A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Morocco is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a space-themed summer camp for youth ages 15-18 that offers hands-on learning opportunities for 30 Moroccan participants to explore and discover the world of space science and technology. The camp's curriculum will include activities such as model rocket building and launching, stargazing and astronomy, planet and solar system studies, and visits to observatories and science centers. Additionally, the camp will provide lectures and workshops led by scientists, engineers, and other experts in the field to help the participants understand the science behind space exploration. The camp will also provide an opportunity for the participants to interact and socialize with other space enthusiasts, and to develop teamwork and leadership skills. The camp will have a strong participation of trainers with a connection to the United States, application of U.S. models, or approaches typically applied in the United States. The overall goal of this camp is to inspire, educate, and empower young Moroccans to pursue their interests in space exploration and technology, and to support their development as future leaders in STEM fields. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Morocco Program Objectives: 1. Inspiring interest in space science and technology: The camp aims to foster a love of space exploration and learning among the campers, and to encourage them to pursue further education and careers in related fields. 2. Developing teamwork and leadership skills: The camp should provide opportunities for campers to work together in teams to solve problems, develop projects, and complete tasks. This can help to build leadership skills, communication skills, and other important social and emotional competencies. 3. Fostering personal growth and development: The camp should create an environment that is safe, inclusive, and supportive, where campers can develop new skills, build confidence, and broaden their professional networks. 4. Encouraging environmental awareness: The camp should promote an awareness of the importance of protecting the planet and its natural resources and encourage campers to think critically about environmental issues and solutions. 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 participants’ profiles. The recipient will also handle all project logistics including venues, camp dates, facilitators, trainers, and volunteers. - Call for applications: The Recipient will advertise the application to participate using social media and direct engagement and outreach through their own youth networks. The Recipient will also develop and implement a competitive recruitment process to select the 30 participants. - Design of training: The Recipient will develop the curriculum and design the camp activities to ensure a high-quality learning experience for the participants. This may involve research into best practices for science education and youth development, as well as collaboration with experts in the field of space science and technology. The curriculum should be tailored to the interests and abilities of the campers and should provide a balance of hands-on learning activities and classroom instruction. Additionally, the camp should be designed to promote safety, inclusivity, and a positive learning environment for all participants. - Program delivery: The Recipient will organize a six-day summer camp. This will involve overseeing the logistics of the camp, such as arranging for facilities, equipment, and supplies needed for the activities, as well as recruiting and training camp staff to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants. The implementer will also manage the day-to-day operations of the camp, including scheduling and coordinating activities, providing guidance and support to campers and staff, and ensuring that the program is running smoothly and according to plan. Additionally, the implementer should be prepared to handle any unexpected challenges or issues that may arise during the course of the camp and should be able to adapt the program as needed to ensure the best possible experience for the campers. - Monitoring and evaluation: The Recipient will develop a monitoring and evaluation plan. This M&E plan will consist of pre-camp and post-camp surveys to measure the impact of the program on the beneficiaries in consultation with PAS. - Sustainability: The Recipient will develop a sustainability plan to maintain close contact with participants and provide mentorship to the beneficiaries and include them in future events. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that use a mix of interactive activities and learning experiences to help participants develop their skills. All proposals should contain a proposed syllabus covering the title and content of sessions and how each relates to the overall program objectives. Proposals should also include a detailed explanation of how applicants will be recruited and a description of how program activities will bring about the intended results. All program activities should have a strong American focus. Curriculum modules should include U.S. models, examples, and precepts. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 3 to 6 months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $30,000 Total available funding: $30,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: June 2023 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. U.S. Embassy staff will: a. Provide standardized logos/branding guidelines for promotional materials. b. Review and approve marketing materials and participation in promotional activities of the program, and the use of the U.S. Mission’s social media platforms and media contacts. c. Review and approve selection of the camp venue. d. Review and approve participant and trainer recruitment and selection plans. e. 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. f. Review and approve proposed program speaker and trainer rosters and activity/workshop/site visit topics and formats. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 6 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 with full SAM registration and experience executing youth STEM programs will be eligible to receive funding. - U.S. organizations and NGOs are not eligible. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. 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.2 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 30, 2023, at midnight. All questions about this NOFO should be addressed to:
[email protected] Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will not be reviewed. 1. Content of Application · All documents are in English. · The proposal should be $25,000-$30,000. · Acquisition of a UEI number and a SAM.gov registration is required. · The project should not have an intended start date before May 2023. · All proposals must adhere to the policy explained in the Space-Themed Summer Camp Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) including the “eligibility requirements.” Please review these requirements carefully. The following documents are required and the first 6 can be found on our website: · SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance) · SF424A (Budget Information) · SF424B (Assurances) · Project Narrative Form (in English) · Applicant Organizational Information Form · Detailed proposed program · Budget Proposal (in USD) (please use $1 = 10 MAD as exchange rate) · CVs for Director and key project personnel (you provide) · Final registration papers for the organization (وصل نهائي) (you provide) 2. Registrations All organizations applying for this grant should apply for a UEI number and a SAM.gov registration at the time of application. Both are free of charge. The DUNS number and NCAGE code (if not applying for Department of Defense funding) are no longer required for federal assistance applications. 1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Before applying, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: · 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT · 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION · 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS · 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) · 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY · 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS · U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS