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FAQs: U.S. Embassy Baghdad (PAS) American Corners Logistical Field Support (DOS BAGHDAD PD 2013 07)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity issued by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad through its Public Affairs Section (PAS). It seeks one organization to provide day-to-day logistical field support for nine already-established and fully operational American Corners across Iraq. The Funding Opportunity Number is DOS BAGHDAD PD 2013 07.

What is the purpose of the grant?

The purpose is to keep the existing American Corners network running effectively and consistently across all nine sites by ensuring reliable operations and on-the-ground logistical support under PAS strategic oversight and direction.

How many awards were expected?

The Embassy anticipated making one award, subject to availability of funds.

What type of award mechanism was planned?

The funding was planned as a single cooperative agreement, meaning PAS would remain actively involved in guiding implementation rather than providing a hands-off grant.

What is the estimated funding level and award range?

The estimated total funding level was up to $350,000. The posted award range listed a minimum (floor) of $300,000 and a maximum (ceiling) of $350,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. The opportunity included a cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Who is the issuing agency?

The agency is the U.S. Mission to Iraq, specifically the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad through PAS.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number tied to the opportunity is 19.021 (Investing in People in the Middle East and North Africa).

What activity category was listed for this opportunity?

The activity category was listed as "Information and Statistics."

What are American Corners?

American Corners are U.S.-Iraq collaborative information and program spaces hosted inside Iraqi universities and public libraries. They are designed to introduce Iraqi audiences to U.S. culture and society, expand access to American print and digital resources, and provide a trusted platform for dialogue that helps address misconceptions and misinformation. They also serve as engagement hubs where Iraqis and Americans can connect in person or electronically as part of broader public diplomacy objectives.

How do American Corners relate to U.S.-Iraq cooperation goals?

The Corners reflect cooperation goals under the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, particularly related to strengthening ties in higher education and scientific research.

Where are the nine American Corners located?

The nine Corners are located in Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Tikrit, Maysan, Basrah, Najaf, Mosul, and Dohuk.

Are these American Corners new, or already operating?

They were described as already-established and fully operational at the time of the announcement.

What would the selected organization be responsible for?

The selected awardee would provide day-to-day logistical field support across all nine sites and work under PAS strategic oversight and direction to keep the network operating effectively and consistently.

What operational elements must be ensured at each Corner?

The awardee was expected to ensure each Corner has essential equipment, dependable internet access, adequate digital and hard-copy collections, trained staff, and strong ongoing institutional support from host partners.

What kinds of activities and services do American Corners support?

Each Corner is expected to function as a general resource center and a programming space. Activities can include English language learning and teaching support, advising and information about educational opportunities in the United States, cultural events and discussions, film screenings, speaker programs, discussion groups, digital video conferences (DVCs), and online engagements.

Do American Corners support outreach to alumni of U.S. government exchange programs?

Yes. The Corners play a role in outreach to Iraqi alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, helping keep alumni connected and informed through events and informational programming.

How does the partnership model work between PAS and host institutions?

The model is explicitly a partnership. Host institutions contribute publicly accessible space and dedicated English-speaking staff. PAS supports the Corners with materials, equipment, training, and collaborative planning for programs and engagements. The logistical support award is intended to keep this shared system functioning smoothly across all nine locations.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to nonprofit organizations, including those with 501(c)(3) status and those without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they were not institutions of higher education.

Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?

No. The eligibility statement specified that eligible nonprofit organizations must not be institutions of higher education.

What was the application deadline?

The application deadline was September 2, 2013.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on August 12, 2013.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on October 2, 2013.

Who would oversee or guide implementation after an award is made?

Because the mechanism was a cooperative agreement, PAS would remain actively involved and provide strategic oversight and direction during implementation.

Who was listed as a contact for access issues and inquiries?

The listing referenced a Grants Specialist, Muhiba Rabejanova, with a phone contact provided in the announcement.

How were inquiries supposed to be submitted?

The notice indicated that inquiries must be sent to the specified mailbox listed in the full announcement.