pickering 2016 nofo questions and answers june 16 2015.docx

DATED: June 16, 2015

1. Question:

Is the $10,000 mentioned for costs related to the summer internships intended to cover the combined costs of both internships or would $10,000 be provided for each internship?

Answer:

No. Internship costs should be budgeted at $10,000 per internship. The combined cost of both internships is not to exceed $20,000 and includes, but is not limited to travel, inoculations and visas, medical insurance, housing and stipend.

2. Question:

When and how long is the orientation program for new Pickering Fellows?

Answer:

The orientation is typically held in June over a five day period. Graduate Fellows and Undergraduate Fellows attend the orientation. Graduates arrive on Sunday and depart on Wednesday. The Undergraduate Fellows arrive on Monday and depart on Thursday. Medical exams are conducted at the State Department during the orientation.

3. Question:

When are the selection interviews held and how long is this event?

Answer:

Fellowship Program applicants are typically interviewed in April. There is a half day of training for the panelists followed by two full days of interviews.

4. Question:

Would it be possible to include a letter of support from the Dean of our university with our application? While our center may not have funds to keep the program running while waiting for funds from the US Government, our university does and the letter would indicate this.

Answer:

The letter would need to confirm that the university is prepared and able to advance the funds needed to administer the program, until such time as reimbursement is possible. Further, the letter would need to clearly specify that this commitment is for the life of the award and not subject to a change in personnel.

5. Question:

Is the cost of recruitment travel for the Pickering Program, conducted by the Diplomat-in-Residence located at our institution, covered under this award?

Answer:

No. Diplomats-in-Residence have their own budget for recruitment travel.

6. Question:

Is an institution’s NICRA applied to program costs associated with the Pickering Program?

Answer:

No. If an institution has a NICRA, generally, the institution applies the NICRA only to indirect costs related to administering the Pickering Program, not direct program costs such as tuition, books, room and board, etc.

7. Question:

Where, on the budget template provided, do we include participant costs?

Answer:

Participant costs may be included under the category “Other Direct Costs”. Specific line items need to be created for such costs as tuition, room and board, books, internship stipends, etc. You may expand upon the cost categories listed under “Other Direct Costs” to include more specific cost items.