[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 248 (Monday, December 29, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75014-75018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31882]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4575]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant 
Proposals: Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) U.S. Business 
Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women

SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for 
Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) U.S. Business Internship 
Program for Young Middle Eastern Women. 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 administer the 
participant preparation and support component of the Middle East 
Partnership Initiative (MEPI) U.S. Business Internship Program for 
Young Middle Eastern Women for participants from Algeria, Bahrain, 
Egypt, Iraq (excluding Iraqi expatriates), Israel (limited to the 
Israeli Arab sector), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, 
Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza and 
Yemen. ECA anticipates supporting 40 participants with $1,580,000 in 
funding through MEPI. Participants will be placed in three- or six-
month management internships or three-month entry-level internships, 
depending on professional experience.

    Important Note: This Request for Grant Proposals contains 
language in the ``Shipment and Deadline for Proposals'' section that 
is significantly different from that used in the past. Please pay 
special attention to procedural changes as outlined.

Program Information

Overview

    Subject to the availability of funds, the Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs (ECA) requests proposals for the administration of the 
participant preparation and support component of the Middle East 
Partnership Initiative (MEPI) U.S. Business Internship Program for 
Young Middle Eastern Women for participants from Algeria, Bahrain, 
Egypt, Iraq (excluding Iraqi expatriates), Israel (limited to the 
Israeli Arab sector), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, 
Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza and 
Yemen. ECA anticipates supporting 40 participants with $1,580,000 in 
funding through MEPI. Participants will be placed in three- or six-
month management

[[Page 75015]]

internships or three-month entry-level internships, depending on 
professional experience.
    Applicant organizations must demonstrate the ability to effectively 
administer the participant preparation and support component of the 
U.S. Business Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women. 
Participant preparation and support responsibilities in four (4) 
administrative categories are listed below. It should be understood 
that in the implementation of all of these responsibilities, the Bureau 
must be consulted, especially in the resolution of any and all problems 
that may arise. The administrative portion of the grant should be kept 
to a minimum, and the Bureau encourages applicants to provide maximum 
levels of cost sharing and funding from private sources in support of 
this project.
1. U.S. Orientations and Academic Preparation Programs
    The proposal should include a plan for two separate four-week 
orientation and academic preparation programs prior to the internship 
placements in order to assist participants with the transition to the 
United States, its culture, and the business environment. The first 
three days of the program should be conducted jointly for both groups 
in Washington, DC. Following this introduction, the remainder of the 
orientation and preparation program should be conducted in two cohorts 
and reflect the professional level of the participants (entry level and 
management interns) at a location, possibly a university campus, in the 
U.S. Each orientation and academic preparation program should have a 
maximum of 20 participants. The orientation and academic preparation 
program should follow an interdisciplinary approach that addresses both 
the opportunities and challenges of interning in a U.S. business. The 
program should aim to provide participants with the skills to function 
successfully in the United States culturally and professionally, and to 
inspire professional achievement. The academic portion of the program 
should be modeled on an MBA executive education program and could 
include coursework in management, finance, accounting, business 
strategy, marketing, organizational behavior, information technology, 
governance and ethics. The orientation portion of the program should 
include workshops on cross-cultural adaptation, U.S. history and 
society, the development of the business sector, women in business and 
leadership development.
    Applicant organizations are encouraged to partner with qualified 
U.S. institutions that are experienced in delivering customized MBA-
level training to international students. It is also highly desirable 
that the program participants receive a certificate of achievement from 
an accredited institution upon the successful completion of the 
academic preparation program.
2. End-of-Program Washington Workshop
    The proposal should include a plan for two four-day workshops in 
Washington, DC. One workshop should take place at the conclusion of the 
three-month entry-level internship period for these interns and one 
should take place at the conclusion of the six-month management 
internship period for this group. The goals of both workshops are to 
provide a forum for reflection on the overall experience in the U.S., 
the creation of an alumnae network and the development of leadership 
skills. Workshop sessions should include, but not be limited to, career 
development, opportunities for alumni leadership, and program 
evaluation. Upon completion of the workshop, participants should 
immediately return to their countries.
3. Internship Placement Support
    Internships in U.S. companies will be identified and prepared by 
the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and the Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, in consultation with 
the Department of Commerce. The Department of State is working to 
identify internship spots for up to 40 women in both Fortune 500 
companies as well as small and medium size enterprises in a variety of 
industries. Additionally, the Department of State is working to 
identify companies in the same metropolitan areas so interns will be 
co-located in the same cities. Businesses may accept more than one 
intern, but the interns should not be managed or supervised by the same 
person. The U.S. business will be responsible for providing 
professional development and management experience; a workplace 
orientation that includes meeting supervisors, assigning mentors, and 
reviewing the work outline; and assisting with the identification and 
arrangement of housing (prior to the intern's arrival).
    Applicant organizations will be responsible for coordination with 
the U.S. Department of State and the participating U.S. businesses to 
ensure a smooth transition to the internship component of the program. 
Coordination includes making participant travel arrangements, ensuring 
that appropriate housing is available during the internship period and 
preparing the participants for living independently in a U.S. city. 
Additionally, the applicant organization should be prepared to assist 
in identifying additional internship placements in the event a business 
withdraws its offer of an internship after the participants arrive in 
the U.S.
4. Participant Monitoring and Support
    The proposal should include a plan for monitoring and support of 
program participants during the U.S. portion of the program, including 
travel, housing and living stipend, and program evaluation. Proposals 
must discuss how the participants' progress in achieving program goals 
and objectives will be monitored. Proposals should cite the intended 
frequency and form of communication with the participants during the 
orientation and academic preparation program and during the subsequent 
internship period. The use of email lists and a program Web site should 
be utilized where possible and cost-efficient. The proposal should 
outline performance goals or benchmarks. Grantee organizations should 
define their policies for working with fellows who do not meet the 
academic standards of the academic portion of the program or violate 
program regulations.
    Applicant organizations should propose qualified professional 
staff, able to efficiently carry out all aspects of the program in the 
United States. Applicant organizations must demonstrate institutional 
records of successful exchange programs, including responsible fiscal 
management and full compliance with all reporting requirements. 
Applicant organizations will be expected to maintain procedures and 
manuals for all components of the program to ensure that all staff 
operates the program according to an established protocol.
    Applicant organizations should ensure that the Department of State, 
through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Middle 
East Partnership Initiative, is acknowledged as the program sponsor in 
all publicity materials and advertising. Applicant organizations should 
calculate their budgets on an anticipated caseload of 40 principal 
candidates. Note that all program materials must emphasize that 
participants will not be able to extend or transfer their U.S. visa 
sponsorship at the completion of their MEPI-sponsored internship, as 
they are expected to

[[Page 75016]]

return to their home countries to fulfill the two-year home residency 
requirement of the J visa.
    Additionally, the Bureau requests that the applicant organization 
discuss how it plans to cooperate with the overseas recruitment partner 
to:
    (a) Establish and maintain participant statistical database.
    (b) Open, maintain and close intern files. Retain records of grants 
and other pertinent documentation.
    (c) Conduct a technical review of applications for eligibility and 
thoroughness: checking for accurate bio-data, transcripts, 
recommendations, TOEFL scores and follow-up, if necessary, to secure 
missing documentation.
    Guidelines: Program administration activities should cover the time 
frame from August 1, 2004 to March 5, 2005. The expected grantee 
caseload for the summer 2004 to spring 2005 time fame is projected to 
be 40 individuals. The Bureau's Office of Academic Exchange Programs 
will administer and coordinate the Middle East Partnership Initiative 
(MEPI) U.S. Business Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women. 
Subject to the availability of funds, the Bureau expects to award one 
grant of up to $1,580,000.
    The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is a Presidential 
initiative to support economic, political, and educational reform 
efforts in the Middle East and champion opportunity for all people of 
the region, especially women and youth. The initiative strives to link 
Middle Eastern, U.S., and global private sector businesses, non-
governmental organizations, civil society elements, and governments 
together to develop innovative policies and programs to achieve this 
mission.
    The U.S. Business Internship Program will provide young women from 
the Middle East unique opportunities to learn management and business 
skills while working in the dynamic and productive U.S. business 
environment. This MEPI program will establish substantive internships 
for skilled, qualified Middle Eastern businesswomen in cooperating U.S. 
businesses and create a cadre of professionals infused with an 
experience that only hands-on training can provide. Immersion in the 
American business environment will give these future business leaders 
unique tools and skills to bring home and incorporate into regional 
enterprises while creating mutually beneficial professional and 
personal relationships between Middle Eastern and American partners.
    Participant recruitment and alumni support will be administered 
through a separate grant agreement. Recruitment efforts will 
specifically target young Middle Eastern women outside of the 
traditional urban areas in economically diverse and disadvantaged 
sectors. A review panel in Washington DC, including representatives of 
ECA and MEPI, will make the final selection of participants.
    Competition for the MEPI U.S. Business Internship Program for Young 
Middle Eastern Women will be open, merit-based, and fair to all 
applicants. Applicants will be evaluated based on academic excellence, 
leadership potential, proficiency in written and spoken English (with a 
minimum TOEFL score of 550), maturity, and flexibility and suitability 
to operate successfully in an American corporate environment. Selected 
applicants must also demonstrate a sufficient level of information 
technology knowledge and word processing ability to operate in a U.S. 
business at the appropriate entry or management level.
    In-country interview panels will be comprised of representatives 
from the Public Affairs section of U.S. embassies, embassy Economic/
Commercial sections, locally qualified businessmen/women, NGO 
officials, and alumni of USG exchange programs.
    All program participants must be sponsored under Exchange Visitor 
Program No. G-1-0332 on a J-1 Visa and comply with J-1 Visa 
regulations. In addition, administration of the program must comply 
with reporting and withholding regulations for federal, state, and 
local taxes as applicable.
    Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to 
Solicitation Package for further information.
    Budget Guidelines: The Bureau anticipates awarding one grant in the 
amount of $1,580,000 to support program and administrative costs 
required to implement this phase of the U.S. Business Internship 
Program for Young Middle Eastern Women. Bureau grant guidelines require 
that organizations with less than four years experience in conducting 
international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau funding. 
Therefore, organizations with less than four years experience in 
conducting international exchanges are ineligible to apply under this 
competition. 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. Awards may not exceed $1,580,000. 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:

Program Costs

    [sbull] Domestic travel, coach class or equivalent, from 
Washington, DC to the orientation site and from the orientation site to 
the internship location, and from the internship location to 
Washington, DC;
    [sbull] Washington Orientation Workshop expenses (not to exceed 
$800 per participant);
    [sbull] Tuition, fees (including all staffing and professional 
fees), room and board for orientation and academic preparation program;
    [sbull] Educational materials (not to exceed $1,000 per 
participant);
    [sbull] Cultural allowance (not to exceed $500 per participant);
    [sbull] Monthly stipend (please develop an average based on current 
MMR rates);
    [sbull] End of Program Workshop expenses (not to exceed $1000 per 
participant, per workshop);
    [sbull] Accident and sickness insurance;
    [sbull] Withholding for taxes as necessary.

Domestic Administrative Costs

    [sbull] Staff salaries and fringe benefits (Each staff member and 
his/her position must be listed separately, including the percentage of 
his/her total time spent on this program and duties performed on behalf 
of the program. Proposed salaries and time on task must be certified as 
true and accurate representations of actual costs and percentage of 
time. Resumes must be included for new staff.);
    [sbull] Staff travel and per diem;
    [sbull] Communication costs (fax, telephone, postage, equipment, 
etc.);
    [sbull] Administration of tax withholding and reporting as required 
by Federal, State, and local authorities and in accordance with 
relevant tax treaties;
    [sbull] A-133 Audit fees if not included in the indirect cost pool;
    [sbull] Other direct costs;
    [sbull] Indirect costs (per OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for 
Non-Profit Organizations, organizations receiving more than $10 million 
in Federal funding of direct costs in a fiscal year must break out the 
indirect cost component into two broad categories, Facilities and 
Administration, as defined in subparagraph C.3).
    The above cost allocations are subject to the availability of 
funds. ECA reserves the right to modify any of the above cost 
allocations to achieve program efficiency and cost savings. 

[[Page 75017]]

    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/
E-04-02 MEPI.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of Academic Exchange 
Programs, ECA/A/E, Room 234, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, 202-619-4360 (phone), 202-401-5914 
(fax), http://exchanges.state.gov/education/fulbright/ 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 
Senior Program Officer Robert Greenan on 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 cooperative agreements 
must provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number when applying for all Federal grants or cooperative 
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.
    Shipment and Deadline for Proposals:

    Important Note: The deadline for this competition is February 
17, 2003. In light of recent events and heightened security 
measures, proposal submissions must be sent via a nationally 
recognized overnight delivery service (i.e., DHL, Federal Express, 
UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. Postal Service Express Overnight 
Mail, etc.) and be shipped no later than the above deadline. The 
delivery services used by applicants must have in-place, centralized 
shipping identification and tracking systems that may be accessed 
via the Internet and delivery people who are identifiable by 
commonly recognized uniforms and delivery vehicles. Proposals 
shipped on or before the above deadline but received at ECA more 
than seven days after the deadline will be ineligible for further 
consideration under this competition. Proposals shipped after the 
established deadlines are ineligible for consideration under this 
competition. It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that 
each package is marked with a legible tracking number and to 
monitor/confirm delivery to ECA via the Internet. Delivery of 
proposal packages may not be made via local courier service or in 
person for this competition. Faxed documents will not be accepted at 
any time. Only proposals submitted as stated above will be 
considered.

    Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation 
Package. The original and 7 copies of the application should be sent 
to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural 
Affairs, Ref.: ECA/A/E-04-02 MEPI, 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 in text (.txt) format on a PC-formatted disk. The Bureau 
will provide these files electronically to the Public Affairs Section 
at the U.S. embassy for its review.

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 
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.
    The Grantee 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 assistance awards and 
grants resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer.

[[Page 75018]]

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. Quality of the program idea: Proposals should exhibit 
originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the mission of the 
Bureau and the Middle East Partnership Initiative.
    2. Program planning: Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should 
demonstrate substantive undertakings and 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. 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 or 
project'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 are 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: 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.
    10. Cost-sharing: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through 
other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding 
contributions.
    11. Value to U.S.-Partner Country Relations: Proposed projects 
should receive positive assessments by the U.S. Department of State's 
geographic area desk and overseas officers of program need, potential 
impact, and significance in the partner country(ies).

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. The funding for this 
program is provided through the Middle East Partnership Initiative 
(MEPI).

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: December 19, 2003.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 03-31882 Filed 12-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P