[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 19 (Thursday, January 29, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4341-4344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-1931]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4595]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Middle East 
Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Study of the United States Institutes for 
Undergraduate Student Leaders

ACTION: Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP).

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SUMMARY: The Study of the U.S. Branch, Office of Academic Exchange 
Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, announces an open 
competition for public and private non-profit organizations meeting the 
provisions described in IRS regulation 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) to develop 
and implement one (1) of two ``Middle East Partnership Initiative Study 
of the United States Institutes for Undergraduate Student Leaders,'' 
designed for exemplary first and second year undergraduate students 
from the Middle East and North Africa. Funding for these institutes is 
being provided by the Department of State's Middle East Partnership 
Initiative (MEPI). Pending availability of funding and subject to the 
quality of proposals received, it is the Bureau's intention to award up 
to two grants for this project for undergraduate student leaders. An 
organization may only submit one proposal for one assistance award. 
Please note that the Bureau is also currently publishing a separate 
RFGP soliciting proposals for one ``Middle East Partnership Initiative 
Study of the United States Institute for Graduating High School 
Seniors.'' 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.
    The ``Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of the United States 
Institutes for Undergraduate Student Leaders'' are intended to provide 
groups of 21 highly motivated first and second year undergraduate 
students from the Middle East and North Africa with a five-week 
academic seminar and domestic travel component that will give them a 
deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values and institutions, 
past and present. The grant award will also partially support a follow-
on workshop to be held at a site in the Middle East or North Africa. 
Program participants will be identified and nominated by U.S. embassies 
and consulates and drawn from the following countries/entities: 
Algeria; Bahrain; Egypt; Iraq; Israel; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; 
Morocco; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; Syria; 
Tunisia; West Bank/Gaza; Yemen. [Note: Israeli participants will be 
Arab-Israelis only.
    Each program will be five weeks in length and will be conducted 
during the summer of 2004. The follow-on workshop will be conducted 
approximately six to twelve months after the U.S.-based program. Grant 
awards will be for up to two years.
    The Bureau is seeking detailed proposals from U.S. 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, American studies, 
and/or other disciplines or sub-disciplines related to the program 
theme.
    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. U.S. 
student mentors, if proposed, must be mature and must have some 
international experience or knowledge of the region. Programs must 
conform with Bureau requirements and guidelines outlined in the 
Solicitation Package. Bureau programs are subject to the availability 
of funds.
    Applicant institutions must demonstrate expertise in conducting 
academic programs for foreign students, 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.

Program Information

Overview and Objectives

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) ``Study of 
the United States Institutes'' are academic seminars designed to 
provide multinational groups of foreign participants with a deeper 
understanding of U.S. society and institutions. Their ultimate 
objective is to promote a better appreciation of U.S. culture, values 
and the American people. The Middle East Partnership Initiative Study 
of the United States Institutes are specifically designed to

[[Page 4342]]

engage future leaders from countries in the Middle East and North 
Africa.
    The institutes for undergraduate student leaders should be five 
weeks in length and must include an academic residency segment of at 
least twenty-five (25) days duration that takes place at a U.S. college 
or university campus (or other appropriate location). A U.S. domestic 
travel component of not more than ten (10) days, including 3-4 days in 
Washington, DC, should also be planned. This domestic travel component 
should directly complement the academic residency segment, and should 
include visits to cities and sites of interest in the region of the 
host institution. All institutes must conclude with a 3-4 day program 
in Washington, DC.
    The Bureau will work closely with the grantee organizations and 
with U.S. embassies abroad to organize an alumni workshop for 
participants in both MEPI undergraduate student leader institutes. This 
workshop will take place at a site to be determined in the Middle East/
North Africa region within six-twelve months after the conclusion of 
the institutes.
    Institutes should be designed as intensive, academically rigorous 
seminars intended for a group of highly motivated and exemplary first 
and second year undergraduate students from the Middle East and North 
Africa. Each institute should be organized through an integrated series 
of lectures, readings, seminar discussions, regional travel, and site 
visits. Each should also include opportunities for participants to meet 
American citizens from a variety of backgrounds, to interact with 
peers, and to speak to appropriate student and civic groups about their 
experiences and life in their home countries.
    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. 
Within the limits of their thematic focus and organizing framework, 
Institute programs should also be designed to:
    1. Bring an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary focus to bear 
on the program content, if appropriate;
    2. give participants a multi-dimensional view of U.S. society and 
institutions that includes a broad and balanced range of perspectives. 
Where possible, programs should therefore 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,
    3. insure access to library and material resources that will enable 
grantees to continue their studies and conduct research upon returning 
to their home institutions.

Program Description

    Each ``MEPI Study of the United States Institute for Undergraduate 
Student Leaders'' should provide a group of 21 first and second year 
undergraduate students from selected countries in the Middle East and 
North Africa with an integrated and imaginatively designed academic 
seminar and study visit program that will illuminate the history and 
evolution of U.S. society, culture, values and institutions, broadly 
defined. The institute should focus on contemporary American life, 
including current political, social, and economic issues and debates. 
The role and influence of principles and values such as democracy, the 
rule of law, individual rights, freedom of expression, equality, 
diversity and tolerance should be addressed. The concepts of individual 
and civic responsibility, volunteerism, community involvement, and 
environmentalism should also be highlighted. The host institution will 
also be expected to provide participants post-program opportunities for 
further investigation and research on the topics and issues examined 
and discussed during the institute.

Participants

    The participants will be highly motivated and exemplary first and 
second year undergraduate students from colleges, universities and 
teacher training institutions in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, 
Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, 
Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen 
who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community 
involvement, and extracurricular activities. [Note: Israeli 
participants will be Arab-Israelis only.] Participants will be 
identified and nominated by U.S. embassies and consulates in those 
countries, with final selection made by ECA's Study of the U.S. Branch 
in consultation with the MEPI office. A mix of male and female 
participants will be included, and a mix of religious and cultural 
backgrounds represented. All participants will be conversant in 
English.
    This project addresses the MEPI goals of fostering political 
reform, educational reform and women's empowerment in MEPI partner 
countries. Program participants are expected to return to their home 
institutions to contribute to better understanding of U.S. society 
among their university peers and compatriots. As participants will be 
selected in large part on the basis of their demonstrated leadership 
capacity, it is expected they will utilize the experience derived from 
the program in positions of stewardship in their home countries.

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. A syllabus should be included in the proposal, which 
indicates 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 program activities must also be included. Additionally, 
applicant institutions should describe their plans for public and media 
outreach in connection with the program.

Budget Guidelines

    Based on groups of 21 participants, the total Bureau-funded budget 
(program and administrative) for each program should be approximately 
$310,000. Justifications for any budget in excess of this amount 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'' document 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:
    Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of the United States 
Institutes for Undergraduate Student Leaders (ECA/A/E/USS-04-07-Benda)

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To obtain more information about these 
programs, or 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].
    The Study of the U.S. Branch is available to consult with potential 
applicants regarding proposal content and preparation up until the 
proposal submission deadline. 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.

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 March 12, 
2004. 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 deadline 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 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.

Submissions

    Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation 
Package. The original and 10 copies of the complete application should 
be sent to: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Reference: ECA/A/E/USS-04-07-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 in text (.txt) format 
on a PC-formatted disk. If possible, please also include on the disk 
any program calendar or syllabus addendum to the proposal.

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 this goal 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. 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 ECA program office in consultation with the Office of 
Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). Eligible proposals will then 
be forwarded to panels of Bureau officers for advisory review. 
Proposals may also be reviewed

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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 (grants or cooperative 
agreements) resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer.

Review Criteria

    Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed 
according to the criteria stated below. More weight will be given to 
items one and two, and all remaining criteria will be evaluated 
equally.

1. Overall Quality

    Proposals should exhibit originality and substance, consonant with 
the highest standards of American teaching and scholarship. Program 
design should reflect the debates within the topics being examined in 
the 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 college/university students.

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 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 RFP 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: January 23, 2004.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 04-1931 Filed 1-28-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-11-P