[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27143-27149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11430]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 7448]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for
Cooperative Agreement Proposals; English Language Fellow Program for
Academic Year (AY) 2012-2013
Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/A/L-12-01.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.421.
Key Program Dates: N/A.
Application Deadline: June 24, 2011.
The Office of English Language Programs of the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for
proposals to advance the Bureau's objectives through support of
academic exchanges that will result in the improvement of English
teaching capacity around the world and the enhancement of mutual
understanding between the people of the United States and those of
other countries through exchanges of U.S. English language educators to
all regions of the world.
The English Language Fellow (EL Fellow) Program sends U.S.
educators in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
on ten-month fellowships to overseas academic institutions. The Program
brings foreign English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Educators to the
U.S. for a three-week workshop/institute including participation in the
annual Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Convention. Pending the availability of Fiscal Year FY 2012 funds, the
Bureau anticipates the placement of approximately 112 English Language
Fellows overseas in AY 2012-2013. Public and private non-profit
organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue
Code, Section 26 U.S.C. 501 (c) (3) may submit proposals to administer
and manage the EL Fellow Program for AY 2012-2013.
I. Funding Opportunity Description:
Authority
Overall Grant and Agreement-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 English Language Fellow Program fosters mutual understanding
between the people of the United States and those of other countries
through exchanges of U.S. English language educators. The EL Fellow
Program sends talented, highly qualified U.S. educators in the field of
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
[[Page 27144]]
(TESOL) on ten-month assignments to academic institutions in all
regions of the world. Through projects recommended by U.S. embassies,
EL Fellows share their expertise, hone their skills, gain international
experience, and learn about other cultures. Upon returning to the
United States, they share their experiences and acquired knowledge with
their communities and professional colleagues. Projects are carried out
with host-country ministries of education, universities, teacher-
training institutions, NGOs, binational centers, and other English
language teaching institutions.
The EL Fellow Program allows students and teachers at host
institutions to benefit from the EL Fellows' expertise and to gain a
better understanding of American values, representative government,
free enterprise, and the rule of law. EL Fellows provide foreign
educators, professionals, and students with communications skills they
need to participate in the global economy and to improve their access
to diverse perspectives on a broad variety of issues.
During the program, EL Fellows typically serve as full-time (up to
20 classroom contact hours per week) educators assigned to foreign host
institutions and may be engaged in teacher training, curriculum and
materials development, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction,
assessment, evaluation, research, English club or American Corner
programming, summer camps, and other outreach projects.
The overarching goals of the EL Fellow Program are to:
Advance the Department of State's mutual understanding
objectives;
Enhance English teaching capacity overseas in order to
provide foreign teachers and students with the communication skills
they need to participate in the global economy;
Allow students and teachers at host institutions to
benefit from the EL Fellows' expertise and to gain a better
understanding of American values, representative government, free
enterprise, and the rule of law; and
Provide an opportunity for U.S. English language educators
to share their expertise, hone their skills, and learn about other
cultures, so that upon returning to the United States, they can share
their experiences and acquired knowledge with their communities and
professional colleagues.
EL Fellow Eligibility Requirements
U.S. citizenship;
Master's degree with focus on Teaching English as a
Foreign or Second Language (TEFL/TESL), Applied Linguistics, or
relevant field, conferred no later than end of 2012 spring semester;
Minimum of three years of professional experience in the
field of teaching English to non-native speakers (one year of
experience equals two semesters of 15-16 hours per week); and
Teacher training experience (Senior EL Fellows should have
at least four years of teacher training experience and one full year of
international teaching experience).
Background
The Bureau seeks to award a Cooperative Agreement to an applicant
with the ability to achieve these objectives and that has the necessary
infrastructure and experience conducting academic exchange programs.
The timing of the award and the amount of funding for the EL Fellow
Program are subject to the availability of funds in FY 2012.
EL Fellow Program Guidelines
With the approval of the Office of English Language Programs, the
roles and responsibilities of the Recipient administering the EL Fellow
Program are to:
Design and develop promotional materials to support
advertisement and recruitment for the EL Fellow Program.
Conduct an extensive, comprehensive, and ongoing
promotional and advertising campaign to recruit qualified and
experienced candidates for the EL Fellow Program.
Identify and review with the Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, and U.S.
embassies, candidates for approximately 112 EL Fellow projects selected
by the U.S. Department of State. Qualified staff must interview
candidates and match candidates' skills to the needs of specific
projects. The recruitment, selection, and placement process shall be
completed by May 1, 2012.
Plan and conduct a pre-departure orientation in
Washington, DC in August 2012.
Conduct all financial management aspects of the EL Fellow
Program, including processing of all EL Fellow grant payments
electronically to EL Fellows' designated bank accounts. Maintain an EL
Fellow Program budget spreadsheet.
Provide fiscal management for EL Fellows' professional
development activities during the assignment. These activities are
selected by the Bureau and are supported by U.S. embassies and the
Public Diplomacy Offices of the U.S. Department of State's Regional
Geographic Bureaus.
Make all necessary travel arrangements for the EL Fellows
including reservations and issuance of tickets.
Enroll the selected EL Fellows in the Bureau Accident and
Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) Benefit Plan.
Collect EL Fellows' health verification forms and arrange
for proper medical clearance by a qualified medical practitioner.
Monitor the EL Fellow Program activities and the EL
Fellows, including emergencies, project performance, housing, security,
terminations, and making regional site visit(s).
Prepare and enter into a fellowship agreement which
establishes the terms and conditions of the 10-month fellowship
including communications, project performance, terminations, and other
program-related issues.
Communicate directly with EL Fellows with regard to
fellowship-related issues including, in consultation with the relevant
U.S. embassy and host institution(s), project performance, emergencies,
terminations, reporting, highlights, and successes.
Notify and consult with the Office of English Language
Programs (ECA/A/L) immediately in regard to EL Fellows' emergencies,
evacuations, project performance, terminations, etc., and act in
accordance to guidance from the Bureau.
Develop evaluation and implement strategies designed to
measure the impact and outcome of the EL Fellow Program and the
effectiveness of each individual EL Fellow's professional activities at
his/her designated host institution(s).
Maintain information sharing tools (e.g., Web site/
listserv, database, and social networking media) and provide EL Fellow
information to the Bureau's Alumni Office.
Organize and implement activities related to the annual
TESOL Convention, including: conducting a one-week Exchange EFL
(English as a Foreign Language) Educators Fellow workshop/institute for
foreign participants chosen by the State Department; arranging for the
workshop/institute participants to attend the annual TESOL Convention;
and, making all provisions for the Office of English Language Programs'
networking event at the TESOL Convention for the workshop/institute
participants and EL Fellow Program alumni;
[[Page 27145]]
Prepare Form DS-2019 and send the Form to each selected
Exchange EFL Educator Fellow at least 60 days before his/her departure
from his/her home country for the workshop/institute.
The responsibilities of the Recipient are clearly detailed in the
Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI). Due to the
diverse responsibilities involved in administering the Cooperative
Agreement, the Bureau welcomes the submission of proposals involving
partnering organizations. In addition to the primary grantee, these
other organizations may be sub-grantees responsible for carrying out
specific activities or components of the EL Fellow Program, such as
recruitment, financial and logistical management, reporting
requirements, pre-departure orientation, evaluations, clearance of
health verification records, TESOL 2012 related activities, etc.
Applicants should include a minimum of two management staff with
qualifications and experience in TEFL/TESL or Applied Linguistics.
Applications involving partnering organizations, if applicable, must
clearly delineate the role each partnering organization will play and
its responsibilities. Letters of commitment from any potential
partnering organization(s) must be included.
In a Cooperative Agreement, ECA/A/L is substantially involved in
the program activities above and beyond routine monitoring. ECA/A/L
activities and responsibilities for this program are as follows:
Providing overall program and policy design and direction;
Inviting U.S. embassies to submit EL Fellow proposals;
Reviewing and analyzing the ability of projects to raise
the academic standards of English language teaching and to promote the
Bureau's public diplomacy and exchanges goals;
Analyzing the prospective impact of projects on host-
country English teaching institutions and the likelihood of projects
meeting host-country institutional needs;
Prioritizing and finalizing selection of projects for
which the Recipient will recruit EL Fellow candidates;
Reviewing candidates' qualifications and
r[eacute]sum[eacute]s;
Monitoring participants and program activities;
Communicating and working with U.S. embassies to resolve
EL Fellow issues (academic, health, security, etc.); and
Reviewing reports of EL Fellow activities and projects in
host countries.
U.S. embassies submit proposals to the Bureau identifying
opportunities for placement of Fellows in host-country institutions in
accordance with the guidance provided by the Bureau. U.S. embassies are
responsible for managing the EL Fellow Program in-country. The role of
the U.S. embassies includes:
Selecting host institutions, including evaluating the
security of prospective sites;
Establishing viable partnerships with prospective in-
country host institutions that have critical English language
programming needs;
Developing project proposals in consultation with in-
country host institutions to be implemented by EL Fellows;
Reviewing applicants' qualifications and making final
selections of EL Fellow candidates in consultation with in-country host
institutions;
Contacting EL Fellows prior to their arrival to answer
questions about work-related issues, and to ensure that they have
accurate information regarding housing, visa requirements, security,
etc.;
Conducting an EL Fellows' in-country arrival orientation
and ensuring that the EL Fellows receive a security briefing by the
embassy's Regional Security Officer;
Working to maximize participants' safety and well-being,
locating and securing quality housing, ensuring that the EL Fellows'
visa/residency status is adjusted immediately after arrival in host
country to comply with host-country immigration regulations, and acting
as the EL Fellows' and Bureau's direct point of contact;
Conducting site visits and jointly monitoring EL Fellows'
programs and activities with the recipient and sharing of information
with the recipient; and
Selecting nominees (foreign teachers of English as a
Foreign language) for participation in the 46th Annual TESOL Convention
(TESOL 2012) and related activities in the U.S.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
Bureau's level of involvement in the EL Fellow Program is listed
under number I above.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2012 (pending availability of funds).
Approximate Total Funding: $8,500,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
Approximate Average Award: $8,500,000.
Floor of Award Range: N/A.
Ceiling of Award Range: N/A.
Anticipated Award Date: October 1, 2011, pending availability of
funds.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: March 31, 2014.
Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of the EL
Fellow Program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal
years, it is the Bureau's intent to renew this Cooperative Agreement
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 Cooperative Agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of
allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, the applicant
must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as
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 the applicant does not provide the minimum amount of cost
sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, the Bureau's contribution
will be reduced in like proportion.
III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements
Bureau Cooperative Agreement 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 one Cooperative Agreement in an amount up to $8,500,000 to
support program and administrative costs required to implement this
exchange program. Therefore, organizations with less than four years
experience in conducting international exchanges are ineligible to
apply under this competition. The Bureau encourages applicants to
provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its
programs.
[[Page 27146]]
IV. Application and Submission of Information
Note: Please read the complete Federal Register announcement
before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP
deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition
with applicants until the proposal review process has been
completed.
IV.1. Contact Information To Request an Application Package
Please contact the Office of English Language Programs, ECA/A/L,
U.S. Department of State, SA-5, 4th Floor, 2200 C Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20522, telephone (202) 632-9267, fax: (202) 632-9267, e-
mail [email protected] to request a Solicitation Package. Please
refer to Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/L-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.2 for further information.
The Solicitation Package contains the Proposal Submission
Instructions (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 ECA/A/L Program Officer, Catherine Williamson, and
refer to Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/L-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/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. Applicant is 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 the applicant's 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 for
formatting and technical requirements. The package contains the
mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document and the
Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document.
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. Applicant 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 the organization is a private nonprofit which has not
received a Grant or Cooperative Agreement from ECA in the past three
years, or if the applicant organization has received nonprofit status
from the IRS within the past four years, the applicant must submit the
necessary documentation to verify nonprofit status as directed in the
PSI document. Failure to do so will cause the proposal to be declared
technically ineligible.
IV.3d. Please take into consideration the following information
when preparing the proposal narrative:
IV.3d.1 Adherence to All Regulations Governing the J Visa
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs places critical
emphases on the security and proper administration of Exchange Visitor
(J visa) programs and adherence by the Recipient 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 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate
Responsible Officers, screening and selection of program participants,
provision of pre-arrival information and orientation to participants,
monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms,
record-keeping, reporting, and other requirements.
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.
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 the 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 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.
[[Page 27147]]
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 the proposal include a draft survey
questionnaire, or other technique, plus a description of a methodology
to be used to link outcomes to original project objectives. The Bureau
expects that the Recipient 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. The evaluation
plan should include a description of the project's objectives, the
anticipated project outcomes, and how and when the Recipient intends 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. The Recipient should also show how the project
objectives link to the goals of the program described in this RFGP. The
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, i.e., the
results achieved. Examples of outputs include the number of people
trained or the number of seminars conducted. Outcomes, in contrast,
represent specific intended project results 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 the applicant 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; such as 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 the 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.)
The Recipient will be required to provide reports analyzing the
evaluation findings to the Bureau in the regular program reports. All
data collected, including survey responses and contact information,
must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the
Bureau upon request.
IV. 3d.4. Describe plans for sustainability, e.g., overall program
management, staffing, coordination with ECA and embassies.
IV.3e. Please take the following information into consideration
when preparing the budget:
IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit SF-424A--``Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs'' along with a comprehensive budget for the
entire program. The budget request may not exceed $8,500,000. 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. For allowable costs for the program and complete budget
guidelines and formatting instructions, please refer to the
Solicitation Package and POGI.
IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission
Application Deadline Date: June 24, 2011.
Reference Number: ECA/A/L-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., 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 deadline,
are ineligible for consideration under this competition. ECA will not
notify the applicant 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 the 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 11 copies of the application should be sent to:
Program Management Division, ECA-IIP/EX/PM, Ref: ECA/A/L-12-01, SA-5,
Floor 4, U.S. Department of State, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC
20037.
[[Page 27148]]
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 to complete. 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 connectivity. 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 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, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern Time.
E-mail: [email protected].
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.
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.
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 and Agreement 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 a
Cooperative Agreement resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer.
V.2. 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/program planning: Proposals should
exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the
Bureau's mission. Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should
demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda
and plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described
above. Proposal should clearly demonstrate how the applicant will meet
the program's objectives and plan.
2. Ability to achieve program objectives: Objectives should be
reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly
demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and
plan.
3. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed programs should strengthen
long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual
linkages.
4. Support of diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive
support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant
features should be cited in both program administration (selection of
participants, program venue, and program evaluation) and program
content (orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource
materials, and follow-up activities).
5. Institutional capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or
project's goals.
6. Institution's record/ability: Proposals should demonstrate an
institutional record of successful exchange programs, including
responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting
requirements for past Bureau 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.
7. Follow-on activities: Proposals should provide a plan for
continued follow-on activity (without Bureau support), ensuring that
Bureau supported programs are not isolated events.
8. Project evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate
the activities' success, both as the activities unfold and at the end
of the program. A draft survey questionnaire, or other technique, plus
description of a methodology to be used to link outcomes to original
project objectives is recommended.
9. Cost-effectiveness and Cost Sharing: The overhead and
administrative components of the proposal, including salaries and
honoraria, should be kept as low as possible. All other budgeted items
should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost-
sharing through other private sector support as well as institutional
direct funding contributions.
10. Professional expertise in teaching English as a Foreign/Second
Language (TEFL/TESL): The proposal should demonstrate a publicity and
recruitment plan that allows for the greatest dissemination of
information to professionals in the areas of teaching English as a
foreign language, Applied Linguistics, and related fields.
[[Page 27149]]
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 documents 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.
The Recipient shall insert the foregoing provision in all sub-
agreements under the 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.
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.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements: You must provide ECA with a hard copy
original plus two copies 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.
3. A SF-PPR, ``Performance Progress Report'' Cover Sheet with all
program reports.
4. A Quarterly Program Report: A narrative program report
describing and evaluating the activities shall be submitted within 30
days following each calendar year quarter.
5. A Quarterly Financial Report: A financial report using SF 425-
FFR to reflect expenditures shall be submitted within 30 days following
each calendar year quarter. The report must be certified by the
Recipient's Chief Fiscal Officer or an officer of comparable rank.
Award recipients will be required to provide reports analyzing
evaluation findings to the Bureau in the regular program reports.
(Please refer to IV. Application and Submission Instructions (IV.3.d.3)
above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information).
All data collected, including survey responses and contact
information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and
provided to the Bureau upon request.
All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program
Officer listed in the final assistance award document.
VI.4. Optional Program Data Requirements: Organizations awarded a
Cooperative Agreement will be required to maintain specific data on
program participants and activities in an electronically accessible
database format that can be shared with the Bureau as required. As a
minimum, the data must include the following:
(1) Name, address, contact information, and biographic sketch of
all persons who travel internationally on funds provided by the
Cooperative Agreement or who benefit from the Cooperative Agreement
funding but do not travel. (2) Itineraries of international and
domestic travel, providing dates of travel and cities in which any
exchange experiences take place. Final schedules for in-country and
U.S. activities must be received by the ECA Program Officer at least
three work days prior to the official opening of the activity.
VII. Agency Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: Catherine
Williamson, Office of English Language Programs, ECA/A/L, U.S.
Department of State, SA-5, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522,
telephone (202)632-9267, fax (202) 632-9464, e-mail
[email protected].
All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should
reference the above title and number ECA/A/L-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: May 3, 2011.
Ann Stock,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs,
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2011-11430 Filed 5-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P