[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 27 (Thursday, February 9, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6812-6818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-1789]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 5300]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for 
Grant Proposals: Two Summer Institutes for European Student Leaders

    Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/A/E/EUR-06-06.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
    Key Dates: July 6, 2006-March 23, 2007.
    Application Deadline: March 23, 2006.
SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, European and 
Eurasian Programs Branch (ECA/A/E/EUR) announces an open competition 
for two separate Summer Institutes for European Student Leaders. 
Accredited, post-secondary educational institutions in the United 
States may submit proposals for two six-week summer institutes, which 
will be similar in content, but differ in terms of the language 
abilities of the participants. The participants in one institute will 
have a high fluency level in English, and the participants in the other 
institute will have mid-level language abilities. Each institute will 
begin with English language instruction appropriate to the participants 
and then offer a core program that promotes leadership development and 
civic engagement through courses that will be valuable to the 
participants in future academic and work careers. Each institute will 
host up to 20 participants from Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, 
Spain, and United Kingdom who are either recent high school graduates 
enrolled in universities for the fall 2006 or first and second year 
undergraduate students. Participants will be between 17 and 23 years of 
age. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) anticipates 
awarding two separate assistance awards to support these two programs. 
Organizations may submit separate proposals for each program. However, 
ECA will award no

[[Page 6813]]

more than one grant to administer a Summer Institute per U.S. 
institution.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    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.

    Purpose: The goal of the Summer Institutes for European Student 
Leaders is to provide young Europeans from non-privileged backgrounds, 
and from all sectors of the six participating countries, with the 
opportunity to learn about America, and to participate in coursework 
that will serve them well in their future academic and work careers as 
well as provide training that will enhance their leadership abilities 
for their local communities. At the same time the students will become 
familiar with U.S. campus life, meet a variety of U.S. citizens and 
have a valuable cultural experience. American institutions of higher 
education having experience in hosting international students for 
special programs may apply to develop, administer and provide follow-up 
to the six-week summer program.
    Guidelines: The program should be designed to support the following 
specific activities/components:
    (a) An intensive English program to strengthen the language skills 
of those participants with mid-level abilities before undertaking the 
academic program and/or complementary academic activities including 
English language studies for participants with high fluency.
    (b) An academic program that will include English for specific 
purposes such as Business English and offer coursework in areas such as 
public presentation/speaking, writing skills (on the appropriate 
level), marketing/public relations and computer classes. The academic 
program should include lectures as well as group discussions and 
exercises focusing on topics such as the essential attributes of 
leadership, including ``teambuilding,'' effective communication, and 
problem-solving skills, and management skills for diverse 
organizational settings. The knowledge acquired in the academic 
coursework should be applicable in the academic and business worlds as 
well as be useful for those involved in leadership roles in student 
and/or community activities.
    (c) Structured cultural activities planned within the six-week 
program to facilitate interaction among the European participants, 
American students, faculty, administrators, and the local community, 
including hands-on community service, to promote mutual understanding 
between the people of the United States and the people of the six 
countries.
    (d) Four highly qualified U.S. mentors/escorts for each institute 
who exhibit cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the program's 
objectives, who should accompany the student participants throughout 
the entire program. These mentors/escorts will take on the role of 
cultural interpreters and help the participants to network with other 
students and the community at large. The mentors/escorts must actively 
participate in classroom sessions, reside with students in dormitories 
or other accommodations, direct cultural and recreational activities 
during weekends, and escort students during the educational travel 
component.
    (e) The creation of a website and a listserv to facilitate follow-
on mentoring/participant networking concerning final project 
implementation and to continue a dialog on ideas developed during the 
institute.
    (f) Assistance to participants while in the U.S. to select, 
purchase and ship professional materials to use in follow-on activities 
in their home country.
    (g) One post-institute alumni workshop that will take place in 
Europe in coordination with the six participating Fulbright 
Commissions.
    The beginning of the program should focus on intensive English or 
special programs for participants not needing concentrated language 
study. This will be the foundation for the following academic program 
that should include lectures as well as group discussions and exercises 
focusing on English for Specific Purposes and areas such as leadership, 
public presentation/speaking, writing skills (on the appropriate 
level), marketing/public relations, and computer classes. The institute 
should incorporate a focus on contemporary American life.
    Applicants should take into account that the participants may have 
limited knowledge of the United States and varying degrees of 
experience in expressing their opinions in a classroom environment, and 
should tailor their proposed curriculum and classroom activities 
accordingly. The language ability will also vary, especially for the 
institute for the mid-level/less fluent participants. The host 
institution will be required to develop a program that provides ample 
time and opportunity for discussion and interaction, not simply 
standard lectures or broad survey reading assignments. Local site 
visits to primary and/or secondary schools, other colleges, and 
research institutions should be part of the academic program.
    The program should also include opportunities for participants to 
meet American citizens from a variety of ethnic, religious, and socio-
economic backgrounds. The host institution should make a special effort 
to provide opportunities for the participants to interact with their 
peers in the United States on a regular basis, and to speak to 
appropriate student and civic groups about their experiences and life 
in their home countries.
    Pending availability of FY 2006 funds, the institute activities 
should begin on or about July 6, 2006 with follow-up activities to end 
before March 23, 2007.
    Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to the 
Solicitation Package for further information.
    Program Administration: All Summer Institute programming and 
administrative logistics, management of the intensive English and 
academic programs, field trips, and on-site arrangements will be the 
responsibility of the institute grantee. The grantee organization is 
also responsible for arrangements for lodging, food, maintenance and 
local travel for participants while in the U.S. The grantee 
organization should strive to balance cost-effectiveness in 
accommodations and meal plans with flexibility for differing diets and 
individual needs of the participants.
    The participating Fulbright Commissions in Europe will handle the 
cost of and ticketing for international travel.
    The project will provide each participant with a supplemental book 
allowance of $200 per person. The grantee organization should plan to 
assist participants in selection, acquisition and shipment of materials 
to their home countries. The grantee organization should also arrange 
for institutional or publishers' discounts for participants, as 
possible.
    Proposals should describe the available health care system and the 
plan to provide health care access to

[[Page 6814]]

institute participants. The Department of State will provide limited 
health insurance coverage to all participants.
    Participant Selection: Participants will be selected by ECA based 
on nominations from six participating Fulbright Commissions. Minimum 
qualifications for all participants will be (1) adequate proficiency in 
English to allow full participation in and benefit from the program, 
(2) enrollment or plans to enroll in higher education programs in 
Europe, (3) high level of academic achievement, as indicated by 
academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations, and (4) 
demonstration of a commitment to community and university activities in 
their home countries. Program participants will be selected on the 
basis of their demonstrated leadership capacity. Participants will 
enter the United States on J-visas, using DS-2019 forms issued by ECA.
    Orientation: The grantee organization will provide general pre-
departure orientation materials for all participants prior to their 
travel to the United States. This material might include a tentative 
program outline with suggested goals and objectives, relevant 
background information about the U.S. institution and individuals 
involved in the project, and information concerning arrival in the host 
city, local housing, climate, and available services at the host 
institution.
    Needs Assessment: The U.S. institution should conduct an initial 
needs assessment of participants upon arrival in the United States and 
should be prepared to adjust program emphasis as necessary, 
particularly to respond to participants' language abilities in the 
institute for less fluent participants.
     Cooperative Agreement: In a cooperative agreement, ECA/A/
E/EUR is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond 
routine grant monitoring. ECA/A/E/EUR activities and responsibilities 
for this program are as follows:
     Participants will be selected by ECA based on nominations 
from the participating Fulbright Commissions.
     Participants will enter the United States on J-visas, 
using DS-2019 forms issued by ECA.
     The Fulbright Commissions will arrange participants' 
international travel.
     ECA/A/E/EUR will facilitate sending pre-arrival 
orientation materials electronically to participants via the 
participating Fulbright Commissions.

    ECA/A/E/EUR will provide the host institution with participants' 
curricula vitae and travel itineraries and will be available to offer 
guidance throughout the duration of the program.
    Proposal Contents: Applicants should submit a complete and thorough 
proposal describing the program in a convincing and comprehensive 
manner. Applicants may submit separate proposals for each program if 
they wish. However, ECA will award no more than one grant per 
institution. Since there is no opportunity for applicants to meet with 
reviewing officials, the proposal should respond to the criteria set 
forth in the solicitation and other guidelines as clearly as possible.
    The proposal should address succinctly, but completely, the 
elements described below and must follow all format requirements. The 
proposal should include the following items:
    TAB A--SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
    TAB B--Executive Summary.
    In one double-space page, provide the following information about 
the project:
    1. Name of organization/participating institutions.
    2. Beginning and ending dates of the program.
    3. Proposed theme.
    4. Nature of activity.
    5. Funding level requested from the Bureau, total program cost, 
total cost sharing from the applicant and other sources.
    6. Scope and goals: Include (a) the number and description of 
participants; (b) describe the wider audience benefiting from the 
program (overall impact); and (c) anticipated results (short and long 
term).
    TAB C--Narrative and Calendar of activities.
    In 20 pages provide a detailed description of the project 
addressing the areas listed below.
    1. Vision (statement of need, objectives, goals, benefits).
    2. Participating Organizations.
    3. Program Activities (orientation, intensive English, academic 
component, cultural program, participant monitoring, opening and 
closing events).
    4. Program Evaluation.
    5. Follow-on activities and a visit to home work site(s) of 
selected participants.
    6. Project Management.
    7. Work Plan/Time Frame.
    Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instruction (PSI) document 
for technical format and instructions.
    TAB D--Budget Submission.
    The cost to the Bureau for the Summer Institutes for European 
Student Leaders should not exceed $170,000. The budget should be 
developed for 20 participants.
    Please see section IV.3e and the Guidelines for Assistance Award 
Proposals and Budget Guidelines in Proposal Submission Instructions 
(PSI) in regard to a Summary Budget and a detailed Line-Item Budget. 
Use notes where further explanation of line items is required to 
clarify how the figures were derived.
    TAB E--Letters of endorsement and resum[eacute]s.
    Resum[eacute]s of all program staff should be included in the 
submission. No resume should exceed two pages.
    TAB F.--SF-424B ``Assurances-Nonconstruction Programs.''
    First time applicant organizations and organizations which have not 
received an assistance award (grant or cooperative agreement) from the 
Bureau during the past three (3) years, must submit as an attachment to 
this form the following: (a) One copy of their Charter OR Articles of 
Incorporation; (b) A list of the current Board of Directors: and (c) 
current financial statements.
    Include other attachments, if applicable.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. ECA's level of involvement in 
this program is listed under number I above.
    Fiscal Year Funds: 2006.
    Approximate Total Funding: $340,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: Two (2)--However, organizations may 
receive no more than one grant of up to $170,000.
    Approximate Average Award: $170,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, May 30, 
2006.
    Anticipated Project Completion Date: March 23, 2007.

III. Eligibility Information

    III.1. Eligible Applicants: Applications may be submitted by public 
and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described 
in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).
    III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds: There is no minimum or 
maximum percentage required for this competition. However, the Bureau 
encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and 
funding in support of its programs.
    When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the 
applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its 
proposal and later included in an approved grant agreement. Cost 
sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For 
accountability, you must maintain written records to support all

[[Page 6815]]

costs that are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be 
paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The 
basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must 
be in accordance with OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), Subpart C.23--Cost 
Sharing and Matching. In the event you do not provide the minimum 
amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's 
contribution will be reduced in like proportion.
    III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements: Bureau grant guidelines 
require that organizations with less than four years experience in 
conducting international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau 
funding. ECA anticipates awarding two grants, in an amount up to 
$170,000 each to support program and administrative costs required to 
implement this exchange program. Therefore, organizations with less 
than four years experience in conducting international exchanges are 
ineligible to apply under this competition.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    Note: Please read the complete 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.

    IV.1. Contact Information To Request an Application Package: Please 
contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, ECA/A/E/EUR, 
Senior Program Manager Ilo-Mai Harding at Room 246, U.S. Department of 
State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, Tel: (202) 
453-8522; Fax: (202) 453-8520; or E-mail address: [email protected] 
to request a Solicitation Package. Please specify Ilo-Mai Harding and 
refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/E/EUR-06-06 located at 
the top of this announcement when making your request.
    Alternatively, an electronic application package may be obtained 
from grants.gov. Please see section IV.3f for further information.
    The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission 
Instruction (PSI) document which consists of required application 
forms, and standard guidelines for proposal preparation.
    It also contains the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation 
(POGI) document, which provides specific information, award criteria 
and budget instructions tailored to this competition.
    IV.2. 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/menu.htm, or from the 
Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov.
    Please read all information before downloading.
    IV.3. Content and Form of Submission: Applicants must follow all 
instructions in the Solicitation Package. The application should be 
sent per the instructions under IV.3f. ``Application Deadline and 
Methods of Submission'' below.
    IV.3a. You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative 
agreement from the U.S. Government. This number is a nine-digit 
identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. 
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a 
DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-
5711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the 
appropriate box of the SF-424 which is part of the formal application 
package.
    IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal 
narrative and budget.
    Please Refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory 
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document for additional 
formatting and technical requirements.
    IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of 
application. If your organization is a private nonprofit which has not 
received a grant or cooperative agreement from ECA in the past three 
years, or if your organization received nonprofit status from the IRS 
within the past four years, you must submit the necessary documentation 
to verify nonprofit status as directed in the PSI document. Failure to 
do so will cause your proposal to be declared technically ineligible.
    IV.3d. Please take into consideration the following information 
when preparing your proposal narrative:
    IV.3d.1. 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 the 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) 203-5029. 
FAX: (202) 453-8640.
    Please refer to Solicitation Package for further information.
    IV.3d.2. 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 disabilities. 
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 your 
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.
    IV.3d.3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Proposals must include 
a plan to monitor and evaluate the project's success, both as the 
activities unfold and at the end of the program. The Bureau recommends 
that your proposal include a draft survey questionnaire or other 
technique plus a description of a methodology to use to link outcomes 
to original project objectives. The Bureau expects that the

[[Page 6816]]

grantee will track participants or partners and be able to respond to 
key evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the program, 
learning as a result of the program, changes in behavior as a result of 
the program, and effects of the program on institutions (institutions 
in which participants work or partner institutions). The evaluation 
plan should include indicators that measure gains in mutual 
understanding as well as substantive knowledge.
    Successful monitoring and evaluation depend heavily on setting 
clear goals and outcomes at the outset of a program. Your evaluation 
plan should include a description of your project's objectives, your 
anticipated project outcomes, and how and when you intend to measure 
these outcomes (performance indicators). The more that outcomes are 
``smart'' (specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and 
placed in a reasonable time frame), the easier it will be to conduct 
the evaluation. You should also show how your project objectives link 
to the goals of the program described in this RFGP.
    Your monitoring and evaluation plan should clearly distinguish 
between program outputs and outcomes. Outputs are products and services 
delivered, often stated as an amount. Output information is important 
to show the scope or size of project activities, but it cannot 
substitute for information about progress towards outcomes or the 
results achieved. Examples of outputs include the number of people 
trained or the number of seminars conducted. Outcomes, in contrast, 
represent specific results a project is intended to achieve and is 
usually measured as an extent of change. Findings on outputs and 
outcomes should both be reported, but the focus should be on outcomes.
    We encourage you to assess the following four levels of outcomes, 
as they relate to the program goals set out in the RFGP (listed here in 
increasing order of importance):
    1. Participant satisfaction with the program and exchange 
experience.
    2. Participant learning, such as increased knowledge, aptitude, 
skills, and changed understanding and attitude. Learning includes both 
substantive (subject-specific) learning and mutual understanding.
    3. Participant behavior, concrete actions to apply knowledge in 
work or community; greater participation and responsibility in civic 
organizations; interpretation and explanation of experiences and new 
knowledge gained; continued contacts between participants, community 
members, and others.
    4. Institutional changes, such as increased collaboration and 
partnerships, policy reforms, new programming, and organizational 
improvements.

    Please note: Consideration should be given to the appropriate 
timing of data collection for each level of outcome. For example, 
satisfaction is usually captured as a short-term outcome, whereas 
behavior and institutional changes are normally considered longer-
term outcomes.

    Overall, the quality of your monitoring and evaluation plan will be 
judged on how well it (1) specifies intended outcomes; (2) gives clear 
descriptions of how each outcome will be measured; (3) identifies when 
particular outcomes will be measured; and (4) provides a clear 
description of the data collection strategies for each outcome (i.e., 
surveys, interviews, or focus groups). (Please note that evaluation 
plans that deal only with the first level of outcomes [satisfaction] 
will be deemed less competitive under the present evaluation criteria.)
    Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their 
evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. All 
data collected, including survey responses and contact information, 
must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the 
Bureau upon request.
    IV.3d.4. Describe your plans for overall program management, 
staffing and coordination with ECA/A/E/EUR: ECA/A/E/EUR considers 
program management, staffing and coordination with the Department of 
State essential elements of your program. Please give sufficient 
attention to these elements in your proposal. Please refer to the 
Technical Eligibility Requirements in the Solicitation package for 
specific guidelines.
    IV.3e. Please take the following information into consideration 
when preparing your budget:
    IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for each 
program. Awards may not exceed $170,000. 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. 
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. 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.
    IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program include the following:
    1. Instructional costs (for example: instructors' salaries, 
honoraria for outside speakers, educational course materials);
    2. Lodging, meals, and incidentals for participants;
    3. Expenses associated with cultural activities planned for the 
group of participants (for example: tickets, transportation);
    4. Administrative costs as necessary;
    5. U.S. ground transportation costs to U.S. appointments, meetings 
and to/from airports.
    Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget 
guidelines and formatting instructions.
    IV.3e.3. Divide the line-item budget into Program and 
Administration sections. The line-item budget should include and 
elaborate on the categories listed below.
    Program Costs: The Institution may choose to itemize academic 
program costs or set a fee per participant. The following may be 
included as itemized instruction costs:
    a. Honoraria and per diem for outside speakers, if any. List names 
and amounts.
    b. Film and video rentals, educational materials, curricular needs 
(i.e. texts, course packs for classes) as needed.
    If the institution chooses to budget instruction costs as a fee per 
participant, please state what services are provided within that fee, 
and only actual costs incurred are chargeable to the award.
    Clearly indicate the unit cost for each item listed below:
    1. Lodging. Housing may be in graduate dormitories, faculty 
residence, or other, as appropriate. Single rooms preferred.
    2. Meals. Meals may be provided through cash subsistence payments 
to participants, cafeteria meal plans, or a combination of both. If 
using a meal plan exclusively, show clearly how the cost of meals will 
be covered if participants travel away from campus or campus cafeterias 
are closed.
    3. Incidentals allowance. Include an incidentals allowance of $10 
per person per day for full number of days of the Summer Institute at 
the host institution.
    4. Supplemental book allowance of $200 per person.
    5. Return shipping allowance $150 per person.
    6. Lodging, meals and incidentals allowances for participants who 
must arrive before the institute formally begins and/or depart after 
the institute formally ends, due to airline schedules in their home 
countries.


[[Page 6817]]


    Note: Per Diem rate for lodging and meals may not exceed 
published U.S. government allowance rates for the site of the 
institute. Applicants may use per diem rates that are lower than 
official government rates.

    Cultural activities and other program costs may include the 
following:
    1. Cultural activities: Entrance fees, overnight lodging, and meals 
not previously listed.
    2. Costs for cultural and educational tour: Include participant 
lodging (double rooms are acceptable); meals for participants.
    3. Transportation: Ground transportation for group cultural and 
educational activities; ground transportation for airport arrivals and 
departures. Note: The Fulbright Commissions will provide round-trip 
international air tickets (from the home country to the institute site 
and return to the home country) for participants. The cost of airline 
travel for participants should not be included in the budget.
    4. Per diem (or lodging and subsistence) and travel for grantee 
escort staff for overnight cultural activities in the institute's home 
region. Note: Per Diem rate for lodging and meals may not exceed 
published U.S. government allowance rates for the site of the 
institute. Applicants may use per diem rates that are lower than 
official government rates.
    5. Costs associated with post-institute implementation/ evaluation 
site visit to Europe.
    Administration Costs should include the following:
    A. Staff requirements.
    B. Benefits.
    C. Other directly administrative expenses.
    D. Indirect expenses.
    Please review carefully the Guidelines for Assistance Award 
Proposals and Budget Guidelines in Proposal Submission Instructions 
(PSI) for descriptions and limitations for each type of administrative 
cost.
    IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission:
    Application Deadline Date: March 23, 2006.
    Reference Number: ECA/A/E/EUR-06-06.
    Methods of Submission:
    Applications may be submitted in one of two ways:
    (1) In hard-copy, via a nationally recognized overnight delivery 
service (i.e., DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. 
Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.), or
    (2) Electronically through http://www.grants.gov.
    Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above 
Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory 
Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) of the solicitation document.
    IV.3f.1 Submitting Printed Applications:
    Applications must be shipped no later than the above deadline. 
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. ECA will not 
notify you upon receipt of application. 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.

    Important note: When preparing your submission please make sure 
to include one extra copy of the completed SF-424 form and place it 
in an envelope addressed to ``ECA/EX/PM''.

    Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation 
Package. The original and eight 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/EUR-06-06, Program Management, ECA/EX/
PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
    IV.3f.2--Submitting Electronic Applications: Applicants have the 
option of submitting proposals electronically through Grants.gov 
(http://www.grants.gov). Complete solicitation packages are available 
at Grants.gov in the ``Find'' portion of the system. Please follow the 
instructions available in the `Get Started' portion of the site (http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted).
    Applicants have until midnight (12 a.m.) of the closing date to 
ensure that their entire applications have been uploaded to the 
grants.gov site. Applications uploaded to the site after midnight of 
the application deadline date will be automatically rejected by the 
grants.gov system, and will be technically ineligible.
    Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail from grants.gov upon 
the successful submission of an application. ECA will not notify you 
upon receipt of electronic applications.
    IV.3g. Intergovernmental Review of Applications: Executive Order 
12372 does not apply to this program.

V. Application Review Information

    V.1. Review Process: The Bureau will review all proposals 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 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. Quality of the program conceptualization and planning: Proposals 
should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the 
Bureau's mission of mutual understanding as well as adherence to all 
guidelines, goals and objectives described in the RFGP. The proposal 
should demonstrate effective use of community and regional resources to 
enhance the cultural and educational experiences of the participants. A 
relevant work plan and detailed calendar should demonstrate substantive 
undertakings and logistical capacity.
    2. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional 
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve a substantive 
academic program and effective cross-cultural communication with U.S. 
students. Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of 
successful exchange programs, including responsible fiscal management 
and full

[[Page 6818]]

compliance with all reporting requirements for past Bureau grants. The 
proposal should show evidence of strong on-site administrative 
capabilities with specific discussion of how logistical arrangements 
will be undertaken.
    3. 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.
    4. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive 
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Program administrators 
should strive for diversity among institute staff, university students, 
the host community who interact with participants, and the cultural 
component of the program.
    5. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for 
continued follow-on activity (without Bureau support) ensuring that 
Bureau supported programs are not isolated events.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    8. Cost-sharing: Proposals should maximize cost sharing through 
other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding 
contributions.

VI. Award Administration Information

    VI.1a. Award Notices: Final awards cannot be made until funds have 
been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal 
Bureau procedures. Successful applicants will receive an Assistance 
Award Document (AAD) from the Bureau's Grants Office. The AAD and the 
original grant proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) 
shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient 
and the U.S. Government. The AAD will be signed by an authorized Grants 
Officer, and mailed to the recipient's responsible officer identified 
in the application.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of 
the application review from the ECA program office coordinating this 
competition.
    VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Terms and 
Conditions for the Administration of ECA agreements include the 
following:

Office of Management and Budget Circular A-122, ``Cost Principles for 
Nonprofit Organizations.''
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-21, ``Cost Principles for 
Educational Institutions.''
OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian 
Governments''.
OMB Circular No. A-110 (Revised), Uniform Administrative Requirements 
for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, 
Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.
OMB Circular No. A-102, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants-
in-Aid to State and Local Governments.
OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Government, and Non-
profit Organizations.

    Please reference the following Web sites for additional 
information:

 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants.
http://exchanges.state.gov/education/grantsdiv/terms.htm#articleI

    VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy 
original plus two copies a final program and financial report no more 
than 90 days after the expiration of the award.
    Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their 
evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. 
(Please refer to IV. Application and Submission Instructions (IV.3.d.3) 
above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information.
    All data collected, including survey responses and contact 
information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and 
provided to the Bureau upon request.
    All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program 
Officer listed in the final assistance award document.
    VI.4. Program Data Requirements: Organizations awarded grants will 
be required to maintain specific data on program participants and 
activities in an electronically accessible database format that can be 
shared with the Bureau as required. As a minimum, the data must include 
the following:
    (1) Name, address, contact information and biographic sketch of all 
persons who travel internationally on funds provided by the grant or 
who benefit from the grant funding but do not travel.
    (2) Itineraries of international and domestic travel, providing 
dates of travel and cities in which any exchange experiences take 
place. Final schedules for in country and U.S. activities must be 
received by the ECA Program Officer at least three workdays prior to 
the official opening of the activity.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For questions about this announcement, contact: Ilo-Mai Harding, 
European and Eurasian Programs Branch, ECA/A/E/EUR, Room 246, ECA/A/E/
EUR-06-06, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20547, Tel: (202) 453-8522; Fax: (202) 453-8520; or E-
mail address: [email protected]. All correspondence with the Bureau 
concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/A/
E/EUR-06-06.
    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.

VIII. Other Information

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 per section VI.3 
above.

    Dated: February 2, 2006.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. E6-1789 Filed 2-8-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P