NOFO FINAL 3.2.23.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

BUREAU OF GLOBAL TALENT MANAGEMENT

OFFICE OF TALENT ACQUISITION

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE (DOS)

Announcement Type: New Announcement

Funding Title: 2024 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship and Summer Enrichment Program

Assistance Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0009473

Funding Type: Discretionary

Assistance Listings Number: 19.020

Funding Amount: $6,265,020 $702,500 issued as first installment in FY 2023 $5,562,520 issued in installments in FY 2024

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required

Funding Authority: DOS Basic Authorities

Source of Funding: Diplomatic and Consular Programs

Funding Activity Category: Education

Number of Awards: One (1) award

Type of Applicant: Organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply

Eligibility Category: - U.S. private institutions of higher education

(universities and colleges)

- U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education (universities and colleges)

- U.S.- based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501 (c)(3) status with the

IRS

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400, it is a U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under federal assistance instruments. For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply in response to this NOFO. No exceptions.

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization

Anticipated Award Date: The successful applicant(s) will receive notification within approximately four-to-five weeks of the closing of this announcement. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

Est. Project Start Date: June 2023 Est. Project End Date: September 2026

Project Duration: 39 months

Pending successful implementation of these programs and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, the Office of Talent

Acquisition (GTM/TAC) may renew the cooperative agreement for a period of two additional fiscal years before openly competing the program again.

As each year adds new fellows to the program, applicants will need to demonstrate the ability to handle multiple years of cohorts.

Key Dates/Deadline: 1. Application must be submitted by 11:59 P.M.

Eastern Standard Time (EST) on April 21, 2023

2. Questions must be submitted by 11:59 P.M.

Eastern Standard Time (EST) on April 11, 2023

3. Notification of recommended for funding proposal expected by May 31, 2023

Application Submission: Application must be submitted through www.grants.gov.

Electronic Requirement: Yes http://www.grants.gov/

This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be amended. Answers to questions from eligible interested organizations will be posted as attachments to this NOFO.

Applicants should regularly check the www.grants.gov website for the most recent information pertaining to this funding opportunity.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received by www.grants.gov in its entirety; there are steps that you should take immediately in order to make your submissions by the deadline. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps.

Department of State bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions via www.grants.gov. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

The Federal award signed by the Department of State Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is a

USG official delegated the authority by the DOS Procurement Executive to award and administer the award. The award Agreement is the only authorizing document and will be issued electronically through the State Assistance Management System (SAMS Domestic).

Executive Summary The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Global Talent Management, Office of Talent

Acquisition (GTM/TAC) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support programmatic, financial and administrative activities for the 2024 Charles B. Rangel

International Affairs Graduate Fellowship and Summer Enrichment Program. A cooperative agreement for up to $6,265,020 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2023 and FY 2024 Diplomatic and

Consular Programs Funds will be awarded, pending availability of funds, for work that will support programmatic, financial, and administrative activities for the 2024 Charles B. Rangel

International Affairs Graduate Fellowship and Summer Enrichment Program. The Recipient will designate dedicated staff to serve as liaisons with GTM/TAC on all aspects of these programs.

A. Funding Opportunity Description The Recipient will be responsible for one assistance award to support the programmatic, financial and administrative activities of the 2024 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs

Graduate Fellowship and Summer Enrichment Program, to include outreach, facilitating and assisting in the selection of Fellows and Scholars, tracking and monitoring of Fellows and

Scholars, maintaining of databases and statistics related to the program, program and financial reporting requirements, financial disbursements, travel, lodging and logistical arrangements.

The Recipient will designate dedicated staff to serve as liaisons with GTM/TAC on all aspects of these programs. The Recipient will need to be attentive and responsive to the needs of the http://www.grants.gov/

Fellows and Scholars and those of the Department. The Recipient will need to demonstrate dedication and commitment in pursuing the goals of the programs. The Department is fully invested in these programs and seeks to maintain their integrity and high quality.

The instrument for this award is a cooperative agreement which entails substantial involvement between GTM/TAC and the Recipient. Substantial involvement will include but is not limited to:

GTM/TAC prior approval on all program details, scheduled weekly program calls and annual in-person program review session with senior leadership. The Recipient must be prepared to work closely and collaboratively with GTM/TAC which establishes, reviews, and approves all program policies, program guidelines, and materials.

Public Law 101-246, 101st Congress, 104 STAT.42 Section 47 (February 16, 1990) states that

“The Secretary of State may make grants to post-secondary educational institutions or students for the purpose of increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of and interest in employment with the Foreign Service, consistent with section 105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. To the extent possible, the

Secretary shall give special emphasis to promoting such knowledge and awareness of, and interest in employment with the Foreign Service among students.”

A1. Background

Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program

Established in 2002, the Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program is one of the

Department of State’s premiere diversity recruitment programs and fundamental to increasing the representation of diverse groups in the U.S. Foreign Service. The program attracts highly talented and qualified candidates to the Foreign Service who represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. The Department invests in the fellows by providing financial assistance towards the completion of a two-year master’s degree, professional development training, two summer internships, as well as mentoring by Foreign Service Officers. Fellows enter the Foreign Service as Entry Level Officers upon completion of a master’s degree and Foreign Service entry requirements. Successful candidates are obligated to a minimum five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer. We anticipate 45 graduate fellowships will be awarded for the 2024 cohort, yet that number may be subject to change.

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduates with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, particularly the Foreign Service of the U. S Department of State and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The program attracts highly talented and qualified candidates who represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity.

The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students who take part in the Summer Enrichment Program are referred to as Rangel Scholars. This program serves as an important Foreign Service and Civil Service recruitment opportunity for the

Department of State. Many participants in the Summer Enrichment Program go on to apply to the Rangel Fellowship Program and the Pickering Fellowship Program. We anticipate 15 Rangel

Scholars will be selected for the 2024 cohort, yet that number may be subject to change.

A2. Program Goals Effective management of the 2024 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship and Summer Enrichment Program is fundamental to their overall success. The goals and objectives of the programs include, but are not limited to:

• Contribute to a Foreign Service workforce that is “representative of the American people.”1.

• Develop new talent for the Department of State’s Foreign Service at the undergraduate and graduate levels; individuals who are dedicated to pursuing Foreign Service careers and can effectively “respond to the complex challenges of modern diplomacy and international relations,”2 and can “provide the highest caliber of representation”3 for America’s interests abroad.

• Advance the Department’s diversity goals.

A3. Program Objectives

• Attract and recruit highly talented and qualified candidates who represent the cultural, social, ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity of the United States to a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State through a program of educational support and professional development

1 Foreign Service Act of 1980, Section 101(a)(4).

2 FSA 1980, 101(a)(3).

3 FSA 1980, Sec. 101(b)(10).

• Provide candidates and fellows with information on the service elements, benefits, challenges, and requirements of a Foreign Service career.

• Provide candidates and fellows with information on the benefits and obligations of the fellowship and need to complete Foreign Service entry requirements including obtaining and maintaining required clearances (security, medical, and suitability) and taking the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) and the Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA).

• Provide funding to assist fellows towards completing graduate degrees in academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department’s Foreign Service.

• Enhance fellows’ understanding of U.S. foreign policy and the work and lifestyle of the Foreign Service through a congressional internship in Washington D.C. and an overseas internship at an embassy, consulate, or mission.

• Provide fellows with mentoring and professional development training to expose them to information that will help to prepare them to be successful Foreign Service Officers.

Emphasis will be placed on the critical contributions of all five career tracks to the Department’s mission to assist fellows with career track selection.

• Provide SEP Scholars with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, particularly the Foreign Service of the U. S Department of State, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers.

• Administer the program in a strategic and efficient way that produces the intended results.

A4. Expected Results

Based on the goals and objectives of the programs, expected results include, but are not limited to the following:

• Recruitment activities will target diverse candidates and institutions across the United States and highlight the Department of State’s commitment to building a workforce that represents the diversity of the United States.

• The applicant pools for both programs will represent the cultural, social, ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity of the United States.

• Candidates’ knowledge of the benefits, challenges, and requirements of a Foreign Service career will increase.

• 45 Fellows and 15 Scholars will be selected through a highly competitive nationwide selection process.

• Fellows will be prepared for careers with the Department of State as Foreign Service Generalists through a program that includes financial assistance towards the completion of a two-year master’s degree, mentoring, internships, and professional development.

• Fellows will complete graduate degrees in academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department’s Foreign Service.

• Fellows will complete Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT); Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA); medical, security, and suitability clearance requirements as outlined in the Fellowship agreement in a timely manner.

• Scholars’ knowledge of current issues and trends in international affairs will increase.

• Rangel Scholars will be provided information on Fellowship, internship, and career opportunities in international affairs, particularly with the U. S Department of State.

• 15 Rangel Scholars will complete two for-credit courses and a writing seminar during their six-week program.

• The program will be administered in a cost-effective manner, resources will be matched to program objectives, and all program elements will be completed within budget.

A5. Main Activities

2024 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program

Program Description

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program provides financial assistance towards tuition/mandatory fees, room/ board, books and travel between home and school. The current model allocates: 1) up to $24,000 per academic year per Fellow for actual expenses for tuition during the first and second years of graduate school, 2) a stipend for up to $18,000 per year, for each of the two years of graduate study to help cover room and board, books/laboratory fees, and other non-tuition related academic expenses, in addition to, travel between the Fellow’s residence and the academic institution and 3) up to $11,000 annually for costs related to the summer internship – stipend, housing during the congressional internship, domestic and overseas travel and all required visas, mandatory inoculations and emergency medical insurance coverage. There are two internships during the two-year program - one on Capitol

Hill the summer the after Fellows are selected and one overseas during the summer between the first and second year of graduate school. In addition, Fellows receive mentoring from a

Foreign Service Officer during the program, meet Rangel Program requirements and

Department of State entry requirements for Foreign Service Officers, and sign a contractual agreement obligating them to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a

Foreign Service Generalist. Fellows who do not successfully complete the fellowship program and the subsequent five-year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation.

Fellowship Applicant Criteria

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program requirements include: 1) proof of US citizenship at time of application; 2) seeking admission to a two-year full time master’s degree program for the following academic year (fall entrance) in selected fields of study representing the needs of the Department including public policy, public administration, international relations, business administration, economics, history, political science, communications, foreign languages, management science, and organizational development/leadership (degrees must have an international component); 3) minimum 3.2 undergraduate grade point average or higher on a

4.0 scale; 4) maintenance of a 3.2 grade point average throughout participation in the program;

and 5) in addition to outstanding leadership and academic achievement, demonstration of financial need.

Programmatic Responsibilities

In consultation with GTM/TAC, the Recipient will be responsible for programmatic, financial, and administrative activities for the 2024 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate

Fellowship. The Recipient will be responsible for conducting the day-to-day activities associated with the management of the program and must consult with GTM/TAC, which will have final approval in consultation with the Grants Officer, on all policy matters affecting the program.

GTM/TAC will work collaboratively with the Recipient in overseeing administration of the program.

The Recipient’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

I. Outreach and Recruitment

Outreach activities include both recruitment and publicity efforts. The Recipient will coordinate outreach efforts to encourage students to apply for the Fellowship program and will produce all needed promotional materials that stresses the importance of each of the five career paths. The materials will describe the program in detail giving all necessary eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Recruitment efforts must stress the importance of each of the five Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Generalist career paths – Consular, Economic, Management, Political, and Public Diplomacy – and the challenges, requirements, and benefits of a Foreign Service career so that potential Rangel Graduate Fellows (Fellows) may realistically determine whether they are suited for a career as an FSO. The critical nature of all career tracks must be emphasized.

Specific activities include:

a. Recruiting Diverse Candidates: The Recipient will identify and attract outstanding students who represent the cultural, social, ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity of the United States and have an interest in pursuing a career as a Foreign Service generalist in the U.S. Department of State. The Recipient is expected to target diverse institutions, concentrating its efforts in the following categories:

• Major research universities, liberal arts colleges, and major community colleges

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). More than 100 institutions fall into this category and include schools ranging from Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Howard University to smaller institutions such as Lane College, Lincoln University, and Shaw University

• Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). These are institutions that serve a substantial number of Hispanic college students (20% population or higher). Some examples include Gavial College, Our Lady of the Lake University, St. Mary’s University, University of New Mexico and branches, and University of Puerto Rico

• Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) schools such as Heritage College, Salish Kootenai College, and Sinte Gleska University. While many AIHEC institutions are community colleges, it is important to reach these students early in order to interest them in international affairs and Foreign Service careers when they transfer to four-year colleges.

• Actively target universities, departments, associations, and other organizations with students and members relevant to consular, management, and economic work.

There should be a combined effort between in-person and virtual recruitment with an emphasis placed on virtual recruitment efforts and use of digital resources such as but not limited to “sourcing” through online resume databases and professional networking sites.

b. Producing Promotional/Recruitment Materials and Application: Recipient must prepare promotional/recruitment materials and application for the Rangel Fellowship Program. These materials should also conform to GSA section 508 guidelines to ensure equal access to users with disabilities and be compatible with appropriate assistive technology. GTM/TAC must review and approve all publicly distributed promotional/recruitment materials and application (print and online) prior to final print/posting. Once produced, recipient should distribute materials to and/or direct intended audiences to online postings. Intended audiences include academic institutions, students, GTM/TAC recruiters, and Department's Diplomats in Residence (DIRs). NOTE: “DIRs” are Department of State Foreign Service personnel hosted by universities throughout the United States for regional recruitment purposes.

c. Website: Recipient will establish and maintain a website to include up-to-date program description, including eligibility requirements, application information and information about Foreign Service careers with the U.S. Department of State. The program website should also conform to GSA section 508 guidelines to ensure equal access to users with disabilities. In addition, the Recipient will establish an email address for the program.

d. Using Social Media and Online Recruitment Tools: Recipient will work closely with GTM/TAC to develop an online recruitment and social media outreach plan including online information sessions, webinars, workshops and Q&A sessions. The elements of this outreach plan should conform to GSA section 508 guidelines with equal access to audiences with Visual, Auditory, Motor, & Cognitive disabilities. Recipient will obtain GTM/TAC approval for all content posted on online regarding the program and provide sufficient time to review and comment on proposed postings.

e. Maintaining Contact with Diplomats in Residence (DIRs), GTM/TAC Recruiters, and Fellows’ Alumni Association: Recipient will be expected to provide promotional materials directly to GTM recruiters including each DIR (Department of State Foreign Service Officers assigned to universities throughout the United States for recruitment purposes) and notify them of applicant profiles, selected finalists, and visits to their respective areas. Additionally, Recipient will collaborate with the Pickering and Rangel Fellowship Alumni Association (PRFA; former Fellows now serving as Foreign Service Officers) to garner support for and assistance with Rangel Fellowship activities such as mentoring, orientation and other related events.

f. Explaining Fellowship and Foreign Service Entry Requirements: Recipient must counsel interested applicants on the seriousness of the Foreign Service entry requirements and obligations of the Rangel Fellowship program to ensure they understand these requirements and the consequences if they are unable to obtain and maintain required Fellowship clearances. Recipient should clearly explain fellowship’s repayment obligation conditions.

g. Institutional Database: Recipient must develop and maintain a list of institutional databases used for recruitment. A copy of this list will be provided to GTM/TAC periodically upon request.

II. Screening and Selection

In collaboration with GTM/TAC, Recipient will organize the screening and selection process. The Rangel Program application deadline is in mid-September and final selection takes place in mid-November. Fellows are selected based on merit and financial need.

a. Structure of Selection Committees: Twelve panel members who will conduct interviews and six panel members who will review the essays. GTM/TAC will select eight of the eighteen panelists (four for interviews and four for writing) and the Recipient will select ten panelists (eight for interview and two for writing). GTM/TAC designated panelist will chair the panels. GTM/TAC will provide the criteria for selection of panel members.

Initial designations and renewals must be approved by GTM/TAC. Panelists serve one-year terms, which are renewable. For budgeting purposes, estimated honorarium per panel member is $500 per day. Travel is an additional cost. Depending on the overall number of eligible applications, additional panels may be needed to review applications, conduct interviews, and review essays. Selection of additional panelists would be comparable to the practice outlined above.

b. Candidate Selection Process: The candidate selection process is conducted once a year, typically in November, and is done in three phases. The first phase is the initial review conducted by the Recipient. The initial review screens candidates’ applications for adherence to eligibility criteria and completeness. Following the initial review, in the second phase, the Recipient forwards eligible applications to the selection committee members. The selection committee conducts a review narrowing the candidate applicant pool to 90 finalists. In the third and final phase, finalists undergo interviews and a written exercise. The interview selection committee meets 3.5 days virtually or in Washington D.C. which includes a half-day mandatory training, interviewing and final selection period. The writing panel meets virtually or in Washington, D.C. for a two-day meeting – a mandatory training and 1.5 days of scoring finalists’ essays. Selection committee members make their final 45 Fellow selections, based on the scoring of the interview and the essay.

The selection process is as follows:

Recipient is responsible for the following tasks:

• Conducting initial screening of candidates’ applications for adherence to eligibility criteria and completeness.

• Submitting to GTM/TAC, in a timely fashion, the names and biographies of proposed panel members. GTM/TAC will provide the criteria for selection of panel members.

• Keeping GTM/TAC informed of all instructions and information provided to panelists with regard to the selection process.

• Providing panelists with electronic access to applications and scoring sheets for selection of finalists. Copying and distributing hard copies of application packets if asked.

• Contacting all finalists prior to selection interviews and brief them on the requirements and benefits of a Foreign Service career.

• Coordinating all administrative functions associated with the selection process, to include but not limited to:

o Arrange travel and lodging for selection committee panelists and candidates for the final phase of the selection process if held in the Washington, DC.

Recipient screens for eligibility and completeness of application

Selection committee reduces Fellow applicant pool to 90 finalists

Selection committee interviews candidates, evaluates written essays and selects 45 Fellows

Initial

Review

Preliminary

Selection

Final o Processing honoraria for designated panelists. Honoraria may be provided only to: 1) those panelists who do not receive a full time U.S. Government salary, and 2) those with an active Reemployed Annuitant (REA) status appointment with the Department of State but who are not receiving compensation for their work as an REA while serving as a panelist. The daily estimated honorarium is $500 per day.

o Seeking reasonable lodging for candidates and panelists during selection in venue near the BEX office space where selection interviews will take place.

o Preparing a selection program and scheduling time for fingerprinting by DS and presentations regarding Fellowship obligations and clearances.

o With GTM/TAC, preparing selection questions, for interviews and writing exercise.

o Preparing a user guide for each panelist.

o Distributing and explaining the agreement Fellows will sign upon accepting the Fellowship.

o Notifying in writing those finalists selected for the Fellowship, securing written acceptances from finalists and forwarding final list of Fellows to

GTM/TAC.

o Notifying in writing those applicants not selected and alternates of their status within two working days of decision by selection committee.

III. Fellowship Agreements

• In consultation with the GTM/TAC, distribute the agreements to those selected as Fellows. Recipient must maintain a copy of the agreement in each Fellow’s folder.

• Ensure that all Fellows have signed, notarized, and submitted to the Recipient their Fellowship agreements with the Department of State prior to attending Rangel Orientation. Recipient must submit all agreements signed by fellows to GTM/TAC prior to orientation.

IV. Orientation

In collaboration with GTM/TAC, Recipient will organize the week-long orientation program for new Fellows conducted in May. The orientation program is conducted in Washington, DC. In organizing the orientation program, the Recipient will be expected to:

• Provide all administrative functions for the orientation and professional development seminars to include arranging travel and lodging for the Fellows, nametags, folders, etc.

• Counsel Fellows on the benefits and obligations of the Fellowship including the possible repayment conditions of the Fellowship and Foreign Service entry requirements.

• Ensure Fellows receive all instructions related to the medical examinations and are present for their appointments if conducted during orientation.

• In consultation with GTM/TAC, organize briefing sessions and networking events to discuss issues related to the Rangel Fellowship and a Foreign Service career including sessions on all five career tracks.

• Arrange an information session on the FSOA, in consultation with GTM/TAC.

• Perform other related activities as needed by GTM/TAC.

V. Internships

There are two internships during the two-year Fellowship program - one congressional internship on the Hill during the summer prior to the first year of graduate school and one overseas internship at a U.S embassy or consulate during the summer after the first year of graduate school. In collaboration with GTM/TAC, Recipient will be expected to:

• Identify congressional internship placements for the 2024 Rangel Fellows.

• Ensure Fellows have successfully completed their academic requirements and received required clearances before disbursing any funds associated with the summer internship, including travel and stipend funds.

• Counsel Fellows on internship choices and ensure they complete the internship application for Department overseas internship.

• Ensure that Fellows understand what the program covers with regards to travel, housing, stipend, health insurance, mandatory inoculations, and visas.

• In consultation with GTM/TAC, ensure coverage of all required visas and mandatory inoculations for Fellows interning abroad.

• Maintain a productive relationship with a reliable travel agency that can produce results as needed.

• Maintain a productive relationship with a reliable insurance agency that can produce

• In consultation with GTM/TAC, facilitate and ensure Fellows have reasonable emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage and required Department of State medical clearances prior to beginning overseas internship.

• Ensure Fellows have required emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage prior to beginning the overseas internship.

• Identify and arrange appropriate housing for Fellows during their congressional internships, generally in university dormitories; handle payments for housing and provide GTM/TAC with accounting information. Domestic lodging rates during congressional internships are subject to standard U.S. government per diem rates.

Recipient may reimburse Fellows choosing alternate housing up to the amount of the cost of lodging provided by Recipient.

• Remain current on start and end dates of Fellows’ internships.

• Follow up with Fellows, in writing, to ensure that they have arrived and reported, as scheduled, at their internship location. Notify GTM/TAC of any late arrivals with accompanying explanation.

• Review and counsel Fellows regarding their internship evaluations and recommend ways to improve and strengthen their future performance if the Fellow receives a rating that does not meet expectations.

• Require Fellows submit in writing a 1-2 page assessment of their two internship experiences highlighting what they learned about the Foreign Service and how the experience will help them in their future Foreign Service careers. Recipient must receive the assessment within two weeks of the Fellow completing his/her internship. Recipient must submit a copy of each assessment to GTM/TAC upon receiving the Fellow’s assessment.

• Perform other related internship activities as needed by GTM/TAC.

VI. Professional Development

• Recipient is to develop and conduct a mandatory series of professional development seminars for all Fellows completing their congressional internships in Washington to help prepare them for careers with the Department of State as FSOs. At the end of the series, the recipient is to conduct a participant survey and present the findings with recommendations to GTM/TAC. Details regarding the professional development seminar must be reviewed and approved by GTM/TAC.

• Recipient is responsible for monitoring Fellows’ attendance and address Fellows’ unapproved absences.

• Recipient must ensure professional development series includes sessions on all five Foreign Service career tracks.

VII. Mentoring

• Recipient is to assign Foreign Service mentors and sponsors to all newly selected Fellows no later than the beginning of their first semester of graduate school. Recipient must submit for GTM/TAC review and approval, a list of all proposed mentors and sponsors.

Mentors must be tenured FSOs. Sponsors should be alum of the Rangel Fellowship.

Mentors and sponsors should be assigned from all five career tracks.

• Recipient also is to serve as a mentor to the Fellows in addition to the Foreign Service mentors.

VIII. Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) and Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA)

• Ensure each Fellow is aware of their obligation with regard to taking the FSOT and FSOA.

Fellows are required to take the FSOT once prior to completion of their academic program. Fellows are required to take the FSOA at least once prior to completion of their academic program. In the event the Fellow is unsuccessful on their first attempt at the FSOA, the Fellow must attempt to take the FSOA one additional time prior to entry into A-100. The Recipient must submit reports to GTM/TAC on the status of each Fellow and cohort with regard to this requirement prior to their entry into A-100.

IX. Tracking

• Maintain institutional databases for recruitment and reporting purposes.

• Maintaining databases of Fellows for purposes of tracking: a) current contact information b) GPA and academic program status, c) successful completion of program requirements, d) successful completion of contractual obligations, e) withdrawals/dismissals from the program prior to completion, f) deferrals, g) areas of study, h) languages spoken and other relevant statistical information.

• Perform other related tracking activities as needed by GTM/TAC.

X. Monitoring

The Recipient should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Performance targets for each expected result should be established and details should be included on what sources of data will be used to document performance. Indicators should be relevant to the goals or objectives of the program.

Indicators may include but are not limited to:

• Demographics of the applicants including information on race, ethnicity, gender, geographic origin, disability, and financial need.

• Number of recruitment events held during which information was shared with applicants about the benefits and obligations of the Fellowship, Foreign Service entry requirements, and the benefits and challenges associated with a Foreign Service career.

• Number of competitive applicants.

• Number of Fellows completing the program requirements – including:

o taking the FSOA/FSOT as outlined in the Fellowship agreement o completing graduate study in a discipline representing the skill needs of the Foreign Service o completing requirements to receive medical, security, and suitability clearances in a timely manner

• Number of Fellows matched with Foreign Service mentors by the start of their first semester of graduate school.

• Effectiveness of program elements in preparing Fellows for Foreign Service careers:

o Performance and impact assessed through participant surveys on delivery of program elements - orientation, professional development training, internships, and mentoring.

• Attrition and retention rates of the cohort.

• Program elements completed on time and within budget.

XI. Administrative

• Maintain document file for each Fellow with all written correspondence, contractual agreement, payments, and other pertinent data and provide to GTM/TAC as requested.

• Provide GTM/TAC, in a timely manner, with additional information on Fellows as needed.

a. Disbursement of Funds

• Prior to disbursement of any Fellowship funds, Recipient coordinates with GTM/TAC to ensure the Fellow has met all necessary requirements.

• For each semester, provide GTM/TAC with a list of: 1) Fellows enrolled in academic programs, 2) their graduate institution and 3) the amount of Fellowship funds disbursed.

Prior to disbursement of Fellowship funds, Recipient will coordinate with GTM/TAC to determine if the Fellow has requested a deferral.

• Ensure that the Fellow understands the reasons for any payment delays and must help manage the Fellow’s expectations with regard to the disbursement of Fellowship funds.

• Establish and maintain effective and productive relationships with Student Accounts Offices at each Fellow’s graduate institution and make timely payment of tuition and other fees up to the established cap limit. Provide GTM/TAC with accounting.

• Ensure Fellows have received the required security and medical clearance before disbursing funds associated with the summer overseas internship, including travel and stipend funds.

• Make academic/summer internship (congressional and overseas) stipend disbursements to Fellows. Provide GTM/TAC with accounting.

b. Deferral Requests

• Ensure Fellows understand conditions under which deferrals may be accepted and that any deferral request be accompanied by required supporting documentation and Recipient’s recommendation for granting deferral request. Counsel Fellows that deferral requests for purposes beyond those authorized will not be accepted.

c. Record Keeping

• Maintain transcripts of all Fellows.

• Fellows will be required to send an official transcript each semester to Recipient per their agreement. Should Recipient fail to receive a transcript from a Fellow, Recipient will send a letter to the Fellow requesting compliance with their contract and notify GTM/TAC immediately.

• Monitor Fellows’ academic progress ensuring adherence to academic terms of agreement which are that Fellow must maintain a 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

• Maintaining file for each Fellow with correspondence, fellowship agreement, payments, and other pertinent data. These files must be kept in accordance with 2 CFR 200.

2024 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program

Program Description

The Program has two major components. First, in order to enhance participants’ academic preparation to work in international affairs, the Program provides two international affairs for credit courses in the history of U.S. foreign relations and economics and an intensive professional writing seminar over the 6-week program. Second, in order to provide greater insight into the foreign policy-making process and international affairs careers, the Rangel

Program will introduce the participants to a wide range of government and non-government professionals who work on global issues and arrange visits to various governmental and non-governmental institutions involved in international affairs. The Program also helps students explore graduate school, fellowship, internship, and professional options in international affairs. Costs associated with the Summer Enrichment Program include but are not limited to:

stipend ($3,200 per student), room/board, tuition, mandatory fees, travel and representational activities. Book expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Applicant Criteria

Summer Enrichment Program requirements include: 1) Proof of US citizenship at time of application; 2) being a full-time undergraduate student who has completed his/her sophomore year in college before the program begins and 3) have a minimum 3.2 undergraduate grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Programmatic Responsibilities

In consultation with GTM/TAC, the Recipient will be responsible for the conduct of programmatic, financial, and administrative activities for the 2024 Charles B. Rangel

International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). The Recipient will be responsible for conducting the day-to-day activities associated with the management of the program and will consult with GTM/TAC, which will have final approval, on all policy matters affecting the program. GTM/TAC will work collaboratively with the Recipient in overseeing administration of the program.

The Recipient’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

A. Outreach and Recruitment

Outreach activities include both recruitment and publicity efforts. The Recipient will coordinate all necessary outreach efforts to encourage students to apply for the

Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) program and will produce all promotional materials.

The materials will describe the SEP in detail giving all necessary eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Specific activities include:

• Recipient must prepare promotional and recruitment materials for the Rangel SEP.

These materials should also conform to GSA section 508 guidelines to ensure equal access to users with disabilities and be compatible with appropriate assistive technology. GTM/TAC must review and approve all publicly distributed promotional materials (print and online) prior to final print/posting. Once produced, recipient should distribute materials to and/or direct intended audiences to online postings.

Intended audiences include academic institutions, students, GTM/TAC and the Department's DIRs and recruiters.

• Recipient will establish and maintain a website to include up-to-date program descriptions, including eligibility requirements, application information and application. The program website should also conform to GSA section 508 guidelines to ensure equal access to users with disabilities. In addition, establish a direct link email for the program. As the Rangel Scholar Program is affiliated with the Rangel Fellows Program, the Recipient may use the same website and email address for both programs.

• Recipient will work closely with GTM/TAC to develop an online recruitment and social media outreach plan including online information sessions, webinars, workshops and Q&A sessions. The elements of this outreach plan should conform to GSA section 508 guidelines with equal access to audiences with Visual, Auditory, Motor, & Cognitive disabilities. Recipient will obtain GTM/TAC approval for all content posted on online regarding the program and provide sufficient time to review and comment on proposed postings.

• Recipient will attract applicants with financial need who represent the cultural, social, ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity of the United States and have an interest in pursuing a career in international affairs. The Recipient is expected to target diverse institutions, concentrating its efforts in the following categories:

o Major research universities, liberal arts colleges and major community colleges.

o Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

o Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

o American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) schools such as

Heritage College, Salish Kootenai College and Sinte Gleska University.

• Develop and maintain a list of institutional databases used for recruitment. A copy of this list will be provided to GTM/TAC periodically upon request.

• Perform other related outreach activities as needed by GTM/TAC.

B. Screening and Selection Process

The specific Recipient tasks are as follows:

• Conduct initial screening of candidates’ applications for adherence to eligibility criteria and completeness.

• Establish a selection panel with sufficient members to review eligible applications.

Provide GTM/TAC a list of no more than 10 names for proposed selection committee panel members. GTM/TAC may add other names. The final number and composition of panel members must be approved by GTM/TAC. GTM/TAC will provide the criteria for panel members. Selection committee members make their final 15 Scholars selections based on the criteria.

• Recipient must arrange travel and lodging for out-of-town panelists. Travel and lodging costs are subject to standard US Government per diem rates.

Recipient screens for eligibility and completeness of application

Selection committee reviews applications and selects 15 Scholars

Initial

Review

• Copy and distribute application packets and scoring sheets to the selection committee members.

• Conduct all administrative functions of the selection process, to include but not limited to, coordinating interviews, providing copies of candidate applicant materials or any other required materials, shipping needs and venue arrangements including light refreshments as indicated by GTM/TAC for panel members.

• Notify, by email, letter or phone, students accepted into the program and secure their written acceptances.

• Notify, by letter or email, non-winners of their status.

• Perform other related selection and screening activities as needed by GTM/TAC.

C. Summer Enrichment Program Agreement

• Recipient will devise and ensure implementation of a code of conduct and terms for continuation and/or termination of participation in the SEP. GTM/TAC must clear the code of conduct and terms for continuation/termination of participation in the SEP.

D. Orientation and Related Summer Enrichment Program Activities

• Recipient will conduct in Washington D.C. an orientation seminar and mandatory professional development sessions, throughout the Summer Enrichment Program, for those selected into the program.

• The Recipient will make arrangements for the Rangel Scholars to take two courses -related US foreign policy and economics and a writing seminar during the six-week summer program.

• The Recipient also is expected to provide all administrative functions for the orientation and professional development seminars to include arranging travel and lodging for the Scholars, nametags, folders, etc.

• In collaboration with GTM/TAC, Recipient will organize briefing sessions and networking events for Rangel Scholars related to graduate school, scholarship, fellowship, internship, and professional options in international affairs. Emphasis will be placed on opportunities with the Department of State.

• Perform other related activities as needed by GTM/TAC.

E. Tracking

• Maintain institutional databases for recruitment purposes.

• Maintain databases that track applicant requests by name, address, institution, and other characteristics.

• Maintain databases of Scholars (by year of participation) for accurate tracking purposes.

F. Monitoring

The Recipient should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Performance targets for each expected result should be established and details should be included on what sources of data will be used to document performance. Indicators should be relevant to the goals or objectives of the program.

Indicators may include but are not limited to:

• Demographics of the applicants including information on race, ethnicity, gender, geographic origin, disability, and financial need.

• Number of recruitment events held.

• Number of Rangel Scholars completing the program requirements – including:

o Completing two summer courses and writing seminar.

• Number of briefings/professional development sessions held for Rangel Scholars o Details on graduate school, Scholarship, Fellowship, internship, and professional options in international affairs highlighted during these sessions.

• Effectiveness of program elements in providing Scholars with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs and a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs:

o performance and impact assessed through participant surveys on delivery of program elements – academic courses, writing seminar, and professional development sessions.

• Attrition and retention rates of the cohort.

• Program elements completed on time and within budget.

G. Administrative

• Establish and maintain effective and productive relationships with a GTM/TAC approved local academic institution in order to arrange for the coursework and to secure academic credit for students participating in the program. The recipient must receive GTM/TAC approval of prospective course offerings. The recipient will need to document previous success with such academic arrangements and academic institutions. Whether the students’ degree conferring institution accepts all or partial credit depends upon each individual institution.

• Ensure living stipend is disbursed to Scholars in a timely manner.

• Establish and maintain effective and productive relationships with Student Accounts Offices at institution where Summer Enrichment Program will take place and make timely payments of tuition.

• Maintain productive relationship with a reliable travel agency that can produce

• Identify and arrange appropriate, cost-effective and satisfactory housing for Rangel Scholars during their summer enrichment programs, preferably in the university dormitories of the school where they will be studying; handle payments for housing and provide accounting.

• Monitor…