UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION
NEW DELHI – 110 002
OBAMA – SINGH 21
ST
CENTURY KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE (OSI)
The University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, India announces an
open competition for the “INDO – US 21
st
Century Knowledge Initiative” and invites
proposals for the same strictly in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Request for
Proposals and the Proposals Submission Instructions, which can be accessed from the UGC
Website: http://www.ugc.ac.in.
The proposals may be submitted latest by 15.03.2013 to Dr. Upamanyu Basu, Financial Advisor,
University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 1100 02, at
ubasu.edu@nic.in/ ubasu100@hotmail.com (institutions which have already applied need not
apply).
Secretary2
UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION
BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI-110 002
OBAMA-SINGH 21
ST
CENTURY KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE (OSI)
Request for Proposal
Introduction
The University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002, India,
announces an open competition for the “Obama-Singh 21
st
Century Knowledge Initiative
(OSI)”. The OSI, which is a joint initiative of Indo-US Government, aims and focuses on
the formation of higher education partnerships between US Institutions and Institutions of
Higher Learning in India. The said joint initiative also aims at the development and
enrichment of junior faculty at Indian Institutions of Higher Learning. The Indian
Institutions recognized u/s 2(f) and 12B of UGC Act, 1956 and Institutions of National
Importance may submit their proposals with a view to encourage mutually understanding
and economic development through education cooperation in the field of Higher
Learning. The last date for the receipt of proposals is 20
th
January, 2013. (date extended
up to15.03.2013)
Program Overview
To encourage mutual understanding educational reform and economic development the
OSI enables Indian Higher Education Institutions to pursue objectives through exchange
visits of faculty, administrators, post graduate Indian students, and US graduate students
who can demonstrate the ability to work independently.
Project Design
The project should be designed to focus on specific institutional objectives that will
support the program’s goals of encouraging mutual understanding, educational reform
and economic development. The design should include a series of exchange visits and
activities that will lead to the achievement of the project’s objectives within a three-year
period, and should describe a process for evaluating the results of project implementation.
The design should also provide for the effective administration of the project. 3
Statement of Need
To justify a request for support, proposals should demonstrate the need of the
participating institutions for the project that they are proposing. The proposals should
explain how each participating institution will utilize the project to address both
institutions’ needs as well as larger needs of both the countries.
In addition to demonstrating how the applicant institution can assist its partner to meet
institutional goals, proposals should also explain how this cooperation will enable the
Indian institution to address its own needs. Accordingly, applicants should describe the
needs and deficiencies as well as the capabilities and strengths of the Indian institution,
and how each institution will contribute to, and benefit from, the achievement of project
objectives. The proposals must realistically assess institutional capacities and contain
compelling objectives that address institutional needs and justify a request for support.
To be competitive, proposals should demonstrate that the participating institutions are
committed to mutual support and cooperation in project implementation.
If the proposed partnership would occur within the context of a previous or ongoing
project, the proposal should outline distinct objectives and outcomes for the new project
and should explain how new funding would build upon the previously funded activities.
Proposals should describe the amounts and sources of support for the earlier projects as
well as the results to date.
Project Objectives
The proposals should explain in detail how the project will enable the participating
institutions to achieve specific institutional changes that will support the goals of the OSI.
The proposals should outline a series of activities for meeting specific objectives for each
participating institution. The benefits of the project to each of the participating
institutions may differ significantly in nature and scope based on their respective needs
and resource bases.
Project objectives may include the development or revision of courses, curricula, and
programs of study at participating institutions to support mutual understanding,
educational reform and economic development. Particular areas of interest include Indian
junior faculty development programs in respective fields.
The proposals may outline the parameters and possible content of new courses; new
teaching specializations or pedagogic methodologies; collaborative research; new or
revised curricula; and new programs for outreach to educators, professional groups, or the
general public. Proposals may also describe strategies to promote administrative reform
through faculty or staff development.4
In most cases a limited number of related thematic objectives at each institution will be
more feasible to achieve than a larger number of unrelated objectives.
The following fields are eligible:
Energy Studies
Sustainable Development
Climate Change
Environmental Studies
Education and Educational Reform
Community Development and Innovation
Exchange Activities and Project Implementation
The proposal should demonstrate that a project’s objectives are feasible to achieve within
a three-year period through a series of exchange activities that take into account
prevailing conditions in India and United States. The exchange activities may include
but are not limited to conferences, symposia, seminars, workshops, team teaching,
focused series of exchanges, among other activities. Activities should be designed to
develop expertise, advance scholarship and teaching, and promote reliable, long-term
communication between partner institutions.
For example, projects focusing on curricular reform should describe the existing
curriculum and the courses targeted for revision, and should explain how exchange
activities will result in the restructuring of the current content to incorporate the new
academic themes. The proposal should describe the topics and content of any new
courses or educational materials that will be developed and introduced, and should
identify those persons who will be responsible for developing the new courses and for
teaching them.
If the project proposes to develop a new degree or certificate program, the proposal
should outline the steps being taken to secure approval for the new program from the
institution itself and from all relevant educational authorities. The proposal should also
describe the composition and size of the student and faculty population and any other
group that will benefit from the innovations to be introduced through the project.
Except for translators, interpreters, and outside evaluators, participation in the exchange
visits is limited to teaching faculty, researchers, Indian post-graduate students, US postgraduate students, and administrators from the participating institution(s). Post-graduate
students are eligible to participate in exchange visits if they have teaching or research
responsibilities or are preparing for such responsibilities.
The grant recipient is responsible for providing invitation letters for US participants
applying for Indian Study Visa. 5
Material and Technical Support for Exchange Activities
To increase the feasibility and impact of the project’s exchange activities, a proposal may
include a request for funding for educational materials (including books and periodical
subscriptions) and technical components (including the establishment or maintenance of
Internet and/or electronic mail facilities and of interactive technology-based distancelearning programs). The funding requested for educational materials and technical
components should supplement the project’s exchange activities by reinforcing their
impact on project objectives. Applicants may propose other project components not
specifically mentioned in this solicitation document if the activities will increase the
impact on project objectives.
Project Duration
Pending the availability of funds, selected grant recipients are expected enter into grant
status before August 31, 2012. Grant activities are expected to be completed within the
three-year timeframe.
Project Evaluation
The proposals should describe and budget a methodology for project evaluation.
Institutions that are awarded partnership grants must formally submit periodic reports to
UGC on the project’s activities in relation to its objectives. The formal evaluation reports
should include an assessment of the current status of each participating institution’s needs
at the time of program inception with specific reference to project objectives; formative
evaluation to allow for mid-course revisions in the implementation strategy; and, at the
conclusion of the project, summative evaluation of the degree to which the project’s
objectives have been achieved. The proposal should discuss how the issues raised
throughout the formative evaluation process will be assessed and addressed. The
summative evaluation should describe the project’s influence on the participating
institutions. The summative evaluation should also include recommendations about how
to build upon project achievements. The copies of evaluation reports must be provided to
UGC.
In addition to the formally scheduled reports, the evaluation strategy should include a
mechanism for promptly providing UGC with information to be able to summarize and
illustrate project activities and achievements as they occur.6
Project Administration
The proposals should explain how project activities will be administered both in the India
and US in ways that will ensure that the project maintains a focus on its objectives while
adjusting to changing conditions, assessments and opportunities.
Institutional Commitment
An University/Institution recognized under 2(f) and 12B of UGC Act must submit the
proposal and must serve as the grant recipient with responsibility for project
coordination. The proposals must include letters of commitment from all institutional
partners including the institution submitting the proposal. Each letter must be signed by
an official who is authorized to commit institutional resources to the project. The letters
of support as well as the proposal as a whole should clearly demonstrate that the
participating institutions are committed to mutual support and cooperation in project
implementation.
Eligible Institutions
The Universities/Institutions recognized under Section 2 (f) and 12 B of UGC Act are
eligible to receive the grant and Institutions of National Importance may submit their
proposals with a view to encourage mutually understanding and economic development
through education cooperation in the field of Higher Learning.
Costs and Cost-Sharing
The commitment of all partner institutions to the proposed project should be reflected in
the cost-sharing which they offer in the context of their respective institutional capacities.
Although the contributions offered by institutions with relatively few resources may be
less than those offered by applicants with greater resources, all participating institutions
should identify appropriate contributions. The proposed cost-sharing will be considered
an important indicator of the applicant institution’s commitment to the project.
OSI support may be used to assist with the costs of the exchange visits as well as the
costs of the administration of the project by the Indian grantee institution. Administrative
costs that may be covered by the OSI, with certain limitations, include administrative
salaries, faculty replacement costs, other direct administrative costs and indirect costs.
The cost of administering the project at the Indian partner organization(s) is also eligible
for OSI support. Although each grant will be awarded to a single Indian institutional
partner, the proposal should make adequate provision for the administrative costs of all
partner institutions, including the US partner(s). 7
The maximum award in the FY 2011 competition will be Rs.25.00 crores for a three-year
period. The requests for amounts smaller than the maximum are eligible. Budgets and
budget notes should carefully justify the amounts requested.
Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines
The programs must maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and
representative of the diversity of American and Indian political, social and cultural life.
“Diversity” should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences
including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, caste, religion,
geographic location, socio-economic status and physical challenges. Applicants are
strongly encouraged to adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program
administration and in program content. The programme will include institutions and
individuals representing geographic diversity, diverse students’ population and those
oriented towards service to their local communities.
Review Process
UGC will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will review them for technical
eligibility. All eligible proposals will be evaluated by independent external reviewers,
who will be professional, scholarly, or educational experts with appropriate regional and
thematic knowledge. The proposals will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere
to the guidelines stated herein.
Review Criteria
All reviewers will use the criteria below to reach funding recommendations and
decisions. Technically eligible applications will be reviewed competitively according to
these criteria, which are not rank-ordered or weighted.
(1) Broad and Enduring Significance of Institutional Objectives: Project objectives
should have significant and ongoing impact on the participating institutions and
foster a deepened understanding of critical issues in one or more of the eligible
fields. Special consideration will be given to proposals which include Indian junior
faculty development as a component of the grant activity. 8
(2) Feasibility and Effectiveness of Strategy to Achieve Project Objectives:
Strategies to achieve project objectives should be feasible and realistic within the
projected budget and timeframe. Proposals should contain detailed information on
specific exchange activities and outline the methodology and timeframe for
achieving project goals.
(3) Institutional Commitment to Cooperation: The proposals should demonstrate
significant understanding by each institution of its own needs and capacities and of
the needs and capacities of its proposed partner(s), together with a strong
commitment by the partner institutions, during and after the period of grant activity,
to cooperate with one another in the mutual pursuit of institutional objectives.
(4) Project Evaluation: The proposals should describe a methodology for determining
the degree to which a project meets its objectives, both while the project is underway
and at its conclusion. The final project evaluation should provide observations about
the project’s influence within the participating institutions as well as their
surrounding communities or societies.
(5) Cost-effectiveness: Administrative and program costs should be reasonable and
appropriate with cost-sharing provided by all participating institutions within the
context of their respective capacities. Cost-sharing is viewed as a reflection of
institutional commitment to the project. Contributions should not be limited to
indirect costs.
(6) Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of diversity
by explaining how issues of diversity are included in project objectives for all
institutional partners. Issues resulting from differences of race, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, caste, religion, geography, socio-economic status, or physical
challenge should be addressed during project implementation. In addition, project
participants and administrators should reflect the diversity within the societies, which
they represent. Proposals should also discuss how the various institutional partners
approach diversity issues. 9
Release of Funds and Settlement of Accounts
The University Grants Commission would provide the funding to the selected institutions
under this programme in installments and the awardee institutions will be under
obligation to submit an audited Utilization Certificate for the previous grant which will
facilitate the Commission to sanction/release subsequent admissible grants.
It is mandatory on the part of the awardee institution to submit item-wise, year-wise
audited Statement of Expenditure along with the Utilization Certificate for settlement of
the grants sanctioned by the UGC.
Number and Amount of Grants
There is no predetermined number and amount of grants to be provided and the decision
of reviewers/Commission in this regard shall be final and binding.10
UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION
BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI-110 002
U.S. – INDIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (USIEF)
OBAMA-SINGH 21
ST
CENTURY KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE (OSI)
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
This document supplements the guidelines outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) for
the Obama Singh 21
st
Century Knowledge Initiative, the primary document outlining the
terms of the 2011 competition for this program. The review criteria outlined in RFP are the
basis on which proposals are selected for funding. Proposals must conform to the RFP and
the guidelines stated in this document.
Applications not adhering to the conditions set forth in these documents will be deemed
technically ineligible and will be excluded from further consideration.
Additional information/compliance forms may be requested during the course of the
application period and if selected, during the course of the grant period.
During the proposal development process, prospective applicants should contact Dr. Renu
Batra, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-
110002 at renu@ugc.ac.in).
I. STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
Partner institutions may pursue the program’s goals of promoting mutual understanding,
facilitating educational reform, fostering economic development through carefully defined
institutional objectives. Activities should be planned strategically to achieve project
objectives and program goals through exchanges of teachers, administrators and/or, in limited
circumstances, graduate students. The proposals should explain how individual participants
will contribute to the achievement of project objectives and OSI goals. If participants are yet
to be identified or if additional personnel will be added at a later date, the proposal narrative
should describe the procedures and criteria for doing so. The Indian partner should
participate actively in the selection of US participants whether they are identified in the
proposal or selected during the course of project. All participants should be selected because
of their demonstrable qualifications to contribute to overall project goals.11
The strategy for achieving project objectives will typically include exchange visits in both
directions, but no single formula is prescribed for the duration, sequence, or number of these
visits. Although strong budgetary and programmatic emphasis may be given to visits in one
direction over another, the benefits of all these visits to the sending as well as the receiving
sides should be clearly explained. Exchange visits for the purpose of attending conferences
are not allowed except in combination with other grant activities and in support of specific
educational objectives at one or more of the participating institutions.
II. PROGRAM SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
The most competitive proposal supports mutual goals and benefits for all partner
institutions. While the goals and benefits should be mutual, they do not need to be
identical for each partner institution or precisely balanced among partner institutions.
The recipient and any sub-recipient must, in addition to the assurances and certifications
made as part of the award, comply with all applicable terms and conditions during the
project period
VISA REQUIREMENTS
The Grantee Institution should take into account the US visa requirements for U.S.
participant travel to India for grant related activities.
For US participants, the Grantee Institution must secure and properly administer the
Exchange Visitor Program. Proposals should demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to meet all
requirements governing the administration of Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22
CFR 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers,
screening and selection of program participants, provision of pre-arrival information and
orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of
forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements.
TRAVEL
The lead Indian institution is responsible for all international travel arrangements using
Indian carriers.
DIVERSITY, FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY GUIDELINES
In the development of these programs, the Obama – Singh Initiative wishes to encourage
participation by a broad base of institutions in both countries and seeks institutions that
represent geographic diversity, serving diverse student populations, and oriented towards
service to their local communities. Programs must maintain a non-political character and
should he balanced and representative of the diversity of Indian political, social, and cultural
life. “Diversity” should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences
including but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, caste, religion,
geographic location, social-economic status, and disabilities. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to adhere to the advancement of this principle both in program administration
and in program content. Suggested elements could include:12
Program Administration:
Selection of the Indian and US program participants should reflect all relevant forms
of diversity (ethnicity, gender, geographic regions, etc.) to the extent possible;
Program locations should reflect geographic diversity and, where relevant, socioeconomic diversity;
Program evaluation should incorporate an examination of the program from a variety
of perspectives, including the establishment of diversity criteria and how the program
meets these criteria/goals.
Program Content:
Orientation should include a session on multi-ethnicity and multi-culturalism for all
exchange participants;
In seminars, workshops, meetings and other forms of interaction, relevant diversity
issues should be addressed either directly (as a topic) or indirectly (through contact
with individuals of diverse backgrounds);
Resource lists and research material should contain a broad representation of subjects,
authors and titles reflecting diversity in the U.S. and India; Program follow-up should
ensure mechanisms for the continual promotion of diversity issues.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All exchange participants should carry health and accident insurance including all Visitor
visa holders. At a minimum, insurance must provide the following benefits:
1. medical coverage of at least Rs. 25,00,000/- per person per accident or illness;
2. repatriation of remains in the amount of Rs. 3,75,000/-
3. medical evacuation benefits of at least Rs. 5,00,000/-; and
4. a qualified insurance program shall not have a deductible that exceeds Rs.25,000/-
The applicant should budget (under program costs per participant) for insurance. It is
expected that participants will be provided with insurance for those periods of actual
participation in exchange activities. The period of coverage does not necessarily coincide
with the duration of the funded project.
III. FORMAT
The proposal must meet the following formatting requirements:
1. Provide double-spaced, single-sided Executive Summary and Proposal Narrative;
2. Margins: top inch, bottom 1 inch, left 1 ½ inch, right 1 inch;
3. 12-point type font;
4. Provide proposal budget per the instructions further below;
5. Number all pages, including budget and addenda;
6. Microsoft Word readable format and Microsoft Excel readable format for budget
documents. It is recommended that applicants merge/consolidate as many of the files as
possible into a single Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat file.
7. Ensure that all pages are numbered, including proposal narrative, budget and addenda. 13
The original proposal and one copy should be arranged in the following order:
Table of Contents (List all attachments)
TAB A Proposal Cover Letter
TAB B Executive Summary (One page), Participants Statistics Page, and Resumes for the
U.S. and Indian project directors only.
TAB C Narrative (Not to exceed twenty pages) and calendar of activities/itinerary, if
applicable
TAB D Budget Submission
TAB E Resumes and CVs (Project staff; not to exceed two pages each) and Letters of
endorsement.14
Tab A
A proposal cover letter addressed to Dr. Renu Batra, Joint Secretary, University Grants
Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002, that includes the following
components:
Application for Obama Singh 21
st
Century Knowledge Initiative Grant
Proposal Cover Letter
1 Legal Name of Institution with full address
2 Whether recognized under Section 2(f) and 12B of UGC Act. If yes, details thereof
3 Name of contact, title, phone, fax, and email
4 Title of Project
5 Areas affected by project (city, county, state, for both India and US)
6 Address
7 Estimated Funding Request Amount 15
Tab B:
The Executive Summary should provide the following information on a single
page:
Project title;
Statement of need and project objectives;
Brief statement about long-term impact.
Participants Statistics Page
Please refer to the format below for the Participants Statistics page.16
FORMAT FOR PARTICIPANT STATISTICS PAGE
University Grants Commission
Obama – Singh 21
st
Century Knowledge Initiative (OSI)
Proposal for a Partnership between:
INDIAN INSTITUTION and US INSTITUTION
Anticipated Number of Indian Participants in Exchange Visit:
Males:
Females:
Participants’ Occupations:
Teachers/Faculty:
Researchers:
Administrators:
Graduate Students:
Other (please specify):
Anticipated Number of US Participants in Exchange Visits:
Males:
Females:
Participants’ Occupations:
Teachers/Faculty:
Researchers:
Administrators:
Graduate Students:
Other (please specify):
Include the total duration of all exchange visits: For the entire grant period, give the total
number of weeks:
Indian Participants:
US Participants:
Project Directors’ Resumes (attach each U.S. and Indian project director’s resumes to the
proposal title page – other participant resumes will be placed under Tab E).17
TAB C
1. Narrative
In 20 pages or less, provide a detailed description of project objectives and activities within
the parameters outlined in the RFP, and as summarized below.
a. Statement of need together with an outline of project objectives and the anticipated
benefits of the project as a whole for each Indian. and US participating institution.
b. A detailed description of partnership activities and the relationship between the project
activities and program objectives, including:
Activity description including when they will occur;
Purpose and length of all proposed visits;
Names and qualifications of project participants. The project administration
staff should be identified and their capacities for handling unexpected
personnel or scheduling changes should be discussed;
Strategy for working with participants to achieve project goals;
Explanation of how courses or other project activities might be configured to
achieve project objectives;
Explanation of how diversity issues will be addressed in project activities.
c. Description of participating institutions and relevant academic departments/schools and the
rationale for their cooperation with one another in pursuit of project objectives.
d. A well-developed program evaluation plan [see the RFP]. The evaluation plan should
include:
Methodology for assessing the effectiveness of project activities in relation to
project objectives;
Procedures for ongoing monitoring and corrective action for each institution
and the project as a whole;
Sample evaluation instruments or indicators;
Mid term financial reports.
Mid-term and final evaluation reports.
e. List of anticipated subcontracts, if applicable. Activities anticipated under the subcontract
should be explained in the proposal. [Subcontracts must be submitted to UGC for its review
prior to issuance of an award.
f. Plan to sustain program achievements without additional OSI support.
2. Calendar of Activities
Following the project narrative, please summarize all exchange visits and other key events
chronologically in a Calendar of Activities that covers the entire award period. Describe who
will travel when, where, for what purpose, and for how long. Be realistic in estimating the
amount of time required for US participants to obtain Indian visas.
Describe how project activities and the project timeline relate to the implementation of
project objectives and how project objectives will be implemented within the grant period.18
TAB D
Budget Submission
Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire program. There must be a
summary budget as well as annual budget breakdowns reflecting administrative and program
activities. Include budget notes or budget narratives to explain specific items and how the
amounts were derived.
The budget format should include a summary budget, separated into program and
administrative sections that are consistent with the distinctions between administrative and
program expenses shown in the sample budget provided in this document.
The budget format is provided as sample guideline and should be modified as needed.
1. Allowable costs under this competition:
a. International, economy-class airfare for participants, who must comply with the eligibility
requirements of the RFP. Grant recipients must arrange all travel through national travel
carrier.
b. Domestic, economy-class travel to undertake eligible activities within US and within the
Indian.. Travel and per diem expenses may be included for persons designated as US
participants who must visit Indian Consulates for visa interviews.
c. Local transportation allowances (e.g. car rental) which must be clearly justified in terms of
need, length of visit, and cost savings.
d. Costs of lodging, meals, and incidental expenses may not exceed the published Indian
government/UGC per diem allowance rates. Actual costs may be less than the published per
diem rates; dormitory accommodations and long-term rental arrangements are encouraged to
enable applicants to avoid the costs of hotel accommodations. Moreover, to avoid incurring
costs unnecessarily, applicants are encouraged to arrange home stays and to employ other
strategies for the donation of lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. Official per diem rates
may change during the course of the project.
e. Educational and technical materials including translation expenses and the cost of setting
up and/or maintaining electronic communications such as Internet and e-mail services at the
US partner institution, including computer hardware, software, and computer lab fees.
Requests for reimbursements for educational materials and electronic communications
equipment should be kept to a minimum so that other direct project elements can be funded.
Organizations should rent equipment if feasible. Prior approval from UGC is required for all
equipment purchases.
f. Faculty development stipends may be provided for course development, research, and basic
training in computer use for Indian teachers or researchers at Indian institutions with limited
resources. Stipends of up to Rs. 25,000/- per semester (in addition to regular salaries paid by
the US institution) may be awarded to such US teachers and researchers at their home 19
institutions for support in developing or revising courses or in conducting research in
cooperation with Indian participants. Stipends should be associated with specific activities or
objectives beyond the individual’s normal duties and work hours at the Indian institution. An
individual participant may receive up to three stipends over the course of the grant. These
payments will be subject to taxation laws and the individual will be responsible for managing
their taxes.
g. Stipends for an individual(s) at the US partner institution responsible for coordinating
planning and logistical aspects of the partnership program. Stipends should be associated
with activities beyond the individual’s normal duties at the Indian institution. Stipend
amounts should be consistent with local economic conditions and would not typically exceed
Rs. 20,000/- per month. These payments will be subject to taxation laws and the individual
will be responsible for managing their taxes.
h. Interpretation fees. This category would not typically exceed five percent of the grant
budget.
i. Visitor visa fees for US participants and J-1visa fees for Indian participants.
j. A maximum daily fee of Rs. 15,000/- is allowable to compensate an external consultant
reporting on the degree to which project objectives have been achieved. Travel and per diem
costs for an external reviewer are also allowable. The amount requested for external
consultant reporting should not exceed five percent of the total amount of project funding,
and may be lower. These payments will be subject to taxation laws and the individual will be
responsible for managing their taxes.
k. Health insurance for US participants, and if necessary, for Indian participants who have no
other applicable health insurance. Please note: Health insurance is compulsory for all U.S.
and Indian participants.
Please note: Health insurance is compulsory for all US and Indian participants.
l. Direct administrative costs, including faculty replacement costs, stipends for advanced
Indian graduate students assigned to US institutions, and expenditures for administrative
salaries, communications, and supplies. Please note that salary support can be paid only to
employees of the grantee organization and to employees of subgrantees; faculty or
administrators of the Indian partner organization may be eligible for stipends as described in
section Tab D, Section 1 (f) and (g). The following restrictions apply:
1) Indian participant replacement costs may be charged to OSI to pay:
(a) Salary replacement costs. This category covers the salary and benefits costs of hiring
temporary instructors to teach courses which would otherwise be taught by a Indian.
faculty member temporarily teaching or consulting at the Indian partner university for a
period of two or more consecutive months.
(b) Stipends for Indian graduate students assigned to US institutions for two or more
months if the participants would otherwise be eligible for teaching or research
appointments at the Indian institution.
2) Other direct administrative expenditures may not exceed 20 percent of the total budget.20
m. The Obama Singh Initiative will pay for limited indirect costs to the Indian grantee
institution, not to exceed 8 percent of the total grant request. Additional indirect costs may
be included as part of an institution’s cost sharing. The indirect cost must be restricted to 5 or
6% of the total grant request.
2. Unallowable costs under this competition:
a. Tuition expenses, salary, honorarium, or stipend expenses except as explicitly allowed
under Tab D 1 (f), 1 (g), 1(i), and 1 (l).
b. Expenses for US students with the exception of those who are preparing for instructional
positions.
c. Salary support for Indian and US government employees (unless they are employed by a
participating college or university).
d. Travel and expenses for lodging, meals, or incidental costs of the dependents of program
participants or administrators.
e. Exchange visits for the purpose of attending conferences except in combination with visits
to support specific educational objectives at one or more of the participating institutions.
f. Visits whose primary purpose is to plan activities that would take place outside the scope
of the project.
3. Budget Format
All proposed expenditures should be listed individually in whole Indian rupees. Each request
for travel should specify round-trip, economy airfare and destination for each participant.
Salary expenses for administrative duties should be pro-rated for the number of days, hours,
or percentage of time devoted to project activities. For travel and lodging, food, or
incidentals, list locality (city), names, rates per day, and total number of days (e.g., 2 X Rs.
7500/- day x 2 days). Include budget notes or budget narrative to explain specific line items
and how the amounts were derived. 21
SAMPLE: 2012 THREE-YEAR SUMMARY LINE-ITEM
PROGRAM BUDGET FORMAT
UGC
REQUEST
INDIAN
INSTITUTION
COST-SHARE
SU
INSTITUTION
CONTRIBUTION
TOTAL
PROJECT
COST
PROGRAM EXPENSES:
International Travel
In-Country Travel Overseas
In-Country Travel in the Indian
Local Transportation
Lodging, meals, and incidental expenses
Educational Material/Electronic Equipment
Communication
Faculty Development Stipends for US teachers or
researchers [see Tab D, Section l (f)
Project Coordination Stipends for US participants
[see Tab D, Section 1 (g)
Interpretation Fees [not to exceed 5% of total grant
request]
Other Contributions* [at end of table, specify types
and value] cost share only
Health Insurance
US participants
Indian participants
Visitor visa Fees for US Participants
J-1visa Fees for Indian Participants
Fees for outside consultants reporting on the project
[maximum $300 per day, maximum 5% of total
grant request.]
GRAND TOTAL FOR 3-YEAR BUDGET
* Includes contributions for which funds are not exchanged.22
SAMPLE: 2012 THREE-YEAR SUMMARY LINE-ITEM
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FORMAT
UGC
REQUEST
INDAIN
INSTITUTION
COST-SHARE
US
INSTITUTION
CONTRIBUTION
TOTAL
PROJECT
COST
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:
Indian Participant Salary Replacement Costs
as specified under Tab D, Section 1 (1a)
[Faculty replacement and/or graduate student
stipends]
Other Direct Administrative Costs [as defined
under allowable costs, Section D, 1 (2), not to
exceed 20% of total grant request]. List:
– Administrative salaries
– Communications
– Supplies
Indirect Administrative Costs tothe Indian
grantee institution [not to exceed 5 – 6% of
total grant request]
Other Contributions* cost share only
Grand total for 3-year budget
*Includes contributions for which funds are not exchanged.23
SAMPLE: 2012 LINE-ITEM PROGRAM BUDGET FORMAT FOR YEAR ONE
YEAR 1
UGC
REQUEST
INDIAN
INSTITUTION
COST-SHARE
US INSTITUTION
CONTRIBUTION
TOTAL
PROJECT
COSTS
PROGRAM EXPENSES:
International Travel
In-Country Travel Overseas
In-Country Travel in the Indian
Local Transportation
Lodging, meals, and incidental expenses
Educational Material/Electronic
Communication
Faculty Development Stipends for US
teachers or researchers [see Tab D, Section l
(f). List names or positions and the total
number of days for each.]
Project Coordination Stipends for US
participants [see Tab D, Section 1 (g)]
Interpretation Fees [not to exceed 5% of total
grant request]
Other Contributions* [at end of table, specify
types and value] cost share only
Health Insurance
US participants
U.S. participant evacuation insurance
Indian Participants
Visitor Visa Fees for U.S. Participants
J-1Visa Fees for Indian Participants
Fees for outside consultants reporting on the
project [maximum Rs. 15,000/- per day,
maximum 5% of total grant request.]
TOTALS
YEARS 2 AND 3: REPEAT SAME
FORMULA
* Includes contributions for which funds are not exchanged.24
SAMPLE: 2012 LINE ITEM ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FORMAT FOR YEAR
ONE
YEAR 1
UGC
REQUEST
INDIAN
INSTITUTIO
N
COST
SHARE
US
INSTITUTION
CONTRIBUTION
TOTAL
PROJECT
COSTS
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:
Indian Participant Salary Replacement Costs as
specified under Tab D, Section 1 (1a) [Faculty
replacement and/or graduate student stipends.
List names or positions and the total number of
days for each.]
Other Direct Administrative Costs [as defined
under allowable costs, Section D, 1 (2), not to
exceed 20% of total grant request]. Include:
– Administrative salaries
– Communications
– Supplies
Indirect Administrative Costs to
The Indian institution [not to exceed 8% of the
total grant request]
Other Contributions* cost share only
TOTALS
YEARS 2 AND 3: REPEAT SAME
FORMULA
*Includes contributions for which funds are not exchanged.25
TAB E
1. Resumes and CVs
Resumes of all participants (other than project directors) identified in the proposal together
with the resumes of external evaluators, should be included under Tab E. (Project Director
resumes are placed under Tab B.) No resume should exceed two single-spaced, single-sided
pages. The Indian partner is encouraged to work with US project participants in developing
and editing their resumes to meet Indian standards for format and content.
Resumes must include relevant overseas experience and levels of relevant language ability.
2. Letters of endorsement
A signed letter of endorsement must be submitted from each participating institution (Indian
and US) from an official authorized to commit institutional resources to the project. These
letters must be included with the proposal by the proposal deadline. The letter of
endorsement should provide detailed information on the level of support that the participating
institutions expect to provide during the project implementation and the institutional need for
the project.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
As indicated in the RFP, two copies of the full application must be postmarked by 20.01.2013
and couriered (Fed Ex, DHL, etc.) to:
Dr. Renu Batra
Joint Secretary,
University Grants Commission
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
INDIA
Office Phone Number: 91-11-23238879
Email: renu@ugc.ac.in
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