Vol. 59 No.  59 Monday, March 28, 1994  p 14516 (Notice)   1/1442
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Availability of Funds for Training and Technical Assistance

AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds.


SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service
announces the availability of approximately $5.1 million to
provide training and technical assistance to State Commissions
or alternative entities, AmeriCorps grantees (except where otherwise
stated for Learn and Serve grantees) and those interested in
becoming AmeriCorps grantees. The Corporation seeks proposals
and concept papers describing activities to meet the technical
assistance and training needs outlined in this Notice. The Corporation
also invites concept papers proposing additional or alternative
technical assistance and training activities.

DATES: Deadlines for submission of technical assistance and
training (T/TA) proposals are 6 pm Eastern Standard Time on
the following dates:

T/TA for the National Leadership Corps ..........May 3, 1994
Maintaining a Strong
Organization ...................................May 18, 1994
National Priority Skills Development Centers ...June 1, 1994

   The deadlines for submission of concept papers are 6 pm Eastern
Standard Time May 27, 1994, and September 13, 1994. Following
the May deadline, the Corporation expects to invite potential
applicants to submit a detailed proposal by July 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: All proposals and concept papers should be submitted
to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 1100
Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20525. Attn.: T/TA Proposal
or Concept Paper Review. Applicants are requested to include
four copies of proposals or concept papers to facilitate the
review processes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Frucher or Tracy Gray
at the Corporation for National and Community Service, (202)606-
5000 ext. 106. Questions about this Notice will be answered
during technical assistance and training conference calls which
are scheduled to take place on March 31, April 7, April 14,
and April 21, 1994 from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm. To reserve a place
on a conference call, please call the Corporation at (202)606-
5000 ext. 432 or fax a request to (202)606-4816.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:


Outline

Summary-Training and Technical Assistance Activities
(I) Application by Proposal

  (A) Training and Technical Assistance for the National Leadership
    Corps

  (B) Maintaining a Strong Organization-Fundraising, Program
    Management, Evaluation, Fiscal Management, and Grievance
    Procedures

  (C) National Priority Skills Development Centers
(II) Application by Concept Paper

  (A) National Service Resource Center

  (B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs

  (C) Service and Citizenship

  (D) Strengthening Program Diversity

  (E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program

  (F) Learn and Serve America K-12-

  Resource Publications

  Training Initiatives on Service-Learning
(G) Learn and Serve America Higher Education-

  Higher Education Service Resource Center

  Institutionalizing Service-Learning

  Infrastructure and Capacity-Building
(H) Training and Technical Assistance for State Commissions
(III) Invitation for Original Concept Papers

  Proposing Additional or Alternative

  Training and Technical Assistance

  Activities

Summary


Background

   On September 21, 1993, the President signed into law the
National and Community Service Trust Act, which created the
Corporation for National and Community Service (the Corporation).
The Corporation's mission is to engage Americans of all ages
and backgrounds in service that addresses the nation's education,
public safety, health, and environmental needs to achieve direct
and demonstrable results. In doing so, the Corporation will
foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us
together as a people, and provide educational opportunity for
those who make a substantial commitment to service.

   The Corporation is a new government corporation that encompasses
the work and staff of two existing independent agencies, the
Commission on National and Community Service and ACTION. The
Corporation will fund a new national service initiative called
AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps includes a wide variety of programs operated
by grantees (including local non-profits), the National Civilian
Community Corps, and the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)
program. The Corporation will also support service-learning
initiatives for elementary and secondary schools and institutions
of higher education called Learn and Serve America, and operate
the senior volunteer programs previously operated by ACTION.

   The Act authorizes the Corporation to support and improve
Summer of Service programs, AmeriCorps grants programs, and
Learn and Serve programs through a variety of training and technical
assistance (T/TA) activities. These activities should build
on the AmeriCorps regulations and the ``Principles for High
Quality National Service Programs'' document which lay out the
Corporation's vision and expectations for AmeriCorps programs.
The regulations and ``Principles'' document should be read by
all potential T/TA providers. Copies may be obtained by calling
the Corporation at 202-606-4949 or writing the Corporation at
1100 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC, 20525. To receive information
on getting the ``Principles'' or regulations on Internet, please
send a blank electronic mail message to: cncs@ace.esusda.gov.
There should be no text in the body of the message. An automatic
response will be sent back to you with information on how to
retrieve the regulations.

Overview

   The Corporation announces the availability of approximately
$5.1 million in fiscal year 1994 for training and technical
assistance initiatives. Under each fundable activity, estimated
levels of funding are listed. Most grants or cooperative agreements
will be made for a term of one year, unless specified otherwise.
The Corporation requests proposals, and, in some cases, concept
papers for the specific activities described herein. This Notice
lists applications requiring full proposals and areas in which
concept papers are requested. In most cases, applicants are
not required to cover all of the needs in a given area; for
example, an organization can apply to train grantees in fundraising
skills only in the ``Maintaining a Strong Organization'' section.

   Concept papers may also be submitted describing activities
that meet needs of AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve programs not
described in this Notice. Guidelines are described in the ``Invitation
for Original Concept Papers'' section.

   In all cases, applicants should demonstrate an understanding
of and commitment to the Corporation's mission and goals, a
need that relates to that mission and goals, a sound plan for
accomplishing the activity, and a fulfillment of the selection
criteria listed below.

Eligibility

   Public agencies (including federal, state, and local agencies
and other units of government), non-profit organizations (including
youth-serving groups, community-based organizations, service
organizations, etc.), institutions of higher education, Indian
tribes, and for-profit companies are eligible to apply. State
and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations that
intend to operate AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve programs are
also eligible. Organizations may apply to provide T/TA in partnership
with organizations seeking other Corporation funds.

Applications for Continuation of Assistance for Current Technical
Assistance Grantees

   The former Commission on National and Community Service issued
a number of technical assistance grants to organizations in
fiscal years 1992 and 1993. Pursuant to the National and Community
Service Trust act of 1993, the administration of these grants
transferred to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Existing technical assistance grantees interested in the continuation
of funding or undertaking new technical assistance activities
may submit competitive applications in accordance with the applicable
due dates and activities described in this Notice.

Objectives of the Training and Technical Assistance Activities

   The goal of training and technical assistance is to improve
the ability of AmeriCorps programs and participants to ``get
things done'' by achieving direct and demonstrable results in
communities, fostering civic responsibility, and strengthening
the ties that bind communities together. To best support programs,
the Corporation will fund technical assistance that strengthens
program performance and effectiveness in the short term and
builds leadership and permanent resources in the long term.
Technical assistance must be relevant to program needs, responsive
to changing needs, and easily accessed by states and grantees.
Training and technical assistance providers will build a strong
infrastructure by-

   -Increasing the effectiveness and capacity of programs and
states;

   -Increasing the resources available to support high quality
work; and

   -Developing leaders at all levels.

   Training and technical assistance providers will also foster
a national identity and common understanding of the goals and
mission of national service among AmeriCorps participants, programs,
and states.

   In addition, the Corporation is committed to strengthening
service nationwide. Although technical assistance providers
should show preference to AmeriCorps program grantees (except
where activities pertain to Learn and Serve grantees), T/TA
providers may be expected to serve those who wish to become
grantees as well. (For more on this, see ``Requirements'' section
below).

   These principles guide the Corporation's technical assistance
strategy:

   -Treat technical assistance as a full partnership among the
Corporation, states, and programs, with roles for all in designing
and delivering technical assistance.

   -Encourage collaboration among partners, especially efforts
that team service programs and those experienced in working
in the issue areas.

   -``Train the trainers''-focus on developing resource capacity
in local areas.

   -Instead of repeating the excellent work of others, build
on existing training, materials, and expertise.

   -Focus on the most pressing needs to have the greatest impact.

   -Invest sufficiently to provide adequate technical assistance
support in the first years.

Application Guidelines

   Applications can be of two kinds as specified: full proposals
and concept papers. While many of the same elements will be
addressed in these two types of applications, proposals ask
applicants to give a much more comprehensive and detailed overview
of planned activities, organizational capacity, budget, and
workplan than do concept papers. After reviewing concept papers,
the Corporation may ask for full proposals from a select number
of applicants based on program need, availability of funds,
and the strength of concept paper ideas received by the Corporation.

   Where specified, a full proposal should be submitted for
each activity, unless the proposal thoughtfully combines activities
into a single coordinated initiative. A full proposal must include:

   -A cover page listing: the title of the organization applying;
the amount of funds requested; a brief summary of the proposed
T/TA program or activity; the name, address, phone number, and
fax number of the organization; and the name and title of a
contact person.

   -A narrative of no more than 10 double-spaced typed pages
in 12-point font, describing-

   (a) The scope of activity being proposed, e.g., number of
trainers hired and programs served by them, relative to the
amount of the grant requested;

   (b) the organization's plan and ability to meet compelling
and ongoing needs, in collaboration with others where possible
and appropriate;

   (c) the organization's capacity, including staff strengths
and backgrounds, resumes of key people, and the organization's
track record;

   (d) the innovation and replicability of the proposed T/TA
activity; and

   (e) outcome objectives and indicators to be used to assess
success.

   -A detailed budget, including an estimate of travel costs
for delivery of T/TA services, with a supporting narrative explaining
how costs are calculated and information on funding from other
sources.

   -A detailed workplan for accomplishing the specific objectives
including a timeline showing when each step toward the objectives
will be accomplished.

   Where specified, a concept paper must include:

   -A cover page listing the title of the organization applying;
the amount of funds requested; a brief summary of the proposed
T/TA program or activity; the name, address, phone number, and
fax number of the organization; and the name and title of a
contact person.

   -A brief narrative of no more than 5 double-spaced typed
pages in 12-point font describing proposed T/TA activity.

   -A brief budget, with major expense line items, which may
include a supporting narrative.

   -A preliminary workplan for accomplishing the specific objectives.

   -A preliminary timeline.

Selection Criteria

   The Corporation will assess applications based on the criteria
listed below. The percentage weight of each criterion in the
assessment is given.

   Quality (45%). The Corporation will consider the quality
of the proposed activities, based on-

   -Scope of proposed T/TA activity relative to the amount of
the grant requested, the number of people, programs, and/or
State Commissions proposed T/TA activities are expected to reach;

   -Demonstration that the proposed activities meet clear compelling
program and/or state needs related to the Corporation's mission
and goals for national service;

   -Description of proposed T/TA techniques, including opportunities
for peer exchange and peer training, experiential learning,
and individual assistance tailored to meet specific program
or state needs; also description of plans to use tested methods
or ways to test training activities or curricula on a small
scale and refine them before offering them on a large scale;

   -Plan for implementing mechanisms continually to assess and
improve value and impact of T/TA services. This may include
providing opportunities for customer(s) participation in design
of activity and opportunities for ongoing training and feedback
from AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve participants and programs,
community partners of AmeriCorps or Learn and Serve programs,
State Commissions, Corporation staff, and others;

   -Commitment to build on existing resources and collaborate
with other technical assistance providers; ability to coordinate
planning, development, and execution with other providers; efforts
to prevent duplication of work or inefficient use of resources;
and ways to establish networks with other T/TA providers to
ensure coordination among providers and presentation of a clear,
coherent set of assistance activities to programs, states, and
the Corporation; and

   -Cost-effectiveness of proposed activity, the degree to which
the T/TA provider proposes a reasonable estimate of the amount
of services the organization will be able to provide given the
requested amount of funds and the organization's existing resources.

   Organizational Capacity (45%). Applicants should demonstrate
evidence of either organizational experience and success in
delivering high-quality technical assistance and training, particularly
in the specific area under consideration, or the similar experience
of identified staff retained for the T/TA project. Backgrounds
of key staff, leadership, and other individuals proposed to
contribute to the proposed program will be considered in assessing
organizational capacity.

   In some cases, the capacity to begin providing training and/or
technical assistance quickly will be required. In certain instances,
noted in the description of applicable activities, services
will be needed as early as summer 1994. The applicant must demonstrate
the ability to provide high quality services in the desired
time frame.

   Innovation and Replicability (10%). The Corporation will
assess the extent to which the T/TA activity, or its elements,
are creative or distinctive in approach or in the need that
is met.

   The Corporation will assess the degree to which the proposed
T/TA activity could serve as a long-term resource by identifying
other sources of funding and the extent to which the activity
or its elements are applicable or adaptable to various program
types, locations, or approaches to service.

   In addition, the Corporation will assess the use of innovative
technology in providing training or technical assistance, where
appropriate. This criterion includes use of technology to increase
access to training and technical assistance activities and convenience
for users. For example, an information session might be conducted
by video conference, allowing users to participate from a local
facility and avoid travel costs. The Corporation expects that
all of its program grantees will be connected through on-line
networks. Training and technical assistance providers will be
expected to be connected to electronic networks as well and
should be prepared to use technology and to distribute information
through on-line networks when appropriate.

Requirements

   There are certain requirements that every recipient of a
T/TA grant or cooperative agreement must fulfill. They include
the following provisions:

   (a) T/TA providers must work closely with Corporation staff
and other T/TA providers, especially the ``National Service
Resource Center'' described in the ``Concept Paper'' section
below. Providers must be willing to receive input from Corporation
staff during development and delivery of T/TA activities; periodically
attend meetings and conferences at the Corporation's request;
inform other T/TA providers of plans and progress and coordinate
efforts when appropriate; and work with Corporation staff to
assess the direction and value of each T/TA activity every six
months and modify T/TA activity to better serve the users of
T/TA and adapt to changing needs.

   (b) T/TA grantees must develop and continually apply mechanisms
for assessing the value and impact of their T/TA activities
and show evidence of continuous program improvement resulting
from the application of such mechanisms.

   (c) While the Corporation has a vested interest in promoting
best practices throughout the field, to grantee and potential
grantees alike, grantees will be given preference when resources
are limited.

   (d) Databases or other on-line materials should be created
in Foxpro or Oracle software. This will allow easy data transfer
both to the Corporation and among T/TA grantees. Assistance
may be available to convert existing databases to Foxpro or
Oracle if necessary.


TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES

   The Corporation expects to give grants to or enter into cooperative
agreements with organizations to accomplish the following activities.

(I) Application by Proposal

   Proposed T/TA activities in this category include:

   (A) Technical Assistance and Training for the National Leadership
Corps.

   (B) Maintaining a Strong Organization.

   (C) National Priority Skills Development Centers.

(A) Technical Assistance and Training for the National Leadership
Corps

   -Proposals due May 3, 1994.

   -Must be able to deliver services by July 1, 1994.

Summary

   The National Leadership Corps will create a diverse cadre
of emerging service leaders to help build the highest quality
AmeriCorps programs and strengthen the national service infrastructure
and identity. In the first year, the Corporation will recruit
up to 50 members from programs such as Peace Corps, VISTA, the
Armed Forces, youth corps, and other full-time service programs.
T/TA providers will help design and carry out initial training
for the Corps which will last two to five weeks and begin in
mid-July or early August, 1994. Providers will also help with
ongoing training which will occur at least three times during
the year. Leadership Corps (LC) members will bring skills and
expertise to new AmeriCorps programs in year-long assignments
starting September, 1994.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation expects to issue one or more grants or cooperative
agreements totaling approximately $100,000 to accomplish the
tasks listed below. Funding would be for one year, with possibility
of renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability
of funds.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   The Corporation seeks T/TA providers who will work with Corporation
staff and other T/TA providers to design and deliver training
for the Leadership Corps.

   Proposals may address one or all of the activities outlined
below, or may suggest additional activities. These include:

   -Team building among Leadership Corps members. Since LC members
will be placed in separate AmeriCorps programs around the country,
it is important that members develop strong bonds with each
other during training so that they are able to provide support
to each other and share resources, ideas, and lessons learned
throughout their experience.

   -Specialty skills. This component of training will give LC
members an understanding of how to organize and carry out projects
that meet community needs in one or more of the Corporation's
national priority areas. (The national priorities areas are
discussed more fully in the ``National Priority Skills Development''
section below). This element of training will ensure that members
know how to make demonstrable impacts on specific community
problems and bring resources to programs that do not already
exist.

   -Leadership skills. Training that helps LC members master
the main tasks required of front-line supervisors such as group
facilitation, organizing and managing service projects, team
building, handling conflict, community relations, working with
diverse peoples and organizations, and others.

   -Communication skills. Training that teaches LC members how
to communicate effectively, including public speaking and media
training.

   Proposals should include a plan to train leaders in any or
all of the activities mentioned above over a 2-5 week period
during the initial training in July, 1994, as well as periodically
throughout the year. The Corporation intends to involve leaders
in curriculum design for ongoing training, so applicant plans
should be flexible enough to accommodate their input.

Encouraged Approaches

   While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes
one or more of the activities listed above, it especially encourages
the following approaches:

   (a) A proposal by an organization that has experience and
expertise in one or more of the components listed above and
can arrange to have expert resources and information available
starting in mid-May to provide assistance to the Corporation
in designing and delivering training.

   (b) A proposal by a consortium of organizations whose members
collectively have the expertise to work with the Corporation
to provide all of the training components listed above. This
sort of proposal should clearly describe the specific responsibilities
of each provider, the amount of funds to be allocated to each,
the amount of staff time devoted by each, and the mechanisms
for cooperation and coordination among members and the Corporation.
If possible, the consortium should have experts available to
work with the Corporation starting in mid-May as discussed above.
For more information on the leadership pool, please contact
Jane Marsh at (202) 606-5000, extension 173.

(B) Maintaining a Strong Organization: Fundraising, Program
Management, Evaluation, Fiscal Administration, and Grievance
Procedures

   -Proposals due May 18, 1994.

   -Preference will be given to organizations which can have
the majority of services available by August 1994.

Summary

   Strong management, well-planned and well-executed fundraising,
evaluation, and careful, appropriate administration of funds
are critical to the success of AmeriCorps programs. The Corporation
will fund activities that provide information, training, and
technical assistance to State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs
to strengthen the ability of programs to manage, fundraise,
and leverage community resources, design and perform program
evaluation, administer funds effectively, establish grievance
procedures, and perform other critical functions.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation expects to make up to five grants or cooperative
agreements in this area. Together, grants will total approximately
$1,000,000. Grants will be for one year, with the possibility
of renewal based on performance, need, and availability of funds.

Description of T/TA Activity Desired

   Specific tasks include but are not limited to providing,
arranging for, or connecting programs to information, training,
and technical assistance on the factors involved in establishing
and maintaining a strong organization, including:

   (a) Fundraising: Building on existing Corporation materials,
assist grantees in developing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
Proposals may also describe ways in which technical assistance
can help organizations put fundraising plans into action. The
Corporation has an interest, as manifested through the match
requirement, to encourage grantees not to rely solely on Corporation
funds, but rather to solicit a broad range of financial and
in-kind resources from foundations, corporations, individuals,
and other governmental agencies. As the match increases, grantees
will need to raise additional funds, create more partnerships,
build larger constituencies, and leverage additional resources.
Technical assistance should be designed with this mission in
mind.

   (b) Program Management: Help programs build a strong leadership
team as well as feedback mechanisms such as participant advisory
councils or other vehicles which allow for regular input from
participants and/or community members and involve them in program
design, operation, and evaluation.

   (c) Evaluation and organizational development: Help programs
use evaluation as a tool for program improvement. Aid them in
developing a mission statement, goals, and annual objectives,
concrete operating plans, and tailored evaluation strategies.
As needed, work with Corporation evaluation staff to create
materials, develop and conduct trainings, and/or offer technical
assistance to State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs related
to setting direct and demonstrable objectives and performing
program monitoring and evaluation functions.

   (d) Fiscal Management: Building on Corporation materials,
help establish appropriate and effective fiscal management and
accounting processes, including compliance with all federal
laws and regulations.

   (e) Grievance Procedures: Help grantees develop grievance
procedures that give programs systems in which to resolve disputes
with staff members, program participants, community residents,
and others. These procedures should comply with the requirements
for grievance procedures described in the National and Community
Service Trust Act of 1993.

   In each case, providers are expected to:

   -Bring to bear existing training and subject expertise. Efforts
will focus on arranging or providing assistance, rather than
developing new training and resources using Corporation funds;

   -Comply with federal requirements for administering federal
funds. The T/TA provider will work with Corporation staff as
needed to develop training on this topic;

   -Demonstrate a commitment to and experience in evaluation
that examines outcomes and uses its findings as tools for redesigning
and improving program activities and approaches; and

   -Assist Corporation evaluation and T/TA staff in providing
other training or technical assistance, as requested.

Encouraged Approaches

   While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes
the activities listed above, it encourages the following approaches:

   (a) A proposal that includes a partnership among providers
who together can offer training and technical assistance in
the areas listed above and who together have a presence across
the country that enables them to provide training and assistance
regionally. Such a proposal must clearly describe the specific
responsibilities of each partner, the amount of funds to be
allocated to each, the amount of staff time dedicated by each,
and the mechanisms for cooperation and coordination among partners
and the Corporation.

   (b) A proposal that includes a partnership of which at least
one member has experience providing training and technical assistance
in complying with federal requirements for administering federal
funds.

(C) National Priority Skills Development Centers

   -Proposals due June 1, 1994.

   -Preference will be given to applicants that can begin delivering
assistance by August 1994.

Summary

   National Priority Skills Development Centers will help meet
the short-term, immediate training and technical assistance
needs of the Corporation, states, and AmeriCorps programs in
their efforts to make direct and demonstrable impacts in the
areas of need the Corporation has identified as ``national priorities.''
The Centers will provide information and hands-on support, create
networks and expert groups, and carry out other activities as
needed.

   National Priority Skills Development Centers also provide
an opportunity to begin developing resources to serve the service
field over the long-run. Based on the lessons learned and foundations
laid by the Skills Development Centers, grantees may begin to
develop ``Centers of Excellence.'' Centers of Excellence will
serve as more permanent resources for the service field and
as such, will receive a much more significant investment of
funds from the Corporation. These Centers will be much larger
than the Skills Development Centers. Over time, they will develop
more extensive expertise in the practices that make for high-
quality, effective service programs in various priority area
fields.

   At present, funding is only available for the Skills Development
Centers. The Corporation encourages providers to devote some
of their resources to developing plans to expand their Skills
Development Center(s) into more comprehensive and permanent
Center(s) of Excellence.

Need

   AmeriCorps programs must achieve direct and demonstrable
results in the areas of education, public safety, health, human
needs, and the environment. Programs funded through the AmeriCorps
direct competition must achieve the results in more specific
national priority areas. The national priority areas are as
follows:

   In Education:

   -School Readiness: furthering early childhood development.

   -School Success: improving the educational achievement of
school-age children and adults who lack basic academic skills.

   In Public Safety:

   -Crime Control: improving criminal justice services, law
enforcement, and victim services.

   -Crime Prevention: reducing the incidence of violence.

   In Human Needs:

   -Health: providing independent living assistance and home-
and community-based health care.

   -Home: rebuilding neighborhoods and helping people who are
homeless or hungry.

   In Environment:

   -Neighborhood Environment: reducing community environmental
hazards.

   -Natural Environment: conserving, restoring, and sustaining
natural habitats.

   The Corporation will fund Skills Development Centers to help
programs and participants achieve demonstrable results in these
areas by providing them with training, information, technical
support, and other resources. T/TA providers will be expected
to work closely with service programs so that providers' expertise
in how to make impacts in certain needs areas is complemented
by an understanding of service programs, regardless of the area
of need addressed. The ``Principles of High Quality National
Service Programs'' document mentioned in the Background section
more extensively describes the Corporation's current thinking
in these areas. Applicants should have the expertise to expand
the Corporation's thinking and the ability to help make programs
working in each area more effective.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation will make available approximately $1,500,000
for all activities. Up to eight Skills Development Centers may
be funded to provide the T/TA activities described below. Grants
will range from $50,000 to approximately $300,000, with most
awards between $100,000 and $150,000. Up to $25,000 of each
award can be used in planning for a future ``Center of Excellence''
in the priority area addressed. Grants or cooperative agreements
will be for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal
or of an award to implement a ``Center of Excellence,'' subject
to performance, need, and availability of funds. There is no
guarantee of renewal or implementation award.

Description of T/TA Activity Desired

   The Corporation will fund Skills Development Centers to help
programs and participants meet needs in the areas listed below.
Applicants may propose to provide T/TA in one or more areas.
Applicants may also combine areas rather than running two distinct
Centers, for example, as long as the applicant's proposal provides
an explanation of the manner in which the needs of each area
can be addressed when combined with others.

   Skills Development Centers will be developed in the following
areas:

   Crime Control: T/TA activities to help programs improve criminal
justice services, enforcement, and victim services.

   Crime Prevention: T/TA activities to help programs and participants
reduce the incidence of violence.

   Early Childhood Development: (including the Corporation's
School Success priority) T/TA activities to help programs and
participants further early childhood development.

   School Success: T/TA activities to help programs and participants
improve educational achievement.

   Comprehensive Services: (including the Corporation's Home
and Neighborhood Environment priorities) T/TA activities to
help programs and participants link community resources together
to provide for disadvantaged residents' basic needs.

   Preventive Health Care: T/TA activities to help programs
and participants successfully carry out health outreach, education,
and prevention campaigns.

   Independent Living: T/TA activities to help programs and
participants provide independent living assistance and home-
based health care.

   Natural Environment: T/TA activities to help programs and
participants conserve, restore, and sustain natural habitats.

   In each case, Skills Development Centers are expected to:

   (a) Develop and/or maintain a network of geographically dispersed
expert resource people and organizations around the country
and maintain a database of these resources. Providers should
identify expert resources from the specific field-organizations
and individuals-that the Corporation, state commissions, and
programs can access when needed. A database, developed in Foxpro
or Oracle software, with pertinent information about these expert
resources should be maintained and linked to the National Service
Resource Center database (described below) so that capacity
building is ensured. The provider should train resource people
as needed to make sure that they provide useful assistance;
receive regular feedback from T/TA customer's on resource peoples'
performance; and work with Resource Center staff to make recommendations
on how to ``certify'' trainers and other T/TA providers should
the Corporation decide that this is necessary. The provider
should also gather information from Corporation staff, state
commissions, programs, and other T/TA grantees in order to expand
the pool of resources in the database.

   (b) Provide hands-on support to programs using the network
of expert trainers and other resource people. Working with the
National Service Resource Center, National Service Skills Development
Centers should respond to individual requests for assistance
from the Corporation, state commissions, or programs to provide
help with project design and implementation, specific project
improvement issues, or other forms of training and technical
assistance. Applicants should estimate how many person days
they expect to devote to this and how many people and/or programs
they think they have the capacity to serve. Whenever possible,
T/TA providers should use local resource people to carry out
these tasks. This way, T/TA efforts will help build capacity
and relationships on the local level.

   (c) Demonstrate an understanding of the central characteristics
of successful service programs. T/TA providers are expected
to have expertise in the specific fields their T/TA will cover
(e.g. crime prevention) so that they can help service programs
produce direct and demonstrable results in those areas. Providers
must also understand the more generic, common components of
successful service programs, regardless of what needs service
programs address. For suggestions on how to gain this knowledge,
see ``Encouraged approaches'' below. Providers will be expected
to collaborate with other Corporation T/TA providers, particularly
those working to ``Strengthen the Basics of National Service
Programs'' (as described in section below).

   (d) Gather and provide critical information on at least one
of the priority areas. T/TA providers should identify the most
important information and resources (including databases) from
the specific field(s) addressed. This might include training
curricula, standards of best practice, examples of effective
practices in service and community work, and in project planning,
and participant training and support specific to the needs of
that field. Providers should focus their efforts by gathering
the 50 or so ``best'' resources. The resource materials should
be made available to the National Service Resource Center and
should be adapted to meet the needs of Corporation staff, state
commissions, and AmeriCorps programs where necessary. (Reproduction
and distribution issues will be negotiated in the terms of the
grant.)

   (e) Convene an expert group. With input from the Corporation,
regularly convene a sounding board of leading individuals from
the priority area field, the service community, and other areas
to develop an agenda for T/TA activity in each priority area.

   (f) Plan for a ``Center of Excellence.'' T/TA providers should
lay the groundwork for more established future ``Centers of
Excellence,'' focusing on particular priority areas. Providers
are encouraged to develop a plan to submit to the Corporation
by January, 1995, for a potential ``Center of Excellence'' in
a specific area. A maximum of $25,000 may be expended for this
planning activity, and there is no guarantee of future funding
from the Corporation.

   (g) Assist in applicant outreach. Providers may be asked
to assist the Corporation in reaching out to potential AmeriCorps
program applicants in the priority area(s) addressed.

Encouraged Approaches

   While the Corporation will consider any proposal that accomplishes
the activities listed above, it encourages the following approaches:

   -Proposals by a small consortium of organizations that include
at least one organization with expertise in each national priority
area being addressed, and at least one organization with experience
in the operation of service programs. Service programs will
help organizations with issue-area expertise better understand
issues such as participant recruitment, selection, training
and preparation, management, and support; and project issues
including project conception and selection, formation of working
relationships with service sponsors, orientation of service
sponsors, and project management and evaluation.

   -Proposals in which the organization(s) providing expertise
in specific priority area(s) has a partnership with a service
program or operates a service program, and where it tests project
models and T/TA models directly in the program as it develops
them for national use.

   For example, a proposal in the area of school readiness might
include a national center that does program development and
assistance in the early childhood area, and which operates its
own pre-school program. The center would test certain service
projects in its program, and test training for participants
who work in the program. These activities would help refine
and improve the training and technical assistance it offers
to national service programs funded by the Corporation.

(II) Application by Concept Paper

   Proposed activities in this category include:

    (A) National Service Resource Center
    (B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs
    (C) Service and Citizenship
    (D) Strengthening Program Diversity
    (E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program
    (F) Learn and Serve America K-12-

  Resource Publications

  Training Initiatives on Service-Learning

    (G) Learn and Serve America Higher Education-
  Higher Education Service Resource Center
  Institutionalizing Service-Learning
  Infrastructure and Capacity-Building

    (H) Training and Technical Assistance for State Commissions
   Concept papers will be accepted on May 27, 1994 and September
13, 1994. Following the May deadline, the Corporation expects
to invite likely applicants to submit a detailed proposal by
June 30, 1994.

(A) National Service Resource Center

   -Preference will be given to applicants which can begin delivering
assistance by August, 1994.

Summary

   The Corporation seeks to provide a National Service Resource
Center to compile, store, and retrieve the T/TA resources provided
by the Corporation and other T/TA providers. Rather than producing
materials and resources, the resource center will ensure that
State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs have easy access to
the T/TA services and resources other T/TA providers produce.

   The Resource Center will develop and manage the following:

   -A resource library that gathers training curricula, effective
strategies for program planning and management, and other information
and materials from Corporation T/TA providers and the service
field. The Resource Center will also develop means of dissemination,
both in print and through electronic outlets.

   -A start-up survey of T/TA providers around the nation who
can meet needs of State Commissions and AmeriCorps programs.
This survey should be done as quickly as possible, to provide
an immediate resource for Corporation grantees, and to establish
the foundation for the long-term project of creating and developing
a comprehensive database for the directory service.

   -A T/TA directory service that draws on the start-up survey
and subsequent database to respond to queries for information
from state commissions and national service programs in search
of trainers, consultants, and other resources. On a toll-free
assistance line, trained information specialist(s) will respond
to day-to-day questions and inquires from grantees, state commissions,
and Corporation staff, matching their needs with T/TA services
whenever possible. The Resource Center will be responsible for
marketing the directory service to AmeriCorps programs and State
Commissions in order to make its services as accessible as possible
and may make the directory service database available to them
through print and/or electronic means.

   AmeriCorps program grantees will be required to assess the
T/TA they use and report back to the Corporation program staff
and the Resource Center with their evaluations. This information
will inform Resource Center listings and eventually may serve
as the foundation for a system of consumer-based T/TA service
provider ratings. The Resource Center will be expected to make
recommendations to the Corporation on how to certify T/TA providers
should the Corporation decide that this is necessary.

   Grantee evaluations are especially important in the case
of T/TA purchased with the up to $5,000 of discretionary T/TA
money each AmeriCorps program grantee will be allotted. The
purpose of these funds is to flexibly meet immediate program
needs not met by other Corporation- or state-funded T/TA services,
tap grantee-based networks, and help to establish a consumer-
driven marketplace. The Resource Center, working closely with
Corporation staff, will be the repository for all grantee evaluations
of T/TA and will incorporate those evaluations into the resource
library and directory service.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation will make available one grant totaling approximately
$500,000. The grant or cooperative agreement will be issued
for 18 months, with no guarantee of renewal but possibility
of renewal based on performance, need, and availability of funds.

Requirements

   -The resource library staff must work closely with Corporation
staff to make sure that the Corporation's own internal resource
room is kept up to date with important materials and other pieces
of information.

   -The Commission on National and Community Service, predecessor
to the Corporation, awarded funds to a consortium of organizations
led by the National Youth Leadership Council to establish a
clearinghouse for information and technical assistance on service-
learning primarily for K-12. To avoid duplication of effort
and unnecessary costs, will be expected to refer interested
parties to the Service-Learning Cooperative and coordinate other
efforts with them whenever possible.

   -Providers must use Foxpro or Oracle software when establishing
any databases.

(B) Strengthening the Basics of National Service Programs

   -Preference will be given to applicants who can begin delivering
assistance August 1994.

Summary

   The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help programs
strengthen the basic components that enable programs to implement
excellent service projects and engage participants in addressing
vital community needs. The Corporation hopes that many seasoned
service providers will share their expertise with others in
the service field through these activities.
   The Corporation describes many of these components in the
second half of its ``Principles of High Quality National Service
Programs.'' Opportunities to provide technical assistance supporting
several of these components-building a strong organization,
evaluation procedures, and developing fundraising expertise-
are listed in the ``Maintaining a Strong Organization'' section
of this Notice. Here, the Corporation encourages potential grantees
to provide assistance in-

   -Designing excellent service projects;

   -Providing a high quality participant experience through
participant preparation and support;

   -Front-line supervisor training;

   -Training in mediation and conflict resolution; and

   -Creating strong community partnerships.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation expects to make available approximately $500,000
total for up to 10 grants or cooperative agreements with 18
month durations. The possibility of renewal is subject to performance,
continuing need, and availability of funds.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   The Corporation would like T/TA providers to provide trainings
and/or develop resource materials in the following areas:
   Excellent service projects: Develop strategies and provide
trainings to increase the effectiveness of national service
programs at conceiving, planning, and executing excellent service
projects, regardless of the area of need addressed by them.
   Participant training and support: Develop strategies and
provide trainings to program staff on the key elements of orienting
and training program participants in all types of service programs.
   Front-line supervisor training: Develop strategies and provide
trainings on ways to train and support front-line supervisors-
whether team leaders or coordinators of individually-placed
participants-to supervise and support participants in all types
of national service programs. Activities could include developing
ways to help program directors and/or other program supervisors
address the professional development needs of their front-line
supervisors; designing support structures for front-line supervisors
such as peer networks, on-call resources, or resource lists;
or preparing flexible designs for training modules for regional
conferences or trainings
   By July 1995, the Corporation would also like the T/TA provider(s)
in this area to train approximately 30-35 groups of supervisors
in key tasks including but not limited to:

   -Planning and managing service projects or internship placements;

   -Management and development of participants;

   -Creating good working relationships with service sponsors,
and other community members and organizations;

   -Teambuilding at various levels among participants, with
community partners, and among staff;

   -Communication at all levels, within the program, with media,
with community through other vehicles

   -Facilitation of service-learning among participants that
encourages their development into engaged, active citizens.

   Conflict resolution and mediation: developing strategies
and providing trainings to program staff and participants on
how to deal effectively with conflicts through conflict resolution
and mediation techniques.
   Community Partnerships: developing strategies and providing
trainings on ways to help programs build and maintain strong
partnerships and engage in collaborative efforts with a broad
range of organizations and individuals working to solve community
problems.
   For each activity listed above, T/TA providers will be expected
to:
   -Coordinate efforts with other T/TA providers, especially
the ``National Priority Skills Development Centers'' and the
``National Service Resource Center'';

   -Provide hands-on training, consulting and other services
on the subject;

   -Identify best practices in accomplishing these tasks, adapt
as necessary and package for program use. Material might include
management tools, training curricula, or other useful items;
and

   -In the long term, lead the development and refinement of
best practices in accomplishing high quality service projects.

(C) Service and Citizenship


Summary

   The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help programs
develop participants' understanding of the relationship between
service and the rights and responsibilities that citizenship
entails.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation expects to make approximately $100,000 total
available for up to two grants or cooperative agreements. Grantees
will develop and pilot a variety of training curricula with
several AmeriCorps programs, with the aim of developing trainings
that can meet the needs of many different participants and program
types. The possibility of renewal is subject to performance,
continuing need, and availability of funds.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   Whether addressing immediate community problems or examining
broader social needs, AmeriCorps participants take on a variety
of civic responsibilities. The Corporation will fund the provision
of technical assistance and training to enable AmeriCorps participants
to constructively examine and explore larger issues associated
with their service work and strengthen their understanding of
their engagement in public life.

(D) Strengthening Program Diversity


Summary

   The Corporation will fund the development and implementation
of a strategy to provide technical assistance and training to
AmeriCorps programs and State Commissions on how to enhance
their work, build stronger communities, and draw strength from
diversity through full inclusion of diverse populations of participants
in programs. This will include developing strategies which encourage
mutual respect and cooperation among citizens of different races,
ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels,
ages, and sexual orientations, including both men and women
and individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation expects to make three or more grants or cooperative
agreements in the first year. The amount of funds will be determined
in light of need. The possibility of renewal is subject to performance,
continuing need, and availability of funds. In its concept paper
the applicant should present a proposed budget for the first
and second years of activity.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   The Corporation will fund the provision of technical assistance
and training and development of resource materials for State
Commissions and AmeriCorps programs to give them practical guidance
on how to build diversity into programs and identify resources,
especially local and regional resources, which they can tap
for these purposes when needed.
   Possible activities include-

   -Strategies to improve recruitment, retention, and training
of diverse staff and program participants;

   -Strategies to find appropriate participant placements;

   -Ways to ensure that programs are sensitive to the specific
cultural needs of the community in which the service is being
performed;

   -Strategies specifically aimed at recruiting and ensuring
full inclusion of people with physical and cognitive disabilities
as participants in AmeriCorps programs;

   -Ways to help AmeriCorps programs comply with laws regarding
accommodation of people with disabilities; and

   -Other strategies to assist programs in building diversity
into their programs.

   T/TA providers will be expected to work closely with the
National Service Resource Center.

(E) Peer Exchange Visitation Program


Summary

   The Corporation seeks to enhance the opportunities for program
planners, staff and participants of AmeriCorps programs, and
State Commission members to visit existing service programs
in order to learn more about different approaches to accomplishing
high quality service. To this end, the Corporation is making
funds available to existing service programs to prepare for
and host such visits.

Eligible Applicants

   Only existing service programs may apply. While an applicant
does not have to be a former or current grantee of the Corporation
or the Commission on National and Community Service, the applicant
should demonstrate that the program activities it will exhibit
to visitors are consistent with the Corporation program requirements
and ``Principles for High Quality Programs.''

Amount and Duration of Funding

   The Corporation expects to make up to ten grants totaling
approximately $200,000. Grants will be for one year, with possibility
of renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability
of funds.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   The applicant should accomplish activities including but
not limited to-

   -Making Corporation grantees aware of the opportunity to
visit by being included in Corporation communications that list
T/TA opportunities;

   -Helping potential visitors determine if a visit would be
of use to them, and helping them select an appropriate delegation
to visit;

   -Preparing a visit schedule for each group of visitors that
includes relevant aspects of the program they should see. Possible
activities should include observing project work, talking with
participants, staff and/or service sponsors and other community
partners, attending program meeting or educational activities,
etc.;

   -Facilitating a debriefing session or discussion in which
the visitors may discuss questions or concerns regarding what
they have seen and learned; and

   -Providing a small amount of follow-up contact with visitors,
especially in cases where the visitor wishes to adopt a practice
observed during the visit. Note that the host organization will
not be expected to pay for the travel costs of the visitors.

Requirements

   -Program activities to be exhibited to visitors must be consistent
with the Corporation's program requirements and ``Principles
for High Quality Programs.''

   -The grantee must report regularly to the Corporation on
visits: number of visits, who visited, what was presented, some
assessment of the value gained by visitors, and any improvements
planned for the visitation program.

(F) Learn and Serve America K-12


Resource Publications

   The Corporation will fund development and publication of
materials on critical subjects to the field.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   Up to three grants totaling approximately $50,000 will be
made available. Funding is for one year, with possibility of
renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability
of funds.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   Focus areas may include service-learning evaluation models,
case studies, linking service-learning to education reform or
school restructuring efforts, integrating service-learning into
school-to-work transition initiatives, integrating service-learning
into academic curricula, and other topics that would be useful
in advancing the service-learning field.
   T/TA providers will be expected to coordinate resources and
activities with the National Service Learning Cooperative funded
by the Commission on National and Community Service whenever
possible.

Training Initiatives on Service-Learning

   The Corporation will fund training in service-learning methodology
for teachers, administrators, community-based organization personnel,
potential trainers and other appropriate individuals.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   Up to four grants totaling approximately $480,000 will be
made available. Funding will be for one year, with possibility
of renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability
of funds.

Description of Program Desired

   The Corporation is interested in a broad range of training
opportunities that include regional seminars, introductory workshops,
institutes with specific focus areas (i.e. engaging youth with
disabilities in service-learning, linking service-learning to
education reform or school-to-work transition initiatives, or
service-learning as a vehicle for addressing specific educational,
public safety, human, or environmental needs).

(G) Learn and Serve America: Higher Education


Summary

   The Corporation seeks to enhance the quality and sustainability
of higher education service-learning programs, through T/TA
activities that offer ready resources for effectively integrating
service and education, that help strengthen institutional commitment
to service-learning, that develop the ability of grantees to
support one another, and that build capacity at state, regional,
and national levels to support campus-based service-learning.
   The Corporation will make grants or cooperative agreements
for the following activities:

Higher Education Service Resource Center


Summary

   The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that provide detailed,
user-friendly resources and consultation to meet the needs of
individual programs, Corporation staff, and State Commissions.
This resource center should focus on service-learning in higher
education, and should be flexible in its design so that its
resources may be integrated eventually with the National Service
Resource Center and/or the National Service Learning Cooperative
funded by the Commission on National and Community Service.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   One grant or cooperative agreement of approximately $100,000
will be made, with the possibility of renewal.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   Specific tasks include but are not limited to-

   -Actively collecting, selecting, organizing, and disseminating
information on model programs, best practices, and innovations
in the higher education service-learning field;

   -Developing resources on various subject areas, including
service integrated with academic disciplines, service-learning
programs addressing community needs in the national priorities,
critical reflection, co-curricular service-learning, and evaluation
of service-learning programs;

   -Regularly providing grantees, Corporation staff, and State
Commissions with an updated inventory of resources, and responding
to their questions and requests for information; and

   -Working with Corporation staff and grantees to identify
areas requiring resource development.

   Providers will be expected to:

   -Have experience in collecting and disseminating information
that is relevant to the higher education service-learning field;

   -Demonstrate an ability to set and adhere to high standards
of quality in collecting and reviewing resources;

   -Apply in partnership with one or more organizations in order
to broaden the scope of information and constituencies connected
to the resource center;

   -Have adequate electronic capacity and staff to manage efficiently
a high volume of incoming and outgoing information;

   -Be equipped to participate in a phone system, on-line computer
network, or other technological systems, as instructed by the
Corporation; and

   -Be prepared to work closely with the K-12 service-learning
clearinghouse funded by the Commission on National and Community
Service, toward the goal of integrating all the resource matching
and clearinghouse efforts funded by the Corporation.

Institutionalizing Service-Learning


Summary

   The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that help bring
sustainability to programs in institutions of higher education.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   One or two grants or cooperative agreements of approximately
$150,000 will be made, with the possibility of renewal.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   Specific tasks include but are not limited to-

   -Engaging faculty, administrators, students, and/or community
partners from funded programs in intensive strategic planning,
tailored to the needs of each program, on how to make the program
a permanent part of the institution;

   -Creating mechanisms that enable faculty members with expertise
in service-learning to provide ongoing, hands-on support to
their peers on integrating service with specific academic disciplines
and expanding faculty interest and involvement in service-learning
within institutions;

   -Providing ongoing consultation to programs on effective
strategies for securing support from the institution's top administrative
and academic leadership;

   -Developing resource materials that present ``case studies''
describing the evolution and institutionalization of high-quality
service-learning programs, courses, and centers on a diverse
array of college and university campuses.

   Providers will be expected to:

   -Have experience in guiding service-learning programs beyond
the start-up phase and into a stage of stability and institutionalization;

   -Have sufficient organizational resources and stature in
the higher education service-learning field to work effectively
with faculty members and top administrative and academic officials;
and

   -Coordinate the distribution of resource materials and the
implementation of workshops or institutes with the Corporation
staff.

Infrastructure- and Capacity-Building


Summary

   The Corporation will fund T/TA activities that develop the
ability of grantees to support one another, and that build capacity
at state, regional, and national levels to support campus-based
service-learning.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   One or two grant(s) or cooperative agreement(s) of approximately
$200,000 will be made, with the possibility of renewal.

Description of T/TA Activities Desired

   Specific tasks include but are not limited to-

   -Organizing regional conferences that convene grantees in
early 1995 (after the first quarter or semester of activity)
and that address T/TA needs identified by the Corporation staff;

   -Developing from the regional conferences a variety of facilitated
mechanisms-utilizing electronic networks and other technology-
that enable grantees to build and sustain supportive relationships
with one another;

   -Working closely with Corporation staff to conduct outreach
to State Commissions and higher education organizations and
associations to encourage their attendance at the regional conferences,
to orient them to higher education service-learning programs
and build their capacity to support service-learning at state,
regional, or national levels; and

   -Developing and implementing a strategic follow-up plan that
sustains and strengthens relationships and initiatives catalyzed
by the regional conferences.

   Providers will be expected to:

   -Have sufficient expertise, contacts, and organizational
capacity to plan regional conferences for up to 150 higher education
service-learning grantees;

   -Work in partnership with organizations or individuals with
expertise in structuring sustainable peer networks that facilitate
lateral knowledge transfer (i.e., peer-to-peer technical assistance);

   -Have at least some experience in working with state commissions
and higher education organizations and associations;

   -Have adequate capacity, creativity, and flexibility to channel
the momentum developed at the regional conferences toward longer-
term efforts and objectives, and to identify and respond actively
to needs for on-going follow-up.

(H) Training and Technical Assistance to State Commissions


Summary

   The Corporation will fund provision of information, training,
and support to all State Commissions involved in AmeriCorps,
as provided by the National and Community Service Trust Act
of 1993. This can be provided by independent organizations or
by the States themselves, acting as peer trainers.

Amount and Duration of Funding

   Up to three grants or cooperative agreements totaling approximately
$400,000. Funding would be for one year, with possibility of
renewal subject to performance, continuing need, and availability
of funds.

Description of Program Desired

   T/TA activities may address one or more of the following
issues, or may address other issues as proposed by the applicant:

   -Help states develop a technical assistance strategy and
network of possible T/TA providers within their states;

   -Assist states in setting objectives and designing and implementing
an evaluation plan;

   -Help states develop specific state-wide recruitment strategies
that are consistent with the Corporation's national recruitment
plan;

   -Help states design peer review panels;

   -Help states design participant advisory groups and other
vehicles through which they can engage participants in decision-
making processes and feedback mechanisms;

   -Provide orientation or training to State Commission members
and staffs about national service and the role of State Commissioners;
and

   -Provide other training or assistance to State Commissions
as needed.

(III) Invitation for Original Concept Papers Proposing Additional
or Alternative T/TA Activities

   The Corporation has created a National Program Innovation
Fund, through which it will support innovative training and
technical assistance that helps make programs more effective.
   The Corporation requests concept papers which suggest ways
in which it might best support its goals through

T/TA activities. Concept papers may expand on the activities
specified in this Notice, improve on them, or suggest original
approaches.

   In proposing an original activity, the applicant must demonstrate
a need for it that relates to the goals of AmeriCorps, present
a sound plan for accomplishing the activity, and otherwise satisfy
the quality criteria listed in this Notice.
   An applicant may propose an original concept under this section
and apply at the same time to undertake one or more of the activities
listed in another section.

   Dated: March 22, 1994.

Terry Russell,
Acting General Counsel.

[FR Doc. 94-7146 Filed 3-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-BA-P



The Contents entry for this article reads as follows:

Grants and cooperative agreements; availability, etc.:
  Training and technical assistance; State Commissions or alternative
    entities, AmeriCorps grantees etc., 14516