A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Africa Regional Services based in Paris (ARS) of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs announces an open competition for U.S. citizen individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to be considered for a small grant as a guest speaker or artist to conduct outreach activities that enhance the understanding of the United States in sub Saharan Africa. ARS Speakers generally give professional lectures, seminars, as well as, artistic and cultural workshops and masterclasses. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise one-page statement of interest designed to clearly communicate their area of expertise, credentials, and language ability and attach a CV or resume. The purpose of the SOI is to allow applicants to submit their credentials for consideration of inclusion on ARS’ roster of available speakers who will collaborate with U.S. embassies and consulates in sub-Saharan Africa to reach target audiences. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be notified of their inclusion on the ARS roster. The second step begins once names are included on the roster. The second step is the selection by staff of ARS and Embassies and consulates for a specific program and is based on specific objectives, audience, and subject matter. All programs must include U.S. elements such as materials, case studies, or cultural elements that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Objectives Africa Regional Services is pleased to announce that funding is available for virtual, and in-person programs when sanitary conditions allow. This is a Statement of Interest outlining our priorities, themes, and the procedures for submitting your candidacy as a speaker. Programs must be led in French, Portuguese, or Spanish. Speakers and artists demonstrate cultural cooperation between the U.S. and sub-Sahara Africa and indicate the strong transatlantic relationship of our people. Priority Program Areas: Disability rights and awareness and inclusion Freedom of Expression/Citizen Journalism Countering Gender Based Violence Good Governance/Rule of Law Human Rights LGBTI News Media Business Management Journalism skills and World Press Freedom NGO/Civic Leadership Racial and Ethnic Diversity Transparency and Accountability Public Management Entrepreneurship and Innovation Countering Disinformation Countering Violent Extremism Cybersecurity Preventing International Trafficking in Persons Energy Security Wildlife Protection/ Illegal fishing/ judicial aspects of wildlife trafficking STEAM (science technology engineering arts and math) Youth Empowerment Women’s Leadership Arts Management Climate Change Space policy Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions Environment and waste management Participants and Audiences: ARS in coordination with U.S. embassy public affairs sections in sub-Sahara Africa seek to engage the public, decision-makers, civil society leaders, and opinion-shapers at all levels of society with the goal of broadening support for, and understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 1-12 months Number of awards anticipated: 20-75 awards depending on amounts and requests Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $10,000 Total available funding: $80,000 Type of Funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt. The source of funding is FY21 Public Diplomacy Funding. Anticipated program start date: March 1, 2021 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant Program Performance Period: Once selected by an Embassy, programs should be completed in 12 months. Names can remain on the ARS roster for up to 5 years. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION Eligible Applicants American citizen individuals who can lead programs within their area of expertise in French, Portuguese, or Spanish based in the U.S., Africa, Brazil and Europe Proof of citizenship by U.S. passport; U.S. green card holders if part of a performing artist group For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. Other Eligibility Requirements Applicants may submit one SOI. Individuals are required to have a Social Security Number in order to comply with Internal Revenue Services reporting requirements. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Applicants should email their SOI and CV or resume to
[email protected] E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Criteria Each SOI will be evaluated on a rolling basis and rated on level of subject matter expertise of the applicant, prior experience as a speaker or trainer, and language ability. Second step selection will be based on the objectives and audience needs of the specific program designed by the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy or Consulate in sub-Saharan Africa. Review and Selection Process A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible SOIs. All eligible SOIs will be reviewed on a monthly basis. SOIs are reviewed individually against the criteria and not against competing SOIs. Applicants should expect to hear from ARS whether or not s/he is placed on the roster within one month of submitting the SOI and CV/resume. Following selection for a program, any successful SOI applicants will be contacted and instructed to submit full applications. A full application will include: SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) for individual or organization exempted from registering in SAM. Required Registrations Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION Administrative and National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions: Before submitting the SOI, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply if a full proposal application is requested and awarded, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the SOI application process, please contact:
[email protected]