[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 197 (Friday, October 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58741-58744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25784]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4510]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposals: Pre-Academic English Language Training and Academic 
Readiness Phase of the Partnership for Learning Undergraduate Studies 
PLUS Program

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Office of English Language Programs of the Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the 
Pre-Academic English Language Training and Academic Readiness phase of 
the ECA Partnership for Learning Undergraduate Studies (PLUS) Program. 
Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions 
described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may 
submit proposals to provide administrative and program support services 
for placing between 75 and 100 undergraduate students from the Middle 
East and North Africa in groups of no more than 14 students in 
appropriate United States Intensive English Programs (IEPs). These IEPs 
should be associated with U.S. colleges and universities offering a 
pre-academic program of intensive English language instruction, 
academic readiness, and acculturation to life and study in the United 
States. It is anticipated that most of the students will begin their 
pre-academic programs in January 2004 or the spring semester of the 
institution's academic calendar.

Program Information

    Overview: The Partnership for Learning Undergraduate Studies (PLUS) 
Program of the ECA Partnership for Learning Initiative seeks to reach a 
broad sector of college-age youth (17-22) from diverse backgrounds, 
provide them with a greater understanding of U.S. institutions, society 
and culture, and build leadership for the region through education.
    The goal of the PLUS scholarship program is to identify and support 
undergraduate level study at accredited higher education institutions 
in the United States for a select cadre of academically talented 
undergraduate students from the Middle East and North Africa who 
exhibit leadership potential in contributing to the economic, 
political, and social development of the region.
    PLUS scholarships are offered for the final two years of 
undergraduate level study leading to a bachelor's degree in the social 
sciences and humanities. When necessary, the program will also

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provide up to eight months of pre-academic training to develop English 
language proficiency and participant academic readiness. The two-year 
Partnership for Learning Undergraduate Studies (PLUS) Program has been 
announced under a separate Request for Grant Proposals.
    Program participants will be recruited, screened and nominated by 
America-Mideast Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST) in 
conjunction with Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Embassies and/or 
Fulbright Commissions in the region. An independent review panel in 
Washington, DC, will determine final selection of scholarship grantees. 
Participants will be placed in pre-academic programs as determined 
necessary in the selection process.
    The Bureau's Office of English Language Programs administers this 
first phase of the PLUS Scholarship Program, and is responsible for 
allocation of funding, policy guidance and administrative oversight.
    The cooperating agency will have responsibility for program 
administration, which involves performance of services in the following 
broad categories: Program Planning and Management; Placement; 
Supervision and Support Services; Fiscal Management; and Reporting and 
Evaluation Services.
    Guidelines: It is anticipated that program administration 
activities will cover the time period December 15, 2003, through August 
30, 2004. The expected cooperating agency caseload is projected to be 
between 75 and 100 candidates for spring 2004 and summer 2004 pre-
academic programs. The cooperating agency will be responsible for the 
following:
    (1) Identify up to 10 U.S. institutions of higher education which 
have Intensive English Programs that also provide activities for 
acculturation to life and study in the U.S. These institutions should 
be geographically widespread and represent the diversity of higher 
education in the U.S. The cooperating agency should work with the 
Bureau in the final selection process of these institutions.
    (2) Negotiate placement into the program for the candidates and 
arrange scholarships or reductions of tuition or other fees when 
possible to leverage U.S. government funds and increase the number of 
participants. Negotiate on-campus housing to include, whenever 
possible, English-speaking roommate(s), meal plans, types and costs. 
Assess the availability and nature of acculturation programs including 
possible home hospitality or weekend and holiday visits with American 
families.
    (3) In conjunction with the U.S. Embassy, arrange travel for the 
candidates from their home countries to the location of the U.S. 
institution in accordance with the ``Fly-America Act.'' ECA intends to 
issue the necessary DS-2019 forms and work with the U.S. embassies to 
secure visas for the candidates.
    (4) Transfer grant funds to the respective host institutions for 
the students' tuition, accommodations, food, and incidentals.
    (5) Enroll candidates in the Bureau's Health and Accident Insurance 
Program (ASPE).
    (6) Monitor program and participants.
    (7) Track, audit, and disburse PLUS Scholarship Program Funds.

Budget Guidelines

    The Bureau anticipates awarding one grant, in an amount up to 
$1,150,000 to support program and administrative costs required to 
implement phase one of the PLUS Program. Bureau grant guidelines 
require that organizations with fewer than four years experience in 
conducting international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau 
funding. 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 to apply under this competition. The 
Bureau encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost-sharing 
and funding in management of 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) Per participant: Expenses for a spring semester and full summer 
sessions as deemed necessary by the selection process including:
    i. tuition and fees,
    ii. books and educational materials,
    iii. on-campus housing with English-speaking roommate(s),
    iv. access to a comprehensive meal plan,
    v. maintenance allowance,
    vi. extra curricular acculturation programs. It is anticipated that 
total expenses will range from $12,500 to $16,000 per participant, 
depending on the institution and the amount of cost sharing negotiated.
    (2) Round Trip Air Travel from home country to site of U.S. 
institution.
    Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget 
guidelines and formatting instructions.
    Announcement Title and Number: All correspondence with the Bureau 
concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/A/
L-04-02.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of English Language 
Programs, ECA/A/L, Room 304, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20547; Phone: (202) 619-5886; Fax: (202) 
401-1250; E-mail: [email protected]; or Internet address: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/RFGPs 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 Kenneth M. Jenson for all other inquiries and correspondence.
    Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before 
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has 
passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants 
until the proposal review process has been completed.

To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet

    The 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.

New OMB Requirement

    An OMB policy directive published in the Federal Register on 
Friday, June 27, 2003, requires that all organizations applying for 
Federal grants or cooperating agreements must provide a Dun and 
Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when 
applying for all Federal grants or cooperating agreements on or after 
October 1, 2003. The complete OMB policy directive can be referenced at 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg/062703_grant_identifier.pdf.
    Please also visit the ECA Web site at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/rfgps/menu.htm for additional information on how to comply 
with this new directive.

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, November 
10, 2003. Faxed documents will not be

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accepted at any time. Documents postmarked the due date but received on 
a later date will not be accepted. Each applicant must ensure that the 
proposals are received by the above deadline.
    Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation 
Package. The original and seven copies of the application should be 
sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/A/L-04-02, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, 
Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20547.

Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines

    Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must 
maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and 
representative of the diversity of American political, social, and 
cultural life. ``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest 
sense and encompass differences including, but not limited to 
ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic 
status, and physical challenges. Applicants are strongly encouraged to 
adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program 
administration and in program content. Please refer to the review 
criteria under the `Support for Diversity' section for specific 
suggestions on incorporating diversity into the total proposal. Public 
Law 104-319 provides that ``in carrying out programs of educational and 
cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom 
and democracy,'' the Bureau ``shall take appropriate steps to provide 
opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and 
democracy leaders of such countries.'' Public Law 106-113 requires that 
the governments of the countries described above do not have 
inappropriate influence in the selection process. Proposals should 
reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the 
full extent deemed feasible.

Adherence to All Regulations Governing the J Visa

    Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to 
Solicitation Package for further information. 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 part 62, 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 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 cooperating agreements 
resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer.

Review Criteria

    Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed 
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank 
ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
    1. Program Development and Management: Proposals should exhibit 
precision and relevance to the Bureau's mission.
    2. Program planning: Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should 
demonstrate the cooperating agency's logistical capacity. Agenda 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. 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).
    5. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional 
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or 
project's goals.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    8. Cost-effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components 
of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as 
low as possible. All other items should be necessary and appropriate.
    9. Cost-sharing: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through 
other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding 
contributions.

Authority

    Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the 
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Pub. L. 87-256, 
as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the 
Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase 
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the 
people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us 
with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural 
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United 
States and other

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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 ECA's Exchanges Appropriation.

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: October 6, 2003.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 03-25784 Filed 10-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P