USIA program on distance learning for Ukraine

<<October 12, 1999>>

Kimberly K. Obbink <kobbink@montana.edu>

Mr. Myron Nordquist <myron_nordquist@burns.senate.gov>

Dr. Ihor B. Katerniak <ik@litech.net>

Dr. Paul Lefrere <p.lefrere@open.ac.uk>

Docent Antti Kasvio <ttanka@poph.uta.fi>

P. Tapio Varis, Ph.D, Professor <tapio.varis@uta.fi>

Thomas Driscoll, E/PN <tdriscol@usia.gov>

(1) Dear Kim:
=========

ATTACHMENT I to IV are about the Request For Proposal (RFP) of the US
Information Agency (USIA).

Ihor (whom you met at our Tampere event) particularly interested in to
apply to the Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management for
Ukraine" of this program as to kick-off the distance learning project of
our Global University System we talked about during our Tampere event.

I would like to inquire;

(a) if your Montana State University/Bozeman has any business
management courses,

(b) if your Burns Telecommunications Center (BTC) at Montana State
University/Bozeman can be the grantee of this project.

(2) Dear Myron:
===========

If Kim's reply is negative, can your University of Virginia do the job?
I was amazed with the outstanding school of the business administration
when you invited me to visit them last spring.

(3) Antti and Paul:
===============

Driscoll's msg (ATTACHMENT IV) said that the course offerer does not
need to be the US institutions.

Can your University of Tampere and Open University join in this project
to offer some of your business administration courses to Ukrainians?

Dear Paul:
==========

Pls send me your refined pilot project proposal which Ihor
originally prepared. Tapio is now anxious on the submission of
our final report of our Tampere event to the InfoDev of the World
Bank which we need to include those pilot project proposals of
every regions of Asia/Pacific, North, Central and South America,
Europe and Africa.

(4) Ihor:
=====

You may start considering how to have the indigenous business courses"
which Driscoll mentioned in ATTACHMENT IV.

Your proposal to IREX (ATTACHMENT V) may go along with this USIA program
as a joint funded project.

I am now arranging to visit them in the morning of 10/19th with Kim,
Myron, David Johnson.

Dear Kim:
=========

Larry Forgy of the InfoDev told me this morning that he would be
available for our visit at 1:30 pm of the 19th.

We will then visit Alex De Angelis and Mark Suskin of the NSF.

(5) Dear Mr. Driscoll:
==================

Many thanks for your msg (ATTACHMENT IV).

For your reference, among others, pls visit particularly Proposed
Global University System Structure" at
<http://www.kagawa-jc.ac.jp/~steve_mc/asia-pacific/index.html>.

If you have time, we would like to visit you in the morning of 10/19th.
Pls let me know your availability.

Best, Tak
****************************************
ATTACHMENT I

Date: Thu, 07 Oct 1999 09:19:06 -0400
From: "Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D." <utsumi@columbia.edu>
To: Ihor Katerniak <ik@litech.net>
Subject: Re: USIA- Distance Learning

Dear Ihor:

(1) Pls let me know the URL of the exact page of this RFP info of the USIA.

(2) I visited the URL listed in your msg, but could not go to the exact page
of this RFP.

Thanks in advance.

Best, Tak
*****************
Ihor Katerniak wrote:

> Dear Tak,
>
> You can see that our joint activity in Electronic Distance Learning
> Developing in Ukraine has made some contribution on the themes of United
> States Information Agency programmes. Spacial our idea of Virtual Business
> School look like interesting for USIA in Ukraine. The USIA, Bureau of
> Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges,
> Europe/Eurasia Division, announces an open competition for an assistance
> award.
> The Bureau seeks exchange programs for Ukraine that address the theme of
> "Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management for Ukraine".
> The Bureau is interested in proposals that establish or expand distance
> learning programs in business and management at Ukrainian universities or
> institutes throughout Ukraine. Specific programs should include the
> delivery of management and business content through low-end technologies
> such as e-mail, CD-Rom, video or Internet, so that the model may be
> replicated in other regions. The target audience for the end product should
> be students and/or businesspeople. A two-way exchange by the U.S. and
> Ukrainian development teams is essential. Proposals should include: 1) a
> statement of need for the proposed courses and training 2) content of
> courses that will be developed 3) technical requirements for course
> delivery 4) training requirements for instructors and faculty in distance
> learning technology 5) practical training in course presentation and 6) a
> plan for adapting courses and training into the target language(s).
> Proposals must include letters of support from Ukrainian institutional
> partners like Lviv Institute of Management (Ukraine) that demonstrate their
> commitment to the program. In addition, Ukrainian partners should provide
> cost-sharing of program expenses such as classroom space, security,
> salaries, and support for visiting Americans such as local housing and
> transportation. Given the complex nature of distance learning programming,
> the Bureau discourages short-term visits. Grantee institutions are expected
> to consult closely with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on the development of
> distance learning programs.
> The Bureau will consider funding proposals in the $150,000 - $200,000 range
> for distance learning programs.
> The entire Application Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's website
> at http://e.usia.gov/education/rfps/.
> All copies must be received at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
> Educational and Cultural Affairs, by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on
> Wednesday, December 22, 1999.
>
> Let's start discussion about it,
> Ihor
****************************************
ATTACHMENT II

Excerpt from
http://e.usia.gov/education/rfps/dec22rfp.htm

U.S. INFORMATION AGENCY

BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF CITIZEN EXCHANGES

EXCHANGES AND TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THE NEW INDEPENDENT STATES: RUSSIA,
BELARUS, MOLDOVA, UKRAINE, ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, KAZAKHSTAN,
KYRGYZSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN

SUMMARY

The United States Information Agency, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Europe/Eurasia Division, announces an
open competition for an assistance award. Public and private non-profit
organizations meeting the provisions described in IRS regulation 26 CFR
1.501C may apply to develop exchanges and training programs. Grants are
subject to the availability of funds.

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 cited above is provided through the
Fulbright-Hays Act and the FREEDOM Support Act.

On October 1, 1999, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the
United States Information Agency will become part of the U.S. Department of
State. The integration will not affect the content of this announcement or
the nature of the programs described. Programs and projects must conform
with U.S. Department of State requirements and guidelines outlined in the
Solicitation Package.

ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE AND NUMBER

All communications with the Bureau concerning this Request for Proposals
(RFP) should refer to the announcement title and reference number
E/PN-00-09.

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS

All copies must be received at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs, by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on
Wednesday, December 22, 1999. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any
time. Absolutely no late submissions will be accepted. Documents postmarked
by December 22, 1999, but received at a later date, will not be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT

The United States Information Agency, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs (the Bureau) Office of Citizen Exchanges, attn: Thomas Driscoll,
program coordinator, tel: 202-260-6230 and fax: 202-619-4350, or Internet
address: tdriscol@usia.gov, to request Application Package which includes:
the RFP and the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).

Please specify Program Coordinator Thomas Driscoll on all inquiries and
correspondence. Interested applicants should read the complete Federal
Register announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.

TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION PACKAGE VIA THE INTERNET

The entire Application Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's website
at http://e.usia.gov/education/rfps/.

SUBMISSIONS

Applicants must follow all instructions given in the Application Package.
The applicant's original proposal and ten (10) copies (unbound) should be
sent to:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Ref.: E/PN-00-09
Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 336
301 4th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20547

Once the RFP deadline has passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this
competition in any way with applicants until the proposal review process has
been completed.

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 U.S. political, social, and cultural life. "Diversity" should
be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences including,
but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location,
socio-economic status, and physical challenges. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program
administration and in program content. Please refer to the review criteria
under the 'Support for Diversity' section for specific suggestions on
incorporating diversity into the total proposal. Public Law 104-319 provides
that "in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in
countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy," The U.S.
Department of State "shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities
for participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of
such countries." Proposals should account for advancement of this goal in
their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT (Y2K Requirement)

The Year 2000 (Y2K) issue is a broad operational and accounting problem that
could potentially prohibit organizations from processing information in
accordance with Federal management and program specific requirements
including data exchange with USIA. The inability to process information in
accordance with Federal requirements could result in grantees' being
required to return funds that have not been accounted for properly.

USIA therefore requires that all organizations use Y2K compliant systems
including hardware, software and firmware. Systems must accurately process
data and dates (calculating, comparing and sequencing) both before and after
the year 2000 and correctly adjust for leap years.

Additional information addressing the Y2K issue may be found at the General
Service Administration's Office of Information Technology website at
<http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov>.

OVERVIEW

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (The Bureau) is interested in
proposals that encourage the growth of democratic institutions in Russia,
Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Exchanges and training programs supported by the
institutional grants from the Bureau should operate at two levels: they
should enhance institutional partnerships, and they should offer practical
information to individuals and groups to assist them with their professional
and volunteer responsibilities. Strong proposals usually have the following
characteristics: a strong existing partnership between a U.S. organization
and an in-country institution; a proven track record of conducting program
activity; cost-sharing from U.S. and/or in-country sources, including
donations of air fares, hotel and/or housing costs, ground transportation,
interpreters, etc.; experienced staff with language facility; a clear,
convincing plan showing how permanent results will be accomplished as a
result of the activity funded by the grant; and a follow-on plan beyond the
scope of the Bureau grant. The Bureau wants to see tangible forms of time
and money contributed to the project by the prospective grantee institution,
as well as funding from third party sources.

Unless otherwise specified below, program activity may include: internships;
study tours; short-term training; consultations; and extended, intensive
workshops. Programming may take place in the United States and/or in Russia,
Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Proposals should reflect an understanding of the
political, economic, and social environment in which the program activity
will take place. The Bureau encourages applicants to design exchange
programs for non-English speakers.

Applicants should identify the local organizations and individuals in the
New Independent States (NIS) with whom they are proposing to collaborate and
describe in detail previous cooperative programming and contacts. Specific
information about the NIS organizations' activities and accomplishments is
required and should be included in the section on Institutional Capacity.

The Bureau seeks exchange programs that address the following themes:

* Women's Leadership Programs (Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan)

* Women's Political Leadership Programs (Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and
Kazakhstan)

* Professional and Business Associations Programs (Russia, Moldova,
Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia)

* Content-Based Internet Training (West NIS Regional and Caucasus
Regional)

* Post-Election Training for Duma Staffers (Russia)

* Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls (Russia, Belarus, Moldova,
Ukraine and Uzbekistan)

* Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management (Ukraine)

* Public Library Reform (Ukraine)

* Caucasus Regional Cooperation -- NGO Management, Women's Leadership
Programs, Professional and Business Associations, and Content-Based
Internet Training

The Bureau is interested in proposals whose designs take into account the
need for ongoing sharing of information and training. Examples include: a
"train the trainers" model (a program that includes practice presentation
sessions, followed by activities coordinated and implemented by the original
NIS participants in their home countries); support for in-country
training/resource centers; plans to create professional networks or
professional associations; regularly published newsletters and ongoing
Internet communication.

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Overview:

Over the past decade women and women's groups in many countries of the NIS
have become a force for social change and democratic development. Women's
groups have shown their willingness to cooperate and coordinate with
organizations both in the NIS and the West. Women have begun to take their
place in the political arena, in nongovernmental (NGO) development and in
advocacy groups. The dedication and commitment of women's groups have
contributed to democratic and civic values taking root in the NIS.

The Bureau recognizes that women's organizations throughout the NIS are at
various stages of development. In some cases, women's groups are still being
established and thus need basic organizational and leadership training. In
some regions, however, women's organizations could benefit from more
sophisticated programs.

The Bureau is looking for proposals that offer leadership training to women
who are already active in their communities. In each country or region, the
program should target women in outlying cities, towns and villages and not
capital cities. Training should emphasize development of management skills
in order to: identify priorities and needs, create organizational
efficiency; develop networks and coalitions with other NGOs; and implement
advocacy programs for specific issues pertinent to each local community and
region. Proposals are not limited to a one-country focus and may include a
plan for building regional associations and networks among women's
organizations in specific regions.

Program activity may take place in the NIS countries and/or in the United
States. These programs are intended to provide NIS women and women's groups
opportunities to increase their visibility and effectiveness in the
political, social and democratic spheres. There are various possibilities
for acceptable training programs. The following guidelines may be useful in
designing programs, but The Bureau welcomes other programming ideas that
applicants may have.

Women's Leadership Programs for Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine:

* Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's leadership. The
Bureau encourages programs that are built around a specific theme or
target audience. Target audiences could include, but are not limited
to: women in business, NGO leaders, professional women, special
interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with disabilities,
economically disadvantaged women). Priority will be given to programs
that will result in the creation of a sustainable professional
association or coalition with activities continuing after the grant
period.

* Regional Programs between Russia and the Baltic countries as follow-up
to participation in the Vital Voices conference in October, 1999, in
Reykjavik, Iceland. Please visit http://www.usia.gov/vitalvoices/

* For projects with Belarusan, Moldovan and Ukrainian women's
organizations, The Bureau encourages programs that build bridges
between women's groups in Central European countries, particularly
Poland, Romania and Hungary.

* Program plans may include a component for a Small Grants Competition.
This requires a detailed plan for recruitment and advertising; sample
application; description of the proposal review and award mechanism; a
plan for how the grantee would monitor and evaluate small grant
activity; and a proposed amount for an average grant. Funds for the
Small Grants Competition should be no more than 25% of the total
requested from The Bureau.

Women's Leadership Programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia:

* Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's leadership. The
Bureau encourages programs that are built around a specific theme or
target audience. Target audiences may include, but are not limited to:
women in business, NGO leaders, professional women, special interest
groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with disabilities, economically
disadvantaged women). The Bureau is looking for programs that will
result in the creation of a sustainable professional association or
coalition with activities continuing after the grant period. In
addition, The Bureau is interested in women's leadership programs that
include programming to help promote inter-ethnic tolerance in the
Caucasus region.

Women's Leadership Programs for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan:

* Single-country or regional programs focusing on women's leadership. The
Bureau encourages programs that are built around a specific theme or
target audience. Target audiences may include, but are not limited to:
women in business, NGO leaders, professional women, special interest
groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women with disabilities, economically
disadvantaged women). The Bureau is looking for programs that will
result in the creation of a sustainable professional association or
coalition with activities continuing after the grant period.

Women's Political Leadership Programs for Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and
Kazakhstan:

* Single-country programs with a focus on political leadership for women.
Applicants should plan a training program that provides a political
context for leadership training. Specifically, the program should
combine elements such as leadership fundamentals, the introduction or
improvement of skills associated with campaign management,
accountability to constituencies, lobbying, surveying, polling,
advocacy, voter outreach, networking, message development, working with
the media and fundraising. Proposals must indicate a practical and
sophisticated knowledge of the political and legislative environment in
the target NIS country.

PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS

Professional and Business Associations for Russia, Moldova, Ukraine,
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

Business and Professional Associations have the potential to stimulate
economic growth, policy development and advancement in various professional
fields. Functioning democracies need mediating structures such as
associations that allow for a free flow of information among peer groups and
provide channels for citizens to work with government. Associations that are
based on democratic principles can provide a forum in which professionals
and businesspeople can explore opportunities and development within
communities. The Bureau wishes to help establish and sustain associations
that are committed to community advancement and professional growth in
Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and the Caucasus region. Proposals should include
plans to adapt a model that is sensitive to regional needs. The Bureau is
interested in supporting programs that will establish or enhance
professional and business associations (i.e. chambers of commerce; legal,
environment, education or trade associations; women's business associations;
and associations whose membership represents an organized minority group or
that is devoted to minority issues). Applicants may award individual small
grants to support work relevant to association-building. Funds for small
grants should be no more than 30% of the total requested from the Bureau.

CONTENT-BASED INTERNET TRAINING

Content-Based Internet Training for the West NIS Region (Belarus, Moldova,
Ukraine)

Content-Based Internet Training for the Caucasus Region (Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Georgia)

In the recent past, content-based Internet training has been a valuable tool
to promote democracy and encourage cross-border cooperation throughout the
NIS. The Bureau is seeking programs that will use the Internet to provide
content-based training to a wide variety of audiences in the Caucasus
region. The purpose of the training is not to instruct in Internet
technology and use, but to encourage citizen participation in workshops,
fora, chats, and/or discussions via the Internet that will stimulate
communication and information sharing on relevant topics. (For example, a
U.S.-based institution sponsors 12 Internet chats focused on civic education
throughout the region and then provides follow-on mini-workshops to engaged
audiences in the three target countries. Subsequently, the U.S. organization
invites three individuals who participated in the in-country training to the
U.S. to learn technical and facilitation skills. Upon return to their home
countries, they jointly facilitate further programming.) Topics may include
but are not limited to: civic education, community development; corruption,
conflict resolution, curriculum development; tolerance and peace education;
refugee issues; youth issues; human and legal rights; family health issues;
volunteerism; voter education and outreach. U.S. institutions must
demonstrate their ability to coordinate a complex program with U.S.
Government-funded Internet Access Training Program (IATP) Centers, Internet
centers sponsored by organizations such as Soros Internet Centers, and other
locations with computer access operating simultaneously. Applicants must
provide innovative plans to advertise, recruit and conduct outreach to
diverse audiences in major cities and outlying regions in the Caucasus.

POST-ELECTION TRAINING FOR DUMA STAFFERS

Post-election Training for Duma Staffers for Russia

With Duma national elections scheduled for December 19, 1999, The Bureau is
interested in programs that will enhance Duma staffers' management skills.
Applicants must demonstrate expertise and knowledge of the Russian political
landscape and how the Duma functions. Programs may include a combination of
U.S.-based internships, in-country workshops, roundtables, panel
discussions, case studies and specially tailored projects. Training topics
may address accountability to and communication with constituencies; working
with the press; negotiation skills; conflict resolution; consensus building;
coalition building (particularly related to bloc or partisan
communications); ethics in government; working with diverse populations;
conducting issue-related casework; drafting legislation and implementing
policy.

PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING IN WOMEN AND GIRLS

Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls for Russia, Belarus, Moldova,
Ukraine and Uzbekistan

Trafficking of women and girls from the NIS has grown at an alarming rate.
The Bureau is seeking to assist NIS governments and NGOs in the region to
address the problem by 1) educating young women, girls and their families
about trafficking so that they will not fall victim to traffickers' tactics
of coercion, fraud and deceit and 2) providing victim assistance.

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that show a strong knowledge
of existing educational and assistance efforts and that demonstrate an
ability to integrate existing materials and human resources. Proposals must
outline a concrete plan for innovative programming and must reach
populations in outlying regions. The Bureau is particularly interested in
proposals that will build on local capacity to address trafficking.
Applicants must have proven experience on the ground with this issue.

DISTANCE LEARNING IN THE FIELD OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management for Ukraine

The Bureau is interested in proposals that establish or expand distance
learning programs in business and management at Ukrainian universities or
institutes throughout Ukraine. Specific programs should include the delivery
of management and business content through low-end technologies such as
e-mail, CD-Rom, video or Internet, so that the model may be replicated in
other regions. The target audience for the end product should be students
and/or businesspeople. A two-way exchange by the U.S. and Ukrainian
development teams is essential. Proposals should include: 1) a statement of
need for the proposed courses and training 2) content of courses that will
be developed 3) technical requirements for course delivery 4) training
requirements for instructors and faculty in distance learning technology 5)
practical training in course presentation and 6) a plan for adapting courses
and training into the target language(s). Proposals must include letters of
support from Ukrainian institutional partners that demonstrate their
commitment to the program. In addition, Ukrainian partners should provide
cost-sharing of program expenses such as classroom space, security,
salaries, and support for visiting Americans such as local housing and
transportation. Given the complex nature of distance learning programming,
the Bureau discourages short-term visits. Grantee institutions are expected
to consult closely with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on the development of
distance learning programs.

The Bureau will consider funding proposals in the $150,000 - $200,000 range
for distance learning programs. See Project Funding section below for
additional guidance on funding levels.

PUBLIC LIBRARY REFORM

Public Library Reform for Ukraine

The Bureau is seeking proposals that will provide program support to public
libraries in Ukraine to modernize systems and reform library management.
Applicants may propose activities in any region of the country in a minimum
of three oblasts. Effective library management and training in
technology-based information management are encouraged. Training may also
include building effective library support networks (i.e. fundraising,
acquisitions such as books and equipment, interlibrary cooperation);
engaging the community (summer reading programs, children's activities,
bookmobiles, exhibitions, presentations). The Bureau seeks sustainable
U.S.-Ukraine library partnering through this program.

CAUCASUS REGIONAL COOPERATION

Joint programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

The Bureau is particularly interested in programs that include all three
Caucasus countries. In addition to the program themes previously mentioned,
the Bureau encourages submissions addressing the theme of NGO Management for
the countries of the Caucasus Region.

* NGO Management

NGOs in the Caucasus region are eager for innovative strategies to increase
their effectiveness and visibility on local, regional, and national levels,
as well as throughout the Caucasus region. The Bureau is interested in
programs that will bring NGO leaders from the three Caucasus countries
together to share ideas regarding NGO management. Successful proposals will
expose NGO leaders to democratic, team-centered approaches to organizational
management appropriate to democratic societies. Training topics may include
working with the media, advocacy, networking, coalition building, conducting
research, fundraising and legal issues affecting NGOs. The Bureau welcomes
proposals that include component(s) that will sustain cross-cultural
cooperation among NGOs in the three target countries.

* Women's Leadership Programs

Please see Women's Leadership Programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
as stated above.

* Professional and Business Associations

Please see Professional and Business Associations for Russia, Moldova,
Ukraine and the Caucasus, as stated above.

* Content-Based Internet Training

Please see description for Caucasus regional programs under Content-Based
Internet Training, as stated above.

SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS

Successful applications should include a description of an open, merit-based
selection process, including advertising, recruitment and selection. A
sample application should be submitted with the proposal. Applicants should
expect to carry out the selection process, but The Bureau and U.S. Embassies
abroad retain the right to nominate participants and to approve or reject
participants recommended by the grantee institution. Priority must be given
to foreign participants who have not traveled to the United States.

VISA REGULATIONS

Foreign participants on programs sponsored by The Bureau are granted J-1
Exchange Visitor visas by the U.S. Embassy in the sending country. All
programs must comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to the Proposal
Submission Instructions (PSI) for further information.

PROJECT FUNDING

Although no set funding limit exists, applicants are encouraged to submit
proposals not to exceed $130,000. Distance Learning programs may be funded
up to $200,000. Organizations with less than four years of experience in
managing international exchange programs are limited to $60,000. Applicants
are invited to provide both an all-inclusive budget as well as separate
sub-budgets for each program component, location or activity in order to
facilitate The Bureau decisions on funding. While a comprehensive line item
budget based on the model in the Application Package must be submitted,
separate component budgets are optional.

Since The Bureau grant assistance constitutes only a portion of total
project funding, proposals should list and provide evidence of other sources
of financial and in-kind support. Proposals with substantial private sector
support from foundations, corporations, and other institutions will be
considered highly competitive.

The following program costs are eligible for funding consideration:

1. International and domestic air fares (per the Fly America Act); visas;
transit costs; ground transportation costs.

2. Per Diem. For U.S.-based programming, organizations should use the
published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. For activities
in the NIS and Central Europe, The Bureau strongly encourages applicants to
budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy. Per diem rates may be
accessed at http://www.policyworks.gov/.

3. Interpreters. If needed, interpreters for the U.S. program are provided
by the U.S. Department of State Language Services Division. Typically, one
interpreter is provided for every four visitors who require interpreting.
The Bureau grants do not pay for foreign interpreters to accompany
delegations from their home country. Grant proposal budgets should contain a
flat $160/day per diem for each U.S. Department of State interpreter, as
well as home-program-home air transportation of $400 per interpreter plus
any U.S. travel expenses during the program. Salary expenses are covered
centrally and should not be part of an applicant's proposed budget.
Locally-arranged interpreters with adequate skills and experience may be
used by the grantee in lieu of State Department interpreters, with the same
1:4 interpreter/participant ratio. If the applicant chooses to use local
interpreters, salary costs must be included in the budget. Costs associated
with using their services may not exceed rates for U.S. Department of State
interpreters.

4. Book and cultural allowance. Foreign participants are entitled to a
one-time cultural allowance of $150 per person, plus a book allowance of
$50. Interpreters should be reimbursed up to $150 for expenses when they
escort participants to cultural events. U.S. program staff is not eligible
to receive these benefits.

5. Consultants. Consultants may be used to provide specialized expertise or
to make presentations. Daily honoraria cannot exceed $250 per day.
Subcontracting organizations may also be used, in which case the written
agreement between the prospective grantee and subcontractor should be
included in the proposal. Subcontracts should be itemized in the budget.

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

7. Materials development. Proposals may contain costs to purchase, develop
and translate materials for participants.

8. Equipment. Proposals may contain costs to purchase equipment for
NIS-based programming such as computers, fax machines and copy machines.
Costs for furniture are not allowed. Equipment costs must be kept to a
minimum.

9. Working meal. Only one working meal may be provided during the program.
Per capita costs may not exceed $5-8 for a lunch and $14-20 for a dinner,
excluding room rental. The number of invited guests may not exceed
participants by more than a factor of two-to-one. Interpreters must be
included as participants.

10. Return travel allowance. A return travel allowance of $70 for each
foreign participant may be included in the budget. The allowance may be used
for incidental expenses incurred during international travel.

11. Health Insurance. Foreign participants will be covered under the terms
of a U.S. Department of State-sponsored health insurance policy. The premium
is paid by the U.S. Department of State directly to the insurance company.
Applicants are permitted to include costs for travel insurance for U.S.
participants in the budget.

12. Administrative Costs. Costs necessary for the effective administration
of the program may include salaries for grant organization employees,
benefits, and other direct and indirect costs per detailed instructions in
the Application Package. While this announcement does not proscribe a rigid
ratio of administrative to program costs, priority will be given to
proposals whose administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25) per cent
of the total requested from The Bureau. Proposals should show cost-sharing
contributions from the applicant, the NIS partner and other sources.

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for complete
budget guidelines.

REVIEW PROCESS

The Bureau will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will review them
for technical eligibility. Proposals will be considered ineligible if they
do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein and in the Proposal
Submission Instructions (PSI). Eligible proposals will be forwarded to
panels of U.S. Department of State officers for advisory review. Funding
decisions are at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary for Educational
and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for assistance awards
(grants or cooperative agreements) resides with the U.S. Department of State
grants officer.

REVIEW CRITERIA

Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed according
to the criteria stated below. Proposals should adequately address each area
of review. These criteria are not rank ordered.

1. Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives: Program objectives
should be stated clearly and precisely and should reflect the applicant's
expertise in the subject area and the region. Objectives should respond to
the priority topics in this announcement and should relate to the current
conditions in the included countries. Objectives should be reasonable and
attainable. A detailed work plan should explain step-by-step how objectives
will be achieved and should include a timetable for completion of major
tasks. The substance of workshops, internships, seminars, presentations
and/or consulting should be described in detail. Sample training schedules
should be outlined. Responsibilities of in-country partners should be
clearly described.

2. Institutional Capacity: The proposal should include 1) the U.S.
institution's mission and date of establishment 2) detailed information
about the NIS partner institution's capacity and the history of the U.S. and
NIS partnership 3) an outline of prior awards--U.S. government and private
support received for the target theme/region 4) descriptions of experienced
staff members who will implement the program. Proposed personnel and
institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the
program's goals. The narrative should demonstrate proven ability to handle
logistics. The proposal should reflect the institution's expertise in the
subject area and knowledge of the conditions in the target
country/region(s).

3. Cost Effectiveness and Cost Sharing: Overhead and administrative costs
for the proposal, including salaries, honoraria and subcontracts for
services, should be kept to a minimum. Administrative costs should be less
than twenty-five (25) per cent of the total funds requested from The Bureau.
Applicants are encouraged to cost share a portion of overhead and
administrative expenses. Cost-sharing, including contributions from the
applicant, the NIS partner, and other sources should be included in the
budget.

4. Program Evaluation: Proposals must include a plan and methodology to
evaluate the program's successes, both as the activities unfold and at the
program's conclusion. The Bureau recommends that the proposal include a
draft survey questionnaire or other technique (such as a serious of question
for a focus group) to link outcomes to original program objectives.

5. Multiplier Effect/Impact: Proposals should show how the program will
strengthen long-term mutual understanding and institutionalization of
program goals. Applicants should describe how responsibility and ownership
of the program will be transferred to the NIS participants to ensure
continued activity and impact. Programs that include convincing plans for
sustainability will be given top priority.

6. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for continued
follow-on activity (beyond the The Bureau grant period) ensuring that The
Bureau-supported programs are not isolated events. Follow-on activities
should be clearly outlined.

7. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of
the Bureau's policy on diversity. Program content (orientation, evaluation,
program sessions, resource materials, follow-on activities) and program
administration (selection process, orientation, evaluation) should address
diversity in a comprehensive and innovative manner. Applicants should refer
to The Bureau's Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines on page four of
the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).

NOTICE

The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding and may not be
modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information provided by
The Bureau or program officers that contradicts published language will not
be binding. Issuance of the RFP does not constitute an award commitment on
the part of the Government. The 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. Organizations will be expected to cooperate
with The Bureau in evaluating their programs under the principles of the
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which requires federal
agencies to measure and report on the results of their programs and
activities.

NOTIFICATION

Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress,
allocated and committed through internal U.S. Department of State
procedures.
On October 1, 1999, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs became
part of the
U.S. Department of State. Bureau webpages are being updated accordingly.
Thank you for your patience.
****************************************
ATTACHMENT III

Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 09:19:49 -0400
From: "Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D." <utsumi@columbia.edu>
To: Thomas Driscoll <tdriscol@usia.gov>
CC: Ihor Katerniak <ik@LITech.net>
Subject: Inquiry on RFP

Dear Mr. Driscoll:

(1) Referring to your RFP on "Distance Learning in the Field of Business
Management," I would like to inquire followings;

(a) Does the grantee have to be the US organization?
(b) Does the distance learning courses have to be offered only
from the US educational institutions?

(2) Looking forward to hearing from you soon,

Best, Tak
****************************************
ATTACHMENT IV

From: "Driscoll, Tom" <tdriscol@exchange.usia.gov>
To: "'utsumi@columbia.edu'" <utsumi@columbia.edu>
Subject: RE: Inquiry on RFP
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 10:26:43 -0400

Dr. Utsumi:

Yes, the grantee must be a US institution and all funds from a grant award
will be disbursed only to that institution. The grant proposal must be
written and submitted by the US institution.

The in-country partner does not have to be a US institution, and the
distance learning courses do not have to originate from the US
institution/grantee.

For example, Petrozavodsk State University and Ural State University had
been offering business and management courses for several years, and
California Polytechnic at Pomona was awarded a grant to adapt these courses
into a distance learning format.

It *might* be advantageous to use indigenous business courses. There is no
need for translation and the in-country partner, knowing the current
domestic business environment, can easily tailor a course to suit the
students' needs. I say *might* because I cannot guarantee the grant review
panel would recognize this. Awards are given to the overall most
competitive proposals.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thomas Driscoll, E/PN
Program Coordinator
http://e.usia.gov/education/citizens/nis
****************************************
ATTACHMENT V

October 10, 1999
Project summary
for
the Targeted Exchanges Program
of
The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX)

Ihor Katerniak, Ph.D.
Lviv Institute of Management, Ukraine

ABSTRACT:
This project will develop distance learning between Ukraine and participating schools in Finland, the U.K. and the US.
The end product will be a joint proposal for fund raising which includes detailed plan for Europe Group of Global
University System, e.g., feasibility study, design of infra- and administrative structure, selection of courseware, etc.

GOALS:
Slow change of economic system in the Ukraine is partially explained by a lack of professionals with market oriented
thinking. But in most cases business education is not available for talented people in Ukraine and the NIS countries
because it is too expensive and there are no existing credit mechanisms. A new and different approach to business
education will help to train a core group of business people, which will guarantee the promotion of marketing reform in
Ukraine and the NIS. There is a keen need for a sustained, countrywide Ukrainian system for distance learning through
INTERNET with goals to make education more efficient, accessible, and interactive.

PURPOSES:
* to receive skills in the distance learning program administration, teaching technologies and Web-learning
course design from participating schools outside of Ukraine;
* to make a research and analysis of education environment, existing methods distance learning and technical
possibilities;
* to develop collaborative proposals for feasibility study, design of infra- and administrative structure, selection of
courseware, etc.

PROPOSED PROCEDURES:
* visiting administrators of distance learning departments at the participating schools;
* holding seminars and collaborative workshops in Ukraine;
* attending relevant conferences;
* meeting and collaborative work with instructors in Project Management courses;
* collaborative work with experts/designers of Web-learning courses with their mirror system in Ukraine;
* conducting a short research project;
* constructing joint proposals for partnership and fund raising;
* holding a workshop at Open University in the U.K. for discussing the above.

PROPOSED PARTNERS:
* Global University System (Finland),
* University of Tampere (Finland),
* Open University (U.K.),
* Distance Education Network of European Association for International Education at University of Art and
Design - Helsinki (Finland),
* Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education (CAADE) at GLObal Systems Analysis and
Simulation Association in the U.S.A. (GLOSAS/USA).

PROGRAM TIME LINE:

April-December 2000

PROJECT PRODUCTS:
Research report and collaborative proposals for Distance Learning Development in Ukraine, particularly for Project
Management courses.

POSSIBLE FUTURE PROJECTS WITH IREX:
(1) The Small Grants for Partnership Development Program:
for establishing partnership relations with educational institutions in other countries for the two-way international
exchange of knowledge, professional experience, managing and technical know-how.
(2) The Information Resources and Dissemination Program:
for the dissemination of new curricula over affordable Internet as developing international partnerships in social
science, business, and in cultural understanding and exchange. Also, for expanding the Global University
System in Ukraine and developing a network of centers for technical and informational support in all regions of
Ukraine.

CONTACT PERSONS:
(1) Dr. Ihor B. Katerniak
Director, Lviv Institute of Management-LIM
Technology Promotion Center
57 V.Chornovil Ave.
Lviv 79058 Ukraine
Tel: +380-322-52 2681
Fax: +380-322-52 2682
Fax: +380-322-52 4463
ik@litech.net
http://www.lim.lviv.ua/
(2) Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D.
Founder of CAADE (Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education)
President Emeritus and V.P. for Technology and Coordination of Global University System
43-23 Colden Street
Flushing, NY 11355-3998
Tel: 718-939-0928
Fax: 718-939-0656 (day time only--prefer email)
utsumi@columbia.edu
http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/
****************************************
List of Distribution

Kimberly K. Obbink
Director
Burns Telecommunications Center
128 EPS Building,
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717-3860
USA
Tel: +1-406-994 6550
Fax: +1-406-994 7856
kobbink@montana.edu

Mr. Myron Nordquist
Legislative Counsel
U.S. Senator Conrad Burns' Office
187 Dirksen Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-2603
202-224-6808
Fax: 202-224-8594
Cell: 301-646-8153
myron_nordquist@burns.senate.gov
http://www.senate.gov/~burns/
804-924-7573 -- at the U. of VA.
Fax: 804-982-2622 -- at the U. of VA.

Dr. Ihor B. Katerniak
Director
Lviv Institute of Management-LIM
Technology Promotion Center
57 V.Chornovil Ave.
Lviv 79058 Ukraine
Tel: +380-322-52 2681
Fax: +380 322-52 2682
Fax: +380-322-52 4463
ik@litech.net
http://www.lim.lviv.ua/
http://www.uar.net/conference/
http://www.lim.lviv.ua/english/de/

Dr. Paul Lefrere
Senior Lecturer
Institute of Educational Technology
Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44-1-908 65 33 88
Fax: +44-1-908 67 28 02
p.lefrere@open.ac.uk
http://www-iet.open.ac.uk/

Docent Antti Kasvio
Research Director
Information Society Research Centre
University of Tampere
P.O.Box 607
FIN-33101 Tampere
FINLAND
Tel: +358-3-215 7633
Tel: +358 40 5551362
Fax: +358-3-215 7932
ttanka@poph.uta.fi

P. Tapio Varis, Ph.D, Professor
Acting President, Global University System
Chairman, GLOSAS/Finland
Professor and Chair
Media Culture and Communication Education
Hypermedia laboratory
University of Tampere
P.O.Box 607
FIN-33101 Tampere
FINLAND
Tel: +358-3-215 6110
GSM: +358-50-567-9833
Fax: +358-3-215 7503
tapio.varis@uta.fi
http://www.uta.fi/~titava

Thomas Driscoll, E/PN
Program Coordinator
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Ref.: E/PN-00-09
Program Management, ECA/EX/PM, Room 336
301 4th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20547
202-260-6230
fax: 202-619-4350
tdriscol@usia.gov
http://e.usia.gov/education/citizens/nis
**********************************************************************
* Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D., P.E., Chairman, GLOSAS/USA *
* (GLObal Systems Analysis and Simulation Association in the U.S.A.) *
* Laureate of Lord Perry Award for Excellence in Distance Education *
* Founder of CAADE *
* (Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education) *
* President Emeritus and V.P. for Technology and Coordination of *
* Global University System (GUS) *
* 43-23 Colden Street, Flushing, NY 11355-3998, U.S.A. *
* Tel: 718-939-0928; Fax: 718-939-0656 (day time only--prefer email) *
* Email: utsumi@columbia.edu; Tax Exempt ID: 11-2999676 *
* http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/ *
**********************************************************************

Return to: Global University System Late 1999 Correspondence
Web page by Steve McCarty, World Association for Online Education President