partner organizations and individuals with whom they are 
proposing to collaborate. Specific information about the African 
partners' activities and accomplishments is required and should be 
included in the section on ``Institutional Capacity.'' Resumes (not 
exceeding two pages) for individuals mentioned in the proposal should 
be provided, including proposed U.S. and African staff, trainers, 
consultants, etc. Letters of support from proposed in-country partners 
that are tailored to this project are strongly encouraged.
    Evaluation: Short- and long-term evaluation is critical to the 
success of any professional development program. In accordance with the 
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993, Federal Agencies 
must create strategic plans, set performance goals, and develop methods 
for measuring how well the goals of this program are realized.
    The grantee would be required to work closely with the Bureau to 
fulfill this responsibility. Applicants are asked to submit an 
evaluation plan that would address the GPRA requirements and assess the 
long-term impact and effectiveness of this program. The evaluation plan 
should include a listing of goals and results desired, and an 
indication of what types of information would be used to determine if 
these goals were met or results achieved, as well as a description of 
how the applicant would gather and evaluate this information. Please 
include with the proposal, at least in draft form, any evaluation tools 
(survey/focus group questions) that would be used as part of the 
overall plan.

Budget Guidelines

    A total of $300,000 will be available, and we expect to award two 
grants of $150,000 each. Bureau policy states that organizations with 
less than four years of experience in managing international exchange 
programs are limited to $60,000; therefore they are not eligible to 
apply under this competition.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with African partners 
in the design of the proposal budget and to obtain statements of 
commitment from those partners. Competitive proposals will demonstrate 
a thorough and realistic understanding of the costs for in-country 
administration, communication, transportation, and per diem. Proposals 
should include letters of support tailored to this project from 
proposed African partner organizations.
    Format: 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. Review Criteria for 
additional information.
    Cost sharing: The Bureau's grant assistance will constitute only a 
portion of total project funding, and 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 
more competitive. Although no minimum amount of cost sharing is 
stipulated in this competition, preference will be given to proposals 
that provide cost sharing of at least 20 percent of total program costs 
(federal component plus cost sharing component). Thus if a grant of 
$150,000 in federal funds is awarded, the grantee should contribute at 
least $37,500 in cost sharing to achieve the 20% figure (20% of 
$187,500 = $37,500). Cost sharing may be offered in kind or in cash as 
long as its value can be confirmed through documentation. Please refer 
to the statement on cost sharing in the Proposal Submission cost 
sharing in the Proposal Submission Instructions.
    1. Transportation. International and domestic airfares (per the Fly 
America Act), transit costs, ground transportation costs, and visas for 
U.S. participants to travel to African countries (J-1 visas for African 
participants to travel to the U.S. funded by the Bureau's grant 
assistance are issued at no charge).
    2. Per Diem. For U.S.-based activities, organizations should use 
the published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. For 
activities in Africa, the Bureau strongly encourages applicants to 
budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy. Domestic and 
foreign per diem rates may be accessed at: 
http://www.policyworks.gov/. Applicants may opt to provide ``home-
stay'' accommodations as a way to reduce per diems costs and as a way 
to enhance cross-cultural understanding. In no case may per diem rates 
exceed the U.S. Federal published rates.
    3. Interpreters. If needed, interpreters for the U.S.-based program 
are available through the U.S. Department of State Language Services 
Office. 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. Bureau 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. The Bureau encourages 
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. Honoraria should not exceed $250 
per day. Subcontracting

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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.
    The Bureau 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 the Bureau.
    8. Equipment. Proposals may contain limited costs to purchase 
equipment for Africa-based programming such as computers, printers, and 
fax machines. Please note, however, that the Bureau encourages cost 
sharing for these expenses, and equipment costs must be kept to a 
minimum. Equipment purchased with ECA grant funds must be approved by 
ECA, and its final disposition after completion of the grant program 
will be determined by ECA. Costs for furniture are not allowed.
    9. Working meal. Only one working meal may be provided during the 
program. Per capita costs may not exceed $8 for a lunch and $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 should be included in the budget. The 
allowance may be used for incidental expenses incurred during 
international travel.
    11. Health Insurance. The ECA Bureau insures international and U.S. 
participants in a variety of exchange-of-persons programs at no cost to 
the participants. This insurance is not all-purpose health insurance; 
it is subject to specific limitations. This insurance is not intended 
to replace any insurance a participant may already have. Instead, the 
intent is to supplement existing coverage and to ensure that a 
participant's basic health is protected in a foreign country. Please 
see the fuller statement on insurance in the Proposal Submission 
Instructions.
    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 PSI. (Indirect costs are allowable 
only when the applicant has an indirect cost rate agreement with a 
qualified U.S. Government office.) Applicants are encouraged to budget 
administrative costs for African partner organizations to cover their 
in-country costs. While there is no rigid ratio of administrative to 
program costs, preference will be given to proposals whose 
administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25) per cent of the 
total requested from the Bureau. Proposals should show strong 
administrative cost-sharing contributions from the applicant, the 
African partner and other sources.
    Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for 
complete budget guidelines.

Announcement Title and Number

    All communications with the Bureau concerning this Request for 
Grant Proposals (RFGP) should refer to the announcement title ``African 
Workforce Development'' and reference number ECA/PE/C/NEAAF-02-74.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/
PE/C/NEAAF, Room 216, U.S. Department of State, 301 Fourth Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20547, attention: Jim Ogul, telephone: (202) 205-0535 
and fax number: (202) 619-4350, Internet address: [email protected].
    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 
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 June 10, 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 given in the Application 
Package. The applicant's original proposal and ten (10) copies 
(unbound) should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/NEAAF-02-74, Program 
Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20547.
    Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and 
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal on a 3.5" diskette, 
formatted for DOS. These documents must be provided in ASCII text (DOS) 
format or Microsoft Word format. The Bureau will transmit these files 
electronically to the Public Affairs section at the US Embassy for its 
review, with the goal of reducing the time it takes to get embassy 
comments for the Bureau's grants review process.

Public Affairs Section (PAS) Involvement

    The Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassies (formerly known 
as USIS posts) play a key role throughout every phase of project 
development. Posts assist in evaluating project proposals; coordinating 
planning with the grantee organization and in-country partners; 
facilitating in-country activities; nominating participants and vetting 
grantee nominations; observing in-country activities; debriefing 
participants; and evaluating project impact. Posts are responsible for 
issuing DSP-2019 forms (formerly known as the IAP-66 form) in order for 
overseas participants to obtain necessary J-1 visas for entry to the 
United States. They also serve as a link to in-country partners and 
participants.
    Nonetheless, overall project administration and implementation are 
the responsibility of the grantee. The grantee must inform the PAS in 
participating countries of its operations and procedures and coordinate 
with and involve PAS officers in the development of project activities. 
The PAS should be consulted regarding country priorities, current 
security issues, and related logistical and programmatic issues.
    VISA Regulations: Foreign participants on programs sponsored by the 
Bureau are granted J-1 Exchange Visitor visas by the U.S. Embassy in 
the sending country. All programs must comply with J-1 visa 
regulations. Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) 
for further information.
    Selection of Participants: Proposals should include description of 
an open, merit-based process for selecting international travelers in 
this project, including methods of advertising, recruitment and 
selection. A sample application should be submitted with the proposal. 
Applicants should expect to carry out the entire recruitment

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process, but the Bureau and the Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. 
Embassies abroad should also be consulted. The Bureau 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. ECA encourages applicants to design programs for non-
English speakers where appropriate. The Bureau is particularly 
interested in projects that focus on or include persons with 
disabilities in any of the above-listed themes.

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 Diplomacy 
sections of U.S. embassies 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 Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for 
assistance awards (grants) 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 are important in the proposal evaluation. Proposals 
should address each of these criteria:
    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 relate to the current conditions in the target country or 
countries. Objectives should be reasonable, attainable, and tied to the 
anticipated outcomes of the project. A detailed work plan should 
explain step-by-step how objectives would be achieved and should 
include a timetable for completion of major tasks. The substance of 
project planning, orientation sessions, workshops, presentations, 
consultations, site visits and seed/sub-grant projects should be 
included as attachments (i.e. sample agendas, draft applications, 
etc.). Responsibilities of U.S. and in-country partners should be 
clearly described.
    2. Institutional Capacity: The proposal should include: (a) The 
U.S. institution's mission and date of establishment; (b) detailed 
information about the capacity of any partner institutions, and the 
history of the partnership(s); (c) an outline of prior awards--U.S. 
government and private support received for the target theme/region; 
and (d) descriptions of experienced staff members and other resource 
persons who would 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). Specific information about the African 
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 included, including 
proposed U.S. and African staff, trainers, consultants, etc.
    3. Cost Effectiveness: Overhead and administrative costs for the 
proposal, including salaries, honoraria and subcontracts for services, 
should be kept to a minimum.
    4. Cost Sharing: Applicants are encouraged to cost share a portion 
of overhead and administrative expenses. Cost sharing, including 
contributions from the applicant, U.S. or African partners, and other 
sources, should be included in the budget. Although no minimum amount 
of cost sharing is stipulated in this competition, preference will be 
given to proposals which provide cost sharing of at least 20 percent of 
total program costs.
    5. Program Evaluation: The proposal must include a plan and 
methodology to evaluate the program's successes, both as 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) to link outcomes to 
original program objectives. The evaluation plan should include a 
summation of goals and results desired, and an indication of what types 
of information would be used to determine if these goals were met or 
results achieved, as well as a description of how the applicant would 
gather and evaluate this information. Please include with the proposal 
any evaluation tools (survey/focus group questions) that would be used 
as part of the overall plan.
    6. Follow-On Activities: The proposal should provide a plan for 
continued follow-on activity (beyond the ECA grant period), ensuring 
that ECA-supported programs are not isolated events. Follow-on 
activities sponsored by the applicant should be clearly outlined.
    7. Support of Diversity: The proposed project should demonstrate 
substantive support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Program 
content (training sessions, resource materials, follow-on activities) 
and program administration (participant selection process, orientation, 
evaluation, resource/staff persons) should address diversity in a 
comprehensive and innovative manner. Applicants should refer to ECA's 
Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines below and on page four of 
the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).
    8. Multiplier Effect/Impact: Applicants should describe how 
responsibility and ownership of the program would be transferred to the 
African participants to ensure continued

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activity and impact. 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 African participants, followed by training activities coordinated 
and implemented by the African participants in their home countries; a 
commitment to create or support in-country training/resource centers; a 
curriculum program that would include teacher training, lesson plan 
development, and cooperation with ministries of education and related 
education administrators on implementation; development of online 
communities, professional networks or professional associations; 
regularly published electronic and/or hard-copy newsletters.
    Proposals will be more competitive to the extent that they have: an 
active, existing partnership between a U.S. organization and African 
institution(s); a proven successful track record for conducting program 
activity; cost-sharing from U.S. and African sources, including 
donations of air fares, hotel and/or housing costs, ground 
transportation, interpreters, room rentals, etc.; experienced staff 
with relevant 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 Bureau grant period. Please 
refer to the Review Criteria above.

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.'' Funding authority for the 
program cited above is provided through the Fulbright-Hays 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 U.S. Department of 
State procedures.

    Dated: April 11, 2002.
Patricia S. Harrison,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 02-9503 Filed 4-17-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P