Request for Applications (RFA): Building Capacity for Tourism and Transportation Management in South Africa

Date Issued: August 14, 2008
Deadline: October 28, 2008

HED expects to make two awards of up to $250,000 each for 3-year higher education partnerships focusing on transportation and tourism/hospitality in South Africa, contingent on USAID funding.

• Focus area one: one award up to $250,000 will build capacity in transportation through higher education and training programs in South Africa with the University of Johannesburg, Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management.

• Focus area two: One award up to $250,000 will concentrate on undergraduate and post graduate-level studies in tourism and hospitality management in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Tourism. 

For further information regarding this RFA, please contact Senior Program Associate Lisa Leander (202-243-7680; lleander@hedprogram.org).

Background
Context
Partnership Description
Eligibility
Application Review Criteria
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 administers 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). 

Context

Transportation and tourism are crucial sectors for South Africa’s economy. The country has a highly sophisticated transportation system of air, rail, ports, roads and other forms of major transport infrastructure and also enjoys the advantages of an outstanding, well-established tourism industry.

While the transportation and tourism sectors are critical in the overall economy of South Africa, many positive aspects are undermined by a largely unskilled and uneducated labor force.  Education experts estimate a future high demand for a trained workforce with expanded skills to work in various transportation sectors including rail, aviation, ports, roads and infrastructure development. Tourism is the fastest growing industry and will continue to generate employment opportunities, foreign exchange, and entrepreneurship. Since the end of apartheid, international tourism has surged with a record high of 8.4 million visitors in 2006. Industry leaders expect tourism to stimulate other sectors of the economy. Therefore, South Africa’s colleges and universities must continue to enhance and increase the training opportunities that lead to long-term employment in the transport and tourism sectors. 

Partnership Description

Focus Area I: Strengthening Higher Education Preparation for Transportation Careers

One award up to $250,000 will be given for a three-year period focusing on capacity building of transportation-related higher education and training programs in South Africa with the University of Johannesburg, Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management. HED encourages U.S. colleges and universities to apply for a collaborative partnership with the University of Johannesburg to promote the growth and expansion of transportation studies and training programs related to transportation. 

The University of Johannesburg’s, Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management has developed a highly regarded program in logistics and transportation. The institution offers undergraduate degrees and postgraduate study opportunities as well as certificate and diploma programs. Various industry experts participate in the university’s programs and give students the benefit of professional experience and insight on practical case studies. Currently 90% of University of Johannesburg students in the department are sponsored by their employers. The Department is a certified training provider through the Transportation Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), which makes use of a training levy charged to companies operating in the transportation sector. The University of Johannesburg also works with the Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges training programs under the National Department of Transport. Graduates from this program work in many different areas of the transport sector. 

The partners will collaborate and share expertise to provide innovative and effective training to meet increased workforce demands for South Africans entering the transportation field. Particular focus should be placed on capacity building assistance in the fields of dispatching of freight vehicles, vehicle loading and control, vehicle safety, maintenance systems and procedures, warehouse order picking and stacking, warehouse safety and security and dispatch management. The U.S. partner will be expected to share curriculum, research, best practices, outreach concepts, and successful methods to improve student performance and understanding of transportation issues.

The primary goal of this partnership is to strengthen the capacity of the current transportation program at the Department of Transportation and Supply Chain Management at the University of Johannesburg and their related Further Education and Training Colleges transport program. The aim is to prepare students for careers in various areas of the transportation sector by offering new professional development opportunities and trainings.

Partnership Objectives:

• Collaborative exchanges, seminars, trainings and new teaching methods at the University of Johannesburg Department of Transportation and Supply Chain Management Faculty will result in the faculty gaining new knowledge, skills and teaching methodologies.
• Collaborative review of academic degree programs and the training curriculum at the University of Johannesburg will result in enhanced or new curriculum, courses, and training programs. 
• New and enhanced training programs will focus on curricula related to dispatching of freight vehicles, vehicle loading and control, vehicle safety, maintenance systems and procedures, warehouse order picking and stacking, warehouse safety and security and dispatch management.
• Meetings, seminars, and programs among university, national and local government planning, and industry officials will result in opportunities to address domestic transportation issues.

Examples of Possible Partnership Activities:

• Surveys of industry, higher education, and public officials related to transportation needs.
• Short-term research projects, seminars, certificate training and/or diploma programs. 
• New courses, modules, seminars and/or enhanced curriculum for current courses.
• Short or long-term professional development opportunities for faculty members.
• Experiential learning opportunities for students and faculty.
• Conferences, meetings and seminars with regional industry officials, the public sector, and national stakeholders.
  

Focus Area II: Strengthening Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Studies in Tourism Management

One award up to $250,000 for three years will be given for a partnership with Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Tourism to strengthen the undergraduate and post-graduate studies in tourism and hospitality management. HED encourages interested U.S. higher education institutions, particularly community colleges, with programs in tourism and hospitality management, to propose a partnership that expands educational and training programs to prepare students for employment in tourism and hospitality management.
The Tshwane University of Technology Department of Tourism offers a wide variety of educational opportunities including undergraduate, masters’ and doctoral studies, with a practical focus in the field of tourism. Examples of modules offered in the multidisciplinary program include: business research, eco-tourism, advanced strategic marketing management, travel and tourism economics, and responsible tourism.

The partnership will promote unique approaches for sharing U.S. and South African best practices, and will strengthen existing curriculum to help TUT to increase the capacity of the tourism sector. TUT prioritizes the enhancement of newly developed courses in airport and aviation management, casino management, transport management, and modules in event management. 

The primary goal of this partnership is to develop new educational strategies and approaches that will train students for employment in tourism management.

Partnership Objectives:

• Faculty and/or lecture exchanges for the Tshwane University of Technology faculty will result in upgraded skills, knowledge and teaching methodologies for faculty and staff.
• Partners will collaborate to update curricula related to airport and aviation management, casino management, transport management, and event management.
• Student exchange programs will provide experiential learning and practical work experience for tourism management students from TUT.
• Enrolling targeted minorities in tourism studies at TUT will result in increased numbers of disadvantaged citizens preparing to work in the tourism sector.
• Meetings, seminars, and programs among higher education, national, and local government, and industry officials will result in opportunities to address local/regional/national tourism management issues.
• Networking and applied research opportunities for TUT Faculty will promote awareness about sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism (eco-tourism) models.

Examples of Possible Partnership Activities:

• New credit and/or non-credit courses in tourism management related topics such as business research, eco-tourism, advanced strategic marketing management, travel and tourism economics, and responsible tourism.
• Faculty/lecture exchanges and professional development training opportunities. 
• Student exchange opportunities; student experiential learning opportunities. 
• Employer exchange opportunities.
• Focused enrollment of disadvantaged segments of workforce.
• Collaborative applied research on economic growth tourism trends. 
• Consultations with other colleges, universities, and NGOs on model approaches in sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism.   

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

The application must describe a monitoring and reporting plan for the partnership activities and expected outcomes. The monitoring and reporting plan should demonstrate how progress towards objectives will be tracked, and how results of partnership activities will be summarized. The monitoring and reporting plan should include a baseline assessment of the current needs for the appropriate focus area as well as an impact assessment at the conclusion of the award period.  The plan must also include a detailed description of how results will be communicated and reported to USAID/South Africa through HED.

Contact Information

The primary point of contact for further information on the collaborative partnership related to transportation (focus area 1) is:

University of Johannesburg: Transport Department
Prof Jackie Walters
+27 11 559 2088 (Tel)
+27 11 559 2972/2029 (Fax)
+27 83 277 5061 (Mobile)
jwalters@uj.ac.za

The primary point of contact for information related to tourism and hospitality (focus area 2) is:

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT): Tourism Department
Dr. Willie Coetzee
+27 12 382 4892(Tel)
+27 12 382 4611(Fax)
Coetzeewjl@tut.ac.za

Prof Sue Geldebhuys
+27 12 382 5476(Tel)
+27 12 382 4611(Fax)
+27 82 902 6745(Mobile)
GeldenhuysS@tut.ac.za

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 other institutions. U.S. higher education institutions should prepare applications in collaboration with the host country partner institution(s), but only U.S. higher education institutions may apply.  HED encourages applications from or with the participation of community colleges and U.S. minority-serving institutions. 

Application Review Criteria

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

I. Alignment with the RFA Goals and Overall Partnership Design  (15 points)

• Evidence of knowledge related to teaching and implementing the current best practices for tourism and/or transportation management.
• Alignment of the partnership application activities and outcomes with the objectives stated in the RFA.
• Evidence of appropriate consultation with South African federal, regional and local authorities for the implementation of partnership activities.

II. Strengthening Tourism or Transportation Management  (50 points)
 Education Programs

• Demonstrated knowledge of implementing exchanges, seminars, trainings and new teaching methods in tourism and/or transportation management.
• Demonstrated relevance of exchanges, seminars, trainings and new teaching methods to the objectives stated in the RFA.
• Equitable and transparent process for selection of the South African faculty and students for program activities.
• Adequacy of plans for developing appropriate new courses and/or curriculum in tourism and/or transportation management.
• Quality of proposed stakeholder networking and applied research opportunities.

IV. Expertise and Collaboration      (15 points)

• Professional credentials and expertise of the U.S. partner in tourism and/or transportation management. 
• Partnership personnel’s knowledge and experience in South Africa and/or or other developing countries with a similar context.
• Evidence of institutional commitment (engagement of faculty, students and administrators) among all partners in the United States and South Africa.

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

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

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

• Evidence of valid and reliable methodology for collecting baseline data, monitoring partnership activities, and reporting outcomes.
• Clearly articulated plan for an internal 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-VI (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), October 28, 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: South Africa
Higher Education for Development
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 420
Washington, D.C. 20036-1110

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 mid November.

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. HED brand inclusion and attribution are also strongly encouraged in outreach efforts.

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 countrytraining 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.Click here for information on the USAID HAC insurance program. 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).