Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices 62785

11 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

12See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No.

41546 (June 22, 1999), 64 FR 35222 (June 30, 1999).

13 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(5).

14 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

15 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).

open market and a national market

system.

B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s

Statement on Burden on Competition

The Exchange does not believe that

the proposed rule change will impose

any burden on competition.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s

Statement on Comments on the

Proposed Rule Change Received From

Members, Participants or Others

No written comments were solicited

or received with respect to the proposed

rule change.

III. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to

submit written data, views, and

arguments concerning the foregoing,

including whether the proposed rule

change is consistent with the Act.

Persons making written submissions

should file six copies thereof with the

Secretary, Securities and Exchange

Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20549–0609. Copies of

the submission, all subsequent

amendments, all written statements

with respect to the proposed rule

change that are filed with the

Commission, and all written

communications relating to the

proposed rule change between the

Commission and any person, other than

those that may be withheld from the

public in accordance with the

provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be

available for inspection and copying at

the Commission’s Public Reference

Room. Copies of such filing will also be

available for inspection and copying at

the principal office of the Exchange. All

submissions should refer to File No.

SR–AMEX–00–40 and should be

submitted by November 9, 2000.

IV. Commission’s Findings and Order

Granting Accelerated Approval of

Proposed Rule Change

The Commission finds that the

proposed rule change is consistent with

the requirements of Section 6(b)(5) of

the Act 11 and the rules and regulations

thereunder applicable to a national

securities exchange. In particular, the

Commission believes that the

availability of the Securities will

provide an instrument for investors to

achieve desired investment objectives

through the purchase of an exchangetraded debt product linked to the CPI–

U. These objectives include receipt of an

increasing real rate of return if inflation

rises and the ability for investors to

hedge against unanticipated inflation.

For the reasons discussed below, the

Commission has concluded that the

Amex listing standards applicable to the

Securities are consistent with the Act.

The Securities are index-linked debt

securities whose value in whole or in

part will be based upon the nonseasonally adjusted CPI–U. The

Securities are non-convertible and will

conform to the Amex listing guidelines

under Section 107A of the Company

Guide. The specific maturity date will

not be established until the time of the

offering, but will be not less than one

year from the date of issue. The

Securities may provide for periodic

payments and/or payment at maturity

based in while or in part on changes in

the value of the Index. Holders of the

Securities will receive at maturity a

payment linked to the value of the Index

based on the following formula: Face

Value + (Ending Index Value—

Beginning Index Value), but not less

than zero. The denomination will be at

least $1000. In structure, the

Commission finds that the proposed

Securities are similar to previously

approved exchange-traded index-linked

securities.12

In addition, the Amex equity margin

rules and debt trading rules will apply

to the Securities. The Commission

believes that the application of these

rules should strengthen the integrity of

the Securities. The Commission also

believes that the Amex has appropriate

surveillance procedures in place to

detect and deter potential manipulation

for similar index-linked products. By

applying these procedures to the

Securities, the Commission believes that

the potential for manipulation of the

Securities is minimal, thereby

protecting investors and the public

interest. The Commission further notes

that the underlying Index is managed by

the BLS, an entity independent of both

the Exchange and the Issuer, and thus,

a factor which the Commission believes

should act to minimize the possibility of

manipulation. In addition, the CPI–U is

widely disseminated by vendors of

financial information, quoted in the

financial press, and available at the

BLS’s website.

The Commission also notes that the

Amex will issue a circular on the

Securities. The circular should include,

among other things, a discussion of the

risks which may be associated with the

Securities in addition to details on the

composition of the Index and how the

rates of return will be computed.

Further, pursuant to Exchange Rule 411,

the Exchange will impose a duty of due

diligence on its members and member

firms to learn the essential facts relating

to every customer prior to trading the

Securities.

Based on these factors, the

Commission finds that the proposal to

trade the Securities is consistent with

Section 6(b)(5) of the Act.13

Amex has requested that the

Commission find good cause for

approving the proposed rule change

prior to the thirtieth day after the date

of publication of notice in the Federal

Register. The Commission believes that

the proposal raises no new regulatory

issues that were not addressed in

similar filings for index-linked

products. Furthermore, the Commission

believes that it is appropriate to permit

investors to benefit from the flexibility

afforded by Securities by trading them

as soon as possible. Accordingly, the

Commission finds good cause to

accelerate approval of the proposed rule

change, as amended.

It is Therefore Ordered, pursuant to

Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,14 that the

proposed rule change (SR–AMEX–00–

40) is hereby approved on an

accelerated basis.

For the Commission, by the Division of

Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated

authority.15

Jonathan G. Katz,

Secretary.

[FR Doc. 00–26805 Filed 10–18–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010–01–M

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 3442]

Bureau of Educational and Cultural

Affairs Request for Proposals (ECA/

PE/C/EUR–01–19): Exchanges and

Training Programs for the New

Independent States (NIS): Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,

Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan,

Georgia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine,

Russia

SUMMARY: The United States Department

of State, Bureau of Educational and

Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen

Exchanges, Europe/Eurasia Division,

announces an open competition for

assistance awards in the areas of Media

Training, Women’s Leadership, Public

Advocacy Training, and Prevention of

Trafficking in Women and Girls. Public

and private non-profit organizations

meeting the provisions described in IRS

regulation 26 CFR 1.501C may apply to

62786 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices

conduct 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 FulbrightHays 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.

Programs and projects must comply

with Bureau requirements and

guidelines outlined in the Solicitation

Package: the Request for Proposals (RFP)

and the Proposal Submission Guidelines

(PSI).

Announcement Title and Number

All communications with the Bureau

concerning this Request for Proposals

(RFP) should refer to the announcement

title ‘‘Exchanges and Training Programs

for the NIS’’ and reference number ECA/

PE/C/EUR–01–19.

Overview

The Bureau of Educational and

Cultural Affairs (the Bureau) invites

applicants to submit proposals that

encourage the growth of democratic

institutions in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,

Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Belarus,

Moldova, Ukraine and Russia.

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: an active,

existing partnership between a U.S.

organization and a NIS institution(s); a

proven successful track record for

conducting program activity; costsharing from U.S. and NIS sources,

including donations of air fares, hotel

and/or housing costs, ground

transportation, interpreters, room

rentals, etc.; experienced staff with NIS

language ability; a clear, convincing

plan outlining exactly how the program

components will be carried out and how

permanent results will be accomplished

as a result of the grant; and a follow-on

plan that extends beyond the Bureau

grant period. Knowledge of the current

technological capacity (Internet

connectivity, email, hardware and

software) of NIS partners and their

countries and/or regions, and a

description of the role of technology in

the proposed program, are essential.

Cost-sharing in tangible forms of in-kind

and monetary contributed to the

program by the prospective grantee

institution, NIS partners, as well as

funding from third party sources,

should be included in the budget.

Unless otherwise specified below: (1)

Program activity may include: ‘‘training

of trainers (TOT),’’ internships, shortterm training, consultations, study

tours, site visits, and extended,

intensive workshops; and (2)

programming may take place in the

United States and/or in Russia, Belarus,

Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan,

Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Proposals should reflect a practical

understanding of the current political,

economic and social environment that is

relevant to the theme addressed in the

proposal. Proposals should also indicate

a strong knowledge of similar activities

and organizations working in the region.

The Bureau strongly encourages

applicants to design exchange programs

for non-English speakers.

Applicants should identify the U.S.

and NIS partner organizations and

individuals with whom they are

proposing to collaborate and describe in

detail previous cooperative projects.

Specific information about the NIS

partners’ activities and

accomplishments is required and

should be included in the section on

‘‘Institutional Capacity.’’ Resumes for

individuals mentioned in the proposal

should be included, including proposed

U.S. and NIS staff, trainers, consultants,

etc.

Programs should be designed so that

the sharing of information and training

that occurs during the grant period will

continue long after the grant period is

over. Proven methods of sustainability

include, but are not limited to: a model

TOT program that would include initial

training, practice presentation sessions

for the NIS participants, followed by

training activities coordinated and

implemented by the NIS participants in

their home countries; a commitment to

create or support in-country training/

resource centers; plans to create online

communities, professional networks or

professional associations; regularly

published electronic and/or hard-copy

newsletters; and ongoing mentoring

through Internet communication.

To be considered for a grant award in

this competition, the proposed training

and exchange programs must address

one of the following themes:

• Media Training (Ukraine or

Belarus/Ukraine, Russia, Caucasus

Regional, Central Asia Regional)

• Women’s Leadership Programs

(Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan—Single

Country & Regional)

• Public Advocacy Training for NGOs

and Associations (Russia, Belarus/

Russia, Belarus—with Cross-Border

component)

• Prevention of Trafficking in Women

and Girls (Russia, Belarus, Moldova—

Single- and Multi-country)

Media Training

Overview

In most countries of the NIS, severe

economic crises and attempts by

government and private sector to control

media outlets are threatening the

survival of the independent media.

Although training in the area of

objective reporting and investigative

journalism has been conducted in many

NIS countries, most journalists would

benefit from training in this area. The

ability and know-how to develop new

methods of effective, applicable income

generation and to implement better

fiscal management practices, and a

commitment to objective reporting are

critical to the survival of independent

media.

The Bureau is interested in proposals

from applicants who possess a thorough

understanding of the current state and

needs of the media in the NIS. Training

activities should not duplicate the work

done under recent or existing media

training programs, but should

complement those efforts.

Proposals may include a combination

of in-country and U.S.-based training

activities. When providing a U.S.-based

component, the program should include

a hands-on internship training

component at an appropriate media

outlet. For these internships, the names

of those media establishments willing to

host participants should be provided

and the applicant should describe why

these media establishments have been

chosen. The internship format may

include both individual placements as

well as work in small groups (not to

exceed three at a time). If the small

group format is used, the internships

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices 62787

must have a practical program

component, not just be site visits. For

proposals with a U.S.-based component,

the Bureau will give higher ranking to

proposals that ensure lasting linkages

between these participants and their

American colleagues. When

organizations propose an internship

program at a U.S. media outlet, efforts

should be made to recruit participants

who possess some knowledge of the

English language.

Media Training for Ukraine or Ukraine/

Belarus

• In-country training activities that

include both Belarusians and

Ukrainians should take place in

Ukraine.

• Proposals should emphasize

training in objective reporting,

investigative journalism and/or

developing and implementing effective

and applicable income generation

schemes and adopting better fiscal

management practices.

• Participants may be journalists and/

or media managers.

• Applicants are strongly encouraged

to submit proposals that include both

Belarusian and Ukrainian participants.

Media Training for Russia

• Proposals should emphasize

training in objective reporting and/or

developing and implementing effective

and applicable income generation

schemes and adopting better fiscal

management practices.

• Participants may be journalists and/

or media managers.

• Participants should be recruited

from areas outside of the major cities of

Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Regional Media Training for the

Caucasus Region

• Proposals should emphasize

training in objective reporting and/or

developing and implementing effective

and applicable income generation

schemes and adopting better fiscal

management practices.

• When possible, applicants are

encouraged to include working visits to

media outlets in another country of the

region.

• Participants may be journalists and/

or media managers.

Regional Media Training for Central

Asia

• Proposals should focus efforts on

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

• Participants should be media

managers.

• Projects should emphasize training

in developing and implementing

effective and applicable income

generation schemes and adopting better

fiscal management practices in order to

reduce dependence on government

support.

Women’s Leadership Training for

Central Asia and the Caucasus Region

Overview

Over the past decade, women’s

leadership programs and women-run

organizations have been supported and

strengthened through local, national and

international initiatives. Much of the

work that has been done can be

replicated and adapted in other

communities, creating a closer knit

community of women’s groups and

using available resources to the utmost

potential. For this competition, our

priorities focus on Central Asia and the

Caucasus Region. American

organizations and their NIS partners

should jointly develop proposals that

concentrate on strengthening and

broadening existing networks in order to

further the progress and provide

cohesion for women’s groups in these

regions and across borders. Applicants

should accurately describe current

advances in the sphere of women’s

leadership, impart a keen understanding

of each country’s unique role, ensure

equity if a regional program is proposed,

and provide a clear explanation of the

proposed project’s potential

contribution to the larger domestic and

international efforts in women’s

leadership training programs.

The target audience should be goaloriented women and women’s groups

who are currently active in their

communities. In each country or region,

participants should be recruited from

outlying cities, towns and villages, in

addition to capital cities. Needs

assessments should be conducted prior

to or during proposal development;

priority will be given to partnerships

whose needs and goals are already

defined. Proposed training sessions

should emphasize development of

organizational skills; improving

organizational efficiency; developing

and sustaining networks and coalitions

with organizations in the public and

private sector; and implementation of

educational, informational and/or

advocacy programs for communities

throughout the country and/or region.

Proposals may include a plan for

building regional associations and

networks of women’s organizations.

Program activity may take place in the

NIS countries and/or in the United

States. These programs are intended to

provide opportunities for NIS women

and women’s groups to increase their

visibility and effectiveness in the social,

economic, political and democratic

spheres. There are various possibilities

for acceptable training programs. The

following guidelines should aid in the

program design process. The Bureau

welcomes programming ideas that are

justified, innovative, well defined and

include a detailed plan for

implementation.

Women’s Leadership Programs for

Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,

Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan)

• Women’s leadership in Central Asia

can be addressed in single-country or

regional programs focusing on citizen

participation, organizational

development, growth and sustainability.

• Organizations that have previously

conducted women’s leadership training

programs in Russia and Ukraine are

encouraged to replicate and adapt their

programs for the women’s leadership

programs in Central Asia. These

programs should include experienced

trainers from Russia and/or Ukraine for

the training components held in Central

Asia.

• The Bureau encourages programs

that support or build on country- or

region-specific themes or target

audiences. Themes may include, but are

not limited to, combinations of the

following: community development,

cottage industry and small business

networks, NGOs and awareness

campaigns, public-private cooperation,

professional development, political

leadership, and needs of special interest

groups (i.e. ethnic minorities, women

with disabilities, young people).

• Priority will be given to programs

that include a strong multiplier effect

and that will result in the support or

creation of a network or coalition with

activities continuing after the grant

period. Creation of coalitions and

networks should be complementary and

not duplicative.

• Applicants are strongly encouraged

to include women from Tajikistan and

Turkmenistan in the proposal’s target

audience. However, in-country activities

for Central Asians should not take place

in Tajikistan. Applicants should justify

the selection of a regional training site(s)

in Central Asia and outline the logistics

necessary for participants from these

two countries to participate. For

example, the applicant should describe

in detail the benefit of holding the

training in the proposed location and

potential means of transportation,

passport and visa requirements between

the Central Asian countries, and any

other travel arrangements issues

relevant to the region.

• Program plans may include a

component for a Small Grants

62788 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices

Competition. This requires a timeline

and detailed plan for outreach,

advertising, recruitment and selection; a

sample application; a description of the

proposal review and award mechanism;

a plan for how the grantee would

monitor and evaluate small grant

activity; and the 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 the

Caucasus Region (Armenia, Azerbaijan,

Georgia)

• Women’s leadership programs in

the Caucasus Region should focus on

citizen participation, cross-border

networking and coalition building,

organizational development, growth and

sustainability.

• The Bureau encourages programs

that support or build on region-specific

themes or target audiences. Themes

could include, but are not limited to,

combinations of the following:

community development, cottage

industry and small business networks,

NGOs’ role in societal issues and

awareness campaigns, public-private

cooperation, professional development,

political leadership, cross-cultural and

cross-border issues, and needs of special

interest groups (i.e. ethnic minorities,

women with disabilities, young people).

• Priority will be given to programs

that include a strong multiplier effect

and that will result in the support or

creation of a network or coalition with

activities continuing after the grant

period. Creation of coalitions and

networks should be complementary and

not duplicative.

• Applicants should indicate how

technology and Internet connectivity

will help in implementation of regional

program components.

• Program plans may include a

component for a Small Grants

Competition. This requires a detailed

plan for recruitment and advertising; a

sample application; a description of the

proposal review and award mechanism;

a plan for how the grantee would

monitor and evaluate small grant

activity; and the 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.

Public Advocacy Training for NGOs

and Associations for Russia, Belarus/

Russia, Belarus/Cross-Border

Overview

Public advocacy training on the

grassroots level provides a basis for

organizations to prioritize tasks and

focus on issues in a practical way, thus

allowing them to more effectively

impart their message to the public and

to local & national government.

The Bureau seeks proposals to

provide training to Belarusian and

Russian NGO leaders, trade union

representatives and community leaders

that will increase the visibility of their

groups and strengthen their influence

on local, regional and national levels.

Proposals must indicate a practical and

sophisticated knowledge of the political

and NGO environment on the local,

regional or national level in Belarus and

Russia. Applicants should have

established relationships with partner

organizations for joint proposal

development and program

implementation.

NIS partner NGOs, organizations and

institutions should be prepared to move

beyond basic issues, such as

organization and membership, and bring

their message to a wider audience.

Program components may include

hands-on, intensive training workshops

on issue advocacy; civic responsibility;

good governance; grassroots political

organizing; campaign management;

accountability to constituencies;

surveying; polling; advocacy; voter

outreach, networking, message

development, working with the media

and fundraising.

Belarusian participants can greatly

benefit from partnerships and networks

developed in cross-border programs

with other Central and Eastern

European (CEE) countries, particularly

Poland. Interested organizations may

consider including experienced trainers

from Poland or other CEE countries, to

assist with training sessions on

replicable and relevant public relations

applications and methods. In these

cases, existing partnerships and

previous experience with the CEE

organizations or trainers should be

outlined in the proposal.

Public Advocacy Training for Joint

Belarus/Russia, including CEE CrossBorder programs

• Participants in the training program

should include both Belarusians and

Russians.

• Programs may include Polish or

CEE trainers for a cross-border

component.

• Program components may take

place in the U.S., Russia and/or Poland

(or other CEE country).

• Program plans may include a

component for a Small Grants

Competition. This requires a detailed

plan for recruitment and advertising; a

sample application; a description of the

proposal review and award mechanism;

a plan for how the grantee would

monitor and evaluate small grant

activity; and the 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.

Public Advocacy Training for Belarus,

including CEE Cross-Border programs

• Participants in the training program

should include only Belarusians.

• Cross-border programs may include

Polish or CEE trainers.

• Program components should take

place in the U.S. and/or Poland (or other

CEE country).

• Program plans may include a

component for a Small Grants

Competition. This requires a detailed

plan for recruitment and advertising; a

sample application; a description of the

proposal review and award mechanism;

a plan for how the grantee would

monitor and evaluate small grant

activity; and the 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.

Public Advocacy Training for Russia

• Participants in the training program

should include only Russians.

• Program components may take

place in the U.S. and/or Russia.

• Program plans may include a

component for a Small Grants

Competition. This requires a detailed

plan for recruitment and advertising; a

sample application; a description of the

proposal review and award mechanism;

a plan for how the grantee would

monitor and evaluate small grant

activity; and the 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.

Prevention of Trafficking in Women

and Girls for Belarus, Moldova and

Russia

Overview

Trafficking in Women and Girls

continues to be a serious problem

globally, and particularly in the NIS. As

the problem escalates, the need to

educate girls, women, families and

communities about trafficking increases.

With the growing number of trafficked

women repatriated to their home

countries, there is also a greater need to

broaden victim assistance efforts to

include reintegration and occupational

training. Current and past programs to

combat trafficking in women and girls

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices 62789

funded by the international community

and NIS-based initiatives, have resulted

in model assistance programs, as well as

publications, printed materials and

multimedia products that can be used

for public awareness and educational

campaigns.

Prevention of Trafficking in Women

and Girls can be addressed in singlecountry or multi-country programs and

should reach a wide audience by

building on the collective experience of

previous campaigns and victim

assistance efforts conducted in any of

the NIS countries. Competitive

proposals will focus on (1) public

awareness and educational campaigns

for girls, women, families and

communities about trafficking, and/or

(2) victim assistance, including

reintegration and occupational training.

Priority will go to programs that propose

to reach risk groups, regions or

countries where awareness campaigns

and victim assistance initiatives have

been limited or nonexistent.

For proposals focusing on educational

campaigns and public awareness: The

applicant must demonstrate knowledge

of current and previous campaigns;

explain in-detail how existing materials

will be used to provide a highly

effective program; exhibit an

understanding of U.S. government

priorities; describe how the applicant

will integrate the program plan with

initiatives of the U.S. Embassies’ Public

Affairs Sections in the NIS; and

demonstrate how the program plan will

complement other educational and

public awareness campaigns. Emphasis

should be on the actual implementation

of an educational or public awareness

campaign, in cooperation with several

partner NGOs and organizations in the

NIS. Program activities should, where

possible, reach a regional or national

audience. Program components may

take place in Belarus, Moldova and/or

Russia.

For proposals focusing on victim

assistance, reintegration and

occupational training: Program

components may include, but are not

limited to, crisis intervention;

counseling and hotlines; viable job

skills training courses appropriate to the

local market; reintegration workshops;

establishment of local NGO networks

that can serve as resources for shelters

and crisis centers; support for

rehabilitation services; and professional

training for staff of shelters, crisis

centers, hotlines, NGO or employment

resource centers, and job skills courses.

Program components may take place in

Belarus, Moldova, Russia and/or the

U.S.

In addition to the above information,

competitive proposals will address

these guidelines:

• Applicants should check the State

Department website for current

information on the Prevention of

Trafficking in Women and Girls on the

International Information Programs

website: www.usinfo.state.gov/topical/

global/traffic/ and the President’s

Interagency Council on Women website:

http://secretary.state.gov/www/picw/

index.html.

• Proposals should include sample

educational and/or training materials

and a description of how the materials

will be integrated into proposed

activities.

• Applicants may consider including

experienced trainers from NIS or CEE

countries to conduct training sessions or

assist with educational campaigns. In

these cases, existing partnerships and

previous experience with the CEE

organizations or trainers must be

outlined in the proposal.

• The Bureau is particularly

interested in proposals that will utilize

the capacity of local NGOs and other

organizations to assist with logistics,

planning, and implementation of the

local or regional educational and public

awareness campaigns.

• Applicants should expect to work

closely with Public Affairs Sections of

the U.S. Embassies in the NIS on

coordination of activities.

• Program plans may include small

subcontracts with NIS organizations to

cover costs for local logistics for

outreach and educational or public

awareness campaigns. When

subcontracts are proposed, signed

agreements with each organization or

individual should be included in the

proposal.

• Proposals must include a timeline

for the entire proposed grant period, a

schedule for each program component,

subcontract agreements, resumes for

each individual proposed in the

program plan, and letters of support

from NIS partner NGOs and other

organizations.

• The program plan may include a

Small Grants Competition for NIS NGOs

and other organizations to conduct

ongoing reintegration and occupational

training workshops. This requires a

detailed plan for outreach and

advertising; a sample grant application;

a description of the proposal review and

award mechanism; a plan for how the

U.S. grantee organization would

monitor and evaluate small grant

activity; and the 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.

Selection of Participants

To be competitive, proposals should

include a description of an open, meritbased participant selection process,

including advertising, recruitment and

selection. A sample application should

be submitted with the proposal.

Applicants should expect to carry out

the entire selection process, but the

Bureau and the Public Affairs Sections

of the U.S. Embassies abroad should be

consulted. The Bureau and the U.S.

Embassies 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

The funding available for NIS

Exchanges and Training will be

disbursed through grants to several

organizations. Although no funding

limit exists, organizations are strongly

encouraged to submit proposals that do

not exceed $130,000. Proposals that do

not exceed $130,000 will be given

priority. Organizations with less than

four years of experience in managing

international exchange programs are

limited to $60,000.

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 U.S. 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 (GPRA) of 1993, which

requires federal agencies to measure and

62790 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices

report on the results of their programs

and activities.

Final awards cannot be made until

funds have been appropriated by

Congress, allocated and committed

through internal U.S. Department of

State procedures.

Budget Guidelines

Applicants must submit a

comprehensive line item budget based

on the model in the Proposal

Submission Instructions, but are

encouraged to provide the optional

separate sub-budgets for each program

component, location or activity in order

to facilitate decisions on funding.

Applicants should include a budget

narrative or budget notes for

clarification of each line item.

Cost sharing: Since the Bureau’s grant

assistance constitutes only a portion of

total project funding, proposals should

list and provide evidence of other

sources of cost sharing, including

financial and in-kind support. Proposals

with substantial private sector support

from foundations, corporations, and

other institutions will be considered

highly competitive. Please refer to the

statement on cost sharing in the

Proposal Submission Instructions.

The following program costs are

eligible for funding consideration:

1. Transportation: International and

domestic airfares (per the Fly America

Act), transit costs, ground transportation

costs, and visas for U.S. participants to

travel to the NIS countries (visas for NIS

participants to travel to the U.S. for

travel funded by the Bureau’s grant

assistance are issued at no charge).

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.

Domestic per diem rates may be

accessed at: http://

www.policyworks.gov/ and foreign per

diem rates can be accessed at: http://

www.state.gov/www/perdiems/

index.html.

3. Interpreters: Local interpreters with

adequate skills and experience may be

used for program activities. Typically,

one interpreter is provided for every

four visitors who require interpreting,

with a minimum of two interpreters.

The Bureau grants do not pay for foreign

interpreters to accompany delegations

from their home country. Salary costs

for local interpreters must be included

in the budget. Costs associated with

using their services may not exceed

rates for U.S. Department of State

interpreters. The Bureau strongly

encourages applicants to use local

interpreters. U.S. Department of State

Interpreters may be used for highly

technical programs with the approval of

the Office of Citizen Exchanges.

Proposal budgets should contain a flat

$170/day per diem for each U.S.

Department of State interpreter, as well

as home-program-home air

transportation of $400 per interpreter,

reimbursements for taxi fares, plus any

other transportation expenses during the

program. Salary expenses are covered

centrally and should not be part of an

applicant’s proposed budget.

4. Book and cultural allowance:

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, trainers or participants

are 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.

The Bureau strongly discourages the use

of automatic translation software for the

preparation of training materials or any

information distributed to the group of

participants or network of organizations.

Costs for good-quality translation of

materials should be anticipated and

included in the budget. Grantee

organizations should expect to submit a

copy of all program materials to the

Bureau.

8. Equipment: Proposals may contain

costs to purchase equipment for NISbased 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 Bureau-sponsored health

insurance policy. The premium is paid

by the Bureau 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 grantee organization

employees, benefits, and other direct

and indirect costs per detailed

instructions in the Application Package.

While there is no 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 strong administrative costsharing contributions from the

applicant, the NIS partner and other

sources.

Please refer to the Proposal

Submission Instructions (PSI) for

complete budget guidelines.

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/

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices 62791

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 series of questions

for a focus group). The evaluation plan

should show a clear link between

program objectives and expected

outcomes in the short-and mediumterm, and provide a well-thought-out

description of performance indicators

and measurement tools.

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 Bureau

grant period) ensuring that the Bureausupported 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).

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, socioeconomic 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

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.

Review Process

The Bureau will acknowledge receipt

of all proposals and will review them

for technical eligibility. Proposals will

be deemed ineligible if they do not fully

adhere to the guidelines 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

forwarded to panels of Bureau officers

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 (grants or cooperative

agreements) resides with the Bureau’s

Grants Officer.

Deadline for Proposals

All copies must be received by the

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of

Educational and Cultural Affairs, by 5

p.m. Washington, D.C. time on Tuesday,

December 19, 2000.

Faxed documents will not be accepted

at any time. The mailroom closes at 5:00

p.m.; no late submissions will be

accepted. Documents postmarked by

December 19, 2000, but received at a

later date, will not be accepted. Each

applicant must ensure that the

proposals are received by the above

deadline.

To Download an Application Package

Via the Internet

The entire Application Package may

be downloaded from the Bureau’s

website at http://exchanges.state.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, Ref.: ECA/PE/C/EUR–01–19,

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.

For Further Information, Contact

By mail: United States Department of

State, SA–44, Bureau of Educational and

Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen

Exchanges (ECA/PE/C), Room 220,

Washington, DC 20547 attn: NIS

Exchanges & Training.

By phone: Tel: (202) 260–6230; fax:

202–619–4350, By e-mail:

nistraining@pd.state.gov.

Interested applicants may request the

Application Package, which includes

the Request for Proposals (RFP) and the

Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).

Please specify ‘‘Europe/Eurasia Program

Coordinator’’ on all inquiries and

correspondence. All potential

applicants should read the complete

announcement before sending inquiries

or submitting proposals.

Notification

Final awards cannot be made until

funds have been appropriated by

Congress, allocated and committed

through internal U.S. Department of

State procedures.

62792 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / Notices

Dated: October 8, 2000.

William B. Bader,

Assistant Secretary for Educational and

Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State.

[FR Doc. 00–26364 Filed 10–18–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4710–05–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

[Summary Notice No. PE–2000–57]

Petitions for Exemption; Summary of

Petitions Received; Dispositions of

Petitions Issued

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of petitions for

exemption received and of dispositions

of prior petitions.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to FAA’s rulemaking

provisions governing the application,

processing, and disposition of petitions

for exemption part 11 of Title 14, Code

of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this

notice contains a summary of certain

petitions seeking relief from specified

requirements of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 CFR Chapter I),

dispositions of certain petitions

previously received, and corrections.

The purpose of this notice is to improve

the public’s awareness of, and

participation in, this aspect of FAA’s

regulatory activities. Neither publication

of this notice nor the inclusion or

omission of information in the summary

is intended to affect the legal status of

any petition or its final disposition.

DATES: Comments on petitions received

must identify the petition docket

number involved and must be received

on or before November 8, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on any

petition in triplicate to: Federal

Aviation Administration, Office of the

Chief Counsel, Attn: Rule Docket (AGC–

200), Petition Docket No. lll, 800

Independence Avenue, SW.,

Washington, DC 20591.

The petition, any comments received,

and a copy of any final disposition are

filed in the assigned regulatory docket

and are available for examination in the

Rules Docket (AGC–200), Room 915G,

FAA Headquarters Building (FOB 10A),

800 Independence Avenue, SW.,

Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202)

267–3132.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Forest Rawls (202) 267–8033, or

Vanessa Wilkins (202) 267–8029 Office

of Rulemaking (ARM–1), Federal

Aviation Administration, 800

Independence Avenue, SW.,

Washington, DC 20591.

This notice is published pursuant to

sections 11.85 and 11.91 of part 11 of

the Federal Aviation Regulations (14

CFR part 11).

Issued in Washington, DC, on October 13,

2000.

Donald P. Byrne,

Assistant Chief Counsel for Regulations.

Petitions for Exemption

Petitioner: Department of the Army.

[Docket No.: 24237]

Section of the 14 CFR Affected: 14

CFR §§ 91.177(a)(2) and 91.179(b)(1).

Description of Relief Sought: To

permit the United States Army Special

Operations Command (USASOC), 160th

Special Operations Regiment (160th

SOAR) to operate under Exemption No.

4371, as amended, when the 160th

SOAR and the Air Force Special

Operations Command (AFSOC) are

conducting joint operations.

Petitioner: Experimental Aircraft

Association, Small Aircraft

Manufacturers Association and National

Association of Flight Instructors.

[Docket No.: 29661]

Section of the 14 CFR Affected: 14

CFR § 91.319(a)(1) and (2).

Description of Relief Sought: To allow

(1) the revision of Condition No. 1 to

include aircraft that operate under the

provisions of 14 CFR § 21.191(c), (d),

and (f); (2) the revision of Condition No.

4 to include ground transition training

in the required training syllabus; and (3)

the addition of a new condition

requiring EAA, SAMA, and NAFI

members to receive permission from

their appropriate association prior to

conducting flight training under the

conditions and imitations of Exemption

No. 7162.

Petitioner: Flying Boat, Inc. dba

Chalk’s International Airlines and

Chalk’s Ocean Airways.

[Docket No.: 30161]

Section of the 14 CFR Affected: 14

CFR §§ 121.344a(f) and 135.152(k).

Description of Relief Sought: To

permit Chalk to operate its Grumman G–

73T Turbine Mallard (G–73T) airplane

under parts 121, and 135 without the

required digital flight data recorder

(DFDR) until the FAA can amend

§§ 121.344a(f) and 131.152(k) to

permanently except the G–73T airplane

from the requirements of §§ 121.344a(f)

and 135.152(k).

[FR Doc. 00–26829 Filed 10–18–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–M

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

[Summary Notice No. PE–2000–58]

Petitions for Exemption; Summary of

Petitions Received; Dispositions of

Petitions Issued

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of petitions for

exemption received and of dispositions

of prior petitions.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to FAA’s rulemaking

provisions governing the application,

processing, and disposition of petitions

for exemption Part 11 of Title 14, Code

of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this

notice contains a summary of certain

petitions seeking relief from specified

requirements of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 CFR Chapter I),

dispositions of certain petitions

previously received, and corrections.

The purpose of this notice is to improve

the public’s awareness of, and

participation in, this aspect of FAA’s

regulatory activities. Neither publication

of this notice nor the inclusion or

omission of information in the summary

is intended to affect the legal status of

any petition or its final disposition.

DATES: Comments on petitions received

must identify the petition docket

number involved and must be received

on or before November 8, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on any

petition in triplicate to: Federal

Aviation Administration, Office of the

Chief Counsel, Attn: Rule Docket (AGC–

200), Petition Docket No. lll, 800

Independence Avenue, SW.,

Washington, DC 20591.

The petition, any comments received,

and a copy of any final disposition are

filed in the assigned regulatory docket

and are available for examination in the

Rule Docket (AGC–200), Room 915G,

FAA Headquarters Building (FOB 10A),

800 Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202)

267–3132.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Forest Rawls (202) 267–8033, or

Vanessa Wilkins (202) 267–8029 Office

of Rulemaking (ARM–1), Federal

Aviation Administration, 800

Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20591.

This notice is published pursuant to

§ 11.85 and 11.91 of Part 11 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

Part 11).