Federal Register: December 18, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 244)
DOCID: fr18de08-129 FR Doc E8-30128
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
State Department
DOCUMENT ID: [Public Notice 6459]
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr18de08-129
ACTION: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals:
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: Three Summer Institutes for 2009, Including a Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences, a Summer Institute for European Student Leaders, and a Summer Institute for European Student Leaders in Education
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
Announcement Type: Three new Cooperative Agreements.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/A/E/EUR 0905.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates: April 1, 2009July 1, 2010.
Application Deadline: February 26, 2009.
Executive Summary: The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, European and Eurasian Programs Branch (ECA/A/E/EUR) announces an open competition for three (3) Summer Institutes for European undergraduate students to take place during the summer of 2009. The Institutes vary in focus, the number of participants, length, timing, and funding. Accredited, postsecondary educational institutions in the United States may submit proposals to administer one or more of the Institute programs. Institutions must submit separate proposals for each Institute. All Institutes will be funded in FY2009 pending the availability of funds.
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 87256, as amended, also known as the FulbrightHays 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 of each Summer Institute: Please refer to the Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document for a complete program description for all three Institutes.
The Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences will introduce twelve (12) undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of university studies in the natural sciences at Norwegian institutions to the scientific research being conducted on the polar regions. Proposals should interweave the themes and issues being examined by the International Polar Year (IPY) program into the Institute plan. For example, topics covered in the academic program may include climate change, the influence of the polar regions on the global system, community and environmental sustainability in the polar regions, and and/or other issues being examined by the IPY program.
The sixweek Institute is also intended to introduce Norwegian students to the U.S. university classroom and lab, campus life, and offer them opportunities to interact with their U.S. peers.
The U.S.Norway Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange will
recruit and nominate the participants. The Institute will take place
during a sixweek period between late June and midAugust, preferably [[Page 77094]]
July 5August 15, 2009. Funding for this Institute will be up to $200,000, pending the availability of FY2009 funds.
Guidelines: The program should be designed to support the following components:
(a) An academic program that focuses on polar studies, with
particular relevance to the circumpolar region, also known as the
``High North''. The academic program can be a mix of lectures,
seminars, and/or special projects and should include lab and/or field research at the host institution or other sites.
(b) A cultural component that allows participants to explore their
host city and region and have full participation in campus life at the host institution.
(c) It is anticipated that all participants will be fluent in
English. However, the host institution should be prepared to offer English language support as necessary.
(d) A U.S. peer mentor component. The host institution should
retain three (3) qualified upper division or graduate U.S. students
majoring in science who exhibit cultural sensitivity and an
understanding of the Institute's objectives to accompany the
participants throughout the academic and cultural components of the program.
2. The Summer Institute for European Student Leaders will offer a group of twentyfour (24) European undergraduate students from a broad range of ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the United States and build leadership skills during a fiveweek program on an American campus. The Fulbright Commissions in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will recruit participants who are first or secondyear undergraduate students or recent high school graduates who will enter university in fall 2009. The Institute will promote study and learning about the United States, civic engagement, and leadership development through academic coursework and participatory activities that will serve the participants in their academic and professional careers and to promote mutual understanding between the United States and their home countries. ECA anticipates that the fiveweek Institute will begin midJuly 2009. Funding for this Institute will be up to $215,000, pending the availability of FY 2009 funds.
Guidelines: The program should be designed to support the following components:
(a) An academic program that will introduce participants to the
important events, people, and documents that have shaped the United
States and contemporary American life. The host institution is
encouraged to identify or develop an academic course that Institute
participants can take together with American students at the university.
(b) A cultural component that complements and reinforces the
academic component. Activities should include visits to historical and
cultural sites of interest and participation in extracurricular
activities that will allow an optimal level of interaction with
American peers. This component should include plans for participants to
be engaged in a community service activity one to two hours per week.
(c) An English language component designed to strengthen the
English proficiency of all participants. While all program activities
should aim to promote Englishlanguage learning, preparations should be
in place to assist students through oneonone or small group
tutorials. The tutorials should be held several times a week throughout
the duration of the Institute and will be mandatory for those
participants deemed to require additional language instruction based on their English language assessment.
(d) A U.S. peer mentor program. The host institution should retain
four qualified upper division or graduate U.S. students who exhibit
cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the Institute's objectives
to serve as cultural interpreters and accompany the participants
throughout the program. The mentors should reside in the dormitories or other campus housing with the participants.
Applicants should take into account that the participants may not be familiar with the American studentcentered classroom approach and will have varying degrees of experience in expressing their opinions in a classroom environment. In this respect, all aspects of the Institute program should be designed to encourage the students to interact with each other and American counterparts.
3. The Summer Institute for European Student Leaders in Education will offer a group of twelve (12) European undergraduate students from a broad range of ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the U.S. system of education at the primary, secondary and higher education levels through an integrated and uniquely designed program that focuses on the U.S. education system, American pedagogical practices, U.S. education policy, the openness of the U.S. higher education system, and integration and diversity in American schools. Participants will have completed at least two years of university studies in an educationrelated field. Recruitment and nomination of the participants will be managed by the Fulbright Commission in France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. ECA anticipates that the fiveweek Institute will begin midJuly 2009. Funding for the Education Institute will be up to $110,000, pending the availability of FY 2009 funds.
Guidelines: The program should be designed to support the following components:
(a) An academic program that will introduce participants to the
U.S. system of education as described above, while interweaving the
perspectives, experiences and current challenges facing the local
educational system wherever appropriate. A component focused on
familiarizing the participants with the United States should also be
included that will require the students to explore key documents and
important events and periods that have shaped the United States.
(b) A cultural component that complements and reinforces the
academic component. Activities should include visits to schools,
historical, and cultural sites of interest. This component should
include plans for participants to be engaged in a community service activity one to two hours per week.
(c) An English language component designed to strengthen the
English proficiency of all participants. While all program activities
should aim to promote Englishlanguage learning, preparations should be
in place to assist students through oneonone or small group
tutorials. The oneonone and/or small group tutorials should be held
several times a week throughout the duration of the Institute and will
be mandatory for those participants deemed to require additional
language instruction based on their English language assessment.
(d) A U.S. peer mentor program. The host institution should retain
three (3) qualified upper division or graduate U.S. students who
exhibit cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the Institute's
objectives to serve as cultural interpreters and accompany the participants throughout the program.
Each of the three Institutes will be funded through a Cooperative
Agreement. Please note that in a Cooperative Agreement, ECA/A/E/EUR is substantially involved in program
[[Page 77095]]
activities above and beyond routine monitoring. ECA/A/E/EUR's
activities and responsibilities for all three Institutes are as follows:
[cir] ECA will select participants who are nominated by the participating Fulbright Commissions.
[cir] ECA will facilitate sending prearrival orientation materials
electronically to participants via the participating Fulbright Commissions.
[cir] ECA will enroll all participants in the Accident and Sickness
and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). This health benefits program
will be of no cost to the host institutions. The host institutions will be responsible for the copays for medical treatment.
[cir] ECA will issue DS2019s for the participants to enter the United States on Jvisas.
[cir] ECA will organize debriefing sessions in Washington, DC, at
the conclusion of the Institutes. All costs for the debriefing (travel
to Washington, lodging, meals) will be the responsibility of the host institution and should be included in the proposal budget.
[cir] ECA will provide the host institution with biographical
information about the participants and their travel itineraries.
Proposal Contents: Applicants should submit a complete and thorough
proposal describing the Institute in a convincing and comprehensive
manner. Please clearly indicate which Institute the proposal is being
submitted for. Since there is no opportunity for applicants to meet
with reviewing officials, the proposal should respond to the criteria
set forth in the solicitation and other guidelines as clearly as possible.
II. Award Information
Type of Awards: Cooperative Agreements.
Fiscal Year Funds: 2009.
Approximate Total Funding:
Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences: $200,000.
Summer Institute for European Student Leaders: $215,000.
Summer Institute for European Student Leaders in Education: $110,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 3.
Anticipated Award Date: April 1, 2009.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: July 1, 2010.
Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of each program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew the cooperative agreement for the Summer Institute for European Student Leaders and Summer Institute for European Student Leaders in Education for two additional fiscal years, before openly competing them again. Please note that at this time, the Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences is a onetime opportunity.
III. Eligibility Information
III.1. Eligible applicants: Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds: There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, the Bureau encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.
When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the
applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its
proposal and later included in an approved grant agreement. Cost
sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For
accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs
which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by
the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis
for determining the value of cash and inkind contributions must be in
accordance with OMB Circular A110, (Revised), Subpart C.23Cost
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 three
cooperative agreements, all in an amount excessive of $60,000 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.
(b) Accredited, postsecondary educational institutions in the
United States may submit proposals to administer one or more of the
Institute programs but must submit separate proposals for each Institute.
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 Academic Exchange Programs, European and Eurasian Programs, U.S. Department of State, SA44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, 2024538524 to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/E/EUR 0905 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 Carolina Chavez, Program Officer, and refer to the Funding Opportunity Number (ECA/A/E/EUR 0905) 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 ninedigit
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 [[Page 77096]]
8667055711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the
appropriate box of the SF424 which is part of the formal application package.
IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal narrative and budget. Please Refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document and the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document for additional formatting and technical requirements.
IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Please note: Effective March 14, 2008, all applicants for ECA federal assistance awards must include with their application, a copy of page 5, Part VA, ``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 an applicant does not file an IRS Form 990, but instead files Schedule A (Form 990 or 990EZ)``Organization Exempt Under Section 501(c)(3),'' applicants must include with their application a copy of Page 1, Part 1, ``Compensation of the Five Highest Paid Employees Other Than Officers, Directors and Trustees,'' of their most recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) FormSchedule A (Form 990 or 990EZ).
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 grantees and sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening and selection of program participants, provision of prearrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, recordkeeping, reporting and other requirements. ECA will be responsible for issuing DS2019 forms to participants in this program.
A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at http:// exchanges.state.gov or from: United States Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, ECA/EC/ECDSA44, Room 734, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, Telephone: (202) 2035029,
SUMMARY:
Three Summer Institutes for 2009, Including a Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences, etc.,
DOCUMENT BODY 2:
Announcement Type: Three new Cooperative Agreements.
Funding Opportunity Number: ECA/A/E/EUR 0905.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 00.000.
Key Dates: April 1, 2009July 1, 2010.
Application Deadline: February 26, 2009.
Executive Summary: The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, European and Eurasian Programs Branch (ECA/A/E/EUR) announces an open competition for three (3) Summer Institutes for European undergraduate students to take place during the summer of 2009. The Institutes vary in focus, the number of participants, length, timing, and funding. Accredited, postsecondary educational institutions in the United States may submit proposals to administer one or more of the Institute programs. Institutions must submit separate proposals for each Institute. All Institutes will be funded in FY2009 pending the availability of funds.
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 87256, as amended, also known as the FulbrightHays 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 of each Summer Institute: Please refer to the Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) document for a complete program description for all three Institutes.
The Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences will introduce twelve (12) undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of university studies in the natural sciences at Norwegian institutions to the scientific research being conducted on the polar regions. Proposals should interweave the themes and issues being examined by the International Polar Year (IPY) program into the Institute plan. For example, topics covered in the academic program may include climate change, the influence of the polar regions on the global system, community and environmental sustainability in the polar regions, and and/or other issues being examined by the IPY program.
The sixweek Institute is also intended to introduce Norwegian students to the U.S. university classroom and lab, campus life, and offer them opportunities to interact with their U.S. peers.
The U.S.Norway Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange will
recruit and nominate the participants. The Institute will take place
during a sixweek period between late June and midAugust, preferably [[Page 77094]]
July 5August 15, 2009. Funding for this Institute will be up to $200,000, pending the availability of FY2009 funds.
Guidelines: The program should be designed to support the following components:
(a) An academic program that focuses on polar studies, with
particular relevance to the circumpolar region, also known as the
``High North''. The academic program can be a mix of lectures,
seminars, and/or special projects and should include lab and/or field research at the host institution or other sites.
(b) A cultural component that allows participants to explore their
host city and region and have full participation in campus life at the host institution.
(c) It is anticipated that all participants will be fluent in
English. However, the host institution should be prepared to offer English language support as necessary.
(d) A U.S. peer mentor component. The host institution should
retain three (3) qualified upper division or graduate U.S. students
majoring in science who exhibit cultural sensitivity and an
understanding of the Institute's objectives to accompany the
participants throughout the academic and cultural components of the program.
2. The Summer Institute for European Student Leaders will offer a group of twentyfour (24) European undergraduate students from a broad range of ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the United States and build leadership skills during a fiveweek program on an American campus. The Fulbright Commissions in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will recruit participants who are first or secondyear undergraduate students or recent high school graduates who will enter university in fall 2009. The Institute will promote study and learning about the United States, civic engagement, and leadership development through academic coursework and participatory activities that will serve the participants in their academic and professional careers and to promote mutual understanding between the United States and their home countries. ECA anticipates that the fiveweek Institute will begin midJuly 2009. Funding for this Institute will be up to $215,000, pending the availability of FY 2009 funds.
Guidelines: The program should be designed to support the following components:
(a) An academic program that will introduce participants to the
important events, people, and documents that have shaped the United
States and contemporary American life. The host institution is
encouraged to identify or develop an academic course that Institute
participants can take together with American students at the university.
(b) A cultural component that complements and reinforces the
academic component. Activities should include visits to historical and
cultural sites of interest and participation in extracurricular
activities that will allow an optimal level of interaction with
American peers. This component should include plans for participants to
be engaged in a community service activity one to two hours per week.
(c) An English language component designed to strengthen the
English proficiency of all participants. While all program activities
should aim to promote Englishlanguage learning, preparations should be
in place to assist students through oneonone or small group
tutorials. The tutorials should be held several times a week throughout
the duration of the Institute and will be mandatory for those
participants deemed to require additional language instruction based on their English language assessment.
(d) A U.S. peer mentor program. The host institution should retain
four qualified upper division or graduate U.S. students who exhibit
cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the Institute's objectives
to serve as cultural interpreters and accompany the participants
throughout the program. The mentors should reside in the dormitories or other campus housing with the participants.
Applicants should take into account that the participants may not be familiar with the American studentcentered classroom approach and will have varying degrees of experience in expressing their opinions in a classroom environment. In this respect, all aspects of the Institute program should be designed to encourage the students to interact with each other and American counterparts.
3. The Summer Institute for European Student Leaders in Education will offer a group of twelve (12) European undergraduate students from a broad range of ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the U.S. system of education at the primary, secondary and higher education levels through an integrated and uniquely designed program that focuses on the U.S. education system, American pedagogical practices, U.S. education policy, the openness of the U.S. higher education system, and integration and diversity in American schools. Participants will have completed at least two years of university studies in an educationrelated field. Recruitment and nomination of the participants will be managed by the Fulbright Commission in France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. ECA anticipates that the fiveweek Institute will begin midJuly 2009. Funding for the Education Institute will be up to $110,000, pending the availability of FY 2009 funds.
Guidelines: The program should be designed to support the following components:
(a) An academic program that will introduce participants to the
U.S. system of education as described above, while interweaving the
perspectives, experiences and current challenges facing the local
educational system wherever appropriate. A component focused on
familiarizing the participants with the United States should also be
included that will require the students to explore key documents and
important events and periods that have shaped the United States.
(b) A cultural component that complements and reinforces the
academic component. Activities should include visits to schools,
historical, and cultural sites of interest. This component should
include plans for participants to be engaged in a community service activity one to two hours per week.
(c) An English language component designed to strengthen the
English proficiency of all participants. While all program activities
should aim to promote Englishlanguage learning, preparations should be
in place to assist students through oneonone or small group
tutorials. The oneonone and/or small group tutorials should be held
several times a week throughout the duration of the Institute and will
be mandatory for those participants deemed to require additional
language instruction based on their English language assessment.
(d) A U.S. peer mentor program. The host institution should retain
three (3) qualified upper division or graduate U.S. students who
exhibit cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the Institute's
objectives to serve as cultural interpreters and accompany the participants throughout the program.
Each of the three Institutes will be funded through a Cooperative
Agreement. Please note that in a Cooperative Agreement, ECA/A/E/EUR is substantially involved in program
[[Page 77095]]
activities above and beyond routine monitoring. ECA/A/E/EUR's
activities and responsibilities for all three Institutes are as follows:
[cir] ECA will select participants who are nominated by the participating Fulbright Commissions.
[cir] ECA will facilitate sending prearrival orientation materials
electronically to participants via the participating Fulbright Commissions.
[cir] ECA will enroll all participants in the Accident and Sickness
and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). This health benefits program
will be of no cost to the host institutions. The host institutions will be responsible for the copays for medical treatment.
[cir] ECA will issue DS2019s for the participants to enter the United States on Jvisas.
[cir] ECA will organize debriefing sessions in Washington, DC, at
the conclusion of the Institutes. All costs for the debriefing (travel
to Washington, lodging, meals) will be the responsibility of the host institution and should be included in the proposal budget.
[cir] ECA will provide the host institution with biographical
information about the participants and their travel itineraries.
Proposal Contents: Applicants should submit a complete and thorough
proposal describing the Institute in a convincing and comprehensive
manner. Please clearly indicate which Institute the proposal is being
submitted for. Since there is no opportunity for applicants to meet
with reviewing officials, the proposal should respond to the criteria
set forth in the solicitation and other guidelines as clearly as possible.
II. Award Information
Type of Awards: Cooperative Agreements.
Fiscal Year Funds: 2009.
Approximate Total Funding:
Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences: $200,000.
Summer Institute for European Student Leaders: $215,000.
Summer Institute for European Student Leaders in Education: $110,000.
Approximate Number of Awards: 3.
Anticipated Award Date: April 1, 2009.
Anticipated Project Completion Date: July 1, 2010.
Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of each program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew the cooperative agreement for the Summer Institute for European Student Leaders and Summer Institute for European Student Leaders in Education for two additional fiscal years, before openly competing them again. Please note that at this time, the Summer Institute for Norwegian Students in the Sciences is a onetime opportunity.
III. Eligibility Information
III.1. Eligible applicants: Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds: There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, the Bureau encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.
When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the
applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its
proposal and later included in an approved grant agreement. Cost
sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For
accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs
which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by
the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis
for determining the value of cash and inkind contributions must be in
accordance with OMB Circular A110, (Revised), Subpart C.23Cost
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 three
cooperative agreements, all in an amount excessive of $60,000 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.
(b) Accredited, postsecondary educational institutions in the
United States may submit proposals to administer one or more of the
Institute programs but must submit separate proposals for each Institute.
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 Academic Exchange Programs, European and Eurasian Programs, U.S. Department of State, SA44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, 2024538524 to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/E/EUR 0905 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 Carolina Chavez, Program Officer, and refer to the Funding Opportunity Number (ECA/A/E/EUR 0905) 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 ninedigit
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 [[Page 77096]]
8667055711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the
appropriate box of the SF424 which is part of the formal application package.
IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal narrative and budget. Please Refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document and the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation (POGI) document for additional formatting and technical requirements.
IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Please note: Effective March 14, 2008, all applicants for ECA federal assistance awards must include with their application, a copy of page 5, Part VA, ``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 an applicant does not file an IRS Form 990, but instead files Schedule A (Form 990 or 990EZ)``Organization Exempt Under Section 501(c)(3),'' applicants must include with their application a copy of Page 1, Part 1, ``Compensation of the Five Highest Paid Employees Other Than Officers, Directors and Trustees,'' of their most recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) FormSchedule A (Form 990 or 990EZ).
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 grantees and sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening and selection of program participants, provision of prearrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, recordkeeping, reporting and other requirements. ECA will be responsible for issuing DS2019 forms to participants in this program.
A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at http:// exchanges.state.gov or from: United States Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, ECA/EC/ECDSA44, Room 734, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, Telephone: (202) 2035029,