Keeping Research Abroad Alive

Contact: Jessica A. Knoblauch, News Writer for Environmental Science and Policy Program: (517) 432-3823 or knoblau7@msu.edu

December 15, 2006

Faculty and graduate students interested in implementing collaborative international development research and projects around the globe should stop by the Office of International Development (OID) in the International Center. OID helps build links between MSU's various colleges and departments, combining the strengths of MSU's faculty and students with those of colleagues around the world.

OID helps facilitate collaborative research efforts and develop multi-disciplinary projects. Since its inception in January 2000, OID has worked with faculty members and graduate students across campus to help advance MSU as a leader in collaborative international development activities. Currently, MSU has more than 1300 faculty/staff participating in international project/research and development project work, making MSU a leader in international problem solving.

Ellen Bassett, an assistant professor in the Urban and Regional Planning Program, has worked with OID in the past on natural resources management and land tenure in Africa. Recently, Bassett worked with OID to obtain an opportunity to work with the Millennium Challenge Corporation and two other land grant universities to undertake land tenure/property rights-related research. "OID has enhanced MSU's ability to be poised to go after international work and be a player," says Bassett. "As a land-grant university, our mission is to disseminate knowledge and go global with research that can help people. OID makes achieving this mission possible."

Mary Anne Walker, Managing Director of OID, is the go-to person for faculty interested in doing international research or projects. Walker helps faculty find alternative sources of funding for research ideas from foundations, international financial institutions, and international organizations. "Many of our faculty may not be aware that most U.S. government agencies also have an international section that may be a potential source for research/project funding," says Walker.

Walker also seeks out faculty across campus that may be interested in partnering on related research. "This is an important factor in securing support for research/projects. Organizations like to see interdisciplinary, holistic problem-solving that affects livelihoods of many people."

OID also identifies international opportunities for research/projects, including grants/ cooperative agreements, contracts and consultancies. OID solicits foundation support, as well as government agency support, such as the MCC, USDA, State Dept., NIH Fogarty International Center, NSF, and USAID.

A unique contracting mechanism that is sometimes used to secure technical assistance and training needs is the indefinite quantity contract or IQC

IQC's often have 2-3 consortia that are secured for contract for work. Task Orders are bid competitively to this group of pre-approved private-public partners: MSU is a partner with International Resources Group (IRG) in the EPIQ II (environmental policy and institutional strengthening II) IQC and with IRG and Tetra-Tech (a joint partnership) in the WATER IQC. The following is a short-hand process for engaging in one of these task orders:

1. A Task Order Announcement is transmitted to MSU's lead partner in Washington (IRG for EPIQ II or IRG-TetraTech for WATER). This document contains a "Scope of Work" - background information with expertise required to meet specific program needs. It will contain staffing qualifications - such as experience in the region, language proficiency, previous experience-and a timeline and application due date (usually a short turnaournd.)
2. Our lead partner transmits the request and statement of work to MSU with an initial request for an expression of interest of our faculty. OID then searches the International Faculty Database and circulates the Task Order request appropriately. OID then responds back to our prime contractors with a statement of interest.
3. Prime contractors then pull a bid together based on the expressions of interest from all partners. MSU/OID is notified which of our faculty demonstrating interest and capability will be needed along with our partners to ensure the strongest team is put forth. A mini-proposal is drafted, MSU forwards CVs and biodata sheets, outlining the research/project roles our faculty are interested in participating.
4. Proposals are reviewed and Task Orders are awarded.
5. Upon notification of the award, OID works with faculty and departments/Chairs to secure salary savings from project budget commitments, coordinate travel, and other related arrangements.
6. Faculty are then deployed to implement the negotiated program.

Faculty and graduate students interested in learning more about current opportunities for international involvement or have additional questions about OID should visit http://www.oid.msu.edu or contact the office at (517) 432-9184. "These programs are life-changing, especially when you experience how MSUs engagement is improving the quality of life for people around the world," says Walker.