CRDF GLOBAL
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Deadline: March 20, 2015
Summary:
CRDF Global is seeking three (3) science instructors in (any of) the fields of chemistry, computer
science, engineering, mathematics or physics for a two-week English Language training for non-native
English speaking early career Russian scientists and graduate students. CRDF Global is coordinating an
English for Specific Purposes Training at Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod-National
Research University (UNN) in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia from June 15-26, 2015.
Scientists at an early career stage are encouraged to apply.
Background:
CRDF Global is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and technical
collaboration through grants, technical resources, training, and services. CRDF Global is based in
Arlington, Virginia with offices in Moscow, Russia; Kyiv, Ukraine; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Amman,
Jordan.
CRDF Global's mission is to provide cooperative research and development (R&D) opportunities that
enable scientists and engineers to address critical security, economic, education and other societal needs;
advance peace and prosperity by funding civilian research and development projects that contribute to
global nonproliferation objectives; promote the application of science and technology to economic growth
through international partnerships and trainings that foster invention, innovation, entrepreneurship and the
commercialization of technology; and to strengthen university research and education in science and
engineering.
More information is available at www.crdfglobal.org.
Scope:
The English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Program
Advances in modern science and technology occur on a global scale. English is widely used at
conferences, in publications and for communication among international scientific and engineering
collaborators. English language skills specific to connecting with and navigating these international
networks are a necessary tool for today’s scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Without these specific
English language skills, it is difficult for scientists to fully develop their capabilities and career potential
in S&T related fields.
CRDF Global develops and implements all aspects of ESP Trainings for today’s S&T professionals,
providing instructors, a specialized curriculum and training materials. Training duration, number of
trainees, differing language levels, and location are all accommodated. Training topics may include how
to present and discuss one’s ideas and priorities; initiate and take part in international collaborations; and
stay current with evolving trends and information and practical experience both reading and producing
material specific to one’s field. Information useful for locating current opportunities within one’s field,
including grants, internships, conference participation and collaborators will also be provided.
2015 English for Specific Purposes Training –UNN
The two-week training is designed to give selected early career scientists and researchers, science
professors and English instructors a mix of English language pedagogy and practice in exchanging
scientific ideas in English, as well as strengthening the universities’ capacities for English language
instruction in the sciences and project management skills for scientific research. Participants will engage
in activities including technical writing and presentation skills. English language instructors from the
university will be introduced to new teaching methodologies enabling them to adapt their curricula for
science and engineering students.
Through the training, CRDF Global aims to provide the participants with a good mixture of English
language exposure and practical experience in exchanging scientific ideas and communicating in English.
During the course of the training, students will attend daily English language and science communication
classes and participate in a mock scientific conference at the end of the training. The conference will
provide students with an opportunity to showcase their newly learned English language skills and practice
presenting scientific material to their peers. Students, teachers, and scientists will also engage in daily
extracurricular activities and social events that will enhance participants’ learning experience and
maximize their interaction with native English speakers.
The training will take place June 15-26, 2015 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. U.S.-based staff will depart
from the U.S. on or around Saturday, June 13, 2015.
Tasks and Deliverables:
Task 1: CRDF Global English for Specific Purposes Training pre-activities.
Prior to the language trainings, the Consultant will develop a course curriculum in conjunction with the
English as a Foreign Language teachers for classes to be taught at the training.
Task 1 Deliverable:
Submit course curriculum plans to CRDF Global staff no later than May 22, 2015.
Task 2: CRDF Global English for Specific Purposes Training activities.
During the language trainings, the Consultant will:
A. Travel to Nizhni Novgorod to serve as an on-site instructor during the training.
B. Teach approximately 7-10 lessons, each to approximately 5 groups of students, over the twoweek training period. The goal of the lessons is not to present new scientific information, but to
engage the students in information they may already know, but in English. This may be through a
combination of journal articles, current events discussions, and study of the history and
philosophy of science.
C. Address participants’ questions and concerns related to science lessons.
D. Participate and lead extra-curricular activities, when appropriate.
CRDF Global Request for Proposal
Page 2 of 4
E. Assist with the organization of a final mock scientific conference and participate in the evaluation
of participants’ presentations.
Task 2 Deliverable:
Submit lesson materials to CRDF Global staff no later than June 1, 2015.
Task 3: CRDF Global English for Specific Purposes Training post-activities.
Following the language trainings, the Consultant will submit a final report detailing the curriculum,
overall impressions from the training and areas for future improvement and development.
Task 3 Deliverable:
Submit final report within 30 (thirty) days after the training (in conjunction with final invoice to CRDF
Global for travel expenses).
Compensation
Travel Expenses: Travel and visa costs, lodging, emergency health/evacuation insurance and per diem for
travel days to/from the training will be provided.
Consultant Fee: An honorarium will be provided. The honorarium base of $1,400 may be increased
commensurate with experience.
Consultant Requirements:
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Strong background in one of the following fields: chemistry, computer science, engineering,
mathematics, or physics.
Native or near-native English language skills.
Availability to be in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia from June 15-26, 2015 (departing U.S. on or
around June 13, 2015).
Overall, Consultants must be energetic, imaginative, flexible and creative. They should be willing to
socialize after class hours, speaking English with Russian students, scientists and professors to enhance
their training experience.
Proposal Requirements:
Each proposal must include:
 Statement of Interest and Technical Capabilities
 Cost proposal
 CV(s)
 List of recent experience in the fields of chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics or
physics
Timetable:
March 20, 2015
March 30, 2015
Applications due
Consultant selection made
CRDF Global Request for Proposal
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April-May, 2015
July 27, 2015
Contract drafting, signing, visa and travel processing, etc.
Contract end date
Consultant Selection Criteria:
CRDF Global will select the Consultant that provides the best value in terms of overall price and
experience. The Consultant should have proven experience working with international students. Other
criteria that will be used to evaluate applicants are:
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Prior experience working internationally preferred.
Previous work with ESP or trainings is a plus.
Teaching experience at the university level. This experience could be as a Teaching Assistant
(TA), an adjunct, or full-time faculty.
Submission:
Please submit your CV with a cover letter to Mary Jo Sterne, Project Manager, at
msterne@crdfglobal.org, no later than 5 pm EDT on March 20, 2015. Proposals should be submitted
as electronic documents in PDF, Word or Excel format, with the title and area of expertise in the subject
line.
CRDF Global Request for Proposal
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