Space Pavilion at Science Fair

Funding Opportunity Title: Space Pavilion at Science Fair Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-MOROCCO-FY23-08 Deadline for Applications: May 12, 2023 Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 Total Amount Available: $25,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Morocco is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to manage Embassy Rabat’s Space Pavilion at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication’s Science Fair taking place in November 2023 for ten days. This would be a U.S. Embassy branded space-themed booth that will consist of an interactive exhibit that showcases the wonders of the universe and the latest advancements in space technology. All program activities should have a strong American focus and should include U.S. models, examples, and precepts. The pavilion will feature engaging displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that showcase the latest advancements in space technology and the wonders of the universe. From virtual reality to building your own mini-rocket, visitors of all ages will leave the pavilion with a deeper appreciation for the cosmos and a greater understanding of U.S. leadership in this field. In addition to the pavilion, workshops and public talks delivered by U.S. speakers and USG alumni of STEM programs will be organized on the margins of the festival. Priority Region: Morocco Proposed Themes: The space pavilion will cover various aspects of space exploration, including: - The history of space exploration - Recent NASA achievements and advancements in the field - The solar system and celestial bodies - Astronaut training and life in space - The role of telescopes and observatories (James Webb Telescope) - The importance of international collaboration in space missions Potential Activities/Features: To create an immersive experience for visitors, below are potential activities and features of the space pavilion: - Interactive activities about space exploration, the solar system, and celestial bodies - Virtual reality (VR) simulations of spacewalks and planetary surface exploration - A mock-up of a spacecraft cockpit, allowing visitors to experience the role of an astronaut. - A scaled-down version of a Mars rover with remote control features for visitors to operate - Telescope demonstrations and live streaming of images from observatories around the world - Public talks and workshops with space experts and alumni of State Department programs. Target Audience: The pavilion is designed to cater to a diverse range of visitors, including: - General public: The booth will be accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, providing information and activities that can be enjoyed by everyone, including individuals with physical disabilities. Visitors will gain insight into the world of space exploration and its significance, regardless of their prior knowledge. - Students and youth: A key focus of the pavilion will be to inspire young visitors and students. The activities and learning experiences will be tailored to make complex concepts more approachable and foster a curiosity for space and related sciences. - Educators and teachers: The pavilion will serve as a resource for educators and teachers, providing them with ideas and materials to incorporate space-themed lessons into their classrooms. Teachers will be able to explore the different activities and gather ideas to engage their students in the world of space exploration. - Aspiring space professionals: Visitors with a keen interest in pursuing careers in the space industry will find the pavilion particularly beneficial. They will have the opportunity to interact with experts, explore the various facets of space exploration, and gain a deeper understanding of the field. - Space enthusiasts: The pavilion will cater to space enthusiasts who are passionate about learning more about the universe and the advancements in space exploration. These visitors will appreciate the detailed information, VR simulations, and live interactions with experts that the pavilion offers. Program Objectives: 1- To provide a fun and educational experience that teaches visitors about space, astronomy, and the latest advancements in space technology. 2- To inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers by showcasing the possibilities of space exploration and discovery. 3- To engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds and foster a deeper appreciation for science. 4- To promote public engagement and understanding of science, particularly in the field of space and astronomy. The implementer must be able to carry out the following: - Project design and preparation: The Recipient will define, in consultation with the U.S. Embassy, the project scope, main outcomes and outputs including audience profiles. The Recipient will conduct research to identify the space-related themes, technologies, and activities that will be showcased at the pavilion. All program activities should have a strong American focus and should include U.S. models, examples, and precepts. - Staffing and Pavilion Management: Hire and train staff to manage the pavilion, including scientists, educators, and volunteers who have expertise in space and astronomy. Ensure that staff members are knowledgeable, engaging, and prepared to answer visitors' questions. The recipient will also identify organizations, institutions, or individuals who will be involved in participating or managing the pavilion, and establish partnerships and collaborations as needed. - Promotion and Outreach: Promote the space-themed pavilion to potential visitors and media outlets through social media, email campaigns, press releases, and other marketing channels. Provide information about the pavilion's activities, hours of operation, and location, and invite visitors to participate. - Implementation and Evaluation: Implement the space-themed pavilion during the science festival and collect data on visitor engagement, satisfaction, and learning outcomes. Use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of the pavilion and identify areas for improvement in future iterations. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: Six to nine months Number of awards anticipated: One award Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $25,000 Total available funding: $25,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: July 2023 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. U.S. Embassy staff will: Review and approve implementation timeline which should include specific milestones and deadlines for each stage. Provide standardized logos/branding guidelines for promotional materials. Review and approve marketing materials and participation in promotional activities of the pavilion, and the use of the U.S. Mission’s social media platforms and media contacts. Review and approve the design of the pavilion. Review and approve trainers/speakers’ recruitment and selection. Assist in identifying and contacting alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, representatives of U.S. companies, and U.S. Mission personnel as potential speakers or trainers. Review and approve proposed activities and activity/workshop topics and formats. Review and approve the metrics that will be used to measure the success of the pavilion and ensure that these metrics are clear, measurable, and aligned with the project goals and objectives. Review and approve any partnerships or collaborations that have been established to support the projects. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in nine months or less. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants: The following organizations are eligible to apply: · Only Moroccan associations and committed and organized civil-society organizations having started SAM registration and experience executing youth STEM programs will be eligible to receive funding. For-profit, commercial entities, U.S. organizations, and NGOs are not eligible to apply. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost-share is not required; however, if provided, please detail whether the cost-share is through in-cash or in-kind contributions and the approximate dollar amount. Cost-share will not be included in the criteria for evaluation. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Submit all forms as PDFs in electronic format to [email protected] no later than April 8, 2023, at midnight. All questions about this NOFO should be addressed to: [email protected] For full details of this funding opportunity, please review the NOFO document under "related documents"