[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25748-25755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10770]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice: 7438]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for
Grant Proposals; International Visitor Leadership Program Assistance
Award
Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/PE/V-12-01.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.402.
Key Dates: October 1, 2011--September 30, 2012.
Application Deadline: June 17, 2011.
Executive Summary: The Office of International Visitors, Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA/PE/V), United States Department
of State (DoS), announces an open competition for up to four assistance
awards to administer the International Visitor Leadership Program
(IVLP). The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional
exchange program. Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange
program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and
other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S.
for current and emerging foreign leaders. These visits reflect the
International Visitors' professional interests and support the foreign
policy goals of the United States.
The amount of funding available is approximately $4,700,000,
pending the availability of FY 2012 funds. ECA anticipates awarding up
to four cooperative agreements for the total funding available. The
assistance awards, all together, will support programming for
approximately 2,000 International Visitors (IVs). Public and private
non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal
Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals.
Applicants may submit only one proposal under this competition. If
multiple proposals are received from the same applicant, all
submissions will be declared ineligible and receive no further
consideration in the review process.
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 International Visitor Leadership Program seeks to
increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and foreign publics
through carefully designed professional programs. IVLP projects support
U.S. foreign policy objectives. Participants are current or potential
foreign leaders in government, politics, media, education, science,
non-government organizations (NGOs), the arts, and other key fields.
They are selected by officers of U.S. embassies overseas and are
approved by the DoS staff in Washington, DC. Since the program's
inception in 1940, there have been nearly 200,000 distinguished
participants in the program. More than 320 program alumni subsequently
became heads of state or government in their home countries. All IVLP
projects maintain a non-partisan character.
The Bureau seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations for
development and implementation of professional programs for Bureau-
sponsored International Visitors to the U.S. Once the awards are made,
separate proposals will be required for each group project [Single
Country (SCP), Sub-Regional (SRP), Regional (RP), and Multi-Regional
(MRP)] as well as less formal proposals for Individual and Individuals
Traveling Together (ITT) and Voluntary Visitors (Volvis) programs. Each
program will be focused on a substantive theme. Some typical IVLP
projects themes are: (1) U.S. foreign policy; (2) U.S. government and
political system; (3) economic development; (4) education; (5) media;
(6) interfaith dialogue; (7) freedom of information; (8) NGO
management; (9) women's issues; (10) tolerance and diversity; (11)
counterterrorism; (12) democracy and human rights; (13) rule of law;
(14) international crime; and (15) environmental issues. IVLP projects
must conform to all Bureau requirements and guidelines. Please refer to
the Program Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document for a
more detailed description of each type of IVLP program.
Guidelines: Goals and objectives for each specific IVLP projects
will be
[[Page 25749]]
shared with the award recipients at an appropriate time following the
announcement of the assistance awards. DoS will provide close
coordination and guidance throughout the duration of the awards. Award
recipients will consult closely with the responsible ECA/PE/V Program
Officer throughout the development, implementation, and evaluation of
each IVLP projects. Prospective program agencies should demonstrate the
potential to develop the following types of programs.
1. Programs must contain substantive meetings that focus on foreign
policy goals and program objectives and are presented by experts.
Meetings, site visits, and other program activities should promote
dialogue between participants and their U.S. professional counterparts.
Programs must be balanced to show different sides of an issue.
2. Most programs will be three weeks long and will begin in
Washington, DC, with an orientation and overview of the issues and a
central examination of Federal policies regarding these issues. Well-
paced program itineraries usually include visits to four or five
communities. Program itineraries ideally include urban and rural small
communities in diverse geographical and cultural regions of the U.S.,
as appropriate to the program theme.
3. Programs should provide opportunities for participants to
experience the diversity of American society and culture. Participants
in RPs or MRPs are divided into smaller sub-groups for simultaneous
visits to different communities, with subsequent opportunities to share
their experiences with the full group once it is reunited.
4. Programs should provide opportunities for the participants to
share a meal or similar experience (home hospitality) in the homes of
Americans of diverse occupational, age, gender, and ethnic groups. Some
individual and group programs might include an opportunity for an
overnight stay (home stay) in an American home.
5. Programs should provide opportunities for participants to
address student, civic and professional groups in relaxed and informal
settings.
6. Participants should have appropriate opportunities for site
visits and hands-on experiences that are relevant to program themes.
The award recipients may propose professional ``shadowing'' experiences
with U.S. professional colleagues for some programs (a typical
shadowing experience means spending a half- or full-workday with a
professional counterpart.)
7. Programs should also allow time for participants to reflect on
their experiences and, in group programs, to share observations with
program colleagues. Participants should have opportunities to visit
cultural and tourist sites.
8. The award recipients must make arrangements for community visits
through affiliates of the National Council for International Visitors
(NCIV). In cities where there is no such council, the award recipients
will arrange for coordination of local programs.
Qualifications
1. Proposals must demonstrate a minimum of four years of successful
experience in coordinating international exchanges.
2. Proposals must demonstrate the ability to develop and administer
IVLP programs.
3. Proposals must demonstrate an applicant's broad knowledge of
international relations and U.S. foreign policy issues.
4. Proposals must demonstrate an applicant's broad knowledge of the
United States and U.S. domestic issues.
5. Award recipients must have a Washington, DC presence. Applicants
who do not currently have a Washington, DC presence must include a
detailed plan in their proposal for establishing such a presence by
October 1, 2011. The costs related to establishing such a presence must
be borne by the award recipient. No such costs may be included in the
budget submission in this proposal. The award recipient must have e-
mail capability, access to Internet resources, and the ability to
exchange data electronically with all partners involved in the
International Visitor Leadership Program.
6. Proposals must demonstrate that an applicant has an established
resource base of programming contacts and the ability to keep this
resource base continuously updated. This resource base should include
speakers, thematic specialists, or practitioners in a wide range of
professional fields in both the private and public sectors.
7. All proposals must demonstrate sound financial management.
8. All proposals must contain a sound management plan to carry out
the volume of work outlined in the Project Objectives, Goals, and
Implementation guidelines (POGI). This plan should include an
appropriate staffing pattern and a work plan/timeframe.
9. Applicant organizations must include a proposed budget and
identify the number of visitors the proposed funding levels will
support.
10. Proposals must describe capacity to employ additional staff
during particularly busy months of the IVLP cycle and to assume
additional projects, if requested. The proposed budget should also
include a separate budget spreadsheet for any supplemental program
team(s) proposed.
11. Include a separate plan for how your organization can feasibly
implement a direct billing payment system with hotels in Washington, DC
and across the U.S. for all IVLP projects by FY 2014. This proposal
should include a detailed timeline, staffing requirements, and total
costs involved over time. The plan should identify any proposed savings
to the United States Government anticipated from implementing a direct
billing payment system.
12. Applicants must include in their proposal narrative a
discussion of ``lessons learned'' from past exchange coordination
experiences, and how these will be applied in implementing the
International Visitor Leadership Program.
13. Award recipients must have the capability to utilize the World
Wide Web for the electronic retrieval of program data from the
Department of State's IVLP Web site. The award recipient's office
technology must be capable of exchanging information with all partners
involved in the International Visitor Leadership Program. The award
recipient must have the capability to electronically communicate
through eNPA (Electronic National Program Agency), the software
application that allows award recipients to share information and data
electronically through the Department of State's Exchange Visitor
Database (EVDB-e) and with the Councils for International Visitors
(CIVs), as well as to produce a national program book and other
supporting documents (e.g., appointment requests and confirmations,
participant welcome letters, and mailing labels) generated directly
into Microsoft Word.
14. Applicants must include as a separate attachment under TAB G of
their proposals the following:
a. Samples of at least two schedules for international exchange or
training programs that they have coordinated within the past four years
that they are particularly proud of and that they feel demonstrate
their organization's competence and abilities to conduct the activities
outlined in the RFGP;
b. Samples of orientation and NPA self-evaluation materials used in
past international exchange or training programs.
[[Page 25750]]
Requirements for Past Performance References
In addition to Letters of Endorsement, DoS will also use past
performance as an indicator of an applicant's ability to successfully
perform the work. TAB E of the proposal must contain any letters of
endorsement and between three and five references who may be called
upon to discuss recently completed or ongoing work performed for
professional exchange programs (which may include the IVLP). The
reference must contain the information outlined below. Please note that
the requirements for submission of past performance information also
apply to all proposed sub-recipients when the total estimated cost of
the sub-award is over $100,000.
At a minimum, the applicant must provide the following information
for each reference:
Name of the reference organization.
Project name.
Project description.
Performance period of the contract/grant.
Amount of the contract/grant.
Technical contact person and telephone number for
referenced organization.
Administrative contact person and telephone number for
referenced organization.
DoS may contact representatives from the organizations cited in the
examples to obtain information on the applicant's past performance. DoS
also may obtain past performance information from sources other than
those identified by the applicant.
Personnel: Applicants must include complete and current resumes of
the key personnel who will be involved in the program management,
design, and implementation of IVLP programs. Each resume is limited to
no more than two pages per person.
Budget Guidelines
Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive line-item
administrative budget in accordance with the instructions in the
Solicitation Package (Proposal Submission Instructions). The submission
must include a summary budget and a detailed budget showing all
administrative costs. Proposed staffing and costs associated with
staffing must be appropriate to the requirements outlined in the RFGP
and in the Solicitation Package. Cost sharing is encouraged and should
be shown in the budget presentation.
The Department of State is seeking proposals from public and
private nonprofit organizations that are not already in communication
with DoS regarding an FY-2012 assistance award from ECA/PE/V. In a
cooperative agreement, ECA is substantially involved in program
activities above and beyond routine monitoring. All applicants must
have a minimum of four years' experience conducting international
exchanges, an ability to closely consult with DoS staff throughout
program administration, and proven fiscal management integrity. Please
refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and
formatting instructions.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, as sponsor and
manager of the International Visitor Leadership Program, plays a
significant role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all
types of International Visitor Leadership Programs and is responsible
for all communication with overseas missions. The Bureau will provide
close coordination and guidance throughout the duration of the awards.
Award recipients will consult closely with the responsible ECA/PE/V
Program Officer throughout the development, implementation, and
evaluation of each IVLP projects.
All liaisons shall be with the designated elements of the DoS
relative to the following responsibilities incurred by the recipient
under this agreement:
A. Program Administration--Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, Office of International Visitors, Community Resources
Division, ECA/PE/V/C.
B. Financial--Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Grants
Division, ECA-IIP/EX/G.
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: FY 2012.
Approximate Total Funding: $4,700,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: Up to four.
Approximate Average Award: $986,464.
Floor of Award Range: $630,000.
Ceiling of Award Range: $2,700,000.
Anticipated Award Date: Pending availability of funds, October 1,
2011.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 30, 2012.
Additional Information
Pending successful implementation of this program and the
availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to
renew this grant or cooperative agreement for five 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 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) 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 up to
four cooperative agreements, of which the minimum award will be
$630,000. Therefore, organizations with less than four years experience
in conducting international exchanges are ineligible to apply under
this competition. The Bureau encourages applicants to provide maximum
levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.
(b) Technical Eligibility: All proposals must comply with the
technical eligibility requirements specified in the Proposal Submission
Instructions (PSI) and the Project Objectives, Goals, and
Implementation (POGI) documents. Failure to do so will result in
proposals being declared technically ineligible and given no further
consideration in the review process.
[[Page 25751]]
Eligible applicants may not submit more than one proposal in this
competition.
--If more than one proposal is received from the same applicant, all
submissions will be declared technically ineligible and will receive no
further consideration in the review process. Please note: Applicant
organizations are defined by their legal name and EIN number as stated
on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation
outlined in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document.
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 Office of International Visitors, ECA/PE/V, SA-
5, 3rd Floor, U.S. Department of State, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington,
DC 20037, (202)632-3288, or e-mail [email protected] to request a
Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number
ECA/PE/V-12-01 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.
Please specify Patricia Johnson and refer to the Funding
Opportunity Number ECA/PE/V-12-01 located at the top of this
announcement on all other inquiries and correspondence.
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/grants/open2.html, 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 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 and the Project
Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document for additional
formatting and technical requirements.
IV.3c. All Federal award recipients and sub-recipients must
maintain current registrations in the Central Contractor Registration
(CCR) database and have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number. Recipients and sub-recipients must maintain
accurate and up-to-date information in the CCR until all program and
financial activity and reporting have been completed. All entities must
review and update the information at least annually after the initial
registration and more frequently if required information changes or
another award is granted.
You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of
application. Please note: Effective January 7, 2009, all applicants for
ECA Federal assistance awards must include in their application the
names of directors and/or senior executives (current officers,
trustees, and key employees, regardless of amount of compensation). In
fulfilling this requirement, applicants must submit information in one
of the following ways:
(1) Those who file Internal Revenue Service Form 990, ``Return of
Organization Exempt From Income Tax,'' must include a copy of relevant
portions of this form.
(2) Those who do not file IRS Form 990 must submit information
above in the format of their choice.
In addition to final program reporting requirements, award
recipients will also be required to submit a one-page document, derived
from their program reports, listing and describing their grant
activities. For award recipients, the names of directors and/or senior
executives (current officers, trustees, and key employees), as well as
the one-page description of grant activities, will be transmitted by
the State Department to OMB, along with other information required by
the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), and
will be made available to the public by the Office of Management and
Budget on its USASpending.gov Web site as part of ECA's FFATA reporting
requirements.
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 places critically
important emphases on the security and proper administration of the
Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by award recipients
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, recordkeeping, reporting and other
requirements. The Office of International Visitors (ECA/PE/V) 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: Office of Designation, Private Sector
Programs Division, U.S. Department of State, ECA/EC/D/PS, SA-5, 5th
Floor, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037.
[[Page 25752]]
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
Successful monitoring and evaluation depend heavily on setting
clear goals and outcomes at the outset of a program. In support of the
Bureau's evaluation goals, the Office of International Visitors will
administer a post-program evaluation for International Visitors upon
conclusion of Regional and Multi-Regional programs.
In addition, applicants must monitor and evaluate the program's
success, both as activities unfold and at the end of each program. (See
Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document.) Proposal
submissions should include a monitoring and evaluation plan that
demonstrates: An understanding of overall IVLP goals, as well as the
objectives of assigned projects; the anticipated results and outcomes,
including specific changes in International Visitors' behavior,
knowledge, skills, and status resulting from the program activities;
and the link between the outcomes and the original project objectives.
Proposals should further demonstrate how applicants will obtain an
understanding of the goals and objectives of each assigned IVLP
program, and how applicants will review and analyze the outcomes and
results upon conclusion of each IVLP program. For regional and multi-
regional programs, participation at a final oral evaluation session is
expected and a final program report is required. (See Project
Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document.) Proposal
submissions should demonstrate how award recipients will apply the
feedback provided by International Visitors to strengthen the overall
goals and objectives of the International Visitor Leadership Program.
IV.3d.4. Alumni Outreach Follow On Programming
No alumni outreach follow-on programming is expected or will be
funded. However, the Bureau expects that all recipient organization(s)
will encourage and assist participants in registering and using the
State Alumni Web site (alumni.state.gov) and the Exchanges Connect Web
site (connect.state.gov) at multiple points during their exchange
experience, at a minimum during program orientations and pre-departure
briefings as well as at the end of programs to encourage participants
to create groups and/or forums on exchanges connect. Proposals should
detail how the Web sites will be promoted to exchange participants and
how the recipient organization (s) will facilitate participant
registration. The Bureau expects that all recipient organization (s)
will place a link to both State Alumni and Exchanges Connect on their
own Web sites. IV.3e.1 Please take the following information into
consideration when preparing your budget:
IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit SF-424A--``Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs'' along with a comprehensive budget for the
entire program. There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns
reflecting both administrative and program budgets. Applicants may
provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase,
location, or activity to provide clarification.
IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program include the following:
(1) Staff Salaries and Benefits;
(2) Office and Program Supplies;
(3) Telephone and Communications;
(4) Staff Travel and Per Diem;
(5) ADP Equipment Maintenance and IT Costs;
(6) Indirect Costs.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget
guidelines and formatting instructions.
IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission
Application Deadline Date: June 17, 2011.
Reference Number: ECA/PE/V-12-01.
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., 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 10 copies of the application should be sent to:
Program Management Division, ECA-IIP/EX/PM, Ref.: ECA/PE/V-12-01, SA-5,
Floor 4, Department of State, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037.
[[Page 25753]]
Applicants submitting hard-copy applications must also submit the
``Executive Summary'' and ``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the
proposal in text (.txt) or Microsoft Word format on CD-ROM. As
appropriate, the Bureau will provide these files electronically to
Public Affairs Section(s) at the U.S. embassy(ies) for its(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 Note: ECA bears no responsibility for applicant
timeliness of submission or data errors resulting from transmission
or conversion processes for proposals submitted via Grants.gov.
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. In
addition, validation of an electronic submission via Grants.gov can
take up to two business days.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you not wait until the
application deadline to begin the submission process through
Grants.gov.
The Grants.gov Web site includes extensive information on all
phases/aspects of the Grants.gov process, including an extensive
section on frequently asked questions, located under the ``For
Applicants'' section of the Web site. ECA strongly recommends that all
potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov Web site, well in
advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA
bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or
conversion processes.
Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and
submission to: Grants.gov Customer Support. Contact Center Phone: 800-
518-4726. Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 7AM-9PM Eastern Time, E-mail:
grants.gov">support@grants.gov.
Applicants have until midnight (12:00 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.
Please refer to the Grants.gov Web site, for definitions of various
``application statuses'' and the difference between a submission
receipt and a submission validation. Applicants will receive a
validation e-mail from grants.gov upon the successful submission of an
application. Again, validation of an electronic submission via
Grants.gov can take up to two business days. Therefore, we strongly
recommend that you not wait until the application deadline to begin the
submission process through Grants.gov. 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, and 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 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. Evidence of Understanding/Program Planning: The proposal should
convey that the applicant has a good understanding of the overall goals
and objectives of the IVLP. It should exhibit originality, substance,
and precision, and be responsive to the requirements stated in the RFGP
and the Solicitation Package. The proposal should contain a detailed
and relevant work plan that demonstrates substantive intent and
logistical capacity. The agenda and plan should adhere to the program
overview and guidelines described in the RFGP and the POGI.
2. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of
program resources and interlocutors, program venue, etc.) and program
content (orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource
materials and follow-up activities).
3. Institutional Capacity: The award recipient must have a
Washington, DC presence. Applicants who do not currently have a
Washington, DC presence must include a detailed plan in their proposal
for establishing such a presence by October 1, 2011. The costs related
to establishing such a presence must be borne by the award recipient.
No such costs may be included in the budget submission in this
proposal. The proposal should clearly demonstrate the applicant's
capability for performing the type of work required by the IVLP and how
the institution will execute its program activities to meet the goals
of the IVLP. It should reflect the applicant's ability to design and
implement, in a timely and creative manner, professional exchange
programs which encompass a variety of project themes. Proposed
personnel and institutional resources should be adequate and
appropriate to achieve the program goals. The proposal must demonstrate
that the applicant has or can recruit adequate and well-trained staff.
All recipients must submit their IVLP and national itinerary data
electronically to the DoS by utilizing either the eNPA tool provided by
the Department or the mandated standard data format submission that has
been established as an interface to existing legacy systems.
4. Institution's Record/Ability: The proposal should demonstrate an
institutional record of a minimum of four years of successful
experience in conducting IVLP or other professional exchange programs,
which are similar in
[[Page 25754]]
nature and magnitude to the scope of work outlined in this
solicitation. The applicant must demonstrate the potential for
programming IVLP participants from multiple regions of the world.
Applicants should demonstrate that their organizations would consult
with DoS Program Officers on a regular basis to ensure that the
assigned visitor projects would consistently meet program objectives.
Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful
exchange programs, including responsible fiscal management and full
compliance with all reporting requirements for past Bureau cooperative
agreements as determined by Bureau Grants Staff. The Bureau will
consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated
potential of new applicants.
5. Project Evaluation: While program agencies do not have sole
responsibility for program evaluation, proposals should describe how
the program agency will evaluate the activity's success, both as the
activities unfold and through required reporting at the conclusion of a
group program, and address how lessons learned will be incorporated in
future program planning. A description of the methodology to be used to
link outcomes to original project objectives is recommended.
6. Cost-effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components
of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as
low as possible. This includes acquiring and retaining capable staff.
All other costs, such as building maintenance, should be necessary and
appropriate.
7. 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 a Federal Assistance Award (FAA)
from the Bureau's Grants Office. The FAA and the original proposal with
subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding
authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S. Government. The
FAA 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.1b The following additional requirements apply to this project:
For assistance awards involving Iran:
A critical component of current U.S. government Iran policy is the
support for indigenous Iranian voices. The State Department has made
the awarding of grants for this purpose a key component of its Iran
policy. As a condition of licensing these activities, the Office of
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has requested the Department of State to
follow certain procedures to effectuate the goals of Sections 481(b),
531(a), 571, 582, and 635(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (as
amended); 18 U.S.C. 2339A and 2339B; Executive Order 13224; and
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 6. These licensing conditions
mandate that the Department conduct a vetting of potential Iran
grantees and sub-grantees for counter-terrorism purposes. To conduct
this vetting the Department will collect information from grantees and
sub-grantees regarding the identity and background of their key
employees and Boards of Directors.
Note: To assure that planning for the inclusion of Iran complies
with requirements, please contact Patricia Johnson, Office of
International Visitors, by e-mail [email protected] for
additional information.
Prohibition on the use of Federal Funds to Promote, Support, or
advocate for the legalization or practice of Prostitution.
The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related
activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and
contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons. None of the
funds made available under this agreement may be used to promote,
support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution.
Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to preclude
assistance designed to ameliorate the suffering of, or health risks to,
victims while they are being trafficked or after they are out of the
situation that resulted from such victims being trafficked.
The recipient shall insert the foregoing provision in all sub-
agreements under this award.
This provision includes express terms and conditions of the
agreement and any violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral
termination of the agreement by the Department of State prior to the
end of its term.
For assistance awards involving the Palestinian Authority, West
Bank, and Gaza:
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
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
Patricia Johnson, Office of International Visitors, by e-mail
[email protected] 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://fa.statebuy.state.gov.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy
original plus one copy of the following reports:
(1) A final program and financial report no more than 90 days after
the expiration of the award;
(2) 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 Web site--as part of ECA's Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting
requirements.
[[Page 25755]]
(3) A SF-PPR, ``Performance Progress Report'' Cover Sheet with all
program reports.
(4) Quarterly financial reports within thirty (30) days following
the end of the calendar year quarter. These reports should itemize
separately International Visitor costs, Voluntary Visitor costs,
English Language Officer/Interpreter costs for International Visitors,
English Language Officer/Interpreter costs for Voluntary Visitors,
special project costs by projects, and administrative costs for the
previous quarter on a cash basis. These reports should also list
separately the number of English Language Officers/Interpreters
accompanying International Visitors, and the number of English Language
Officers/Interpreters accompanying Voluntary Visitors for whom funds
are expended. Quarterly financial reports must be certified by the
award recipient's chief financial officer or an officer of comparable
rank. For further information, please refer to the Project Objectives,
Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document.
Award recipients 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: Patricia Johnson,
U.S. Department of State, Office of International Visitors, ECA/PE/V,
SA-5, 3rd Floor, ECA/PE/V-12-01, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC
20037, telephone (202) 632-3288 and fax (202) 632-9393, or e-mail
[email protected].
All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should
reference the above title and number ECA/PE/V-12-01.
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 26, 2011.
J. Adam Ereli,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2011-10770 Filed 5-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P