Cultural Exchange Program for Capacity Building in Music Education | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity called?

The opportunity is titled the Cultural Exchange Program for Capacity Building in Music Education.

2) Who is offering and administering this grant?

This is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity administered by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

3) What is the main purpose of the program?

The program uses music education as a cultural exchange tool to strengthen human capacity in Turkmenistan and to advance U.S. public diplomacy goals, including deeper people-to-people ties and sustained linkages between U.S. and Turkmen institutions.

4) What type of project is PAS looking to fund?

PAS is seeking proposals to design and run a teaching exchange focused on Western-style music instruction delivered through intensive master classes and training activities for Turkmen students and faculty.

5) What are the core planned activities?

The core concept is a series of two to three consecutive programs, each lasting seven days, where two to four American music educators or professionals travel to Turkmenistan to teach and mentor participants through master classes and related training activities.

6) Where will the activities take place in Turkmenistan?

The exchange activities are intended to be delivered at the Turkmen National Conservatory and the Turkmen State Institute of Culture.

7) Why are these specific host institutions involved?

The activities were shaped by local demand. The two host institutions expressed interest after prior Embassy-supported performances and workshops involving American genres and instruments.

8) When is the project expected to occur?

The exchange is planned for the 2015 to 2016 academic year, spread across late 2015 and early 2016, to allow visiting experts enough time to work meaningfully with emerging musicians.

9) How long is each in-country program segment?

Each program is expected to last seven days.

10) How many in-country programs are expected?

The notice describes two to three consecutive programs (a series), each seven days long.

11) How many U.S. experts are expected to travel for each program?

The concept describes two to four American music educators or professionals traveling to Turkmenistan for each program.

12) Who are the expected participants on the Turkmen side?

Participants are expected to include students and faculty at the Turkmen National Conservatory and the Turkmen State Institute of Culture.

13) What is the intended long-term impact (the "multiplier effect")?

Many participants are expected to become music teachers themselves, extending the impact into music schools across Turkmenistan over the long term.

14) How does this opportunity connect to U.S. public diplomacy priorities?

The opportunity is framed around PAS priorities in Turkmenistan, including expanding access to information and educational opportunities to build capacity across society. It also aims to deepen people-to-people ties, strengthen institutional partnerships, and showcase American values in ways that can counter anti-American sentiment.

15) What strategic framework does the solicitation reference?

The solicitation ties the project to the Embassy's Integrated Country Strategy, specifically Goal 3 (advancing universal values through capacity development, reforms, and accountable governance) and the objective of broadening educational opportunities to strengthen human capacity.

16) How many awards are expected to be made?

Funding is expected to support one award.

17) What is the funding range and maximum award ceiling?

The anticipated award range is $25,000 to $65,000, with a maximum ceiling of $65,000.

18) What is the expected project period?

The award period is expected to last between 12 and 24 months.

19) Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required.

20) Can cost share still help an application?

Yes. Proposals that include non-federal contributions (cash or in-kind) may be viewed as more competitive because they demonstrate commitment and cost effectiveness.

21) What happens if a proposal does not clearly align with PAS goals and objectives?

The announcement states that projects that do not explicitly address PAS goals and objectives will not be considered favorably, so alignment with the strategy and outcomes is central to competitiveness.

22) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (nonprofits other than institutions of higher education).

23) Are institutions of higher education eligible under this notice?

No. The eligibility description specifies nonprofits other than institutions of higher education.

24) Can non-U.S. organizations apply or receive funds directly?

No. Direct funding to non-U.S. entities is not available under this notice.

25) Does PAS encourage first-time U.S. government international program applicants?

Yes. The Department encourages organizations that have not previously received U.S. government international program funding to apply.

26) What kind of experience should applicants be able to demonstrate?

Applicants must show credible expertise in areas such as international cultural exchange, capacity building in music and arts education, music training, and program design and implementation.

27) Are existing relationships in Turkmenistan important?

Yes. Established relationships with cultural institutions or officials in Turkmenistan are considered a plus because activities will be carried out in-country and require coordination with local partners.

28) How must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov only. Submissions by email or other channels are not accepted.

29) What should applicants know about Grants.gov registration?

Applicants are warned to start early because Grants.gov registration can take time and requires completing the necessary registration steps, including DUNS and other federal registration requirements referenced in the notice.

30) What is the application deadline listed in the announcement?

The narrative text lists the submission deadline as September 14, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

31) What is the page limit and formatting for the concept paper?

The concept paper is capped at eight double-spaced pages in 12-point Times New Roman with one-inch margins, not counting required appendices.

32) What forms and core components are required in the application?

Required components include the SF-424 and a 300-word abstract summarizing the need, activities, and expected results.

33) What should be included in the problem statement?

The problem statement should emphasize the need for Western-style music education to build human capacity.

34) What should be included in the goals and implementation plan?

The goals and implementation plan should include performance indicators and a time-task plan.

35) What should be included in the organizational capability section?

This section should describe the management structure and relevant experience.

36) What appendices are required?

Appendices must include a one-page budget and a one-page resume (or position description) for the key staff person, such as the project director.

37) Are letters of intent from local partners required?

No. Letters of intent from active local partners are optional, but they can strengthen an application.

38) How will proposals be evaluated?

Proposals are evaluated using a point-based rubric emphasizing program quality and feasibility. A peer review committee made up of PAS staff and other experts will assess submissions.

39) What are the evaluation scoring categories and points?

The rubric assigns 25 points to the problem statement, 40 points to project goals and the implementation plan, 20 points to organizational capability, and 15 points to appendices.

40) What details matter under the appendices/budget portion of the review?

The review pays specific attention to whether costs are realistic and allowable and whether proposed leadership is appropriate for the role.

41) How is the final award decision made?

Awards are made based on the best value to the U.S. government considering technical merit and cost.

42) What reporting is required if an award is made?

Reporting requirements include program and financial reports after each visit (generally due within 30 days) and final programmatic and financial reports due within 90 days after the project ends.

43) Does selection guarantee future funding?

No. The Department notes that selection does not guarantee future funding, and any extension or additional support would be at the Department's discretion.

44) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA is 19.040 (Public Diplomacy Programs).

45) Who should applicants contact for Grants.gov technical issues?

Applicants with technical issues are directed to the Grants.gov Contact Center.

46) Who should applicants contact for program-related questions?

Program-related questions are directed to the Embassy Public Affairs contacts listed in the notice: Maren Payne Holmes and Maya Meredova.