U.S. Department of State Grant: Facilitating a Youth Exchange Program for Kosovo High School Students

The total U.S. Department of State funding for this cooperative agreement is $742,500. Not-for-profit or educational institutions with experience in the work described in the program goals and activities are encouraged to submit proposals. Applicants must have a demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject areas: youth exchange, leadership development, and the ability to develop and implement the program.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Persons:
Emilia A. Puma
Public Affairs Officer
pumaea@state.gov

Merita Musmurati
Program Assistant
musmuratimb@state.gov

Please carefully read the entire solicitation package if you plan to submit an application; there are steps that you should take immediately in order to make your submissions by the deadline.

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina is pleased to announce an open competition for an assistance award through this Request for Proposals (RFP). The Embassy invites educational and not-for-profit institutions to submit proposals to support a year-abroad to the United States for Kosovo high school students.

Link 1 – Background information (see below)
Link 2 – SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
Link 3 – SF424A (Budget Summary)

Department of State

Program Office: The U.S. Embassy Pristina – Request for Proposals
Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. – Kosovo Youth Exchange Program
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement
Funding Opportunity Number:
Deadline for Applications: April 29, 2011
CFDA 19.415

ELIGIBILITY
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina is pleased to announce an open competition for an assistance award through this Request for Proposals (RFP). The Embassy invites educational or not-for-profit institutions to submit proposals to support a year-abroad for Kosovo high school students and offer them the opportunity to study and develop their leadership skills in the United States. The cooperative agreement will be awarded to one organization which will oversee all aspects of program planning and execution, to include advertising the opportunity to local applicants, conducting a competition; evaluating all student applications; interviewing prospective exchange students; placing students with U.S. host families and in U.S. high schools; providing English proficiency classes to those students not yet at an appropriate level of fluency; making all logistical arrangements for the students, to include air fare, transportation to and from airports, health insurance, pick up at U.S. destination; orientation programs both before departure and upon arrival in the U.S. and follow-on activities for returnees. At least one representative of the U.S. Embassy Pristina will participate in the activities of a selection committee which evaluates students’ applications.

The total U.S. Department of State funding for this cooperative agreement is $742,500. Not-for-profit or educational institutions with experience in the work described in the program goals and activities are encouraged to submit proposals. Applicants must have a demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject areas: youth exchange, leadership development, and the ability to develop and implement the program.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Persons:
Emilia A. Puma
Public Affairs Officer
pumaea@state.gov

Merita Musmurati
Program Assistant
musmuratimb@state.gov

Please carefully read the entire solicitation package if you plan to submit an application; there are steps that you should take immediately in order to make your submissions by the deadline.

SECTION 1 – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
1A. Background Information

The U.S. Embassy Pristina announces a Request for Proposals for projects that foster ties between students of Kosovo and the United States through a year-abroad high school exchange program. Students would be placed with host families and enrolled in a local U.S. high school. Ancillary activities should include orientation courses in cross-cultural understanding and developing leadership skills. The program will allow students to travel during any of the following academic years 2012-13; 2013-14; 2014-15; 2015-16.

Selection will focus on exceptional non-elite Kosovo high school students who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to both academics and international understanding. An intermediate level of English proficiency will be required to ensure participants benefit from classes and peer-to-peer interaction.
1B. Program Goals
The objective of this funding opportunity is to support understanding among Kosovo youth of how a multi-cultural society can function; to build understanding among Kosovo youth of U.S. culture and values; to provide an opportunity for immersion in English language in order to enhance Kosovo students’ proficiency; to strengthen leadership and communication skills of Kosovo students; to build an understanding of commonalities between people of various cultural backgrounds.
1C. Expected Results

The project should strive to achieve the following expected results.
• Empower participants with an increased sense of their own capacity to achieve personal success and to serve as leaders of their communities
• Assist in developing strong ties between Kosovo and American youth, thus contributing to mutual understanding among youth in both countries
• Give participants the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue about multi-cultural societies

1D. Main Activities
Applications must include a clear description of the applicant’s management structure, previous experience with youth exchanges and/or leadership development, and organizational experience as it relates to the proposed activities. Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives. Besides information about the organization as a whole, this section must also identify the proposed management structure and staffing plan for the project. In addition, applicants should describe how and with whom they will collaborate to meet project goals. The application must distinguish all key partners and organizations that will be involved in the identification of, and service delivery to, exchange program participants.

1E. Performance Indicators
Project should be completed on time, in accordance with all applicable laws and should allow for a maximum number of Kosovo students to spend an academic year in the United States. Project placements should include all regions of the United States as well as urban and rural placements. Implementer should remain in regular contact with students during their year abroad and ensure that students are prepared for the rigors of U.S. study through remedial English tuition if necessary. The project program should incorporate a sustainability component to ensure that students who return have opportunities to engage and network with each other and their peers about the year in the United States.
SECTION 2 – AWARD INFORMATION

2A. Available Funding and Legislative Authority
Overall grant making authority for this project is contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. The U.S. Embassy has funding available for a single cooperative agreement for a four-year project period.

Summary of Award Information
Type of Award Cooperative Agreement
Fiscal Year Funds FY 2011
Approximate Total Funding: US $742,500
Approximate Number of Awards: One
Anticipated Award Date: 6/2011
Anticipated Project Completion Date: Applicants may propose performance periods of up to 48 months (four years) with sixteen budget periods of three months each. Projects must begin September 2012, and conclude by June 2016.

2B. Award Management
The successful applicant awarded under this RFP will need to routinely collaborate with the Embassy. The activities and responsibilities of the Embassy are as follows:
• Provide guidance and approval for the Grantee’s comprehensive implementation plan.
• Assist on the selection of students.
• Ensure that financial reports and expenses adhere to U.S. government regulations

SECTION 3 –ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Eligibility is limited to educational or not-for-profit institutions. Applicants must have technical expertise and experience in the work described in the program goals. Applicants must have a demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject areas: youth exchange or leadership development, and the ability to develop and implement a program

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Application materials are provided on the U.S. Embassy website and the Grants.gov website. Forms 424 and 424A must be completed and submitted by the April 29, 2011 deadline, 5 p.m. EST.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCESS:

Applicants must submit proposal project descriptions ELECTRONICALLY using Grants.gov. Thorough instructions on the application process are available on the http://www.grants.gov and U.S. Embassy Pristina websites (http://pristina.usembassy.gov). For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.
For questions about this solicitation, contact Emilia A. Puma, Public Affairs Officer
pumaea@state.gov or Merita Musmurati, Program Assistant, musmuratimb@state.gov

All applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application.

Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process; however, it could take as long as two weeks to have the registration validated and confirmed. Please begin the registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. Until that process is complete, you will not be issued a user password for Grants.gov, which is required for application submission. There are four steps that you must complete before you are able to register:

(1) Obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (if your organization does not have one already) by calling 1-866-705-5711;
(2) Register with Central Contractor Registry (CCR);
(3) Register yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and
(4) Be authorized as an AOR by your organization. For more information, go to www.grants.gov.

Please note that your CCR registration must be renewed annually. Failure to renew your CCR registration may prohibit submission of a grant application through Grants.gov.

Application Content: Applicants must follow the Request for Cooperative Agreement Proposal instructions and conditions contained herein and supply all information required. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements will result in disqualification from the competition. Applicants must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this RFA. The penalty for making false statements in proposals to the USG is prescribed in 18 U.S.C.1001.

SECTION 5 – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
A State Department Review Committee will evaluate proposals submitted under this request. Review criteria will include:
1. Quality of program idea – proposals should be responsive to the solicitation and exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Bureau’s mission.
2. Program planning/ability to achieve objectives – work plan should demonstrate substantive activities and the organization’s capacity and planning to undertake them. Objectives should be ambitious yet measurable and achievable.
3. Impact/multiplier effect – proposed program should address long-term institution building with an emphasis on moving towards sustainability, directly impact the situation in the target country, and define and reach numerous audiences.
4. Program evaluation plan – proposals should demonstrate the capacity for engaging in impact assessments and providing measurable outputs, outcomes, and short and long-term goals.
5. Institution’s record and capacity – proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful program management. The Bureau will consider past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
6. Cost-effectiveness – the overhead and administrative components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as low as possible. Cost-sharing is encouraged.
SECTION 6 – AWARD ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION
The grant shall be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is the Government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grant and cooperative agreements. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the Recipient through either mail or facsimile transmission. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified in writing.

Applicants should expect to be notified if they have or have not been selected for the award in May, 2011. The grant agreement should be signed with the successful applicant by June 2011 and funds should be available shortly thereafter.

Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Terms and Conditions for administering these awards include the following:
A. 2 CFR Part 215 (22 CFR 145), Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations
B. 2 CFR Part 220, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions
C. 2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations
D. OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations
Other requirements and guidance are incorporated by reference in the Notice of Award.

6C. Reporting Requirements
The recipient will provide the U.S. Embassy with the following reports (upon award the details will be stipulated in the Notice of Award):
• Progress and Financial Reports: The Awardee is required to submit quarterly financial and program progress reports.
• Interim Reporting: The Awardee will respond to requests for information, updates, specific reporting when asked by email by the Embassy throughout the life of the grant.
• Final Report: This report will be due no later than ninety days after completion or termination of all project activities. The Final Report shall include a final performance report, a final evaluation report measuring successes, failures, and difficulties encountered over the course of the project, a final financial report.

SECTION 7 – Disclaimer
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State.

SECTION 8 – Embassy Contact

Emilia A. Puma
Public Affairs Officer
pumaea@state.gov

Merita Musmurati
Program Assistant
musmuratimb@state.gov

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina is pleased to announce an open competition for an assistance award through this Request for Proposals (RFP). The Embassy invites educational and not-for-profit institutions to submit proposals to support a year-abroad to the United States for Kosovo high school students.

Link 1 – Background information (see below)
Link 2 – SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
Link 3 – SF424A (Budget Summary)

Department of State

Program Office: The U.S. Embassy Pristina – Request for Proposals
Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. – Kosovo Youth Exchange Program
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement
Funding Opportunity Number:
Deadline for Applications: April 29, 2011
CFDA 19.415

ELIGIBILITY
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina is pleased to announce an open competition for an assistance award through this Request for Proposals (RFP). The Embassy invites educational or not-for-profit institutions to submit proposals to support a year-abroad for Kosovo high school students and offer them the opportunity to study and develop their leadership skills in the United States. The cooperative agreement will be awarded to one organization which will oversee all aspects of program planning and execution, to include advertising the opportunity to local applicants, conducting a competition; evaluating all student applications; interviewing prospective exchange students; placing students with U.S. host families and in U.S. high schools; providing English proficiency classes to those students not yet at an appropriate level of fluency; making all logistical arrangements for the students, to include air fare, transportation to and from airports, health insurance, pick up at U.S. destination; orientation programs both before departure and upon arrival in the U.S. and follow-on activities for returnees. At least one representative of the U.S. Embassy Pristina will participate in the activities of a selection committee which evaluates students’ applications.

The total U.S. Department of State funding for this cooperative agreement is $742,500. Not-for-profit or educational institutions with experience in the work described in the program goals and activities are encouraged to submit proposals. Applicants must have a demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject areas: youth exchange, leadership development, and the ability to develop and implement the program.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Persons:
Emilia A. Puma
Public Affairs Officer
pumaea@state.gov

Merita Musmurati
Program Assistant
musmuratimb@state.gov

Please carefully read the entire solicitation package if you plan to submit an application; there are steps that you should take immediately in order to make your submissions by the deadline.

SECTION 1 – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
1A. Background Information

The U.S. Embassy Pristina announces a Request for Proposals for projects that foster ties between students of Kosovo and the United States through a year-abroad high school exchange program. Students would be placed with host families and enrolled in a local U.S. high school. Ancillary activities should include orientation courses in cross-cultural understanding and developing leadership skills. The program will allow students to travel during any of the following academic years 2012-13; 2013-14; 2014-15; 2015-16.

Selection will focus on exceptional non-elite Kosovo high school students who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to both academics and international understanding. An intermediate level of English proficiency will be required to ensure participants benefit from classes and peer-to-peer interaction.
1B. Program Goals
The objective of this funding opportunity is to support understanding among Kosovo youth of how a multi-cultural society can function; to build understanding among Kosovo youth of U.S. culture and values; to provide an opportunity for immersion in English language in order to enhance Kosovo students’ proficiency; to strengthen leadership and communication skills of Kosovo students; to build an understanding of commonalities between people of various cultural backgrounds.
1C. Expected Results

The project should strive to achieve the following expected results.
• Empower participants with an increased sense of their own capacity to achieve personal success and to serve as leaders of their communities
• Assist in developing strong ties between Kosovo and American youth, thus contributing to mutual understanding among youth in both countries
• Give participants the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue about multi-cultural societies

1D. Main Activities
Applications must include a clear description of the applicant’s management structure, previous experience with youth exchanges and/or leadership development, and organizational experience as it relates to the proposed activities. Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives. Besides information about the organization as a whole, this section must also identify the proposed management structure and staffing plan for the project. In addition, applicants should describe how and with whom they will collaborate to meet project goals. The application must distinguish all key partners and organizations that will be involved in the identification of, and service delivery to, exchange program participants.

1E. Performance Indicators
Project should be completed on time, in accordance with all applicable laws and should allow for a maximum number of Kosovo students to spend an academic year in the United States. Project placements should include all regions of the United States as well as urban and rural placements. Implementer should remain in regular contact with students during their year abroad and ensure that students are prepared for the rigors of U.S. study through remedial English tuition if necessary. The project program should incorporate a sustainability component to ensure that students who return have opportunities to engage and network with each other and their peers about the year in the United States.
SECTION 2 – AWARD INFORMATION

2A. Available Funding and Legislative Authority
Overall grant making authority for this project is contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. The U.S. Embassy has funding available for a single cooperative agreement for a four-year project period.

Summary of Award Information
Type of Award Cooperative Agreement
Fiscal Year Funds FY 2011
Approximate Total Funding: US $742,500
Approximate Number of Awards: One
Anticipated Award Date: 6/2011
Anticipated Project Completion Date: Applicants may propose performance periods of up to 48 months (four years) with sixteen budget periods of three months each. Projects must begin September 2012, and conclude by June 2016.

2B. Award Management
The successful applicant awarded under this RFP will need to routinely collaborate with the Embassy. The activities and responsibilities of the Embassy are as follows:
• Provide guidance and approval for the Grantee’s comprehensive implementation plan.
• Assist on the selection of students.
• Ensure that financial reports and expenses adhere to U.S. government regulations

SECTION 3 –ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Eligibility is limited to educational or not-for-profit institutions. Applicants must have technical expertise and experience in the work described in the program goals. Applicants must have a demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject areas: youth exchange or leadership development, and the ability to develop and implement a program

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Application materials are provided on the U.S. Embassy website and the Grants.gov website. Forms 424 and 424A must be completed and submitted by the April 29, 2011 deadline, 5 p.m. EST.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCESS:

Applicants must submit proposal project descriptions ELECTRONICALLY using Grants.gov. Thorough instructions on the application process are available on the http://www.grants.gov and U.S. Embassy Pristina websites (http://pristina.usembassy.gov). For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.
For questions about this solicitation, contact Emilia A. Puma, Public Affairs Officer
pumaea@state.gov or Merita Musmurati, Program Assistant, musmuratimb@state.gov

All applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application.

Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process; however, it could take as long as two weeks to have the registration validated and confirmed. Please begin the registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. Until that process is complete, you will not be issued a user password for Grants.gov, which is required for application submission. There are four steps that you must complete before you are able to register:

(1) Obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (if your organization does not have one already) by calling 1-866-705-5711;
(2) Register with Central Contractor Registry (CCR);
(3) Register yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and
(4) Be authorized as an AOR by your organization. For more information, go to www.grants.gov.

Please note that your CCR registration must be renewed annually. Failure to renew your CCR registration may prohibit submission of a grant application through Grants.gov.

Application Content: Applicants must follow the Request for Cooperative Agreement Proposal instructions and conditions contained herein and supply all information required. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements will result in disqualification from the competition. Applicants must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this RFA. The penalty for making false statements in proposals to the USG is prescribed in 18 U.S.C.1001.

SECTION 5 – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
A State Department Review Committee will evaluate proposals submitted under this request. Review criteria will include:
1. Quality of program idea – proposals should be responsive to the solicitation and exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the Bureau’s mission.
2. Program planning/ability to achieve objectives – work plan should demonstrate substantive activities and the organization’s capacity and planning to undertake them. Objectives should be ambitious yet measurable and achievable.
3. Impact/multiplier effect – proposed program should address long-term institution building with an emphasis on moving towards sustainability, directly impact the situation in the target country, and define and reach numerous audiences.
4. Program evaluation plan – proposals should demonstrate the capacity for engaging in impact assessments and providing measurable outputs, outcomes, and short and long-term goals.
5. Institution’s record and capacity – proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful program management. The Bureau will consider past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.
6. Cost-effectiveness – the overhead and administrative components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as low as possible. Cost-sharing is encouraged.
SECTION 6 – AWARD ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION
The grant shall be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is the Government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grant and cooperative agreements. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the Recipient through either mail or facsimile transmission. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified in writing.

Applicants should expect to be notified if they have or have not been selected for the award in May, 2011. The grant agreement should be signed with the successful applicant by June 2011 and funds should be available shortly thereafter.

Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Terms and Conditions for administering these awards include the following:
A. 2 CFR Part 215 (22 CFR 145), Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations
B. 2 CFR Part 220, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions
C. 2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations
D. OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations
Other requirements and guidance are incorporated by reference in the Notice of Award.

6C. Reporting Requirements
The recipient will provide the U.S. Embassy with the following reports (upon award the details will be stipulated in the Notice of Award):
• Progress and Financial Reports: The Awardee is required to submit quarterly financial and program progress reports.
• Interim Reporting: The Awardee will respond to requests for information, updates, specific reporting when asked by email by the Embassy throughout the life of the grant.
• Final Report: This report will be due no later than ninety days after completion or termination of all project activities. The Final Report shall include a final performance report, a final evaluation report measuring successes, failures, and difficulties encountered over the course of the project, a final financial report.

SECTION 7 – Disclaimer
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State.

SECTION 8 – Embassy Contact

Emilia A. Puma
Public Affairs Officer
pumaea@state.gov

Merita Musmurati
Program Assistant
musmuratimb@state.gov