International Education and Cultural Activities; Open Grant Program

UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY

International Education and Cultural Activities; Open Grant

Program

ACTION: Notice; Request for proposals.

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

Information Agency's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

announces an open competition for an assistance award program. Public

or private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in

IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c) may apply to develop projects that link

their international exchange interests with counterpart institutions/

groups in ways supportive of the aims of the Bureau of Educational and

Cultural Affairs. Overall grant making authority for this program is

contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961,

as amended, Public Law 87-256, also know 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,

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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.'' Programs and projects must conform with

Agency requirements and guidelines outlined in the Application Package.

USIA projects and programs are subject to the availability of funds.

Interested applicants should read the complete Federal Register

announcement before addressing inquiries to the Office of Citizen

Exchanges or submitting their proposals. Once the RFP deadline has

passed, the Office of Citizen Exchanges may not discuss this

competition in any way with applicants until after the Bureau program

and project review process has been completed.

ANNOUNCEMENT NAME AND NUMBER: All communications concerning this

announcement should refer to the Annual Open Grant Program. The

announcement number is E/P-98-2. Please refer to title and number in

all correspondence or telephone calls to USIA.

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

Information Agency by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on Friday, October

10, 1997. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Documents

postmarked by the due date but received at a later date will not be

accepted. It is the responsibility of each grant applicant to ensure

that proposals are received by the above deadline. This action is

effective from the publication date of this notice through October 10,

1997, for projects where activities will begin between January 1, 1998

and December 31, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Interested organizations/institutions must contact the Office of

Citizen Exchanges, E/PL, Room 216, United States Information Agency,

301 4th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547, (202) 619-5326, to

request detailed application packets which include award criteria; all

application forms; and guidelines for preparing proposals, including

specific criteria for preparation of the proposal budget. Please direct

inquiries and correspondence to Charlene Toles, E-Mail

{[email protected]}.

TO DOWNLOAD A SOLICITATION PACKAGE VIA INTERNET: The Solicitation

Package may be downloaded from USIA's website at http://www.usia.gov/

education/rfps. Please read all information before beginning to

download.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must follow all instructions given in the

Application Package and send only complete applications with 15 copies

to: U.S. Information Agency, REF: E/P-98-2 Annual Open Grant

Competition, Grants Management Division (E/XE), 301-4th Street, S.W.,

Room 336, Washington, D.C. 20547.

Applicants must also submit to E/XE the ``Executive Summary'' and

``Narrative'' sections of each proposal on a 3.5'' diskette, formatted

for DOS. This material must be provided in ASCII text (DOS) format with

a maximum line length of 65 characters. USIA will transmit these files

electronically to USIS posts overseas for their review, with the goal

of reducing the time it takes to get posts' comments for the Agency's

grants review process.

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 physical challenges. 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 total 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,'' USIA ``shall take appropriate steps to provide

opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and

democracy leaders of such countries.'' Proposals should account for

advancement of this goal in their program contents, to the full extent

deemed feasible.

Overview

The Office of Citizen Exchanges works with U.S. private sector,

non-profit organizations on cooperative international group projects

that introduce American and foreign participants to each others'

social, economic, and political structures, and international

interests. The Office supports international projects in the United

States or overseas involving leaders or potential leaders in the

following fields and professions: urban planners, jurists, specialized

journalists (specialists in economics, business, political analysis,

international affairs), business professionals, NGO leaders,

environmental specialists, parliamentarians, educators, economists, and

other government officials.

Guidelines

Applicants should carefully note the following restrictions/

recommendations for proposals in specific geographical areas:

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Newly Independent States

(NIS): Requests for proposals involving the following countries will be

announced in separate competitions: CEE--Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,

Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania,

Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, and Slovenia; NIS--

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova,

Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Proposals

involving these regions will not be accepted under this competition.

Western Europe and Canada (WEU): Request for proposals involving

Western Europe and Canada will be announced in a separate competition.

Proposals involving these regions will not be accepted under this

competition.

East Asia and the Pacific (EA): Priority consideration will be

given to the following themes and target countries/subregions.

Defense Writers' Seminar on East Asian Security (DW-SEAS) (regional

project, including participants from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong

Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan,

the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and/or

Vietnam--This project would bring senior editors and writers covering

security issues to USCINCPAC to Hawaii, to Washington and to an Asian

country where U.S. defense forces are forward-deployed for an in-depth

review of current security issues and the role that the U.S plays in

ensuring regional stability.

Trade, Investment and Intellectual Property Rights (single-country

or multi-country project involving Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos,

Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and/or Vietnam--This project should

focus on the vital role that observance of intellectual property rights

protection, open access to business information, transparency in public

administration and observance of the rule of law can play in

encouraging foreign investment, increased trade and access to

technology. Projects in China

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should focus on ICR and the role of trade associations in advancing

industry interests; projects elsewhere could pair decision-makers from

an ASIAN ``tiger'' economy (such as the Philippines, Malaysia or

Thailand) with economic leaders from a country in transition (such as

Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam).

The Administration of Justice and Rule of Law (multi-country or

single-country project involving China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the

Philippines and/or Vietnam)--This project would help senior judges and

legal experts develop a better understanding of how Federal and state

judicial systems interact in the U.S. and how transparency, judicial

integrity and independence help foster a climate that encourages

business confidence.

Building Democracy at the Local Level (single-country or multi-

country project involving Korea, Japan, Mongolia and/or the

Philippines)--Projects should address the decentralized nature of

American politics at the local level and the important role that non-

governmental organizations, citizen's groups and grassroots

institutions can play in a democracy. Participants could include

community leaders from government, business, the media and NGOs;

emphasis should be placed on the management of grassroots organizations

and strategies to help make them more self-sustaining.

Asian Environments in Transition (multi-country project including

Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and/or

Vietnam)--As nations in East Asia move from largely agrarian to

industrialized economies, the potential for ecological disaster

intensifies. Participants in this exchange would include government

officials and NGO leaders who are responsible for meeting the needs of

an increasingly urban population, while trying to preserve biodiversity

and a healthy environment. E/P contact for EA programs: Steve Koenig,

202/260-5485; E-Mail ([email protected])

American Republics (AR): Only those proposals will be considered

that evidence the applicant's substantial knowledge of both the

proposed theme and the country/countries where the project is to take

place. Preference will be given to proposals on the following themes

and for the following eligible countries.

Civic Education--Proposals should focus on curriculum development

and educational reform in the field of education for democracy.

Projects must have as their ultimate goal the development or

improvement of school curricula that prepare pupils for active and

responsible citizenship. Eligible countries: Mexico, Chile, Argentina;

the Andean Region (proposals should include two or more of the

following countries: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela); Central

America (proposals should include at least two of the following

countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,

Panama); and the Caribbean Region (Haiti and/or the Dominican

Republic).

Democatic Institution Building--Priority will be given to proposals

that focus on ethics in government/good governance/the fight against

corruption. Other topics that will be considered are: human rights;

grassroot democracy and citizen participation; women and leadership.

Projects must have as their principal objective the strengthening of

local institutions that promote these topics. Eligible countries:

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama,

Paraguay.

Rule of Law--Proposal should focus on the administration of

justice, judicial reform, or alternative dispute resolution.

Eligible countries: Brazil; Central America (proposals should

include at least two of the following countries: Costa Rica, El

Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama); the Caribbean Region (Haiti or

the Dominican Republic). E/P contact for AR programs: Laverne Johnson,

202/619-5337; E-Mail ([email protected])

Africa (AF): Proposals are requested for projects in the following

thematic categories:

Trade and Investment--Proposals should foster an understanding of

and commitment to policies and practices that support economic growth

through the private sector and international trade. Preference will be

given to projects that focus on creating an ``enabling environment''

supportive of these goals. Issues covered might include intellectual

property rights, trade liberalization (e.g., tax and investment laws,

along with other incentives), mechanisms of transparency and

accountability, the role of business associations, and regional

economic cooperation/integration.

Democratic Governance--Proposals should work to strengthen

institutions of government whose work has a direct impact on the

quality of a country's democracy. Examples of high-priority topics

would be parliamentary administration; local government administration

and/or decentralization; the administration of justice and rule of law;

alternate dispute resolution; and protection of human rights.

Citizen Participation--Proposals should encourage the effective

engagement of citizens in their country's political life. This could be

done through projects that focus on organizations, both governmental

and non-governmental, whose aim is to educate citizens about their

democratic rights and responsibilities (civic education), or through

projects that explore the important role played by key institutions of

civil society, such as citizen's (e.g. women's) groups, grassroots/

community organizations, professional associations, and non-

governmental organizations generally.

Electronic Connectivity--Proposals should promote information

sharing and network building between Americans and Africans as well as

among Africans themselves. Preference will be given to projects that

address the three thematic categories listed above. African

participants might include government institutions (e.g., parliaments

or trade policy departments within ministries); educational

institutions; professional associations (e.g., bar, business, or

journalism associations); and civic organizations (e.g., human rights

or environmental groups). USIA funds may not be used for the purchase

of equipment. Proposals must demonstrate a commitment to use and a

capacity to maintain the necessary equipment.

Other themes may be proposed, but strong preference will be given

to proposals that follow the guidelines above, and to proposals that

include programming in at least three countries.

E/P contact for AF programs: Stephen Taylor, 202/205-0535; E-Mail

{[email protected]}

Near East, North Africa and South Asia (NEA): Proposals which

respond to the following suggested themes and organizational approaches

will receive priority consideration in the awarding of grants for

exchange activity in the Near East, North Africa, and South Asia. While

not all countries suggested as participants for each project must be

included in the exchange, projects which bring together representatives

from three or more countries will be given preference.

Urban Environment (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal)--The

quality of life in urban areas throughout South Asia is deteriorating

rapidly due to unchecked population growth, the byproducts of

industrialization, and unprecedented--and unsatisfiable--demands on

social infrastructure and natural resources. This undermines the

viability of South Asia's cities both as places to live and as

commercial centers. A project is needed which will bring together

community activities, city

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officials, and industry and business representatives to address such

urban environmental issues as the need for clean air, clean water,

effective waste management, and recycling. The public and the private

sectors should be mobilized to cooperate in practicing environmental

stewardship while supporting sustainable development, thereby creating

a more hospitable environment for human habitation and for regional and

international trade and investment.

Strengthening of Non-governmental Organizations (Syria, Jordan,

Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, the Palestinian Authority)--Non-

governmental organizations are an increasingly important catalyst for

change in the Arab world. A project is needed to strengthen the ability

of these organizations to mobilize support, organize, develop mutually

reinforcing networks, strengthen the concept of voluntarism, and

develop democratic methods of operation. Primary themes are those of

political and social participation, professional development, and

skills enhancement.

Reinventing Government (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal)--

Worldwide, many governments have become dysfunctionally cumbersome,

bureaucratic, and unresponsive to the public. The project should stress

practical and practicable approaches to streamlining government and

increasing government's accountability, transparency, and

responsiveness to the public. American federal, state, and local

government ``success stories''--particularly those that feature public/

private sector partnerships/collaboration--might be utilized both as

case studies for workshops and as internship sites. Participants might

include higher level civil servants (focus on short-term reforms) and

educators (focusing on longer-term programs for training future public

servants).

Young Journalists (Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the Palenstinian

Authority, Tunisia, Morocco)--There is a need for young journalists in

the Middle East and North Africa to focus more on--and improve the

objectivity and the quality of--their investigative journalism and

their writing about regional issues and a need for such journalists to

develop cross-border professional relationships.

Public Administration/Management (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman,

Behrain, Saudi Arabia)--Growing internet and satellite connectivity and

the complexities inherent in the post-petroleum era global marketplace

are inevitably challenging traditional public administration practices

in the Gulf. The grantee organization will work with government

officials and educators to examine, adapt, and/or develop new public

sector management techniques, organizational structures, and market

incentives applicable to the region.

Business and the Arts (Syria, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Israel,

Jordan, the Palestinian Authority)--The arts serve as a major means of

communication and cultural integration in many countries of the region.

Stereotypes and communication barriers among diverse communities may be

broken down through the creative use of the arts and the involvement of

(for example) young people working together to understand the issues

that separate--and unite--them. The grantee will, using examples from

American society, demonstrate the value of effective partnerships among

community activists, the private business sector, and cultural

institutions in developing a cooperative, artistic medium of expression

through which community differences can be examined and understanding

enhanced. Participants might include businessmen involved in community

outreach and local artists' associations.

Eco-tourism (Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority,

Tunisia, Morocco)--There is a need for enhanced public/private sector

cooperation in promoting national and regional tourism (supporting

local and regional economic development and expansion) while

concomitantly safeguarding and preserving natural and historical sites.

The American grantee could develop a series of workshops highlighting

U.S. public/NGO partnerships in promoting tourism while conserving

natural areas. Selected participants might travel to the United States

and work with each other and their American counterparts in learning

about and developing strategies to promote eco-tourism.

E/P contact for NEA programs: Tom Johnston, 202/619-5325; E-Mail

{[email protected]}

The Office of Citizen Exchanges strongly encourages the

coordination of activities with respected universities, professional

associations, and major cultural institutions in the U.S. and abroad,

but particularly in the U.S. Projects should be intellectual and

cultural, not technical. Vocational training (an occupation other than

one requiring a baccalaureate or higher academic degree; i.e., clerical

work, auto maintenance, etc., and other occupations requiring less than

two years of higher education) and technical training (special and

practical knowledge of a mechanical or a scientific subject which

enhances mechanical, narrowly scientific, or semi-skilled capabilities)

are ineligible for support. In addition, scholarship programs are

ineligible for support.

The Office does not support proposals limited to conferences or

seminars (i.e., one to fourteen-day programs with plenary sessions,

main speakers, panels, and a passive audience). It will support

conferences only insofar as they are part of a larger project in

duration and scope which is receiving USIA funding from this

competition. USIA-supported projects may include internships; study

tours; short-term, non-technical training; and extended, intensive

workshops taking place in the United States or overseas. The themes

addressed in exchange programs must be of long-term importance rather

than focused exclusively on current events or short-term issues. In

every case, a substantial rationale must be presented as part of the

proposal, one that clearly indicates the distinctive and important

contribution of the overall project, including, where applicable, the

expected yield of any associated conference. No funding is available

exclusively to sent U.S. citizens to conferences or conference-type

seminars overseas; nor is funding available for bringing foreign

nationals to conferences or to routine professional association

meetings in the United States. Projects that duplicate what is

routinely carried out by private sector and/or public sector operations

will not be considered. The Office of Citizen Exchanges strongly

recommends that applicants consult with host country USIS posts prior

to submitting proposals.

Selection of Participants

All grant proposals should clearly describe the type of persons who

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

participants will be selected. It is recommended that programs in

support of U.S. internships include letters tentatively committing host

institutions to support the internships. In the selection of foreign

participants, USIA and USIS posts abroad retain the right to nominate

all participants and to accept or deny participants recommended by

grantee institutions. However, grantee institutions are often asked by

USIA to suggest names of potential participants. The grantee

institution will also provide the names of American participants and

brief (two pages) biographical data on each American participant to the

Office of Citizen Exchanges for information purposes. Priority will be

given to foreign participants who have not previously travelled to the

United States.

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Additional Guidance

The Office of Citizen Exchanges offers the following additional

guidance to prospective applicants:

1. The Office of Citizen Exchanges encourages project proposals

involving more than one country. Pertinent rationale which links

countries in multi-country projects should be included in the

submission. Single-country projects that are clearly defined and

possess the potential for creating and strengthening continuing

linkages between foreign and U.S. institutions are also welcome.

2. Proposals for bilateral programs are subject to review and

comment by the USIS post in the relevant country, and pre-selected

participants will also be subject to USIS post review.

3. Bilateral programs should clearly identify the counterpart

organization and provide evidence of the organization's participation.

4. The Office of Citizen Exchanges will consider proposals for

activities which take place exclusively in other countries when USIS

posts are consulted in the design of the proposed program and in the

choice of the most suitable venues for such programs.

5. Office of Citizen Exchanges grants are not given to support

projects whose focus is limited to technical or vocational subjects, or

for research projects, for publications funding, for student and/or

teacher/faculty exchanges, for sports and/or sports related programs.

Nor does this office provide scholarships or support for long-term (a

semester or more) academic studies. Competitions sponsored by other

Bureau offices are also announced in the Federal Register.

For projects that would begin after December 21, 1998, competition

details will be announced in the Federal Register on or about June 1,

1998. Inquiries concerning technical requirements are welcome prior to

submission of applications.

Funding

Although no set funding limit exists, proposals for less than

$135,000 will receive preference. Organizations with less than four

years of successful experience in managing international exchange

programs are limited to $60,000. Applicants are invited to provide both

an all-inclusive budget as well as separate sub-budgets for each

program component, phase, location, or activity in order to facilitate

USIA decisions on funding. While an all-inclusive budget must be

provided with each proposal, separate component budgets are optional.

Competition for USIA funding support is keen.

The selection of grantee institutions will depend on program

substance, cross-cultural sensitivity, and ability to carry out the

program successfully. Since USIA grant assistance constitutes only a

portion of total project funding, proposals should list and provide

evidence of other anticipated sources of financial and in-kind support.

Proposals with substantial private sector support from foundations,

corporations, other institutions, et al. will be deemed highly

competitive. The Recipient must provide a minimum of 33 percent cost

sharing of the total project cost.

The following project costs are eligible for consideration for

funding:

1. International and domestic air fares; visas; transit costs;

ground transportation costs.

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: U.S. escorting staff must use the published Federal per diem

rates, not the flat rate. Per diem rates may be accessed at

(www.usia.gov/agency/ebur-ref.html).

3. Interpreters: If needed, interpreters for the U.S. program are

provided by the U.S. State Department Language Services Division.

Typically, a pair of simultaneous interpreters is 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 interpreter, as well as home-program-home air

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

during the program. Salary expenses are covered centrally and should

not be part of an applicant's proposed budget.

4. Book and cultural allowance: Participants are entitled to and

escorts are reimbursed a one-time cultural allowance of $150 per

person, plus a participant book allowance of $50. U.S. staff do not get

these benefits.

5. Consultants. May be used to provide specialized expertise or to

make presentation. Daily honoraria generally do 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 in the proposal.

6. Room rental, which generally 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, excluding room rental. 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 which is

to be used for incidental expenditures incurred during international

travel.

10. All USIA-funded delegates will be covered under the terms of a

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

directly to the insurance company.

11. Other costs necessary for the effective administration of the

program, including salaries for grant organization employees, benefits,

and other direct and indirect costs per detailed instructions in the

application package. Note: the 20 percent limitation of

``administration costs'' included in previous announcements does not

apply to the RFP. Please refer to the Application Package for complete

budget guidelines.

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. All eligible proposals will also be

reviewed by the program office, as well the USIA geographic regional

office and the USIS post overseas, where appropriate. Proposals may

also be reviewed by the USIA's Office of General Counsel or by other

Agency elements. Funding decisions are at the discretion of the USIA

Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final

technical authority for assistance awards (grants or cooperative

agreements) resides with USIA's grants officer.

Review Criteria

USIA will consider proposals based on their conformance with the

objectives and considerations already stated in this RFP, as well as

the following criteria:

1. Quality of Program Idea: Proposals should exhibit originality,

substance, precision, and relevance to the Agency mission.

2. Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Program Objectives: Detailed

agenda and relevant work plan should

[[Page 34503]]

demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Agenda

and plan should adhere to the program overview and guidelines described

below. Objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible.

Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet the

program 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 the

substantive support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievement

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/Reputation/Ability: Proposed personnel

and institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to

achieve the program's or project's goal. Proposals should demonstrate

an institutional record of successful exchange programs, including

responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting

requirements for past Agency grants as determined by USIA's Office of

Contracts. The Agency will consider the past performance of prior

recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.

6. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for

continued follow-on activity (without USIA support) which ensures that

USIA-supported programs are not isolated events.

7. Evaluation Plan: Proposals should provide a plan for a thorough

and objective evaluation of the program/project by the grantee

institution.

8. Cost-Effectiveness/Cost Sharing: The overhead and administrative

components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be

kept as low as possible. All other items should be necessary and

appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through other

private sector support as well as institutional direct funding

contributions.

Notice

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 Government. The Agency reserves the right to reduce,

revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the need of the

program and the availability of funds. Organizations will be expected

to cooperate with USIA in evaluating their programs under the

principles of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which

requires federal agencies to measure and report on the results of their

programs and activities.

Notification

Final awards cannot be made until funds have been fully

appropriated by the Congress, allocated, and committed through internal

USIA procedures. Awarded grants will be subject to periodic reporting

and evaluation requirements.

Dated: June 20, 1997.

Dell Pendergrast,

Deputy Director for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

[FR Doc. 97-16646 Filed 6-25-97; 8:45 am]

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