Notices. notice of submission deadline

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BILLING CODE 4710-10-P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5395] Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant Proposals: Professional Development Program for Indian and Pakistani Teachers *Announcement Type:* New Cooperative Agreement. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:* 00.00. *Funding Opportunity Number:* ECA/A/S/X-06-09. *Application Deadline:* June 13, 2006. *Executive Summary:* The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Branch in the Office of Global Educational Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

(ECA)announces an open competition for a $500,000 grant to support the Professional Development Program for Indian and Pakistani Teachers. Accredited U.S. post-secondary educational institutions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) with expertise in teaching English as a Foreign Language

(EFL)may submit proposals which combine EFL teaching methodology, curriculum development, and development of leadership and communication skills for up to 30 Indian and Pakistani secondary school teachers. The program will begin with a six-week U.S.-based professional development program for the Indian and Pakistani educators and conclude with joint workshops in India and Pakistan for these teachers. The program should expose the educators to U.S. teaching methodologies, including educational tools designed to increase students' ability to deal with conflict and to cooperate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds. The program proposal should demonstrate the applicant's understanding of issues that are important in English language education in India and Pakistan and the applicant's experience developing educational programs and material for EFL teachers. Proposals should also demonstrate a sensitivity to challenges of educational cooperation between India and Pakistan. I. Funding Opportunity Description I.1. Authority Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is “to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.” The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation. 1.2. Program Goals 1.2a. To strengthen EFL pedagogy and the leadership skills of teachers in India and Pakistan by giving secondary school teachers the opportunity to share best practices and methodology from their own countries with each other and to learn about EFL innovations in the United States. 1.2b. To introduce the teachers to conflict resolution concepts and tools for implementation in the classroom. 1.2c. To strengthen mutual understanding between India, Pakistan, and the U.S. by encouraging the teachers to develop meaningful working relationships with one another and their U.S. colleagues. 1.3. Planning The cooperating institution will be responsible for conducting an initial planning visit to India, and, if feasible, Pakistan, to consult with representatives from the respective United States Educational Foundations (Fulbright Commissions) in India and Pakistan, Ministries of Education, and local educators. The cooperating institution should also consult with the Department of State's Regional English Language Officer

(RELO)based at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. RELOs are credentialed, experienced foreign service and English as a Foreign Language officers based at U.S. embassies who work with host-country Ministries of Education, universities and teacher-training officials on targeted English language programs. Based on assessments made during this planning visit, the cooperating institution will develop a recruitment plan, a detailed schedule, and curriculum for the U.S.-based program. The Fulbright Commissions in India and Pakistan will recruit and select participants for the program with support from the cooperating institution. The cooperating institution will be responsible for preparing publicity, recruitment and selection materials, including an application form. Special efforts will be made to recruit teachers working in non-elite institutions. Prior to participants' departure for the United States, the Fulbright Commissions in India and Pakistan will conduct pre-departure orientations for participants from their respective countries based on information provided by the cooperating institution. The orientations will provide information about the program, goals, and our expectations of participants, as well as address issues about the participants' stay in the U.S. The cooperating institution will work closely with both Fulbright Commissions to organize the orientations and will develop orientation packets for each participant that cover the aforementioned material. Packets will be sent to the Fulbright Commissions in advance of the scheduled pre-departure orientations. The cooperating institution also should develop a Web site on the program for use during the pre-departure orientation sessions and during subsequent program stages. 1.4. Program Components The applicant should design and implement a two-phased program: a U.S professional development program for Indian and Pakistani secondary school teachers and subsequent workshops in India and Pakistan for these program participants.

(a)Pending the availability of funds, the U.S.-based six-week professional development program will begin in Spring 2007. The program must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for further information. The U.S. program should meet the needs of the Indian and Pakistani participants through EFL instruction as well as curriculum and professional development programs. The program should update the secondary school teachers on best practices in EFL instruction and should also present skills for interacting harmoniously with people of different backgrounds. EFL methodologies focusing on student-centered learning; teaching tolerance, mutual respect, and trust building; strengthening of students' problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and leadership skills; and computer literacy for EFL instruction should all be included in the program. Time should be allotted to activities outside of the classroom such as visits to schools, team-teaching with U.S. teachers, and attendance at professional meetings. The six-week program should conclude with a visit of three days to Washington, DC. This visit should include meetings with representatives of the Department of State, other government agencies, schools, and private-sector educational associations as well as trips to local educational and cultural sites.

(b)The workshops abroad, the second program component, should begin approximately six months after the conclusion of the U.S. training program. There will be one in India and one in Pakistan. The fifteen Pakistani participants will travel to India to join their Indian counterparts and help facilitate a workshop for 100 additional Indian teachers. Subsequently, the fifteen Indian participants will travel to Pakistan for a similar joint workshop for 100 additional Pakistani teachers. Each of these workshops should be approximately two days in length and at least one month should elapse between them. The cooperating institution will coordinate program plans and schedules with ECA's Fulbright Teacher Exchange Branch (ECA/A/S/X) as well as with the Fulbright Commissions in India and Pakistan and the Regional English Language Officer

(RELO)based at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Branch will approve final program schedules before program implementation. II. Award Information *Type of Award:* Cooperative Agreement. *Fiscal Year Funds:* FY 2006. *Approximate Total Funding:* $500,000. *Approximate Number of Awards:* 1. *Approximate Average Award:* $500,000. *Anticipated Award Date:* September 1, 2006. *Anticipated Project Completion Date:* March 31, 2008. *Additional Information:* Pending successful implementation of this program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, ECA retains the option to renew this grant for two additional years, before openly competing it again. Eligibility Information III.1. Eligible Applicants Applications may be submitted by accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions 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 that are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), Subpart C.23—Cost Sharing and Matching. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution will be reduced in like proportion. III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements Bureau grant guidelines require that organizations with less than four years experience in conducting international exchanges are limited to $60,000 in Bureau funding. ECA anticipates awarding one grant, in an amount up to $500,000 to support program and administrative costs required to implement this exchange program. Therefore, organizations with less than four years experience in conducting international exchanges are ineligible to apply under this competition. The Bureau encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs. 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 Global Educational Programs, ECA/A/S/X, Room 349, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, tel.

(202)453-8897, fax

(202)453-8890, or e-mail *Mosleypj@state.gov* to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/S/X 06-09 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 Program Officer Joan Zaffarano and refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/S/X 06-09 located at the top of this announcement on all other inquiries and correspondence. IV.2. To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's Web site at *http://exchanges.state.gov/education/rfgps/menu.htm.* or from the Grants.gov Web site at *http://www.grants.gov.* Please read all information before downloading. IV.3. Content and Form of Submission Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package. The original and seven copies of the application should be sent per the instructions under IV.3f. “Application Deadline and Methods of Submission” section below. IV.3a. You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS)number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the U.S. Government. This number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access *http://www.dunandbradstreet.com* or call 1-866-705-5711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the appropriate box of the SF-424 which is part of the formal application package. IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal narrative and budget. Please Refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions

(PSI)document and the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation

(POGI)document for additional formatting and technical requirements. IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. 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 is placing renewed emphasis on the secure and proper administration of 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 pre-arrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements. The cooperating institution will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to participants in this program. A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor

(J)programs is available at *http://exchanges.state.gov* or from: United States Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, ECA/EC/ECD—SA-44, Room 734, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Telephone:

(202)203-5029. FAX:

(202)453-8640. Please refer to Solicitation Package for further information. IV.3d.2. Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines. Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and representative of the diversity of American political, social, and cultural life. “Diversity” should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and disabilities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program administration and in program content. Please refer to the review criteria under the ‘Support for Diversity' section for specific suggestions on incorporating diversity into your proposal. Public Law 104-319 provides that “in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,” the Bureau “shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such countries.” Public Law 106-113 requires that the governments of the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process. Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible. IV.3d.3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation. Proposals must include a plan to monitor and evaluate the project's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program. The Bureau recommends that your proposal include a draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus a description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original project objectives. The Bureau expects that the cooperating institution will track participants or partners and be able to respond to key evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the program, learning as a result of the program, changes in behavior as a result of the program, and effects of the program on institutions (institutions in which participants work or partner institutions). The evaluation plan should include indicators that measure gains in mutual understanding as well as substantive knowledge. Successful monitoring and evaluation depend heavily on setting clear goals and outcomes at the outset of a program. Your evaluation plan should include a description of your project's objectives, your anticipated project outcomes, and how and when you intend to measure these outcomes (performance indicators). The more that outcomes are “smart” (specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and placed in a reasonable time frame), the easier it will be to conduct the evaluation. You should also show how your project objectives link to the goals of the program described in this RFGP. Your monitoring and evaluation plan should clearly distinguish between program *outputs* and *outcomes* . *Outputs* are products and services delivered, often stated as an amount. Output information is important to show the scope or size of project activities, but it cannot substitute for information about progress towards outcomes or the results achieved. Examples of outputs include the number of people trained or the number of seminars conducted. *Outcomes* , in contrast, represent specific results a project is intended to achieve and is usually measured as an extent of change. Findings on outputs and outcomes should both be reported, but the focus should be on outcomes. We encourage you to assess the following four levels of outcomes, as they relate to the program goals set out in the RFGP (listed here in increasing order of importance): 1. Participant satisfaction with the program and exchange experience. 2. Participant learning, such as increased knowledge, aptitude, skills, and changed understanding and attitude. Learning includes both substantive (subject-specific) learning and mutual understanding. 3. Participant behavior, concrete actions to apply knowledge in work or community; greater participation and responsibility in civic organizations; interpretation and explanation of experiences and new knowledge gained; continued contacts between participants, community members, and others. 4. Institutional changes, such as increased collaboration and partnerships, policy reforms, new programming, and organizational improvements. Please note: Consideration should be given to the appropriate timing of data collection for each level of outcome. For example, satisfaction is usually captured as a short-term outcome, whereas behavior and institutional changes are normally considered longer-term outcomes. Overall, the quality of your monitoring and evaluation plan will be judged on how well it

(1)Specifies intended outcomes;

(2)gives clear descriptions of how each outcome will be measured;

(3)identifies when particular outcomes will be measured; and

(4)provides a clear description of the data collection strategies for each outcome ( *i.e.* , surveys, interviews, or focus groups). (Please note that evaluation plans that deal only with the first level of outcomes [satisfaction] will be deemed less competitive under the present evaluation criteria.) Cooperating institutions will be required to provide reports analyzing their evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. All data collected, including survey responses and contact information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the Bureau upon request. IV.3d.4. Describe your plans for: sustainability, overall program management, staffing, and coordination with ECA/A/S/X, the RELO at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the Fulbright Commissions of India and Pakistan. ECA/A/S/X considers program management, staffing and coordination with the Department of State essential elements of the program. Please be sure to give sufficient attention to these elements in your proposal by providing a staffing plan that outlines the responsibilities of each staff person and explains which staff member will be accountable for each program responsibility. Wherever possible please streamline administrative processes. Please refer to the POGI in the Solicitation Package for specific guidelines. IV.3e. Please take the following information into consideration when preparing your budget: IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire program. The budget should not exceed $500,000 for program and administrative costs. There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both administrative and program budgets. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification. IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission: Application Deadline Date: June 13, 2006. Reference Number: ECA/A/S/X-06-09. IV.3f.1. Applications may be submitted in one of two ways: 1. In hard-copy, via a nationally recognized overnight delivery service ( *i.e.* , DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.), or 2. Electronically through *http://www.grants.gov* . Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions

(PSI)of the solicitation document. IV.3f.2. Submitting Printed Applications. Applications must be shipped no later than the above deadline. Delivery services used by applicants must have in-place, centralized shipping identification and tracking systems that may be accessed via the Internet and delivery people who are identifiable by commonly recognized uniforms and delivery vehicles. Proposals shipped on or before the above deadline but received at ECA more than seven days after the deadline will be ineligible for further consideration under this competition. Proposals shipped after the established deadlines are ineligible for consideration under this competition. ECA will *not* notify you upon receipt of application. It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that each package is marked with a legible tracking number and to monitor/confirm delivery to ECA via the Internet. Delivery of proposal packages *may not* be made via local courier service or in person for this competition. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Only proposals submitted as stated above will be considered. Important note: When preparing your submission please make sure to include one extra copy of the completed SF-424 form and place it in an envelope addressed to “ECA/EX/PM”. The original and eight copies of the application should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/A/S/X-06-09, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Applicants submitting hard-copy applications must also submit the “Executive Summary” and “Proposal Narrative” sections of the proposal in text (.txt) format on a PC-formatted disk. The Bureau will provide these files electronically to the appropriate Public Affairs Sections at the U.S. embassies for their review. IV.3f.2. Submitting Electronic Applications. Applicants have the option of submitting proposals electronically through Grants.gov ( *http://www.grants.gov* ). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov in the “Find” portion of the system. Please follow the instructions available in the “Get Started” portion of the site ( *http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted* ). Applicants have until midnight (12 a.m.) of the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been uploaded to the grants.gov site. Applications uploaded to the site after midnight of the application deadline date will be automatically rejected by the grants.gov system, and will be technically ineligible. Applicants will receive confirmation e-mail from grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. ECA will *not* notify you upon receipt of electronic applications. IV.3g. Intergovernmental Review of Applications: Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program. V. Application Review Information V.1. Review Process The Bureau will review all proposals for technical eligibility. Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein and in the Solicitation Package. The program office, as well as the Public Diplomacy section overseas, where appropriate will review all eligible proposals. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines and forwarded to Bureau grant panels for advisory review. Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by other Department elements. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the Department of State's Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for assistance awards (cooperative agreements) resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer. Review Criteria Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation: 1. Program Development and Management: The proposal narrative should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Bureau's mission as well as the objectives of the program. The proposal should demonstrate substantive expertise in the development of English as a Foreign language and conflict resolution programs for educators. Proposals should illustrate effective use of community and regional resources to enhance the educational and cultural expertise of the participants. The program plan should be well conceived. Administrative resources should be adequate to support effective project administration. 2. Ability to achieve program objectives: Objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet the program objectives. 3. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant features should be cited in both program administration (staffing, program venue and program evaluation) and program content (orientation and workshop sessions, program meetings, resource materials and follow-up activities). 4. Institutional Capacity and Record: Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful exchange programs, including responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting requirements for past Bureau grants as determined by Bureau Grants Staff. Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program's goals. 5. Project Evaluation: Proposals should include a plan to evaluate the project's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program. Draft survey questionnaires or other techniques plus description of methodologies to use to link outcomes to original project objectives are recommended. Successful applicants will be expected to submit intermediate reports after the U.S.-based training program, and other project components are concluded, or quarterly, whichever is less frequent. 6. Cost-effectiveness and Cost Sharing: The overhead and administrative components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as low as possible. All other items should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost sharing through other private sector support as well as institutional direct funding contributions. 7. Follow-on and Alumni Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-on activity (both with and without Bureau support) ensuring that the Professional Development Program for Indian and Pakistani Teachers is not an isolated event. VI. Award Administration Information VI.1a. Award Notices. Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures. Successful applicants will receive an Assistance Award Document

(AAD)from the Bureau's Grants Office. The AAD and the original grant proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S. Government. The AAD will be signed by an authorized Grants Officer, and mailed to the recipient's responsible officer identified in the application. Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the application review from the ECA program office coordinating this competition. VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions for the Administration of ECA agreements include the following: Office of Management and Budget Circular A-122, “Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations.” Office of Management and Budget Circular A-21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.” OMB Circular A-87, “Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Governments”. OMB Circular No. A-110 (Revised), Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations. OMB Circular No. A-102, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants-in-Aid to State and Local Governments. OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Government, and Non-profit Organizations. Please reference the following Web sites for additional information: *http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants.* *http://exchanges.state.gov/education/grantsdiv/terms.htm#articleI.* VI.3. Reporting Requirements You must provide ECA with a hard copy original plus one copy of the following reports: Intermediate reports after each project component ( *i.e.* , U.S.-based program and then workshops in India and Pakistan) or quarterly reports, whichever is less frequent and final program and financial report no more than 90 days after the expiration of the award. Cooperating institutions will be required to provide reports analyzing their evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. (Please refer to Application and Submission Instructions (IV.3.d.3) above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information.) All data collected, including survey responses and contact information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the Bureau upon request. All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program Officer listed in the final assistance award document. VII. Agency Contacts For questions about this announcement, contact Program Officer Joan Zaffarano, Office of Global Educational Programs, Room 349, ECA/A/S/X-06-09, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547; telephone

(202)453-8863; fax number

(202)453-8890, and e-mail: *ZaffaranoJG@state.gov.* All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/A/S/X-06-09. Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed. VIII. Other Information Notice The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information provided by the Bureau that contradicts published language will not be binding. Issuance of the RFGP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government. The Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements per section VI.3 above. Dated: April 21, 2006. C. Miller Crouch, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E6-6359 Filed 4-26-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-05-P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5396] Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

(ECA)*Request for Grant Proposals:* U.S-French Teachers-in-Training Program *Announcement Type:* Cooperative Agreement. *Funding Opportunity Number:* ECA/A/S/X-06-12. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:* 00.000 *Application Deadline:* May 31, 2006. *Executive Summary:* The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Branch in the Office of Global Educational Programs of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA/A/S/X) announces an open competition for the U.S.-French Teachers-in-Training Program. Accredited, U.S. post-secondary educational institutions meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to administer a three-month teacher exchange program for U.S. and French pre-service teachers. Post-secondary educational institutions may apply independently or in a consortium with other post-secondary institutions. The program will provide approximately 30-35 French pre-service teachers, who are expected to serve socio-economically disadvantaged students in France, with a three-to-four week orientation to American history, culture and society, provided through professional development seminars in an academic setting, and a two-month practical component, provided through practice teaching experience under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers at a U.S. school. Interested institutions should document strong contacts with local school districts in the United States in order to provide the practical student-teaching component for French pre-service teachers and a demonstrated ability to conduct a substantive seminar in an academic setting. The program will also provide a reciprocal program for U.S. pre-service teachers. In cooperation with the French Ministry of Education, with support from the Franco-American Commission for Educational Exchange (Fulbright Commission), the cooperating institution will recruit and select 30-35 U.S. pre-service or in-service teachers, and provide a pre-departure orientation and short-term French language training. The French partners will arrange an in-country orientation and a three-month student teaching internship for U.S. teachers. The total grant award for all program and administrative expenses will be approximately $350,000. I. Funding Opportunity Description I.1. Authority Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is “to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.” The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation. I.2 Purpose Overview I.2a. Program Goals: 1. Contribute to mutual understanding between France, a key U.S. partner and ally, and the United States. 2. Provide French teachers in training, especially those who plan to teach in diverse schools, a better understanding of U.S. society, history, and culture. 3. Provide opportunities for students in French schools to learn first hand about U.S. society, history and culture from young American future teachers. 4. Expose U.S. student teachers to greater understanding of another culture and society. 5. Provide opportunities for schools in France and in the United States to develop long-lasting ties and to share educational best practices, including strategies for teaching in multi-cultural classrooms. In the long-term, this program is expected to assist French and American educators as they prepare students to live in an increasingly interdependent world. I.2b. French participants: French participants will be in their final year of post-baccalaureate training at one of six schools of education ( *Instituts Universitaires de Formation de Maitres* ): Orléans-Tours, Champagne-Ardenne, Paris, Midi-Pyrénées, Versailles, and Alsace. They will be in their first year of practice teaching and will be expected to pass their final practical examination in France in early June 2007. It is anticipated that all participants, early in their careers, will teach in schools that serve economically disadvantaged and/or diverse socio-economic sectors. The French Ministry of Education and the U.S. Embassy in France, with support from the Fulbright Commission, will recruit and select these students. I.2c. U.S. participants: U.S. participants will be education students at the undergraduate or graduate level who are ready to begin student teaching. The cooperating institution will recruit and select U.S. participants in coordination with the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Branch, the U.S. Embassy in France and the French Ministry of Education. The French partners will organize an orientation in France with input from the cooperating institution and will place participants in teaching internships in French schools. Participants will teach in or conduct outreach activities in a variety of schools, including those in “priority education areas,” which are defined in terms of socio-economic backgrounds. Most U.S. participants will student teach in schools where U.S. history, geography and related subjects are taught and where English is used in the classroom. While fluency in French is not required, those teachers with some facility in the French language will be given preference. U.S. participants must reflect the diversity of American society (including, but not limited to geographic, gender, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity). I.2d. Guidelines: The cooperating institution should conduct a short planning visit to France to consult with representatives from the U.S. Embassy, the French Ministry of Education, the Fulbright Commission, and local educators. Based on assessments made during this planning visit, the cooperating institution will develop a detailed schedule and curriculum for the U.S.-based program and will discuss with French partners the development of the program for U.S. participants. The cooperating institution, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, should develop a process to assist French participants in receiving official recognition for their exchange, as well as a process for American participants to receive academic credit through the U.S. host institution. I.2e. Program components for French participants: • Pre-departure orientation (2-4 days): The U.S. Embassy in France, in collaboration with the Fulbright Commission, will organize an orientation with substantial input and participation from the cooperating institution. The orientation will provide information about the program, the program's goals, and expectations of participants. At the orientation, organizers will seek input from the participants about the needs of local teachers, review comparative teaching practices, and address issues about participants' stay in the U.S. • U.S.-based seminar (3-4 weeks or the equivalent): The cooperating institution should design and conduct an academically sound seminar on U.S. history, culture and society to complement the school-based training. The seminar should have a strong contemporary focus and provide an introduction to the U.S. education system, American culture, including a cross-cultural adjustment seminar, and the U.S. government as it relates to education. It should include a basic introduction to American life and customs, particularly common practices in U.S. schools and efforts to eliminate educational inequity. While U.S. teaching methodology should not be the primary focus of this component, participants should be exposed to current issues in the U.S. including: federalism, diversity, the role of religion, politics, U.S. history, mass media, economics, literature, and fine arts. • Site visits to schools (2-3 days or the equivalent): School visits should expose participants to different levels and types of schools (public, private, charter, rural, inner city, ethnically and socio-economically diverse). • Internships in high schools (maximum 8 weeks): French teachers should be placed in small groups (5-10 people) at local schools, paired with experienced U.S. teachers whose academic specialization matches their own. Internship activities should immerse student teachers actively in the American classroom environment and may include: observing a variety of classroom activities (active classroom, group projects, etc.); working individually with a mentor teacher on curriculum development; and team teaching. French teachers must spend at least six hours per week conducting classes independently. • Exposure to local school governance: Teachers should attend faculty, board of education, and PTA meetings. • Final debriefing (1-2 days): Student teachers will share what they have observed and learned, perhaps through presentations they make to each other within the group. The debriefing will also offer a framework for integrating the training and its objectives into participants' previous background, and promote strategies for them to share their knowledge with professional counterparts and their own students on their return. • Curriculum development project: By the end of the program, the student teachers should complete a project incorporating an idea or concept that they will put into practice when they begin teaching. • Cultural experiences: The project should provide opportunities for participants to interact with the local community and non-school-based groups, including home stays, to experience activities reflecting the diversity of American society, and to make presentations to local schools or community groups about French society and culture. • Washington program (2-3 days): The participants should travel to Washington for a professional and cultural program to include meetings with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the French Embassy, and Department of Education representatives. I.2.f. Cooperating institution's responsibilities for French student teachers: • Plan and implement the exchange program, including both the academic and practical components. • Identify school districts to host groups for internships (schools should submit a brief proposal outlining their interest, understanding of goals, examples of best practices, and commitment to mentoring). School districts should be within driving distance of the host university (and/or its partner universities). Schools should designate an experienced mentor teacher to oversee the day-to-day activities of the participants. • Assist with pre-departure orientation in France, conduct debriefing. • Prepare DS-2019 forms. • Administer logistics for French participants: transportation to local schools and training sites, enrollment in Bureau health insurance program, U.S. government forms—DS-2019, tax, social security, etc. • Arrange for housing, which should include a home stay for at least some portion of the exchange visit; I.2g. Cooperating institution's responsibilities for U.S. student teachers: • Selection: Design application forms and publicity materials, recruit, and select U.S. participants in coordination with the Office of Global Educational Programs. • Pre-departure orientation (two to three days): Provide introduction to French society and culture, including diversity issues, government and education system and a cross-cultural adjustment seminar. Establish guidelines and expectations for U.S. participants. • Short-term language training in the U.S. (three to four weeks or equivalent): Depending on the language level of U.S. participants, provide an introduction to French vocabulary related to schools and education. Training may be conducted using distance education technology. • Travel of U.S. participants: Purchase airline tickets and enrollment in Bureau health insurance for U.S. grantees. I.2.h. General Responsibilities: • Coordinate with various partners, including the U.S. Embassy in France, the French Ministry of Education, the Fulbright Commission, and the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Branch in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs regarding all activities, reporting and evaluation. The proposal should address mechanisms for communication and coordination; • Monitor and evaluate the program; • Administer all financial aspects of the program and comply with reporting requirements; • Plan follow-on activities with host schools and participants. Please note that international tickets for French participants will be arranged and funded by the French Ministry of Education. French participants will receive a stipend from the French Ministry of Education and will be responsible for their own meals and incidental expenses. A strong proposal will address follow-on activities in conjunction with the Fulbright Commission and host schools in the United States and France to increase future impact and participant support. The agreement will begin on, or about, September 1, 2006 and the cooperating institution should complete all exchange activities by June 30, 2008. The program for French teachers should be from January to March 2007. The U.S. group may be planned for spring or fall 2007. Please refer to additional program specific guidelines in the Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation

(POGI)document. Programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for further information. In a cooperative agreement, ECA/A/S/X will be substantially involved in the program activities mentioned above and beyond routine grant monitoring. ECA/A/S/X activities and responsibilities for this program are as follows: • Formulation of program policy; • Clearing texts and program guidelines for publication; • In cooperation with U.S. Embassy and Fulbright Commission, oversee selection of U.S. participants; • Oversight of the content for all orientations as well as review and approval of program schedules; II. Award Information *Type of Award:* New Cooperative Agreement. ECA's level of involvement in this program is listed under number I above. *Fiscal Year Funds:* FY 06. *Approximate Total Funding:* $350,000. *Approximate Number of Awards:* 1. *Approximate Average Award:* Pending availability of funds, $350,000. *Anticipated Award Date:* September 1, 2006. *Anticipated Project Completion Date:* June 30, 2008. *Additional Information:* Pending successful implementation of this program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this agreement for two additional fiscal years, before openly competing it again. III. Eligibility Information III.1. Eligible Applicants Applications may be submitted by accredited, post-secondary educational institutions 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 in-kind contributions must be in accordance with OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), Subpart C.23—Cost Sharing and Matching. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution will be reduced in like proportion. III.3. Other Eligibility Requirements

(a)Bureau grant guidelines require that organizations with less than four years experience in conducting international exchanges be limited to $60,000 in Bureau funding. ECA anticipates awarding one grant, in an amount up to $350,000 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. 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 Global Educational Programs, ECA/A/S/X, Room 349, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, tel.

(202)453-8897, fax

(202)453-8890, or e-mail *Mosleypj@state.gov* to request a Solicitation Package. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number ECA/A/S/X 06-12 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 ECA/A/S/X Program Officer Catharine Cashner and refer to the Funding Opportunity Number (ECA/A/S/X 06-12) located at the top of this announcement on all other inquiries and correspondence. IV.2. To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's Web site at *http://exchanges.state.gov/education/rfgps/menu.htm* , or from the Grants.gov Web site at *http://www.grants.gov* . Please read all information before downloading. IV.3. Content and Form of Submission Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package. The application should be submitted per the instructions under IV.3f. “Application Deadline and Methods of Submission” section below. IV.3a. You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS)number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the U.S. Government. This number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access *http://www.dunandbradstreet.com* or call 1-866-705-5711. Please ensure that your DUNS number is included in the appropriate box of the SF-424 which is part of the formal application package. IV.3b. All proposals must contain an executive summary, proposal narrative and budget. Please refer to the Solicitation Package. It contains the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions

(PSI)document and the Project Objectives, Goals and Implementation

(POGI)document for additional formatting and technical requirements. IV.3c. You must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. 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 is placing renewed emphasis on the secure and proper administration of 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 pre-arrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements. The Grantee will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to participants in this program. A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor

(202)203-5029. FAX:

(202)453-8640. Please refer to Solicitation Package for further information. IV.3d.2. Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines Pursuant to the Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and representative of the diversity of American political, social, and cultural life. “Diversity” should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and disabilities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program administration and in program content. Please refer to the review criteria under the “Support for Diversity” section for specific suggestions on incorporating diversity into your proposal. Public Law 104-319 provides that “in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,” the Bureau “shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such countries.” Public Law 106-113 requires that the governments of the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process. Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible. IV.3d.3. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Proposals must include a plan to monitor and evaluate the project's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program. The Bureau recommends that your proposal include a draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus a description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original project objectives. The Bureau expects that the grantee will track participants or partners and be able to respond to key evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the program, learning as a result of the program, changes in behavior as a result of the program, and effects of the program on institutions (institutions in which participants work or partner institutions). The evaluation plan should include indicators that measure gains in mutual understanding as well as substantive knowledge. Successful monitoring and evaluation depend heavily on setting clear goals and outcomes at the outset of a program. Your evaluation plan should include a description of your project's objectives, your anticipated project outcomes, and how and when you intend to measure these outcomes (performance indicators). The more that outcomes are “smart” (specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and placed in a reasonable time frame), the easier it will be to conduct the evaluation. You should also show how your project objectives link to the goals of the program described in this RFGP. Your monitoring and evaluation plan should clearly distinguish between program *outputs* and *outcomes.* *Outputs* are products and services delivered, often stated as an amount. Output information is important to show the scope or size of project activities, but it cannot substitute for information about progress towards outcomes or the results achieved. Examples of outputs include the number of people trained or the number of seminars conducted. *Outcomes* , in contrast, represent specific results a project is intended to achieve and is usually measured as an extent of change. Findings on outputs and outcomes should both be reported, but the focus should be on outcomes. We encourage you to assess the following four levels of outcomes, as they relate to the program goals set out in the RFGP (listed here in increasing order of importance): 1. *Participant satisfaction* with the program and exchange experience. 2. *Participant learning* , such as increased knowledge, aptitude, skills, and changed understanding and attitude. Learning includes both substantive (subject-specific) learning and mutual understanding. 3. *Participant behavior* , concrete actions to apply knowledge in work or community; greater participation and responsibility in civic organizations; interpretation and explanation of experiences and new knowledge gained; continued contacts between participants, community members, and others. 4. *Institutional changes* , such as increased collaboration and partnerships, policy reforms, new programming, and organizational improvements. Please note: Consideration should be given to the appropriate timing of data collection for each level of outcome. For example, satisfaction is usually captured as a short-term outcome, whereas behavior and institutional changes are normally considered longer-term outcomes. Overall, the quality of your monitoring and evaluation plan will be judged on how well it

(1)Specifies intended outcomes;

(2)gives clear descriptions of how each outcome will be measured;

(3)identifies when particular outcomes will be measured; and

(4)provides a clear description of the data collection strategies for each outcome ( *i.e.* , surveys, interviews, or focus groups). (Please note that evaluation plans that deal only with the first level of outcomes [satisfaction] will be deemed less competitive under the present evaluation criteria.) Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. All data collected, including survey responses and contact information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the Bureau upon request. IV.3d.4. Describe your plans for overall program management, staffing, and coordination with ECA/A/S/X. ECA/A/S/X considers program management, staffing and coordination with the Department of State essential elements of your program. Please be sure to give sufficient attention to these elements in your proposal. Please refer to the Technical Eligibility Requirements and the POGI in the Solicitation package for specific guidelines. Describe your plans for: *i.e.* sustainability, overall program management, staffing, coordination with ECA and PAS or any other requirements etc. IV.3e. Please take the following information into consideration when preparing your budget: IV.3e.1. Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire program. The budget should not exceed $350,000 for program and administrative costs. There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both administrative and program budgets. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification. IV.3e.2. Allowable costs for the program include the following:

(1)International Travel.

(2)Costs for U.S. Competition.

(3)U.S. Ground Transportation.

(4)Orientation and Professional Development Seminar (instruction, materials, logistics).

(5)Host schools (administrative costs).

(6)Participant lodging and per diem.

(7)Cultural Activities.

(8)Book Allowance/Shipping.

(9)Grantee Administrative Costs. Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and formatting instructions. IV.3f. Application Deadline and Methods of Submission *Application Deadline Date:* May 31, 2006. *Reference No:* ECA/A/S/X-06-12. *Explanation of Deadlines:* IV.3f.1. Applications may be submitted in one of two ways 1. *In hard-copy* , via a nationally recognized overnight delivery service ( *i.e.* , DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.), or 2. *Electronically* through *http://www.grants.gov* . Along with the Project Title, all applicants must enter the above Reference Number in Box 11 on the SF-424 contained in the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions

(PSI)of the solicitation document. IV.3f.2. Submitting Printed Applications Applications must be shipped no later than the above deadline. Delivery services used by applicants must have in-place, centralized shipping identification and tracking systems that may be accessed via the Internet and delivery people who are identifiable by commonly recognized uniforms and delivery vehicles. Proposals shipped on or before the above deadline but received at ECA more than seven days after the deadline will be ineligible for further consideration under this competition. Proposals shipped after the established deadlines are ineligible for consideration under this competition. ECA will *not* notify you upon receipt of application. It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that each package is marked with a legible tracking number and to monitor/confirm delivery to ECA via the Internet. Delivery of proposal packages *may not* be made via local courier service or in person for this competition. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Only proposals submitted as stated above will be considered. Important note: When preparing your submission please make sure to include one extra copy of the completed SF-424 form and place it in an envelope addressed to “ECA/EX/PM”. The original and eight copies of the application should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/A/S/X-06-04, Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Applicants submitting hard-copy applications must also submit the “Executive Summary” and “Proposal Narrative” sections of the proposal in text (.txt) format on a PC-formatted disk. The Bureau will provide these files electronically to the appropriate Public Affairs Sections at the U.S. embassies for their review. IV.3f.2. Submitting Electronic Applications Applicants have the option of submitting proposals electronically through Grants.gov ( *http://www.grants.gov* ). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov in the “Find” portion of the system. Please follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’ portion of the site ( *http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted* ). Applicants have until midnight (12 a.m.) of the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been uploaded to the grants.gov site. Applications uploaded to the site after midnight of the application deadline date will be automatically rejected by the grants.gov system, and will be technically ineligible. Applicants will receive confirmation e-mail from grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. ECA will *not* notify you upon receipt of electronic applications. IV.3g. Intergovernmental Review of Applications Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program. V. Application Review Information V.1. Review Process The Bureau will review all proposals for technical eligibility. Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein and in the Solicitation Package. All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the program office, as well as the Public Diplomacy section overseas, where appropriate. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines and forwarded to Bureau grant panels for advisory review. Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by other Department elements. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the Department of State's Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for assistance awards resides with the Bureau's Grants Officer. Review Criteria Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation: 1. *Program planning:* Detailed agenda and relevant work plan should demonstrate substantive expertise in professional development for student teachers and logistical capacity. The agenda and plan should illustrate effective use of community and regional resources to enhance participants' educational and cultural experiences. 2. *Ability to achieve program objectives:* Objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible. Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's objectives and plan. 3. *Multiplier effect/impact:* Proposed programs should strengthen long-term mutual understanding, including maximum sharing of information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual linkages between U.S. and French schools. 4. *Support of Diversity:* Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of the Bureau's policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant features should be cited in both program administration (selection of participants, program venue and program evaluation) and program content (orientation and wrap-up sessions, program meetings, resource materials and follow-up activities) both in the United States and in France. 5. *Institutional Capacity:* Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or project's goals. 6. *Institution's Record/Ability:* Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful exchange programs, including responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting requirements for past Bureau grants as determined by Bureau Grants Staff. The Bureau will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants. 7. *Follow-on Activities:* Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-on activity ensuring that Bureau supported programs are not isolated events. 8. *Project Evaluation:* Proposals should include a plan to evaluate the activity's success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique plus description of a methodology to use to link outcomes to original project objectives is recommended. 9. *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. VI. Award Administration Information VI.1.a. Award Notices Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures. Successful applicants will receive an Assistance Award Document

(1)A final program and financial report no more than 90 days after the expiration of the award;

(2)Annual program report for the first year of the agreement. Grantees will be required to provide reports analyzing their evaluation findings to the Bureau in their regular program reports. (Please refer to IV. Application and Submission Instructions (IV.3.d.3) above for Program Monitoring and Evaluation information. All data collected, including survey responses and contact information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the Bureau upon request. All reports must be sent to the ECA Grants Officer and ECA Program Officer listed in the final assistance award document. VI.4. Optional Program Data Requirements Organizations awarded grants will be required to maintain specific data on program participants and activities in an electronically accessible database format that can be shared with the Bureau as required. As a minimum, the data must include the following:

(1)Name, address, contact information and biographic sketch of all persons who travel internationally on funds provided by the grant or who benefit from the grant funding but do not travel.

(2)Itineraries of international and domestic travel, providing dates of travel and cities in which any exchange experiences take place. Final schedules for in-country and U.S. activities must be received by the ECA Program Officer at least three work days prior to the official opening of the activity. VII. Agency Contacts For questions about this announcement, contact: Catharine Cashner, ECA/A/S/X, Room 349, ECA/A/S/X 06-12, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547, tel.

(202)453-8880, fax (202)453-8890. All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should reference the above title and number ECA/A/S/X 06-12. Please read the complete **Federal Register** announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed. VIII. Other Information Notice The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information provided by the Bureau that contradicts published language will not be binding. Issuance of the RFGP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government. The Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements per section VI.3 above. Dated: April 21, 2006. C. Miller Crouch, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E6-6357 Filed 4-26-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-05-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary Aviation Proceedings, Agreements Filed the Week Ending March 31, 2006 The following Agreements were filed with the Department of Transportation under the sections 412 and 414 of the Federal Aviation Act, as amended (49 U.S.C. 1382 and 1384) and procedures governing proceedings to enforce these provisions. Answers may be filed within 21 days after the filing of the application. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24303. *Date Filed:* March 28, 2006. *Parties:* Members of the International Air Transport Association. *Subject:* TC12 North Atlantic-Africa except between USA and Reunion. Memo 0235 dated 23 February 2006. *Minutes:* TC12 North/Mid/South Atlantic-Africa. Memo 0240 dated 3 March 2006. *Fares:* TC12 North Atlantic-Africa. Specified fare table. Memo 0112 dated 28 February 2006. *Technical Correction:* TC12 North Atlantic-Africa except between USA and Reunion. Memo 0239 dated 3 March 2006. *Intended effective date:* 1 May 2006. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24308. *Date Filed:* March 28, 2006. *Parties:* Members of the International Air Transport Association. *Subject:* TC12 North Atlantic-Africa between USA and Reunion. Memo 0236 dated 23 February 2006. *Minutes:* TC12 North/Mid/South Atlantic-Africa. Memo 0240 dated 3 March 2006. *Fares:* TC12 North Atlantic-Africa. Specified fare table. Memo 0112 dated 28 February 2006. *Intended effective date:* 1 May 2006. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24311. *Date Filed:* March 29, 2006. *Parties* Members of the International Air Transport Association. *Subject:* TC12 Mid Atlantic-Africa. Memo 0237 dated 23 February 2006. *Minutes:* TC12 North/Mid/South Atlantic-Africa. Memo 0240 dated 3 March 2006. *Fares:* TC12 Mid Atlantic-Africa. Specified fare table. Memo 0111 dated 28 February 2006. *Intended effective date:* 1 May 2006. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24312. *Date Filed:* March 29, 2006. *Parties:* Members of the International Air Transport Association. *Subject:* TC12 South Atlantic-Africa. Memo 0238 dated 23 February 2006. *Minutes:* TC12 North/Mid/South Atlantic-Africa. Memo 0240 dated 3 March 2006. *Fares:* TC12 South Atlantic-Africa. Specified fare table. Memo 0110 dated 28 February 2006. *Intended effective date:* 1 May 2006. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24313. *Date Filed:* March 29, 2006. *Parties:* Members of the International Air Transport Association. *Subject:* TC3 South East Asia-South West Pacific between Malaysia and American Samoa. Singapore, 21 November-30 November 2005. *Intended effective date:* 1 April 2006 (Memo 0924). *Minutes:* TC3 South East Asia-South West Pacific between Malaysia and American Samoa. Singapore, 21 November-30 November 2005 (Memo 0943). *Fares:* TC3 South East Asia-South West Pacific between Malaysia and American Samoa. Singapore, 21 November-30 November 2005. Specified fare tables. *Intended effective date:* 1 April 2006 (Memo 0383). *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24339. *Date Filed:* March 30, 2006. *Parties:* Members of the International Air Transport Association. *Subject* TC2 Passenger Tariff Coordinating Conferences. TC2 Europe-Africa Resolutions. Memo PTC2 EUR-AFR 0234 dated 24 February 2006. *Minutes:* TC2 Within Africa, Europe-Africa, and Middle East-Africa Minutes Memo 0235. *Tables:* PTC2 EUR-AFR Fares 0134 dated 27 February 2006. *Technical Correction:* TC2 Europe-Africa Resolutions Memo PTC2 EUR-AFR 0236 dated 9 March 2006 Geneva, 20-23 February 2006. Intended effective date: 1 May 2006. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24341. *Date Filed:* March 30, 2006. *Parties:* Members of the International Air Transport Association. *Subject* *Tables:* PTC12 USA-EUR Fares 0104 dated 29 March 2006. Resolution 015h-USA Add-Ons between USA and UK. *Intended effective date:* 1 April 2006. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, Federal Register Liaison. [FR Doc. E6-6346 Filed 4-26-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary Notice of Applications for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity and Foreign Air Carrier Permits Filed Under Subpart B (Formerly Subpart Q) During the Week Ending March 31, 2006 The following Applications for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity and Foreign Air Carrier. Permits were filed under Subpart B (formerly Subpart Q) of the Department of Transportation's Procedural Regulations ( *See* 14 CFR 301.201 *et. seq* .). The due date for Answers, Conforming Applications, or Motions to Modify Scope are set forth below for each application. Following the Answer period DOT may process the application by expedited procedures. Such procedures may consist of the adoption of a show-cause order, a tentative order, or in appropriate cases a final order without further proceedings. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24295. *Date Filed:* March 27, 2006. *Due Date for Answers, Conforming Applications, or Motion to Modify Scope:* April 17, 2006. *Description:* Application of Independence Air, Inc. (“Independence Air”) and Compass Airlines, Inc. (“Compass”) requesting the transfer to Compass the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued to Independence Air by Order 2004-11-19 authorizing Independence Air to engage in interstate scheduled air transportation of persons, property and mail. *Docket Number:* OST-2006-24296. *Date Filed:* March 27, 2006. *Due Date for Answers, Conforming Applications, or Motion to Modify Scope:* April 17, 2006. *Description:* Application of Era Aviation, Inc. (“Applicant”) registering the elimination of the use of certain business names under which the Applicant desires to conduct its operations, and reissuance of its underlying certificate of public convenience and necessity in the single remaining corporate name, Era Aviation, Inc. *Docket Number:* OST-1999-5846. *Date Filed:* March 29, 2006. *Due Date for Answers, Conforming Applications, or Motion to Modify Scope:* April 19, 2006. *Description:* Supplement No. 4 of United Air Lines, Inc. to its pending application for renewal and amendment of its experimental certificate of public convenience and necessity for Route 566 (U.S.-Mexico) to include authority to carry persons, property and mail in foreign air transportation in foreign air transportation between Los Angeles and Cancun and between Chicago and Puerto Vallarta. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, Federal Register Liaison. [FR Doc. E6-6347 Filed 4-26-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Submission Deadline for International Slots for the Winter 2006 Scheduling Season AGENCY: Department of Transportation, FAA. ACTION: notice of submission deadline. SUMMARY: On October 1, 1999, the FAA amended the regulations governing takeoff and landing slots and slot allocation procedures at certain High Density Traffic Airports as a result of the “Open Transborder” Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada. One element of this final rule established that the deadline for submission of requests for international slots will be published in a **Federal Register** notice for each scheduling season. The purpose of the amendment is for the FAA deadline for international slots requests to coincide with the International Air Transport Association

(IATA)deadline for submission of slot requests. In accordance with this amendment, the FAA announces in this notice that the deadline for submitting requests for international slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport

(JFK)for allocation under 14 CFR 93.217 is May 11, 2006. The FAA will allocate international slots through December 31, 2006 only, as the High Density Rule expires at JFK on December 31, 2006. ( *See* 49 U.S.C. 41715(a)(2).) After that date, slots will no longer be required for operation at JFK. The FAA has designated Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (O'Hare) as a Level 2, Schedules Facilitated Airport under the IATA Guidelines and will review international operations based on runway parameters. The FAA requests carriers intending to conduct international service at O'Hare for the Winter 2006/07 Scheduling Season to submit their intended schedules following the same procedures used for submitting requests for slots at JFK. Carriers are advised that this notice does not alter or change any coordination procedures conducted by the City of Chicago for O'Hare's Terminal 5 facilities. Finally, the U.S. scheduling season is consistent with the changes in daylight savings time. In accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58), daylight savings time will begin on March 11, 2007 and end on November 3, 2007. The IATA Northern Winter Scheduling Season will end on March 24, 2007, and its Summer Scheduling Season will only begin on March 25, 2007. There is a two-week period for which the IATA Winter scheduling season will overlap with the U.S. summer scheduling season. We recognize this transition period will cause some carriers to adjust scheduled times based on their network requirements and other considerations. For O'Hare, the FAA will accept carriers' schedule requests for the entire IATA Northern Winter Scheduling Season (ending on March 24, 2007), even though that will be the first two weeks of the U.S. summer scheduling season. This will facilitate carriers seeking to confirm schedules at other worldwide slot coordinated airports in accordance with the IATA season and coordination process. Carriers should clearly indicate any schedule differences during the March 11 to 24, 2007, period. The FAA intends to provide the maximum practical flexibility to accommodate schedule adjustments during this period and does not anticipate any significant issues regarding historic rights due to the earlier introduction of daylight saving time in the U.S. A deadline for submitting the reamining summer schedules for 2007 will by announced in the **Federal Register** by September 2006. The Department of Transportation reserves the right to withhold the approval of schedules to any foreign air carrier of a country that does not provide equivalent rights of access to its airports for U.S. air carriers, as determined by the Secretary of Transportation. DATES: Requests for international slots must be submitted no later than May 11, 2006. ADDRESSES: Requests may be submitted by mail to Slot Administration Office, AGC-220 Office of the Chief Counsel, 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591; facsimile: 202-267-7277; ARINC: DCAYAXD; or by e-mail to: *7-AWA-slotadmin@faa.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lorelei Peter, Regulations Division, Office of the Chief Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone number: 202-267-3073. Issued in Washington, DC on April 24, 2006. James Whitlow, Deputy Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. 06-3991 Filed 4-26-06; 8:45 am]

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