Department of State- Embassy of the United States, Amman, Jordan
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Program Office: Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Amman
Funding Opportunity Title: Creating Pathways to University Partnerships
Announcement type: Grant
Funding Opportunity Number:
Deadline for Applications: June 12, 2016
CDFA number: 19.021- Investing in the people of the Middle East and North Africa
A. Program Description:
This pilot project will involve analyzing existing linkages between up to five Jordanian universities and their current U.S partners; outlining the regulatory framework for linkages under current regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education; and creating a roadmap for how up to five Jordanian universities can either further develop existing partnerships or initiate new ones with specific American universities. Substantive linkages can include, but are not limited to: academic exchanges, research partnerships, teaching fellowships, and joint degree programs.
The project will be conducted in two phases as follows:
Phase I: Awardee will review the existing partnerships and models between U.S. and Jordanian universities, identify challenges, and complete a review of the requirements of the Jordanian government for all types of university linkages.
Phase II: In conjunction with up to five selected universities, the awardee will develop clear implementation plans that outline how each of the identified universities can create sustainable partnerships with specific American university partners.
B. Federal Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Award Amount: Estimated funding available for this project is ($100,000). However, the Embassy will consider proposals with a higher budget that present a compelling justification for the expenditure of funds in excess of the estimated amount
Duration of the Award: The timeline of the project will be jointly negotiated by the U.S. Embassy and the selected awardee
C. Eligibility Information:
Eligibility is open to organizations and individuals with appropriate expertise in higher education partnerships and administration. Applicants must have knowledge and expertise in both the U.S. and Jordanian higher education systems. Preference will be given to organizations and individuals with experience implementing similar projects. Proposals should detail a plan to implement the logistics of the project.
D. Application and Submission Information:
All organizations submitting application must have a valid DUNS number and be registered in https://www.sam.gov/SAM/
If your organization would like to submit an application, please complete the following:
– SF-424
– SF424A
– SF424B
– Proposal
– Budget Narrative
For requests and queries, please submit completed grant application forms to the Public Diplomacy Section, Noor AlNoubani, U.S. Embassy, Amman, Jordan (AmmanGrants@state.gov) and (AlNoubaniNA@state.gov).
E. Application Review Information
Criteria and Review/ Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the following:
1. Quality of the program plan: (30 points)
Applications should exhibit originality; Activities should be responsive to the points outlined in this notice of funding opportunity. Program activities should be clearly connected to the desired outcomes and have identified timelines, deliverables, and show an in-depth knowledge of the Jordanian and U.S. educational landscapes.
2. Ability to Achieve the Program Objectives: Applications should clearly demonstrate how the applicant will meet the objectives laid out in this solicitation. Activities should be reasonable and feasible, and the application should clearly detail how activities will be carried out. Objectives should be clear, measurable and have a well-articulated timeline. (30 points)
3. Project Evaluation: Proposal should include a plan to evaluate the activity’s success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program. A draft survey questionnaire or other technique and a description of the methodology to link outcomes to original project objectives are recommended. (20 points)
4. Budget and Narrative Justification: The budget and narrative justification are complete and reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The plan for services and related costs estimates is realistic. (20 points)
A review committee will evaluate the submitted proposals. It will take the committee up to two months to complete its review process. Some applicants may be contacted with questions during this review process.
F. Federal Award Administration Information:
Federal Award Notices: The notice of Federal award is the authorizing document. It shall be written, signed, awarded and administered by the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is the Government Official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Awards are subject to OMB Uniform Guidance: Cost Principles, Audit, and Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Chapter I, Chapter II, part 200, et al.)
Reporting: Reporting requirements will be specified in the Notice if Award documents.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts:
Questions should be directed to the Public Diplomacy Section, Manju Sadarangani:SadaranganiM@state.gov.
