AR Human Resource Management Project

UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY

AR Human Resource Management Project

AGENCY: United States Information Agency.

ACTION: Notice; request for proposals.

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TITLE: Labor, Conflict Resolution, and Economic Development: Strategies

To Address Human Resource Management Problems in Brazil.

SUMMARY: The Office of Citizen Exchanges (E/P) announces a competitive

grants program for non-profit organizations to develop programs in the

area of labor/management relations and human resource management. The

project should link the U.S. organization's international exchange

interests with counterparts in the American Republics.

Interested applicants are urged to read the complete Federal

Register announcement before addressing inquiries to the Office or

submitting their proposals. After the deadline for submitting

proposals, USIA officers may not discuss this competition in any way

with applicants until final decisions are made.

ANNOUNCEMENT NAME AND NUMBER: All communications concerning this

announcement should refer to the AR Local Government Project. This

announcement number is E/P-94-25. Please refer to this title and number

in all correspondence or telephone calls to USIA.

DATES: Deadline for Proposals: All copies must be received at the U.S.

Information Agency by 5 p.m., Washington, DC time on March 24, 1994.

Faxed documents will not be accepted, nor will documents postmarked

March 24, 1994, but received at a later date.

It is the responsibility of each grant applicant to ensure that

proposals are received by the above deadline. The grant project

activity should begin after July 1, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The original and 14 copies of the completed application and

required forms should be submitted by the deadline to: U.S. Information

Agency, Ref: AR Human Resource Management Project (E/P-94-25), Grants

Management Division (E/XE), 301 4th Street, SW., room 336, Washington,

DC 20547.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Interested organizations, institutions should contact: Benjamin Cromer,

American Republics and East Asia and Pacific Division, Office of

Citizen Exchanges (E/P), room 220, United States Information Agency,

301 Fourth Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Please telephone 202-619-

5326 or fax 202-619-4350 to request detailed application packets, which

include award criteria, all necessary forms, and guidelines for

preparing proposals, including specific budget preparation.

Objectives of the AR Human Resource Management Project

The Office of Citizen Exchanges (E/P) of the United States

Information Agency proposes a two-way exchange program for Brazilian

decision-makers to develop strategies to address human resource

management problems in Brazil. This exchange will involve two

components: a two-week U.S. study tour by a delegation of 12-16

Brazilian leaders selected from the national government, the national

employers organizations, and labor unions; and a follow-on visit to

Brazil by U.S. human resource management experts.

These study tours will explore methods of human resource

development based on private sector initiative that involve the

cooperation of labor, management, and government.

Moreover, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education support such

models as solutions to resolve labor-management conflict. In Brazil,

coordination will be with the Ministry of Labor's Secretary For

Training and Professional Development, the national employer's

organizations, and the Labor Central.

Other goals of this program are to aid in modernizing Brazil's

economy, ensure the growth of its democratic institutions, and increase

public awareness of the vital policy-making role that labor can play in

the general well-being of a dynamic society.

Program Guidelines

Structural unemployment, technological change, and the pressure of

global competition, combined with a poorly educated work force, have

magnified Brazil's lack of a coherent approach to human resource

development. Currently, the formation of human capital is financed by

payroll taxes and run by the business community, ostensibly with

government approval. However, there is no manpower development strategy

in Brazil that involves all parties: labor, management, and the

government. With Brazil's ever-increasing levels of unemployment and

social unrest the optimum use of labor is essential in modernizing the

country's economy.

Labor-management human resource development in the U.S.

telecommunications, automobile, construction and steel industries

provides practical models for the situation in Brazil. The following

case studies are suggested as sources: The AT&T/CWA Alliance project;

the pioneering work of the UAW and the automobile industry; and the

entry level programs of the construction industry in tandem with the

building trades organizations of the AFL-CIO.

The research of former Labor Secretary Ray Marshall and Dr. Barry

Bluestone could also be consulted, in addition to more recent efforts

by U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich. Other sources include labor

studies centers such as those at George Washington University and the

University of the District of Columbia; the AIFLD education program at

the George Meany Center for Labor Studies; the AFL-CIO's Human Resource

Institute; the National Association of Manufacturers; and the

Conference Board.

Models used to illustrate effective labor-management-government

relations must include those involving currently-employed individuals,

the chronically unemployed, and new entrants into the labor pool.

The decisive and expanding role of labor-management cooperation

should be emphasized as a key element in meeting the competitive

challenges of the global economy. The program should also emphasize the

coordination between human resource development delivery methods and

the constant change that occurs in business and industry.

Selection of Participants

Participants must be policymakers who can influence changes in

Brazil, not management experts and professionals. Participants will be

selected by the grantee, or its local co-sponsoring organization, in

consultation with USIS posts. This two-way support will ensure

effective discussion of new models for cooperation and innovation;

these models should encourage more participation between labor and

management, supporting Brazil's effort to secure more private sector

initiative resulting in a more competitive market economy.

This project will be executed by a U.S. not-for-profit institution

that, through its proposal, illustrates extensive experience and

success in coordinating international exchange programs. U.S.

organizations with established working relationships with counterpart

institutions in Brazil will receive priority under this competition.

At the conclusion of the exchange, the grantee will conduct

participant evaluations and submit a final report to USIA.

Funding

Competition for USIA funding support is intense. Selection of a

grantee institution is based on the substantive nature of the program

proposal; the applicant's professional capability to carry the program

through to successful conclusion; the cost effectiveness such as in-

kind contributions and the ability to keep overhead costs at a minimum.

USIA can devote up to $175,000 for this project; however, organizations

with fewer than four years of successful experience in managing

international exchange programs are limited to $60,000, and their

budget submission should correspond to this limitation.

All proposals should demonstrate in-depth, substantive knowledge of

the relevant issues, established connections with partner institutions,

and the capacity to organize and conduct the program. Organizational

abilities include: appropriate orientation activities for the

participants; detailed work plan for all phases of the project;

tentative agendas for study tours, workshops, and internships; letters

of commitment from internship hosts; and selection procedures.

Note: Applicants may wish to consult the USIS office at the

appropriate U.S. Embassy before submitting proposals.

USIA will give priority to proposals from U.S. organizations with

partner organizations in the American Republics that can help ensure

the program meets its goals and objectives. Applicants are encouraged

to demonstrate partner relationships by providing copies of

correspondence or other materials as appendices to proposals.

Moreover, these partner institutions are encouraged to provide

cost-sharing or significant in-kind contributions such as local

housing, transportation, interpreting, translating and other local

currency costs and to assist with the organization of projects.

Materials Development

USIA encourages the development, where needed, of written, audio

and video materials in the local language to enhance the programs. For

example, if not already available, glossaries of specialized terms in

local government or public administration might be developed.

Scope

Proposals should limit their focus to local governance. Proposals

for programs that are broader in scope will be eligible, but are less

likely to receive USIA support. USIA encourages proposals that feature

``train the trainers'' models; the creation of indigenous training

centers; schemes to create professional networks or professional

associations to disseminate information; and other enduring aspects.

Participant Selection

All grant proposals must clearly describe the type of persons who

will participate in the program as well as the process by which

participants will be selected. Programs in support of internships in

the U.S. must include letters tentatively committing host institutions

to support the internships.

In the selection of all foreign participants, USIA and USIS Posts

retain the right to nominate participants and to accept or deny

participants recommended by the program institution.

While applicants must provide an all-inclusive budget with the

proposal, they may also include separate sub-budgets for each program

component, phase, location, or activity. Competition for USIA funding

support is keen.

Note: All participants will be covered under the terms of a

USIA-sponsored health insurance policy. The premium is paid by USIA

directly to the insurance company.

The following costs are eligible for funding:

1. Transportation costs. International and domestic air fares,

visas, transit costs, and ground transportation costs are eligible for

funding.

2. Per Diem. For the U.S. program, organizations have the option of

using a flat $140/day for program participants or the published U.S.

Federal per diem rates for individual American cities. For activities

outside the U.S., the published federal per diem rates must be used.

Note: Grantee staff must use the published federal per diem

rates, not the flat rate.

3. Interpreters. Interpreters for the U.S. program are provided by

the U.S. State Department Language Services Division. Generally, two

simultaneous interpreters are provided for every four visitors who need

interpretation. USIA grants do not pay for foreign interpreters to

accompany delegations from their home country.

Grant proposal budgets should contain a flat $140/day per diem for

each Department of State (DOS) interpreter, as well as home-program-

home air transportation of $400 per interpreter plus any U.S. travel

expenses during the program.

Note: Salary expenses for interpreters are covered elsewhere and

should not be part of an applicant's proposed budget.

4. Book and cultural allowance. Participants are entitled to a one-

time cultural allowance of $150 per person, in addition to a book

allowance of $50. Escorts are reimbursed for actual cultural expenses

up to $150. U.S. staff do not receive these allowances.

5. Consultants. Consultants may be employed to provide specialized

expertise or to make presentations. Generally, honoraria should not

exceed $250 per day.

Subcontracting organizations may also be used, in which case the

written agreement between the prospective grantee and subcontractor

should be included with the proposal.

6. Room rental. Room rental should not exceed $250 per day.

7. Materials development. Proposals may contain costs to purchase,

develop, and translate materials for participants.

8. One working meal per project. Per capita costs may not exceed

$5-$8 for a lunch and $14-$20 for a dinner; this amount includes room

rental if applicable. The number of invited guests may not exceed

participants by more than a factor of two to one.

9. A return travel allowance of $70 for each participant. This

allowance is for incidental expenditures incurred during international

travel.

10. Costs for an audit. The proposal MUST include the cost of an

audit that:

a. Complies with the requirements of OMB circular No. 1-133, Audits

of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Institutions;

b. Complies with the requirements of the American Institute of

Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No.

92-9; and

c. Includes review by the recipient's independent auditor of a

recipient-prepared supplemental schedule of indirect cost rate

computation, if such a rate is being proposed.

The audit costs shall be identified separately for:

a. Preparation of basic financial statements, and other accounting

services; and

b. Preparation of the supplemental reports and schedules required

by OMB Circular No. A-133, AICPA SOP 92-9, and the review of the

supplemental schedule of indirect cost rate computation.

11. Cost-sharing. Cost-sharing in the form of allowable direct or

indirect costs is encouraged. The recipient must maintain written

records to support all allowable costs claimed as being its

contribution to cost participation, as well as costs to be paid by the

U.S. 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, Attachment

E, ``Cost-sharing and Matching'' and should be described in the

proposal. In the event the recipient does not provide the minimum

amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the recipient's budget, the

Agency's contribution will be reduced in proportion to the recipient's

contribution.

Application Requirements

Proposals must be structured in accordance with the instructions

contained in the application package.

Review Process

USIA will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will review them

for technical eligibility. Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they

do not fully adhere to the guidelines established herein and in the

application packet. Eligible proposals will be forwarded to panels of

USIA officers for advisory review. Proposals are reviewed by USIS posts

and by USIA's Office of American Republics. Proposals may also be

reviewed by the Office of General Counsel or other Agency offices.

Funding decisions are at the discretion of the Associate Director for

Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for grant

awards resides with USIA's contracting officer.

The award of any grant is subject to availability of funds. The

U.S. Government reserves the right to reject any or all applications

received. USIA will not pay for design and development costs associated

with submitting a proposal. Applications are submitted at the risk of

the applicant; should circumstances prevent award of a grant all

preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

USIA will not award funds for activities conducted prior to the

actual grant award.

Review Criteria

USIA will consider proposals based on the objectives stated in this

RFP, as well as the following criteria:

1. Quality of Program Idea: Proposals should exhibit originality

and relevance to USIA's mission, and demonstrate a clearly defined

need.

2. Institutional Ability/Capacity/Record: Applicants should

demonstrate the potential for program excellence by documenting

previous successful programs. If an organization is a former USIA grant

recipient, responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all

reporting requirements for past USIA grants is essential.

3. Project Personnel: Thematic and logistical expertise should be

relevant to the proposed program. Resumes included with the proposal

should reflect this relevance.

4. Program Planning: A detailed work plan should provide time-lines

for the accomplishment of each phase of the project and clearly

demonstrate how the grantee institution will meet these deadlines. In

addition, the work plan should indicate how it will accomplish project

goals.

5. Thematic Expertise: Proposals should demonstrate the

organization's expertise in the subject area.

6. Cross-Cultural Expertise and Area Expertise: Proposals should

show evidence of sensitivity to historical, linguistic, and other

cross-cultural factors, as well as relevant knowledge of the target

area/country.

7. Multiplier Effect/Follow-On Activities: Proposed programs should

strengthen long-term mutual understanding, facilitate sharing of

information, and establish long-term institutional and individual

relationships. Proposals should also reflect an institution's

commitment to continued exchange activity beyond the term of the USIA

grant.

8. Cost-Effectiveness: Overhead and administrative costs should be

kept as low as possible. All other items proposed for USIA funding

should be necessary and appropriate to achieve the program's objective.

9. Cost-Sharing: Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through

other private sector support as well as direct funding contributions

and/or in-kind support from the prospective grantee institution.

10. Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate

the activity's success. The applicant should include a draft of a

questionnaire or other evaluation technique to demonstrate which

evaluation method will be utilized.

Applicants will be expected to submit intermediate reports after

each project component is concluded, or quarterly, whichever is less

frequent.

Note: The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding

and may not be modified by any USIA representative. Explanatory

information provided by USIA that contradicts published language

will not be binding. Issuance of the RFP does not constitute an

award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government. Awards cannot

be made until funds have been fully appropriated by the U.S.

Congress and allocated and committed through internal USIA

procedures. Applicants will be notified of the results of the review

process on or about June 1, 1994. Awarded grants will be subject to

periodic reporting and evaluation requirements.

Dated: February 14, 1994.

Barry Fulton,

Acting Associate Director, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

[FR Doc. 94-3983 Filed 2-23-94; 8:45 am]

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