[Federal Register: April 10, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 70)]
[Notices]
[Page 19574-19581]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10ap08-109]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 6171]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for
Grant Proposals: Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
Announcement Type: New Grant.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-27.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000
Key Dates: September 1, 2008-September 30, 2011.
Application Deadline: May 29, 2008.
Executive Summary: The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition
for grants to support exchanges and relationship building between high
school students from countries with significant Muslim populations and
people of the United States. Public and private non-profit
organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code
section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) and public institutions may submit
proposals to recruit and select students and to carry out projects for
an academic year or semester of study in the United States,
incorporating themes promoting civil society, leadership, and mutual
understanding.
[[Page 19575]]
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 Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program is designed to foster a
global community of shared interests and values developed through
better mutual understanding via first-hand participation of high school
students, preferably aged 15-17, from countries with significant Muslim
populations in academic year or semester exchanges to the United
States. The program seeks to select students with leadership potential,
to develop their leadership skills while in the U.S., and to support
them in alumni activities after they return home.
The overarching goals of the program are to:
1. Promote better understanding by youth from selected countries
about American society, people, institutions, values and culture;
2. Foster lasting personal ties;
3. Engage the exchange participants in activities that advance
mutual understanding, respect for diversity, leadership skills, and
understanding of civil society during their exchange in the U.S.;
4. Enhance Americans' understanding of the foreign students'
countries and cultures;
5. Increase the capacity of organizations in participating
countries to engage youth in activities that enhance mutual
understanding, respect for diversity, leadership skills, and
understanding of civil society through alumni activities.
Grant Funding History
This initiative is intended to build on a solid foundation of
exchanges carried out since the program began with grants awarded in FY
2002 to bring students to the U.S. in the fall of 2003. The first
competition for the YES program was conducted in 2002 and grants
awarded were subsequently renewed in FY 2003 and FY 2004. The second
competition for grants to assist ECA in expanding the reach of the
program was conducted in FY 2005, and the grants awarded were
subsequently renewed in FY 2006 and FY 2007. In this third competition,
ECA encourages applicants to apply as it continues expansion of the
program both in the number of students and the number of countries
participating. The YES program has grown incrementally each year from
approximately 165 students from 11 countries in 2003-04 to 850 students
from over 30 countries anticipated in 2008-09.
Through this open competition ECA seeks to provide awards to fund
approximately 1,000 students from an expanded list of countries to
participate in the program during the 2009-2010 academic year.
Applicants that have not participated in the YES program previously are
encouraged to view the program's Web site at: http://
exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/students/programs/yes.htm and to
contact the Youth Division Program Office representatives listed in
this solicitation.
Scope of Program, Timeline, and Applicant Infrastructure
Funding for the YES program will support academic year-long
exchanges (between August 2009 and June 2010) with students enrolled in
accredited U.S. schools and living with host families. Proposals for
single semester exchanges (fall 2009 or spring 2010) may be proposed
only for partner countries where the academic year is not compatible
with the U.S. academic calendar.
It is anticipated that awards will be concluded in September 2008,
with marketing, recruitment, selection of students and exchange program
planning taking place throughout the 2008-2009 period. Grantees will be
required to incur expenses beginning before September 30, 2008.
Given current U.S. visa processing timelines in some countries,
students must be selected early enough to allow up to six months
between the visa interview date and the date of departure for students
to obtain visas in time for an August 2009 arrival. Grantees must work
with the U.S. Embassy in each country to ensure timely processing of
U.S. visas for all participants.
Most student participants will arrive in their U.S. host
communities during the month of August 2009 and remain for 10 or 11
months until their departure during the period of mid-May to early July
2010. August post-arrival and June pre-departure orientations for
students in Washington, DC at the beginning and end of the program are
encouraged. If such orientations in Washington, DC are proposed,
applicants must coordinate travel and activity dates with ECA to allow
opportunity for students to meet with Department of State officials and
possibly with other groups of YES students. For countries where the
standard of English instruction does not provide an adequate qualified
applicant pool, selected students requiring additional language
instruction may arrive earlier if additional preparation in the U.S. is
necessary; alternatively, applicants may propose in-country or third-
country language preparation and orientation prior to the students'
arrival in the U.S. During the exchange period, students will
participate in activities designed to teach them about American
community life and values, citizen participation in a democracy,
respect for diversity, and U.S. culture. Participants will have
opportunities to give presentations on their countries and cultures in
community forums. Therefore, students must be prepared beforehand on
how to present information on their home countries.
ECA will accept proposals for either multiple-country or single-
country programs. Applicants proposing multiple-country programs should
include in their appendices additional country specific information
about staffing, recruitment strategies, and details that may be unique
to each country.
ECA will accept proposals from individual organizations with
adequate infrastructure in both the U.S. and the partner country(ies)
to conduct all aspects of the program, or from organizations that have
formed consortia with qualified organizations or representatives to
implement specified tasks to complete the project. In the latter case,
the applicant must have a significant role in implementing either the
U.S. or overseas component of the programs and meet all eligibility
criteria discussed in this solicitation.
Applicants may propose value-added programming for students as long
as it directly supports YES program objectives, themes, and goals,
including full time school enrollment and enhancement activities
related to the YES program mission. Examples could include special
workshops or student projects focused on issues particularly relevant
in the students' home country or region.
[[Page 19576]]
Applicants may not propose names other than ``Youth Exchange and
Study'' (YES) for their program, so that all student participants and
alumni will identify themselves first and foremost with the YES
program. All materials produced for grant activities should bear the
YES logo, acknowledge the Department of State as the funding source and
reflect the State Department's objectives for the program. An exception
to this requirement can only be made upon agreement from ECA and the
U.S. Embassy in the respective countries.
The YES program is for all students from countries with significant
Muslim populations. It is not, however, limited to Muslim students. It
is ECA's expectation that the participants from each country will
collectively reflect the religious, ethnic, socio-economic, and
geographic diversity of their country, to the extent possible. In order
to support cross-cultural communication and understanding, ECA
encourages applicants to request funding for specially-skilled
consultants. These consultants will provide training for grantee staff
and volunteers to develop printed and online resource materials that
support the unique cultural needs of their YES students, and offers
services such as an on-call resource for staff, volunteers, host and
natural families, and to provide students with support.
Eligible Countries
The partner countries for this program have been selected based on
several factors: (1) Foreign policy considerations, (2) a favorable
climate for exchange, and (3) anticipated recruitment and placement
capacity for students from the listed country. The first list includes
the countries that are currently participating in the YES program. An
approximate target number of students is indicated for each country
based on the experience of previous years and/or anticipated capacities
for successful recruitment and placement. Proposals should be for at
least the targeted number:
Afghanistan (50)
Bahrain (10)
Bangladesh (40)
Brunei (10)
Egypt (50)
Ethiopia (10)
Gaza (10)
Ghana (25)
India (45)
Indonesia (100)
Iraq (20)
Israel (Arab Communities) (20)
Jordan (30)
Kenya (20)
Kuwait (18)
Lebanon (50)
Malaysia (40)
Mali (10)
Morocco (25)
Nigeria (30)
Oman (15)
Pakistan (70)
Philippines (40)
Qatar (7)
Saudi Arabia (20)
Senegal (10)
Tanzania (30)
Thailand (20)
Tunisia (20)
Turkey (40)
West Bank (15)
Yemen (35)
In addition to the these countries currently involved in the YES
program, ECA is requesting proposals to implement the YES program in
the following new countries, with students to participate for the first
time in 2009-10. Again, an approximate target number of students is
indicated for each country.
Albania (15)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (15)
Bulgaria (7)
Burkina Faso (5)
Cote d'Ivoire (5)
Gambia (10)
Guinea (5)
Guyana (5)
Kosovo (7)
Macedonia (15)
Maldives (2)
Mauritania (5)
Mozambique (5)
Niger (5)
Sierra Leone (5)
Suriname (5)
Togo (5)
Uganda (10)
The Bureau reserves the right to amend this list at any time as
conditions change. Should an applicant have questions in regards to
countries on this list or an interest in proposing an exchange with
additional countries not on this list, please contact the Bureau. (See
Section IV.1 for contact information.)
Only one organization will be awarded a grant to implement the
program in each country.
General Responsibilities
The grantee organization will be responsible for all aspects of the
YES Program's implementation, including marketing, recruitment, and
selection of students, procurement of U.S. visas and transit visas as
required, transportation to and from the U.S., host family and school
placement of students, orientations of students, natural and host
families, support of students throughout the year, and follow-on alumni
activities for returning students. The responsibilities of grantees are
described in further detail in the accompanying Program Objectives,
Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document.
To recruit, select, and place high school students from
countries with significant Muslim populations in qualified, screened,
and well-motivated and financially-able host families.
To provide extensive orientation of students to the
program prior to their coming to the U.S. English language training may
also be provided to encourage diversity in the selection pool and as
needed, to meet projected recruitment levels.
To provide post-arrival, mid-year, and pre-departure
orientations to students to address program rules and goals and to
provide support to students while in the U.S.
To place students in schools that are accredited by the
departments of education in the respective state.
To expose program participants to American culture and
civil society through homestay experiences and enhancement activities
that will enable them to attain a broad view of the society and culture
of the U.S.
To expose YES program participants to opportunities for
volunteerism and community service that respond to the needs of the
host community.
To prepare YES program participants to share their
culture, lifestyle, and traditions with U.S. citizens throughout their
stay and during special international events that highlight exchanges
such as International Education Week and Global Youth Service Day.
To provide YES students with leadership training and
opportunities that will foster skills they can take back with them and
use in their home countries.
To provide activities that will increase and enhance
students' understanding of the importance of tolerance and respect for
the views, beliefs, and practices of others in a diverse society.
To develop alumni databases and create alumni programs
giving opportunities for returning students to incorporate their
knowledge and skills into service in their home countries.
Through participation in the YES program, students should:
1. Acquire an understanding of important elements of a civil
society. This includes concepts such as volunteerism, the idea that
American
[[Page 19577]]
citizens can and do act at the grassroots level to deal with societal
problems, and an awareness of and respect for the rule of law.
2. Develop an appreciation for American culture, an understanding
of the diversity of American society and increased respect for
diversity, and appreciation for others with differing views, beliefs
and practices.
3. Interact with Americans and generate enduring ties.
4. Teach Americans about the cultures of their home countries.
5. Gain leadership capacity that will enable them to initiate and
support activities in their home countries that focus on development
and community service in their role as YES alumni.
Further Considerations
1. There is no minimum or maximum number of students that may be
selected and placed by one organization; however cost effectiveness
will be a review criterion in all applications. It is anticipated that
approximately 5-7 grants will be awarded for the YES program.
Placements may be in any region in the U.S. Strong preference will be
given to organizations that choose to place participants in clusters of
at least three ECA funded academic year students to facilitate program
enhancement activities. Applicants must demonstrate that training of
local staff ensures their competence in providing culture and YES-
specific orientation programs, appropriate enhancement activities, and
quality supervision and counseling of students from participating
countries. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for details on
essential program elements, permissible costs, and criteria used to
select students.
2. ECA anticipates grants beginning no later than September 2008.
3. Administration of the YES program must be in compliance with
reporting and withholding regulations for federal, state, and local
taxes as applicable.
4. Applicants should submit the health and accident insurance plans
they intend to use for students on this program. Insurance can be
provided through ECA's Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges
(ASPE) policy, however, if use of a grantee's private plan is proposed,
the insurance coverage must be of equal or greater value.
5. All grantees are required to make an effort to recruit and
include students with disabilities in the exchange. The ECA Program
Office intends to award a grant to a separate organization to provide a
special arrival orientation (in August 2009) and a pre-departure
orientation in the spring of 2010 as well as on-going support
throughout the year for the students with disabilities. These
orientations are in addition to general orientations required to be
conducted by the recipients of this grant who will also be expected to
assist in accommodating for the timing of these special orientations.
6. All exchange participants must travel on J-1 visas using DS-
2019s issued by the ECA program office under its program designation.
7. Applicants should reflect an understanding of the related youth
work of various international agencies in the proposed country(ies),
such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, World Bank, non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) working with youth, and development
foundations as a way to enhance alumni programming and provide
participants with resources and support when they return home.
8. Projects should promote youth awareness of and involvement in
civic and democratic processes, including respect for diversity,
accountability of government, human rights, and inclusiveness of women,
people with disabilities, and minorities. Proposals may include small
grants to encourage alumni to utilize what they have learned while on
the exchange upon their return to their home countries to promote civic
education projects and community development and community service
initiatives.
9. Proposals must contain letters of commitment from any foreign or
domestic partners to be involved in the program, and these letters
should be tailored to the activities being proposed.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for further information,
especially the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) and
the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant Agreement.
Fiscal Year Funds: 2008.
Approximate Total Funding: $18,700,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 5-7.
Approximate Average Award: $4,500,000.
Floor of Award Range: $150,000.
Ceiling of Award Range: $9,000,000.
Anticipated Award Date: Approximately September 1, 2008.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 30, 2011.
Additional Information: The anticipated per participant cost is
expected to be between $16,000 and $19,000 within each grant depending
on the number of countries, number of students per country, special
programs provided (consulting and enhancement activities), and in-
country factors that may impact costs.
Pending successful implementation of this program and the
availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to
renew this grant for two additional fiscal years, before openly
competing it again.
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 costs
which 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:
(a.) Grants awarded to eligible organizations with less than four
years of experience in conducting international exchange programs will
be limited to $60,000. Since the minimum award is set at $150,000,
proposals from organizations with less than four years of experience in
conducting international exchange programs are ineligible to apply
under this competition.
(b.) Technical Eligibility: All proposals must comply with the
following, or they may be declared technically ineligible and given no
further consideration in the review process:
Proposed programs must include full-time U.S. high school
enrollment for a semester or full academic year;
Proposed programs may not involve multiple year exchanges
or exchanges to
[[Page 19578]]
take place other than within the dates of August 2009 and June 2010;
Proposals must identify essential partners and include
letters of commitment from partners critical to the implementation of
the program.
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 Matt O'Rourke at ECA/PE/C/PY, U.S. Department of State, SA-44,
301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, telephone: 202-453-8170 or
ORourkeMM@state.gov to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to
the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY-08-27 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.
For other inquiries and correspondence please contact Kevin Baker,
Program Officer, tel.: 202-453-8153 or email: BakerKM1@state.gov and
refer to Funding Opportunity Number ECA/PE/C/PY-08-27 that is also
located at the top of this announcement.
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
submitted per the instructions under IV.3f. ``Application Deadline and
Methods of Submission'' section 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 free of 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
and the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document
for additional formatting and technical requirements.
IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of
application.
Please note: Effective March 14, 2008, all applicants for ECA
federal assistance awards must include with their application, a
copy of page 5, Part V-A, ``Current Officers, Directors, Trustees,
and Key Employees'' of their most recent Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) Form 990, ``Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.''
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 Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs is the official program sponsor of the exchange
program covered by this RFGP, and an employee of the Bureau will be the
``Responsible Officer'' for the program under the terms of 22 CFR part
62, which covers the administration of the Exchange Visitor Program (J-
visa program). Under the terms of 22 CFR part 62, organizations
receiving grants under this RFGP will be third parties ``cooperating
with or assisting the sponsor in the conduct of the sponsor's
program.'' The actions of grantee program organizations shall be
``imputed to the sponsor in evaluating the sponsor's compliance with''
22 CFR part 62. Therefore, the Bureau expects that any organization
receiving a grant under this competition will render all assistance
necessary to enable the Bureau to fully comply with 22 CFR part 62 et.
seq.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs places great
emphasis on the secure and proper administration of Exchange Visitor (J
visa) Programs and adherence by grantee program organizations and
program participants to all regulations governing the J visa program
status. Therefore, proposals should explicitly state in writing that
the applicant is prepared to assist the Bureau in meeting all
requirements governing the administration of Exchange Visitor Programs
as set forth in 22 CFR part 62. If your organization has experience as
a designated Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor, the applicant should
discuss their record of compliance with 22 CFR 62 et seq., including
the oversight of their 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 Office of Citizen Exchanges of 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, SA-44,
Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, ECA/EC/ECD, Room 734,
301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, Telephone: (202) 203-5029,
Fax: (202) 453-8640.
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
[[Page 19579]]
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 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.
Describe your plans for sustainability, overall program management,
staffing, coordination with ECA and PAS or any other requirements etc.
IV.3e. Please take the following information into consideration
when preparing your budget:
IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the
entire program. Awards may not exceed $9,000,000. 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.
IV.3e.2. Required and allowable costs are provided in the
accompanying POGI. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for
complete budget guidelines and formatting instructions.
IV.3.f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission: Application
Deadline Date: May 29, 2008.
Reference Number: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-27.
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.
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''.
The original and seven (7) copies of the application should be sent
to: U.S.
[[Page 19580]]
Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs,
Ref.: ECA/PE/C/PY-08-27, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 534, 301
4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
Applicants submitting hard-copy applications must also submit the
``Executive Summary'', ``Proposal Narrative'', ``Budget'' and ``Budget
Narrative'' sections of the proposal electronically. ECA will provide
these files to the respective Public Affairs Section at each U.S.
embassy for their review.
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). Several of the
steps in the Grants.gov registration process could take several weeks.
Therefore, applicants should check with appropriate staff within their
organizations immediately after reviewing this RFGP to confirm or
determine their registration status with Grants.gov. Once registered,
the amount of time it can take to upload an application will vary
depending on a variety of factors including the size of the application
and the speed of your internet connection. Therefore, we strongly
recommend that you not wait until the application deadline to begin the
submission process through Grants.gov. Direct all questions regarding
Grants.gov registration and submission to: Grants.gov Customer Support,
Contact Center Phone: 800-518-4726. Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 7
a.m.-9 p.m. EST. E-mail: support@grants.gov.
Applicants have until midnight (12 a.m.), Washington, DC time of
the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been
uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no exceptions to the above
deadline. 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.
It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via
the Grants.gov web portal to ensure that proposals have been received
by Grants.gov in their entirety. ECA bears no responsibility for data
errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.
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 to the
appropriate Public Affairs Section overseas. 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 grants 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 idea and planning: Proposals should
exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the
Bureau's mission and the purposes outlined in the solicitation.
Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should demonstrate the ability
to ensure that the proposed project accomplishes the stated objectives
in the desired time frame. Proposals should demonstrate how students
will be recruited, selected, monitored, trained and prepared for their
role as YES alumni. The level of creativity, resources, and
effectiveness will be primary factors for review. Proposals should be
clearly and accurately written, with sufficient, relevant detail. The
Narrative should address all of the items in the Statement of Work and
Guidelines described above.
2. Multiplier effect/Follow-on activities: Proposed programs should
strengthen long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual
ties both during the exchange and after the participants return home.
Proposals should provide a plan for continued contact with alumni to
ensure that they are tracked over time, utilized and/or organized as
alumni, and provided opportunities to reinforce the knowledge and
skills they acquired on the exchange and share them with others.
3. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity in all program aspects
including participants (exchange students and hosts), sending and
hosting communities, as well as content of orientation and program
activities. Proposals should articulate a diversity plan, not just a
statement of compliance.
4. Institutional Record/Capacity: Proposed personnel and
institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve
the program's goals. Proposals for infrastructure building should
convincingly describe the need and the plan to address that need in
specific terms (e.g., staffing, staff training, equipping and
maintaining an office). The plan should demonstrate a thorough
understanding of local requirements for establishing and registering an
NGO, if necessary. Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record
of successful exchange programs, including responsible fiscal
management and full compliance with all reporting requirements for past
ECA grants as determined by ECA Grant Staff. ECA will consider the past
performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new
applicants.
5. Project Evaluation: The proposal narrative must demonstrate how
the applicant plans to assess the program's success in achieving
program objectives and efficient operations, and what instruments will
be employed to evaluate the program. Applicants may describe any
experience conducting results-oriented evaluations. Successful
applicants will demonstrate clear program goals and objectives as well
as strategies for monitoring student and alumni progress. Grantees are
also expected to submit quarterly reports that include student and
alumni activities and progress.
6. Cost-effectiveness/Cost-Sharing: 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. Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through
institutional direct funding contributions, as well as other private
sector support. Preference will be given to organizations whose
proposals
[[Page 19581]]
demonstrate a quality, cost-effective program.
7. Value to U.S.-Partner Country Relations: Proposals should
indicate how the program is of value to U.S. and partner countries'
interests, and receive positive assessments by the U.S. Department of
State's geographic area desks and overseas officers of program need,
potential impact, and significance in the partner countries.
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.
All awards made under this competition must be executed according
to all relevant U.S. laws and policies regarding assistance to the
Palestinian Authority, and to the West Bank and Gaza. Organizations
submitting proposals for this competition must consult with relevant
Public Affairs Offices before entering into any formal arrangements or
agreements with Palestinian organizations or institutions.
Note: To assure that planning for the inclusion of the
Palestinian Authority complies with requirements, please contact
Kevin Baker, Program Officer, telephone (202) 453-8153 or
BakerKM1@state.gov for additional information.
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 one hard
copy original plus one copy of the following reports:
Mandatory:
1. Monthly school and housing placement reports of the students
should be provided in the Excel spreadsheet format provided by ECA.
2. A final program and financial report no more than 90 days after
the expiration of the award;
3. A concise, one-page final program report summarizing program
outcomes no more than 90 days after the expiration of the award. This
one-page report will be transmitted to OMB, and be made available to
the public via OMB's USAspending.gov website--as part of ECA's Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting
requirements.
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.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: Kevin Baker,
Program Officer, ECA/PE/C/PY, Room 220, Ref. Nr. ECA/PE/C/PY-08-27,
U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC
20547, tel. 202-453-8153 or e-mail: BakerKM1@state.gov.
All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should
reference the program title and the corresponding Reference number.
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.
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: April 3, 2008.
C. Miller Crouch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. E8-7631 Filed 4-9-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P