Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS TKM 16 GR 001 SCA 002
Apply for DOS TKM 16 GR 001 SCA 002
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Turkmenistan in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 05, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 31, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $80,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
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Opportunity Summary:
This U.S. Department of State grant opportunity, run through the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, funds a cultural exchange program built around circus arts training in Turkmenistan. The core idea is to bring American circus arts professionals to Turkmenistan to teach and mentor local students and working performers through a series of intensive master classes. PAS frames the project as part of its broader public diplomacy strategy: expanding access to educational opportunities, strengthening people-to-people ties, building long-term institutional partnerships, and showcasing American cultural values in a way that supports Turkmenistan-focused U.S. policy goals.
Funding is intended for one multi-phase project, with approximately USD 45,000 to USD 80,000 available and a maximum award ceiling of USD 80,000. The anticipated period of performance is 12 to 24 months. The program model described in the solicitation envisions two to three consecutive seven-day training visits, during which two to four American instructors travel to Turkmenistan to deliver classes in specific disciplines: aerial arts, acrobatic and ground arts, and clown/pantomime. Target participants include students and faculty from the Circus Arts Department of the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, students from the Circus School, and professionals from the State Circus of Turkmenistan. The timeline referenced in the notice places activities across the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 academic years, with stages spread across 2017 to allow sustained engagement rather than a single one-off visit. PAS emphasizes that many trainees are likely to become future instructors or join the State Circus, so the program is designed to create lasting impact by improving local teaching capacity and professional standards.
Eligibility is narrow and U.S.-focused. Applicants must be U.S. not-for-profit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, and the announcement also allows individual applicants who teach circus arts in the specified disciplines. Direct funding to non-U.S. entities is not available under this solicitation, which means foreign organizations cannot be prime recipients, though they may still be involved as local partners or hosts. PAS explicitly encourages proposals from organizations and individuals who have not previously received U.S. Government international program funding, as long as they can demonstrate credible expertise in international cultural exchange, circus arts instruction, capacity building in arts education, and the practical ability to design and run an exchange program. Proposals are viewed more favorably when applicants can show existing relationships with cultural institutions or relevant local officials in Turkmenistan, since that can reduce execution risk and improve coordination on the ground.
Cost sharing is not required, but it can make an application more competitive. PAS notes that in-kind or cash contributions from non-U.S. Government sources can strengthen a proposal because it signals commitment and improves cost effectiveness. In other words, an applicant can apply without match, but offering partner support, donated services, discounted travel, contributed equipment, or other non-federal resources may improve the application’s standing during review.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and the notice highlights that Grants.gov submission depends on completing several registrations in advance (historically including DUNS, NCAGE, and SAM, plus Grants.gov authorization). The solicitation stresses starting early because registration can take up to two weeks. If an applicant cannot download or submit via Grants.gov, the embassy provides an email fallback option, but only if the applicant can certify completion of the required registrations. The closing date listed is August 31, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, and late submissions are deemed ineligible with no exceptions.
The required submission format is a concept paper package capped at 8 double-spaced pages (12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins), not counting appendices. The package must include the standard SF-424 form, a 300-word abstract summarizing need, activities, and results, a problem statement focused on the need for western-style circus arts education to build human capacity in Turkmenistan, a detailed project goals and implementation plan (including performance indicators and a time-task plan), and an organizational capability section describing management structure and relevant experience running circus arts training and outreach. Appendices are tightly controlled: a one-page budget is required and must break costs into standard categories (personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, supplies, consultants/contracts, other direct, and indirect), and a one-page resume is required for a key staff member such as the Project Director (or a one-page position description if not yet named). Up to five one-page letters of intent are optional and should come only from active partners who will have defined roles (and potentially receive funds), rather than general supporters.
Selection is based on a peer review process conducted by PAS staff and other experts as appropriate, with awards made on a best-value basis considering technical merit and cost. The scoring breakdown is clearly stated: 25 points for the problem statement and how well it aligns with PAS and Department of State objectives; 40 points for the goals and implementation plan, including feasibility, measurement of results, quality of timeline, and likelihood that benefits continue after funding ends; 20 points for organizational capability and demonstrated capacity to execute circus arts training programs; and 15 points for appendices, with special attention to budget realism and allowability as well as the suitability of the proposed project leadership. While letters of intent are not required, reviewers may look on them favorably because they show concrete local coordination. The Department also reserves the right to prioritize proposals that strongly support key U.S. Government public diplomacy objectives such as youth engagement, relationship-building, and presenting American cultural values.
Award administration details are typical for State Department assistance awards. The Grants Officer issues and administers the agreement, unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing, and the government is not obligated to fund proposal development costs or to make any award at all. PAS indicates an anticipated notification timeline of roughly 10 days after the submission deadline, though it may request additional information or revisions during the process. Reporting requirements include program and financial reports after each visit to Turkmenistan (due 30 days after the reporting period), and final programmatic and financial reports due 90 days after the project ends. The notice also makes clear that future funding is not guaranteed; any renewal or extension would be entirely at the Department of State’s discretion and dependent on performance and available funds.
For questions, technical issues with Grants.gov are routed to the Grants.gov Contact Center (1-800-518-4726). Program and solicitation questions are directed to the U.S. Embassy PAS contacts in Ashgabat, including the Acting Cultural Affairs Officer, Hannah Weinstein (weinsteinhstdy@state.gov) and Cultural Affairs Specialist, Maya Meredova (meredovama@state.gov), with email listed as the preferred communication method. The opportunity appears in Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number DOS TKM 16 GR 001 SCA 002, CFDA 19.040, administered by the Department of State, U.S. Mission to Turkmenistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is this grant opportunity funding?
This opportunity funds a cultural exchange program centered on circus arts training in Turkmenistan. The model described brings American circus arts professionals to Turkmenistan to teach and mentor local students and working performers through intensive master classes.
2) Who is running this program on the U.S. Government side?
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat (U.S. Mission to Turkmenistan).
3) What are the main public diplomacy goals of the program?
PAS frames the project as part of a broader public diplomacy strategy focused on expanding access to educational opportunities, strengthening people-to-people ties, building long-term institutional partnerships, and showcasing American cultural values in support of U.S. policy goals related to Turkmenistan.
4) How much funding is available?
The solicitation anticipates funding one multi-phase project, with approximately USD 45,000 to USD 80,000 available. The maximum award ceiling is USD 80,000.
5) How many awards are expected?
The notice describes funding for one multi-phase project.
6) What is the period of performance?
The anticipated period of performance is 12 to 24 months.
7) What does the training program format look like?
The solicitation describes a series of two to three consecutive seven-day training visits. During those visits, two to four American instructors would travel to Turkmenistan to deliver intensive master classes.
8) What circus disciplines are specifically included?
The disciplines named in the opportunity are aerial arts, acrobatic and ground arts, and clown/pantomime.
9) Who are the intended local participants in Turkmenistan?
Target participants include students and faculty from the Circus Arts Department of the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, students from the Circus School, and professionals from the State Circus of Turkmenistan.
10) Why does PAS emphasize multiple visits instead of a single event?
The timeline and program model are designed for sustained engagement across multiple stages rather than a one-off visit, with the intent to improve local teaching capacity and professional standards over time.
11) What lasting impact is the program designed to achieve?
PAS notes that many trainees may become future instructors or join the State Circus. The program is designed to create lasting impact by strengthening local instruction capacity and raising professional standards in circus arts education.
12) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is U.S.-focused and limited. Applicants must be U.S. not-for-profit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status. The announcement also allows individual applicants who teach circus arts in the specified disciplines.
13) Can non-U.S. organizations apply directly for funding?
No. The solicitation states that direct funding to non-U.S. entities is not available under this opportunity. Foreign organizations may still be involved as local partners or hosts, but they cannot be the prime recipient.
14) Are first-time U.S. Government international program applicants encouraged?
Yes. PAS explicitly encourages proposals from organizations and individuals who have not previously received U.S. Government international program funding, as long as they can demonstrate credible expertise and the ability to implement the exchange program.
15) What capabilities does PAS expect applicants to demonstrate?
The notice indicates applicants should be able to demonstrate credible expertise in international cultural exchange, circus arts instruction, capacity building in arts education, and the practical ability to design and run an exchange program.
16) Do existing relationships in Turkmenistan matter?
Yes. Proposals may be viewed more favorably when applicants can show existing relationships with cultural institutions or relevant local officials in Turkmenistan, because this can reduce execution risk and support coordination on the ground.
17) Is cost sharing (match) required?
No. Cost sharing is not required.
18) If cost sharing is not required, why mention it?
PAS states that in-kind or cash contributions from non-U.S. Government sources can strengthen a proposal by signaling commitment and improving cost effectiveness, which may make an application more competitive.
19) What kinds of contributions might count as cost share?
The notice gives examples such as partner support, donated services, discounted travel, contributed equipment, or other non-federal resources.
20) How must applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
21) What if an applicant cannot download or submit through Grants.gov?
The embassy provides an email fallback option only if the applicant can certify completion of the required registrations referenced by the notice.
22) What advance registrations are highlighted as important for Grants.gov submission?
The notice highlights that submission depends on completing several registrations in advance, historically including DUNS, NCAGE, and SAM, plus Grants.gov authorization.
23) How early should applicants start the registration process?
The solicitation stresses starting early because registration can take up to two weeks.
24) What is the application deadline?
The closing date listed is August 31, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
25) Are late submissions accepted?
No. Late submissions are deemed ineligible with no exceptions.
26) What is the required narrative submission format?
The required submission is a concept paper package capped at 8 double-spaced pages in 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins, not counting appendices.
27) What standard form is required?
The submission must include the standard SF-424 form.
28) Is an abstract required, and what should it cover?
Yes. A 300-word abstract is required summarizing the need, the proposed activities, and expected results.
29) What should the problem statement focus on?
The problem statement should focus on the need for western-style circus arts education to build human capacity in Turkmenistan.
30) What should be included in the project goals and implementation plan?
The solicitation calls for a detailed project goals and implementation plan that includes performance indicators and a time-task plan.
31) What should be included in the organizational capability section?
Applicants should describe management structure and relevant experience running circus arts training and outreach, demonstrating capacity to execute the proposed program.
32) What appendices are required?
Two required appendices are specified: (1) a one-page budget, and (2) a one-page resume for a key staff member such as the Project Director (or a one-page position description if the person is not yet named).
33) How should the one-page budget be organized?
The budget must break costs into standard categories: personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, supplies, consultants/contracts, other direct, and indirect.
34) Are letters of intent required?
No. Up to five one-page letters of intent are optional.
35) If submitted, who should letters of intent come from?
They should come only from active partners with defined roles (and potentially receiving funds), not from general supporters.
36) How are applications reviewed and selected?
Selection is based on a peer review process conducted by PAS staff and other experts as appropriate, with awards made on a best-value basis considering technical merit and cost.
37) What is the scoring breakdown used in the review?
The solicitation states the scoring as: 25 points for the problem statement and alignment with PAS/Department of State objectives; 40 points for goals and implementation plan (feasibility, measurement, timeline quality, and post-funding sustainability); 20 points for organizational capability; and 15 points for appendices (including budget realism/allowability and suitability of project leadership).
38) Do letters of intent affect scoring?
Letters of intent are not required, but reviewers may look on them favorably because they demonstrate concrete local coordination.
39) Can PAS prioritize certain themes or outcomes?
Yes. The Department reserves the right to prioritize proposals that strongly support public diplomacy objectives such as youth engagement, relationship-building, and presenting American cultural values.
40) Who issues and administers the award?
A Grants Officer issues and administers the assistance agreement.
41) Are applicants reimbursed for proposal preparation costs?
No. The government is not obligated to fund proposal development costs.
42) Is the Department required to make an award?
No. The notice states the government is not obligated to make any award at all.
43) When should applicants expect to hear back after submitting?
PAS indicates an anticipated notification timeline of roughly 10 days after the submission deadline, though it may request additional information or revisions during the process.
44) What reporting is required if an award is made?
Reporting includes program and financial reports after each visit to Turkmenistan (due 30 days after the reporting period), plus final programmatic and financial reports due 90 days after the project ends.
45) Is future funding or renewal guaranteed?
No. The notice states that future funding is not guaranteed; any renewal or extension would be at the Department of State's discretion and dependent on performance and available funds.
46) What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA listing?
The opportunity appears in Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number DOS TKM 16 GR 001 SCA 002 and CFDA 19.040.
47) Who should be contacted for Grants.gov technical support?
Technical issues with Grants.gov are routed to the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.
48) Who should be contacted for program or solicitation questions?
Program and solicitation questions are directed to U.S. Embassy PAS contacts in Ashgabat. The notice lists Acting Cultural Affairs Officer Hannah Weinstein (weinsteinhstdy@state.gov) and Cultural Affairs Specialist Maya Meredova (meredovama@state.gov), and notes that email is the preferred communication method.
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