[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21780-21782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10759]
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
National Institute of Corrections
Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--Executive Leadership
Training for Women
AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, Department of Justice.
ACTION: Solicitation for a cooperative agreement.
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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) invites
applications for a cooperative agreement to provide for the revision of
the current curriculum for the program, Executive Leadership Training
for Women, and to plan all aspects of program delivery for the
leadership series. The cooperative agreement includes the delivery of
Phase I of the program in fiscal year 2002.
The award recipient will become familiar with the work currently
being done at NIC that provides for an understanding of the history and
future development goals of the NIC Executive Leadership Training
Program for Women. Through an NIC briefing and review of written
materials the recipient will have access to the original design
methodology and all aspects of curriculum development and delivery. The
recipient will have the full benefit of the work in progress under the
cooperative agreement, ``Documentation of the Impact of NIC Executive
Leadership Training for Women'' that will provide for an assessment of
the impact of the current program on graduates.
This project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Prisons
Division. NIC seeks to continue to offer the most current and effective
leadership development for women in senior positions in corrections. A
total of $120,000 is reserved for the project during fiscal years 2001
and 2002. The 2001 allocation is $40,000 and the 2002 allocation is
$80,000. Funds are subject to congressional approval at the beginning
of each fiscal year. The cooperative agreement funds are intended to
support one cooperative agreement over an 18 month period. The
recipient of the award will be selected through the competitive
solicitation process.
Background
History
In the early 1990's the Prisons Division of the National Institute
of Corrections made a commitment to a leadership development curriculum
that would enhance the ability of women for executive level positions
in corrections. Although some women were in mid-level management and
executive positions, the gains realized during the previous 20 years
seemed to be slowing. Noting the under-representation of women in
executive positions NIC awarded a Cooperative Agreement to develop a
competency-based executive leadership training program for women. The
development of the program was divided into two phases: Needs
assessment and curriculum design; and a pilot presentation. The program
was originally designed for senior level women working in state
departments of corrections. It quickly expanded to include professional
women from jails and community corrections. Since the development of
the core program, additional ``phases'' or training events have been
added to further enhance the long-term development of the graduate and
her contribution to her agency.
Curriculum Design
The curriculum design for Executive Leadership for Women was
developed as a competency model based on research done with
correctional visionaries and women in senior positions in correctional
leadership. The administration of several assessment instruments
created findings that formed the development of the competencies.
Through one such instrument, Strategic Directions Questionnaire,
correctional leaders identified 10 competencies as essential to a
commissioner's future leadership
[[Page 21781]]
effectiveness. From this, a Correctional Leadership Competency Model
was developed. In this original research for the program 48 directors
of corrections participated.
In addition, twenty women in correctional leadership positions
(directors, deputy directors and regional directors of corrections)
completed the Leadership 360\TM\ questionnaire, a competency assessment
instrument, which was used in conjunction with the Correctional
Leadership Competency Model to identify the areas in which women most
needed leadership development.
The three largest gap areas--strategic, communication and
consensual--were given particular emphasis in the design of the
training. All ten competencies were used in the development of the
curriculum. Participants attending the program receive Leadership
360TM feedback, which includes a profile of the individual
gap scores against the Correctional Leadership Competency Model.
A brief description of the phases offers an overwiew of the goals
throughout the process. Classes are small, ranging from 20-22
participants. Participants return a year after the first five day
program for the Phase II program, a three day event.
Phase I: Executive Leadership
This five-day program focuses on leadership development. A number
of assessments, including the Leadership 360TM feedback, are
combined with experiential activities and simulations to help
participants gain understanding of their own behavior and leadership
effectiveness. The program is highly individualized.
Phase II: Strategic Leadership
At the recommendation of Phase I participants, NIC funded a three-
day follow-up training. Phase II emphasizes strategic thinking, the
leaders' role in challenging and encouraging change within the
organization, and the use of persuasion and consensual skills for
managing change.
Phase I and II program participants overlap, thereby creating
opportunities for the two classes to network and further build
leadership capacity on a national level.
Phase III: Organizational Leadership
Note: Redevelopment of Phase III is not within the scope of this
cooperative agreement activity.
With Phase III, NIC extended its leadership program to directors of
corrections. Partnerships between Phase I and II participants and their
directors are the cornerstone in building organizational competency.
Phase III is focused on the dynamics of the organization, especially
the use of innovative problem-solving, and the role of the executive
team in creating effective vehicles for systemic change.
Scope of the Project
The National Institute of Corrections is interested in ideas the
applicant may present that will maximize the opportunity to update the
program content based on current research on women's leadership
development. Applicants are encouraged to become not only familiar with
the existing program model but also to explore a variety of program
models that may enhance the existing program.
The work of this project will result in:
A. Background Summary for Women's Leadership Development Program
Development of a brief, research-based written overview that
identifies the benefits of offering a program specific to women's
leadership development. This document should include a review of
leadership education principles or concepts as they apply to women's
leadership development.
B. Curriculum Revision
Review of current Executive Leadership Training curriculum and the
development of revised material or design model through one of the
following ways:
Existing Model With Enhancements
A review and update of the curriculum based on work being
done by NIC on leadership competencies that will include an update of
the research originally done to support the Correctional Leadership
Model as well as recommendations from the information gathered during
the course of this cooperative agreement.
Introduction of a New Model
A review and update of the curriculum using a competency
based leadership education model that can be modified to be corrections
specific for women in senior management as well as recommendation from
the information gathered during the course of this cooperative
agreement.
Either approach to program design must include the following:
A continuation of a two phase program design with an
increased emphasis on project work and the use of technology as a tool
to strengthen the application of program goals during the calendar year
between the two phases.
A program design that includes an increased emphasis on
coaching and mentoring as an executive skill with practical
applications.
An updated participant manual and a faculty companion
manual.
C. Training Evaluation Model
Recommendation for a training evaluation design for prospective use
which will be developed in consultation with NIC and the provider of
the NIC Cooperative Agreement, ``Documentation of the Impact of NIC
Executive Leadership Training for Women.''
D. Site Selection
Selection of site for Phase I program delivery. An important
component to the success of the previous programs has been the
effectiveness of the learning environment. The site description or
recommendations included within the application of this cooperative
agreement will be a consideration in the selection criteria. The
learning environment must be a site that is conducive to outdoor
experimental activities; individual quiet work; and provide space for
small group break out space. The recommended site should be located
within a one hour drive from a major airport.
E. Program Delivery
Delivery of Phase I in the summer of 2002 is a part of this
agreement. Traditionally offered in June, the delivery of this program
may be delivered between the months of June and September of 2002 to
assure adequate program development time. The delivery of the Executive
Leadership Training Program, Phase I includes preparation of program
material, setting the agenda for and hosting a faculty planning
meeting, negotiating faculty contracts and coordination of all on site
logistics. Participant and faculty travel is managed and funded
separately by NIC. Participant lodging and meals are funded within this
agreement based on government per diem.
Required Project Activities
A. Identification of women's leadership training programs in the
private or public sector to provide background for further
understanding of the role of such programs in Executive Leadership and
to review various models.
B. If an award has been made, attendance of the primary team
members at the June 20-24, 2001 class
[[Page 21782]]
at the Searles Castle in Salem, New Hampshire to allow for a more in
depth orientation to the current program and to participate in a focus
group with graduates and the provider for the ``Documentation of the
Impact of NIC Executive Leadership Training for Women.'' (If an award
has not been made by that date, one team member, preferably the project
director, from the top three applicants will be invited at NIC's
expense to observe aspects of the program.)
C. Initial meeting with NIC, the current provider of the training,
and the awardee of the Cooperative Agreement, ``Documentation of the
Impact of NIC Executive Leadership for Women'' for an overview of
program's history, development and current goals. This commitment may
be met under item B above, if a final award has been made.
D. All activities necessary to meet the goals under Scope of
Project. Inclusion of a person on the project team with recent
experience in developing leadership programs for and/or conducting
training for executive women is desirable.
E. Collaborating with NIC and the awardee of the cooperative
agreement entitled ``Documentation of the Impact of NIC Executive
Leadership Training for Women,'' announced in the February 2001 Federal
Register. This collaboration will be for the purpose of sharing
information for program development.
Authority: Public Law 93-415.
Funds Available: The award will be limited to $120,000 (direct and
indirect costs) and project activity must be completed within 18 months
of the date of award. Participant and faculty travel for the delivery
of Phase I is not included in the funding for this project. This
project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Prisons Division.
Funds will be allocated for fiscal year 2001, at $40,000 and fiscal
year, 2002 at $80,000.
Application Requirements: The successful applicant will propose a
project approach that will ensure accomplishment of each of the stated
desired outcomes under the section Scope of the Project within this
announcement. The applicant will assure that the project team offers
technical expertise in the areas of program development, leadership
education specific to the development of women in leadership, and
administrative capabilities to coordinate all logistical requirements
of the project. The project staff identified must indicate a
willingness to the commitment of time necessary to complete the project
plan.
The success of the work under this project is critical to the
further development of NIC's leadership series for executive women.
This announcement is running concurrently with the NIC cooperative
agreement entitled ``Documentation of the Impact of the NIC Executive
Leadership Training for Women.'' Successful applicants for each of
these related projects must be willing to work in collaboration to
provide for coordinated information sharing in the curriculum
refinement goals of NIC. The NIC Program Manager will be responsible
for assuring adequate opportunities for coordination.
Deadline for Receipt of Applications: Applications must be received
by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2001. They should be addressed to:
Director, National Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street, NW.,
Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534. Hand delivered applications should be
brought to 500 First Street, NW., Washington, DC 20534. The front desk
will call Bobbi Tinsley at (202) 307-3106, extension 0 for pickup.
Addresses and Further Information: A copy of this announcement,
application forms, and information on the current NIC Executive
Leadership Training for Women Program may be obtained through the NIC
web site: http://www.nicic.org (click on ``Cooperative Agreements'').
If a written copy is needed contact Judy Evens, Cooperative Agreement
Control Office (1-800-995-6423 ext. 44222 or (202) 307-3106 ext. 44222,
e-mail at [email protected].) All technical and/or programmatic questions
concerning this announcement should be directed to Andie Moss, at 320
First Street, NW., Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534 or by calling 800-
995-6423, ext. 30485, 202-307-3106, ext. 30485, or e-mail:
[email protected].
Eligibility Applicants: An eligible applicant is any State or
general unit of local government, public or private agency, educational
institution, organization, team, or individual with the requisite
skills to successfully meet the outcome objectives of the project.
Review Considerations: Applications received under this
announcement will be subjected to an NIC 3 to 5 member Peer Review
Process.
Number of Awards: One (1).
NIC Application Number: 01P04. This number should appear as a
reference line in your cover letter and also in box 11 of Standard Form
424.
Executive Order 12372: This program is subject to the provisions of
Executive Order 12372. Executive Order 12372 allows States the option
of setting up a system for reviewing applications from within their
States for assistance under certain Federal programs. Applicants (other
than Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments) should contact
their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), a list of which is included
in the application kit, along with further instructions on proposed
projects serving more than one State.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.603)
Dated: April 25, 2001.
Morris L. Thigpen,
Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 01-10759 Filed 4-30-01; 8:45 am]
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