[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 201 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64189-64192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26426]



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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4164]

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs


Fulbright American Studies Institutes for Foreign University 
Faculty

NOTICE: Request for Grant Proposals (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 two (2) assistance awards. Public and private non-
profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal 
Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(C)(3) may apply to develop and 
implement one of the following two post-graduate level Fulbright 
American Studies Institute programs designed for multinational groups 
of 18 experienced foreign university faculty and educators:
    A. Managing Diversity: The American Experience
    B. American Political Development: Ideas and Institutions.
    These programs are 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.
    Programs are six weeks in length and will be conducted during the 
Summer 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, sociology, literature, American 
studies, and/or other disciplines or sub-disciplines related to the 
program themes.
    It is the Bureau's intention to fund one institute in each of the 
above two thematic areas, subject to 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 and teachers whose professional work 
focuses on the United States the opportunity to deepen their 
understanding of American society, culture and institutions. Their 
ultimate goal is to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of 
teaching about the U.S. in universities abroad.
    Programs should be six weeks in length and must include an academic 
residency segment of at least four weeks duration at a U.S. college or 
university campus (or other appropriate location). A study tour segment 
of not more than two weeks 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.
    All institutes should be designed as intensive, academically 
rigorous seminars intended for an experienced group of fellow scholars 
from outside the United States. The institutes should be organized 
through an integrated series of lectures, readings, seminar 
discussions, regional travel and site visits, and they should also 
include some opportunity for limited but well-directed independent 
research.
    Applicants are encouraged to design thematically coherent programs 
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. 
All Fulbright American Studies Institute programs, regardless of their 
particular thematic focus, should seek to:
    1. Provide participants with a survey of contemporary scholarship 
within the institute's governing academic discipline, delineating the 
current scholarly debates 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. It is therefore critical that a variety of 
scholarly viewpoints be represented, including bringing in presenters 
from other institutions, as appropriate. Please note that the ways 
these alternative schools of thought will be presented should be 
clearly described in the proposal;
    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 reflects a broad and balanced range of perspectives 
and responsible views. 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 and others 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 Descriptions

A. Managing Diversity: The American Experience
    The ``Fulbright American Studies Institute on Managing Diversity: 
The American Experience'' should provide 18 experienced foreign 
university faculty and scholars with a deeper understanding of the 
American experience with immigration and race and ethnic relations. The 
institute should impart an appreciation for how the U.S. has responded 
to both the challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing 
national-origin, ethnic and religious diversity of its population. 
While program might focus on the experience of selected immigrant/
ethnic groups, it should include attention to the development of laws 
and policies governing immigration and citizenship and the impact of 
immigration on American society, politics and culture more broadly. 
Other topics/issues that might be addressed include: identity formation 
in immigrant/ethnic communities; the politics of bilingualism; social, 
economic, and cultural adaptation and political incorporation of 
immigrants; coalitions and conflicts among ethnic/racial groups; the 
role of ethnic lobbies in

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foreign and domestic policies; and contemporary debates surrounding 
issues of citizenship and membership in the U.S.
B. American Political Development: Ideas and Institutions
    The ``Fulbright American Studies Institute on American Political 
Development: Ideas and Institutions'' should provide 18 experienced 
foreign university faculty and scholars with a deeper understanding of 
how the interplay between ideas and developments in the spheres of 
polity, society and economy together have shaped the evolution of 
American political institutions. Political institutions whose evolution 
might be examined include (but are not necessarily limited to) the 
presidency, Congress, the two-party system, the civil service system, 
interest groups, or the welfare/regulatory state. The institute 
curriculum might include a focus on the role of labor and/or race and/
or gender in American political development. It might involve attention 
to the evolution of a particular idea, value or principle (e.g., 
representation, equality, democracy) and its interpretation by 
institutional and other actors over time. Regardless of the particular 
perspective adopted or approach taken, the program should aim to 
provide the institute participants with a clearer understanding of how 
policy is formulated and the character of public policy debates in the 
contemporary United States.

Program Dates

    Ideally, the programs should be 44 days in length (including 
participant arrival and departure days) and should begin in late June 
or early July, 2003.

Participants

    As specified in the guidelines in the solicitation package, 
programs should be designed for multinational groups of 18 highly-
motivated and experienced foreign university faculty and scholars who 
are interested in participating in an intensive seminar on aspects of 
U.S. civilization as a means to develop or improve courses and teaching 
about the United States at their home institutions. Most participants 
can be expected to come from educational institutions where the study 
of the U.S. is relatively well developed. Thus, while they may not have 
in-depth knowledge of the particular institute program theme, most will 
have had some experience in teaching about the United States. Many will 
have had sustained professional contact with American scholars and 
American scholarship, and some may have had substantial prior 
experience studying in the United States. Participants will be drawn 
from all regions of the world and 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 at the Department of State. 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 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.
    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 18 participants, the total Bureau-funded budget 
(program and administrative) for either program should be approximately 
$200,000, and Bureau-funded administrative costs as defined in the 
budget details section of the solicitation package should be 
approximately $60,000. 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 titles and reference numbers:
    Fulbright American Studies Institute on Managing Diversity: The 
American Experience--(ECA/A/E/USS-03-01A-Benda).
    Fulbright American Studies Institute on American Political 
Development: Ideas and Institutions --(ECA/A/E/USS-03-01B-Benda).

For Further Information: 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: Peter Benda.
Telephone number: (202) 619-5893.
Fax number: (202) 619-6790.
Internet address: [email protected].
    Please specify Program Officer Peter Benda 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 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 Monday, January 13, 2003. Faxed documents will NOT be accepted, 
nor will documents postmarked January 13, 2003 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: (insert appropriate 
reference number from above, e.g. ECA/A/E/USS-

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03-01x-Benda), 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 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.

Adherence to all Regulations Governing the J Visa

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is placing renewed 
emphasis on the secure and proper administration of Exchange Visitor (J 
visa) Programs and adherence by grantees and sponsors to all 
regulations governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should 
demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing 
the administration of Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 
6Z, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate 
Responsible Officers, provision of pre-arrival information and 
orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper 
maintenance and security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other 
requirements. ECA will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to 
participants in this program.
    A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of 
Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at http://exchanges.state.gov or from: United States Department of State, Office 
of Exchange Coordination and Designation, ECA/EC/ECD--SA-44, Room 734, 
301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Telephone: (202) 401-9810, 
FAX: (202) 401-9809.
    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. 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 
(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 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 Follow-up: 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

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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: October 7, 2002.
Patricia S. Harrison,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 02-26426 Filed 10-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-11-P