[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 132 (Thursday, July 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41205-41208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17480]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4396]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposals: Fulbright Foreign Student Conflict Resolution Program

SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the 
Fulbright Foreign Student Conflict Resolution Program. Public and 
private accredited, post-secondary educational institutions meeting the 
provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) 
may submit proposals to develop and implement a U.S.-based graduate 
level academic program in conflict resolution for up to 15 participants 
from the Middle East and North Africa.

Program Information

Overview

    The Bureau created the Fulbright Foreign Student Conflict 
Resolution Program in 2000 to enhance non-governmental efforts to 
resolve political, social and sectarian conflicts within the Middle 
East and North Africa, and South Asia.
    The program is intended to provide participants with the analytical 
tools and practical skills necessary to transform diverse problems into 
viable solutions in order to foster sustainable peacebuilding efforts. 
The Fulbright Foreign Student Conflict Resolution Program operates 
through a merit-based, open competition that selects talented 
individuals early in their professional careers who are engaged in the 
political, economic, social, and/or educational transformation of 
conflicts in their communities.
    The Bureau's Office of Academic Exchange Programs administers the 
Fulbright Foreign Student Conflict Resolution Program with the 
assistance of cooperating agencies. The Office of Academic Exchange 
Programs is responsible for allocation of funding, policy guidance and 
administrative oversight. Applicants for the scholarships are 
recruited, screened, and nominated by Public Affairs Sections of the 
U.S. Embassy or Fulbright binational commissions. The cooperating 
agencies are responsible for program administration activities, 
including providing services in the following broad categories: Program 
planning and management; J-visa sponsorship and tracking; supervision 
and support services; special programs management; and reporting and 
evaluation.
    The Bureau is seeking detailed proposals from colleges, 
universities, and consortia of colleges and universities that have an 
established reputation in the field of conflict transformation, 
conflict management, or conflict resolution. The lead institution in a 
consortium must have an accredited U.S. college or university and is 
responsible for submitting the grant proposal. Each proposal must 
document the lead institution's authority to represent all cooperating 
partners.
    The proposed program should offer participants a choice between a 
non-degree, graduate certificate or master's degree; provide a 
substantive practical training component; and capstone experience. 
Participants should be well integrated into the campus community and 
academic program.
    Applicant institutions must demonstrate expertise in conducting 
graduate programs for foreign students, and must have a minimum of four 
years experience in conducting international exchange programs. Bureau 
guidelines stipulate that awards 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 this program will exceed 
$60,000, organizations that cannot demonstrate at least four years 
experience will not be eligible under this competition.
    The project director or one of the key program staff responsible 
for the academic program must have an advanced degree related to an 
area of conflict resolution. Programs must conform with Bureau 
requirements and guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package. 
Bureau programs are subject to the availability of funds.

Guidelines

    Pending availability of fiscal year 2004 funding, program 
activities should take place during period from August 1, 2004 to July 
31, 2006. Participants will be recruited from the Middle East and North 
Africa and will be expected to begin their program in Fall 2004. The 
projected number of program participants is up to 15. The total Bureau 
budget for this program should not exceed $500,000.
    The duration of an individual scholarship under the Fulbright 
Foreign Student Conflict Program should not exceed two years. 
Participants are expected to return to their home country upon 
completion of this program. Where there are compelling circumstances, 
at the discretion of the project director and the Bureau's program 
officer, students may receive a limited extension to complete their 
degrees. Summer periods may be used for a mix of academic professional 
and cultural enrichment activities.
    Pending the successful administration of this program, and the 
availability of funds, the Bureau reserves the right to renew this 
grant in fiscal year 2005 to conduct a similar program for a group of 
up to 15 program participants from South Asia.

Requirements and Implementation

    The proposal should respond to, and describe, the following major 
requirements:
A. Academic Program
    The academic component should provide participants with a choice 
between a non-degree graduate certificate and master's degree in the 
field of conflict transformation, conflict management, or conflict 
resolution. The academic program should give participants a 
multidimensional view of applied conflict resolution in addition to the 
theoretical framework of sustainable peacebuilding. Participants should 
be enrolled full-time and considered in academic residence during the 
program. Proposals may also include English manage training for 
selected participants whose existing English skills need to be 
strengthened or refreshed. The academic program should not exceed 24 
months in duration.
B. Practical Training/Internship
    The proposal must demonstrate the applicant's ability to facilitate 
professional development opportunities, access to a strong internship 
network, and ability to place participants internships that are germane 
to conflict resolution. The practical training must

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compliment a student's academic program, be supervised by a faculty 
advisor, and supplement the stated program objectives. Participants are 
expected to engage in at least eight weeks of practical training. To 
support the mutual understanding goal of the Fulbright Program, the 
Bureau is particularly interested in opportunities for academic 
training related to U.S. institutions, society and culture that engage 
in conflict resolution.
C. Capstone Experience
    The academic program should culminate in a capstone experience that 
encourages participants to integrate knowledge and experience gained 
while on the program, and its applicability to their home community.
D. Orientation
    It is essential that participants be informed of American culture, 
society and norms, particularly diversity. Participants should be 
introduced to the general nature, philosophy and goals of U.S. higher 
education. Students should receive guidance from an academic advisor to 
assist them in choosing appropriate courses.
E. Housing
    Provide appropriate graduate student housing or facilitate housing 
arrangements for program participants.
F. Student Services
    Provide on-going advising and student services, conduct cross 
cultural counseling, and plan cultural and community enrichment 
activities for the participants.
G. Grants Benefits and Disbursements
    Monitor and distribute approved grant payments (e.g., monthly 
maintenance allowance in accordance with the Institute for 
International Education's (IIE) annual ``Monthly Maintenance Rate 
Report''), reimbursements (e.g., equipment and book allowances), and 
advances (e.g., professional development allowances). Proposals should 
address participant stipend levels in the narrative, including what 
expenses the stipend is intended to cover and the estimated monthly 
cost of housing provided to the participants. The current stipend level 
for a traditional Fulbright grant includes: (1) Monthly maintenance as 
set by IIE; (2) a one-time equipment allowance of $500 per person; (3) 
book allowance up to $950 per person each year; and (4) a one-time 
professional development allowance up to $2,500 per person.
H. Tax Assistance to Grantees
    Insure compliance with the ``Tax Reform Act of 1986'' and assist 
program grantees with requirements for filing federal, state, and local 
tax returns. The applicant will calculate appropriate withholding from 
student grants and deposit withholding with the U.S. Treasury. End-of-
year withholding reports should be provided to the Internal Revenue 
Service and the grantees; and grantees should be notified of the gross 
amount reported as taxable income. Applicants should note that specific 
countries represented in both regions hold tax-exempt treaties with the 
United States.
I. Professional Development and Cultural Enrichment Activities
    Proposals should provide for program participants in their second 
year to attend the annual conference of the Association for Conflict 
Resolution. Proposals should plan for adjunct cultural and professional 
enhancement opportunities within the academic and civic communities 
that further the program's goals and exposes participants to American 
culture and society.
J. Alumni Network
    The program seeks to develop a cadre of leaders with first-hand 
experience in the U.S. who are able to enhance non-governmental efforts 
at peacebuilding in their communities. Proposals should demonstrate how 
participants will be incorporated into an alumni network that fosters 
the development and expansion of professional relationships between 
program participants, and individuals in the U.S. and overseas.
    Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to 
Solicitation Package for further information.

Budget Guidelines

    The total Bureau budget (program and administrative costs) for the 
program should not exceed $500,000. The Bureau funded administrative 
costs as defined in the budget details section of the solicitation 
package should not exceed $50,000. The Bureau encourages applicants to 
provide maximum levels of cost-sharing and funding from private sources 
in support of its programs.
    Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire 
program. There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns 
reflecting both administrative and program budgets. Applicants may 
provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, 
location, or activity to provide clarification. Allowable costs for the 
program include the following:
    (1) Tuition and fees.
    (2) Housing.
    (3) Participant monthly maintenance and allowances.
    (4) Administrative costs not to exceed $50,000.
    (5) Cultural enrichment and professional development activities.
    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 
Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and formatting 
instructions.
    The successful applicant will be required to submit interim and 
final financial reports, as directed by the Bureau, detailing 
expenditures. The Bureau should be consulted on the reprogramming of 
any funds.

Announcement Title and Number

    All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should 
reference the program title and number ECA/A/E/NEA-SA-04-CRP01.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of Academic Exchanges, ECA/
A/E/NEA-SA, Room 212, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, 
SW., Washington, DC 20547, telephone (202) 619-6863, fax (202) 205-2466 
of Internet address [email protected] to request a Solicitation 
Package. The Solicitation Package contains detailed award criteria, 
required application forms, specific budget instructions, and standard 
guidelines for proposal preparation. Please specify Bureau Program 
Officer Alice Armitage on all inquiries and correspondence.
    Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before 
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the FRGP 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 Wednesday, 
September 24, 2003. 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

[[Page 41207]]

proposals are received by the above deadline.
    Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation 
Package. The original and seven copies of the application should be 
sent to: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural 
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/A/E/NEA-SA-04-CRP01, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, 
SA-44, 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 with a maximum line length of 65 characters. The Bureau will 
transmit these files electronically to the Public Affairs Section at 
the U.S. Embassy for its review, with the goal of reducing the time it 
takes to get embassy comments for the Bureau's grants review process.

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) Program 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, screening and selection of program participants, 
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 through its cooperating agencies 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, 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 
Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for 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. Overall Quality: Proposals should exhibit originality and 
substance, consonant with the highest standards of American education, 
and furthering the program's objectives. Program elements should be 
coherently and thoughtfully integrated.
    2. Program Planning and Administration: Detailed proposal and 
relevant work plan should demonstrate substantive undertakings and 
logistical capacity. Proposal and plan should adhere to the program 
overview and guidelines described above.
    3. Ability to achieve program objectives: Objectives should be 
reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly 
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and 
plan.
    4. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed programs should strengthen 
long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of 
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual 
linkages.
    5. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive 
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant 
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of 
participants, program venue and program evaluation) and program content 
(orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource materials 
and follow-up activities).
    6. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional 
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program's 
goals.
    7. Institution's Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate an 
institutional record of successful exchange programs, including 
responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting 
requirements for past Bureau grants as determined by Bureau Grant 
Staff. The Bureau will consider the past performance of prior 
recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
    8. Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate 
the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of 
the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus 
description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original 
project objectives is recommended. Successful applicants will be 
expected to submit intermediate reports after each project component is 
concluded or quarterly whichever is less frequent.
    9. Cost-effectiveness: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing 
through direct institutional contributions, in-kind support, and other 
private sector support. Overhead and administrative components should 
be kept as low as possible.

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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.'' The funding authority for the 
program above is provided through legislation.

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: June 30, 2003.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 03-17480 Filed 7-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-M