Request for Applications (RFA): Collaborative Partnerships - Egypt

Enhancing Capacity for Research in Economics

Date Issued: Feb. 28, 2008
Extended Deadline: June 9, 2008

HED anticipates making one (1) award of up to $400,000 for this three-year higher education partnership with the Cairo University Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Political Science (FEPS). The purpose of this partnership is to expand the capacity of the faculty in economics research and strengthen the Department of Economics-FEPS’ ability to serve as a regional hub for teaching, research and service in economics, thereby improving the Department’s international academic reputation.

For further information regarding this RFA, please contact Charlie Koo at (202) 243-7680 or ckoo@hedprogram.org.

Background
Context
Partnership Description
Eligibility
Application Review Guidelines
Application Format, Submission, and Review
Terms of the Solicitation

Background

Higher Education for Development and the U.S. Agency for International Development

Higher Education for Development (HED) mobilizes the expertise and resources of the higher education community to address global development challenges. HED accomplishes this by administering a cooperative agreement (AEG-A-00-05-00007-00) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Under the Leader with Associate Cooperative Agreement, signed in September 2005, HED manages a competitive awards process to access expertise within the higher education community in coordination with the American Council on Education (ACE), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Association of American Universities (AAU), the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC). 

Funding by USAID’s Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, Office of Education (EGAT/ED), as well as USAID’s functional and regional Bureaus and worldwide Missions, supports higher education partnerships to advance global development through economic growth, good governance, and healthy societies. These partnerships provide training, applied research, program evaluation, policy analysis, and program implementation, which are critical to promote USAID’s foreign assistance goals. More information on USAID and its role in economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide over the past 40 years is available on our website.

Context

USAID/Egypt has identified a substantial need for high quality economics research for a variety of stakeholders including international academic networks, multinational development agencies, the Egyptian media, private sector businesses and industries, and government policy makers. Recognizing the importance of economics education and research, USAID/Egypt is supporting the Cairo University Department of Economics-FEPS’ efforts to strengthen its academic programs and to contribute to Egypt’s economic development. 

As Egypt’s premier public higher education institution, Cairo University provides economic education and research through the Department of Economics-FEPS.  Established in 1960, the Cairo University Department of Economics-FEPS is widely recognized for the success of its graduates and its research productivity. The Department of Economics-FEPS provides a foundation for economics education and service as a national resource in economics research (see the Department brochure). The Department enrolls 4,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students.  The department’s leadership is seeking to bolster its national and international reputation in economics education and research by increasing the quality and quantity of economics research resulting in publications by its faculty and upgrading the graduate-level curriculum. In order to develop the requisite capacity, the Department of Economics-FEPS wishes to strengthen economics research, explore multi-disciplinary approaches, and develop a strong publications record.  New courses are needed in areas such as econometrics, research ethics, documentation, and evaluative research.

Partnership Description

Partnership Goal

The overarching goal of this partnership is to establish the Department of Economics-FEPS as a regional “center of excellence” for economics education and policy related research that meets the needs of the public and private sector in Egypt.

Partnership Objectives

• An updated curriculum in the Department of Economics-FEPS will offer the latest and most current theory and practice in the science of economics for faculty and graduate students.
• New and revised courses in the Department of Economics-FEPS will meet international standards and expectations for graduate education in economics providing access to the most current theories, research, teaching methods and materials.
• Improved quality of education in the Department of Economics-FEPS will result in better trained professionals who are highly skilled at economics research and analysis, and able to contribute to economic policy.
• Improved capacity to carry out relevant economic research will result in publications and participation of faculty and students in international and national conferences and seminars.
• Faculty teaching and research skills will be updated, strengthening the ability to teach, guide research and contribute to policy development.

Suggested Activities

• Joint review of the existing curricula and course work for graduate studies in economics and design of new courses or course components as needed;
• Joint development of research studies and preparation of articles for refereed journals;
• Support for short term visits by selected PhD candidates from the partner institutions for research and/or course work; and,
• Joint development of initiatives to build relationships with public and private sector policymakers.

HED is interested in creative approaches to achieving the stated program goal and objectives. Partnership design should include extensive interaction between the U.S. and Egyptian faculty to share academic resources and provide first hand exposure to instructional methods, analytical software and materials. Activities could include study tours to the United States for faculty member of the Department of Economics-FEPS, extended research stays in the United States and Egypt by doctoral candidates from the partner institutions, and strategic planning to increase research productivity, publications, and conference participation by faculty members. The interaction among academic faculties should position the partnership for sustainability beyond the funding period for this award.

Contact Information

The primary point of contact at Cairo University is:

Dr. Heba Nasser
Faculty of Economics and Political Science
Cairo University
E-mail: hebanas@aucegypt.edu
Tel.: +202-3573-2933
Fax: +202-3571-1020

Please include USAID/Egypt on all correspondence with the university:
 
Joseph Ryan
Associate Mission Director for Policy and Private Sector
jryan@usaid.gov
Tel.: +202-522-6601
Fax: +202-516-4589

Amal Mowafy
Project Management Specialist
Policy & Private Sector
amowafy@usaid.gov
Tel: +202-2522-6687
Fax: +202-2516-4589

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

The application must describe a monitoring and reporting plan for the partnership activities and expected outcomes, including an initial baseline assessment of the curriculum needs in economics. The monitoring and reporting plan should demonstrate how progress towards objectives will be tracked, and how results of partnership activities will be summarized.

An external evaluation of program impact at the conclusion of the funding period must be included in the M&E plan, and the qualifications of the designated external evaluator described in the application. The M&E plan must include a detailed description of how results will be communicated and reported to USAID/Egypt through HED.

Eligibility

HED welcomes applications from the member institutions of ACE, AACC, AASCU, AAU, NAICU, and NASULGC, and from other regionally accredited, degree granting, U.S. higher education institutions. U.S. colleges and universities may apply individually, or in partnership with each other. HED encourages applications from or with the participation of minority-serving institutions.

Application Review Guidelines

Peer reviewers will use the following criteria to evaluate the applications:

I. Alignment with the Goals of the RFA and Overall Partnership Design (10 points)

• Alignment of the partnership activities and outcomes with the objectives stated in the RFA; and,
• Demonstrated understanding of the current challenges and opportunities facing the Cairo University Department of Economics-FEPS.

II. Strengthening Capacity for Research in Economics (30 points)

• Adequacy of plans to update the graduate curriculum of the Department of Economics-FEPS;
• Evidence that courses or course components developed by the partnership will be designed to meet international standards and expectations for graduate level preparation in economics;
• Fair and transparent process for selection of faculty and doctoral students from the Department of Economics-FEPS for opportunities offered by the partnership;
• Adequacy of plans to update faculty research and teaching skills;
• Feasibility of plans to increase the participation of the Department of Economics-FEPS faculty and graduate students in international conferences, research, and publications; and,
• Evidence of plans to engage public and private policymakers who are the consumers of economics research.

III. Expertise and Collaboration (40 points)

• Evidence that the key personnel proposed by the U.S. partner(s) are recognized for solid research in theoretical and applied economics through publications and leadership positions in academic associations;
• The U.S. partner institution(s) should have well established Department(s) of Economics with sizeable teaching programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Partnership personnel should have knowledge and experience in Egypt and/or demonstrated experience in the study of Middle Eastern economies; and,
• Evidence of institutional commitment (engagement of faculty and administrators) among all partners in the United States and Egypt.

IV. Cost Effectiveness and Cost Share of Overall Budget (10 points)

• Cost sharing (recommended at 25% of the award amount), including expected cash or in-kind contribution from all the partners; and,
• Demonstrated cost-effectiveness in program design and equitable distribution of funds between U.S. and Egyptian partners.

V. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation Plan (10 points)

• Evidence of valid and reliable methodology for collecting baseline data, monitoring partnership activities, and reporting outcomes; and,
• Clearly articulated plan for an external evaluation to assess the partnership’s impact.

Total Points: 100 points

Application Format, Submission and Review

Application Format
How to Submit an Application
Peer Review

Application Format

Please provide the contents of the application in the following order:

1. Title Page (Please complete HED form in full and obtain signatures of authorized officials.)

2. Table of Contents

3. Abstract (not to exceed 3 typed, double-spaced pages, 12-point font, 1-inch margins). The abstract should contain a summary of the narrative, workplan and budget.

4. Narrative (not to exceed 20 typed, double-spaced pages, 12-point font, 1-inch margins) Address the criteria listed in Application Review Guidelines I-V (see above).

5. The 20-page application must describe a monitoring and reporting plan for the partnership, including an initial baseline assessment, that shows how progress and results will be communicated and reported to USAID through HED.

6. Appendices (Attachments beyond the stated appendices will not be read nor taken into consideration):
    * Annual workplan for the funding period (Use HED form).
    * Budget forms (Use HED form. Complete all tabs).
    * Résumés of the proposed U.S. institution director(s) and host institution personnel, not to exceed 2 one-sided pages per person.
    * Signed letters of support from the presidents, chancellors, or other chief executive officers of the cooperating institution in the United States.
* Signed letters of support from appropriate university leaders of the overseas partner institution as well as partnership directors. University leaders from the overseas partner may include deans, rectors, or university presidents.
    * Signed letter from appropriate official at applicant institution verifying that all costs cited conform to established institutional policies and practices.

How to Submit an Application

Applications must be received at HED by 5:00PM, Eastern Time (ET), June 9, 2008. Faxed or electronically transmitted applications will not be accepted. All elements of the application must be received by the deadline. HED recognizes that original, signed cover letters and letters of support from overseas partners may be subject to delays due to factors beyond the applicant’s control. Only in these exceptional cases, faxed or scanned copies of the application title page and letters that include all necessary signatures may be submitted in the application, provided signed originals are received at HED within seven (7) calendar days of the deadline.

Applicants should submit the original application plus seven (7) hard copies of the complete application package containing title page, table of contents, abstract, narrative, and appendices (all on loose-leaf paper, clipped together — no three-ring binders, staples, or plastic bindings), and a diskette or CD (with files saved as Microsoft Word/Excel for PC) containing the entire application, including all budget forms, budget narrative, and other appendices.

Applications should be sent to: (*NOTE: This is a NEW address)

Collaborative Partnership: Egypt
Higher Education for Development
1 Dupont Circle NW, Room 1B30
Washington, D.C. 20036-1193

Once an application has been received, there is to be no contact with the HED program office until the completion of the peer review process in order to ensure fairness to all parties concerned.

Peer Review

Applications will be reviewed by expert panelists, which include representatives from higher education, international development, and USAID.  Awards will be made on the basis of reviewers’ recommendations of merit, and USAID. Peer review of applications is slated for late June 2008.

Letters of communication from members of the U.S. Congress in support of an application are discouraged as these may be thought to prejudice the peer-review process. Such letters will not be forwarded to peer reviewers.

Notification about awards is expected following the completion of peer review. Upon final announcement of awards, the person named in the application as partnership director may submit a written request for copies of the peer reviewers’ scores for the application. No personal reviews will be granted, and no comparative score tabulations will be shared.

Terms of the Solicitation

Cost Share
Execution of Awards
Post Award Briefings
TraiNet Requirements
Health and Accident Insurance
Reporting

Cost Share

The minimum suggested total cost share from all U.S. partners is 25 percent of the award amount. Reported cost share must be auditable. Non-auditable contributions may not be used to meet the minimum, but can be indicated separately and attached to the budget detail form.

Higher education institutions are expected to leverage support from the private sector in addition to the cost sharing provided by their institutions. Applicants should itemize all cost sharing and in-kind contributions.

Cash and in-kind contributions will be accepted as part of the applicant’s cost sharing when such contributions are: (a) verifiable from the applicant’s records; (b) not included as contributions for any other federally-assisted program; (c) reasonable for the accomplishment of partnership objectives; and (d) not paid by the federal government under another grant.

In-kind contributions may include, but are not limited to: waivers of tuition and fees for students participating in academic exchanges; donation of library and classroom materials to the partner; ICT infrastructure and Internet Service Provider subscription subsidy for the partner and exchange students; faculty salaries; travel and/or per diem for faculty and administrators to participate in professional exchange and development programs; and indirect costs.

Execution of Awards

Awards will be executed as sub-agreements between the designated U.S. university, college, community college, or consortium, and the American Council on Education (ACE), through the Higher Education for Development (HED) office, under USAID Cooperative Agreement AEG-A-00-05-00007-00. The institution recommended for award will receive a draft version of the sub-agreements to review. The award recipient will be expected to submit a marking plan related to USAID branding as part of the sub-agreement that clearly indicates the support provided by USAID for activities conducted under the award.

Please note that no award nor cost share funds may be expended prior to a fully executed (i.e., signed by both parties) sub-agreement between ACE and the designated U.S. institution unless pre-award expenses have been approved as a part of the negotiation of the sub-award. Activities are expected to commence immediately after the sub-agreement is executed.

Award funds will be disbursed to the designated U.S. university, college, community college, or consortium, based on the applicant’s implementation of the work plan, stated budget, and submission to HED of financial, tax, and narrative progress reports. It is the designated U.S. institution’s responsibility to provide disbursements (reimbursements) for its collaborating partner(s) in accordance with the agreed-upon activity schedule and budget.

Post Award Briefings

Partnership directors, and/or their designees, are required to participate in two post-award briefings. The first briefing, conducted in a virtual format, will review reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements. The second briefing via a conference call will address general requirements of the award.

TraiNet Requirements

To comply with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of State, and USAID regulations regarding tracking and monitoring of Exchange Visitors, foreign nationals whose costs are paid, fully or partially, directly or indirectly using USAID program funds for training, non-training, and invitational travel, must enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa (non-immigrant Exchange Visitor visa) processed under one of USAID’s two program numbers, unless otherwise waived according to the procedure in ADS 252.3. J-2 visa applications for family members are not supported per USAID policy.

USAID expects that all DS-2019 documents (paperwork needed for J visas) and in-country or third country training be processed through the USAID Training, Results and Information Network (TraiNet) system. Institutions may not directly access the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to issue DS-2019 documents internally. Information regarding USAID’s J-1 visa requirements may be found online at the Participant Training website. Administrators must adhere to the regulations detailed under TraiNet, Visa Compliance System (VCS), the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) 252-Visa Compliance for Exchange Visitors, and 253-Training for Development. U.S. institutions should allow up to 12 weeks for the processing of visas when planning activities in the United States.

TraiNet management requires a significant commitment of staff time and applicants are encouraged to take this into consideration when developing the program budget.

USAID Health and Accident Coverage (HAC) Insurance Program

The U.S. institution is responsible for enrolling each participant traveling to the United States or a third country in the official USAID Health and Accident Coverage (HAC) insurance program. Participants entering the United States on J-1 visas are required to obtain HAC from the official USAID vendor. Institutions may not use award funds to cover their own institutional HAC insurance. More information on the USAID HAC insurance program is available online. The cost of HAC for participants must be included in the budget.

Reporting

Awardees will be required to submit to HED:

· Financial reports are due quarterly to record expenditures for the following periods: Jan. 1-March 31, April 1-June 30, July 1-Sept. 30, and Oct. 1-Dec. 31;

· Semi-annual narrative progress reports for the following reporting periods may be sent via e-mail: April 1-September 30 and Oct. 1-March 30;

· Both financial reports and semi-annual progress reports are due within one-month after the corresponding reporting period closes: Jan. 31, April 30, July 31, and Oct. 31;

· A final narrative report (due 30 days after the conclusion of program activities); and,

· Final financial reports (due no later than 90 days after the sub-agreement closing date).