[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 85 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22146-22149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-10905]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4003]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposal: Fulbright American Studies Institute on U.S. National 
Security: American Foreign Policy Formulation in an Era of 
Globalization

NOTICE: Request for Grant Proposal (RFGP).

SUMMARY: The Study of the U.S. Branch, Office of Academic Exchange 
Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, announces an open 
competition for an assistance award. Public and private non-profit 
organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code 
Section 26 USC 501 (C)(3) may apply to develop and implement a post-
graduate level Fulbright American Studies program designed for a 
multinational group of 15 experienced foreign educators and 
professionals entitled:

``U.S. National Security: American Foreign Policy Formulation in an 
Era of Globalization''

    This program is intended to provide participants with a deeper 
understanding of American life and institutions, past and present, in 
order to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of teaching 
about the United States at universities abroad. Programs should 
therefore be designed to elucidate the topic or theme of the Institute 
as well as American civilization as a whole.
    The program will be four weeks in length and will be conducted 
during January and May of 2003.
    The Bureau is seeking detailed proposals from colleges, 
universities, consortia of colleges and universities, and other not-
for-profit academic organizations that have an established reputation 
in one or more of the following fields: political science, 
international relations, law, history, and/or other disciplines or sub-

[[Page 22147]]

disciplines related to the program theme.
    It is the Bureau's intention to fund this program, subject to and 
contingent on both the number and quality of proposals received and the 
availability of funding.
    Applicant institutions must demonstrate expertise in conducting 
post-graduate programs for foreign educators, and must have a minimum 
of four years experience in conducting international exchange programs. 
Bureau guidelines stipulate that grants to organizations with less than 
four years experience in conducting international exchanges are limited 
to $60,000. As it is expected that the budget for these programs will 
exceed $60,000, organizations that can not demonstrate at least four 
years experience will not be eligible to apply under this competition.
    The project director or one of the key program staff responsible 
for the academic program must have an advanced degree in one of the 
fields listed above. Staff escorts traveling under the cooperative 
agreement must have demonstrated qualifications for this service. 
Programs must conform with Bureau requirements and guidelines outlined 
in the Solicitation Package. Bureau programs are subject to the 
availability of funds.

Program Information

    Overview and Objectives: Fulbright American Studies Institutes are 
intended to offer foreign scholars, teachers and other professionals 
whose work focuses on the United States the opportunity to deepen their 
understanding of American institutions and culture. Their ultimate goal 
is to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of teaching about 
the U.S. in universities abroad.
    This program should be four weeks in length and must include an 
academic residency segment of at least three weeks duration at a U.S. 
college or university campus (or other appropriate location). A study 
tour segment of not more than one week should also be planned and 
should directly complement the academic residency segment; the study 
tour should include visits to one or two additional regions of the 
United States.
    The institute should be designed as an intensive, academically 
rigorous seminar intended for an experienced group of fellow scholars 
and professionals from outside the United States. The institute should 
be organized through an integrated series of lectures, readings, 
seminar discussions, regional travel, site visits and should include 
some opportunity for limited but well-directed independent research and 
consultation.
    Applicants are encouraged to design a thematically coherent program 
in ways that draw upon the particular strengths, faculty and resources 
of their institutions as well as upon the nationally recognized 
expertise of scholars and other experts throughout the United States. 
Within the limits of their thematic focus and organizing framework, 
Institute programs should also be designed to:
    1. Provide participants with a survey of contemporary scholarship 
within the institute's governing academic discipline, delineating the 
current scholarly debate within the field. In this regard, the seminar 
should indicate how prevailing academic practice in the discipline 
represents both a continuation of and a departure from past scholarly 
trends and practices. A variety of scholarly viewpoints should be 
included;
    2. bring an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary focus to bear 
on the program content if appropriate;
    3. give participants a multi-dimensional view of U.S. society and 
institutions that includes a broad and balanced range of perspectives. 
Where possible, programs should include the views not only of scholars, 
cultural critics and public intellectuals, but also those of other 
professionals outside the university such as government officials, 
journalists, religious leaders and NGO officials who can substantively 
contribute to the topics at issue; and,
    4. insure access to library and material resources that will enable 
grantees to continue their research, study and curriculum development 
upon returning to their home institutions.

Program Description

    The Fulbright American Studies Institute on ``U.S. National 
Security: American Foreign Policy Formulation in an Era of 
Globalization'' is intended to offer a group of 15 educators and 
professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the 
foundations and formulation of U.S. foreign policy, with specific 
reference to American views on what constitutes basic U.S. national 
security and defense requirements and how those views have evolved in 
the post-Cold War era. The program should be multi-disciplinary in its 
approach and should examine the various historical, geographic, 
economic, cultural, and political factors involved in the making of 
U.S. foreign policy. In considering U.S. security and defense issues in 
light of a changing international environment characterized by the 
increased flow of information and ideas, capital, and people, 
organizers may also wish to explore such sub-topics as (a) the role of 
both the nation state and non-state actors in national and 
international governance; (b) the implications for U.S. security of 
demographic changes in both developed and developing countries; (c) the 
impact of science and technology in such area as communications, health 
care, and the environment; (d) the growth and development of the global 
economy; and (e) changing patterns of international conflict, including 
the threat of terrorism, among others.
    Program Dates: Ideally, the program should be 28 days in length 
(not including participant arrival and departure days) and should take 
place sometime between January 6 and May 31, 2003.
    Participants: As specified in the guidelines in the solicitation 
package, this program should be designed for a group of 15 motivated 
and experienced foreign university faculty and professionals from 
institutions of higher education abroad, which may include national 
military academies. Educators will be specialists in international 
affairs; some may hold positions in government ministries, such as 
defense or foreign affairs. While the educational level of participants 
will vary, most will have graduate degrees and have substantial 
knowledge of foreign affairs. Some may have previously studied in the 
United States. All participants will be interested in participating in 
an intensive seminar in order to better understand American 
institutions and to develop and improve courses about the United States 
at their home universities. All will be fluent in the English language.
    Participants will be nominated by Fulbright Commissions and by U.S. 
Embassies abroad. Nominations will be reviewed by the Study of the U.S. 
Branch. Final selection of grantees will be made by the Fulbright 
Foreign Scholarship Board.
    Program Guidelines: While the conception and structure of the 
institute program is the responsibility of the organizers, it is 
critically important that proposals provide a full, detailed and 
comprehensive narrative describing the objectives of the institute; the 
title, scope and content of each session; and, how each session relates 
to the overall institute theme. The syllabus must therefore indicate 
the subject matter for each lecture or panel discussion, confirm or 
provisionally identify proposed lecturers and discussants, and clearly 
show how assigned readings will

[[Page 22148]]

support each session. A calendar of all activities for the program must 
also be included. Overall, proposals will be reviewed on the basis of 
their fullness, coherence, clarity, and attention to detail, as 
stipulated in the Review Criteria cited below.
    Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to the 
Solicitation Package for further details on program design and 
implementation, as well as additional information on all other 
requirements.
    Budget Guidelines: Based on groups of 15 participants, the total 
Bureau-funded budget (program and administrative) should be 
approximately $150,000. Bureau-funded administrative costs as defined 
in the budget details section of the solicitation package should be 
approximately $47,000. Justifications for any costs above these amounts 
must be clearly indicated in the proposal submission. Proposals should 
try to maximize cost sharing in all facets of the program and to 
stimulate U.S. private sector, including foundation and corporate, 
support. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire 
program. The Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase 
proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program, and 
availability of U.S. government funding.
    Please refer to the ``POGI'' in the Solicitation Package for 
complete institute budget guidelines and formatting instructions.
    Announcement Name and Number: All communications with the Bureau 
concerning this announcement should refer to the following title and 
reference number:
    U.S. National Security: American Foreign Policy Formulation in an 
Era of Globalization--(ECA/A/E/USS-02-54-Taylor)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request a Solicitation Package 
containing more detailed program information, award criteria, required 
application forms, specific budget instructions, and standard 
guidelines for proposal preparation, applicants should contact: U.S. 
Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office 
of Academic Exchange Programs, Study of the U.S. Branch, State Annex 
44, ECA/A/E/USS--Room 252, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, 
Attention: Richard Taylor, Telephone number: (202) 619-4557, Fax 
number: (202) 619-6790, Internet address: [email protected].
    Please specify Senior Program Officer Richard Taylor on all 
inquiries and correspondence. Interested applicants should read the 
complete Federal Register announcement before addressing inquiries to 
the office listed above or submitting their proposals. Once the RFGP 
deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition in 
any way with applicants until after the proposal review process has 
been completed.
    To Download a Solicitation Package via Internet: The entire 
Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's website at 
http://exchanges.state.gov/education/rfgps/. Please read all 
information before downloading.
    Deadline for Proposals: All proposal copies must be received at the 
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs by 5:00 p.m. Washington DC 
time on Friday, June 21, 2002. Faxed documents will NOT be accepted, 
nor will documents postmarked June 21, 2002 but received at a later 
date. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that 
proposal submissions arrive by the deadline.
    Submissions: Applicants must follow all instructions in the 
Solicitation Package. The original and 13 copies of the complete 
application should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs, Reference: (ECA/A/E/USS-02-54-
Taylor), Program Management Staff, ECA/EX/PM, Room 534, State Annex 44, 
301 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20547.
    Applicants should also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and 
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal on a 3.5'' diskette, 
formatted for DOS. This material must be provided in ASCII text (DOS) 
format with a maximum line length of 65 characters.
    Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidlines: 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 this goal 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. Eligible proposals will then be 
forwarded to panels of senior Bureau officers for advisory review. 
Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Advisor or by 
other Bureau elements or outside experts. 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 or cooperative agreements) resides with the 
Bureau's Grants Officer.
    Review Criteria: Technically eligible applications will be 
competitively reviewed according to the criteria stated below. More 
weight will be given to items one and two, and all remaining criteria 
will be evaluated equally.

1. Overall Quality

    Proposals should exhibit originality and substance, consonant with 
the highest standards of American teaching and scholarship. Program 
design should reflect the main currents as well as the debates within 
the subject discipline of each institute. Program elements should be 
coherently and thoughtfully integrated. Lectures, panels, field visits 
and readings, taken as a whole, should offer a balanced presentation of 
issues, reflecting both the continuity of the American experience as 
well as the diversity and dynamism inherent in it.

2. Program Planning and Administration

    Proposals should demonstrate careful planning. The organization and 
structure of the institute should be clearly delineated and be fully 
responsive to all program objectives. A program syllabus (noting 
specific sessions and topical readings supporting each academic unit) 
should be included, as should a calendar of activities. The travel 
component should not simply be

[[Page 22149]]

a tour, but should be an integral and substantive part of the program, 
reinforcing and complementing the academic segment. Proposals should 
provide evidence of continuous administrative and managerial capacity 
as well as the means by which program activities and logistical matters 
will be implemented.

3. Institutional Capacity

    Proposed personnel, including faculty and administrative staff as 
well as outside presenters, should be fully qualified to achieve the 
project's goals. Library and meeting facilities, housing, meals, 
transportation and other logistical arrangements should fully meet the 
needs of the participants.

4. Support for Diversity

    Substantive support of the bureau's policy on diversity should be 
demonstrated. This can be accomplished through documentation, such as a 
written statement, summarizing past and/or on-going activities and 
efforts that further the principle of diversity within the organization 
and its activities. Program activities that address this issue should 
be highlighted.

5. Experience

    Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful 
exchange program activity, indicating the experience that the 
organization and its professional staff have had in working with 
foreign educators.

6. Evaluation and Followup

    A plan for evaluating activities during the Institute and at its 
conclusion should be included. Proposals should discuss provisions made 
for follow-up with returned grantees as a means of establishing longer-
term individual and institutional linkages.

7. Cost Effectiveness

    Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through direct institutional 
contributions, in-kind support, and other private sector support. 
Overhead and administrative components, including salaries and 
honoraria, should be kept as low as possible.

    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.''

    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 this 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, and allocated and committed through internal 
Bureau procedures.

    Dated: April 25, 2002.
Rick A. Ruth,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs Department of State.
[FR Doc. 02-10905 Filed 5-1-02; 8:45 am]
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