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English for Mission Contacts (EFMC) Grant Opportunity - FAQs

1) What is the English for Mission Contacts (EFMC) grant?

The EFMC grant is a U.S. Embassy Baghdad funding opportunity for an organization to design and run an English-language training program for Iraqi counterparts who regularly engage with U.S. Mission offices. The goal is to strengthen practical English communication used in real professional coordination with the U.S. Mission in Iraq.

2) Who is the funder for this opportunity?

Funding is issued by the U.S. Mission to Iraq (U.S. Embassy Baghdad) under a discretionary grant mechanism within the Education activity category.

3) What is the main purpose of the program?

The central purpose is to improve the English communication skills of key Iraqi interlocutors (who are not Embassy employees) so day-to-day coordination and longer-term cooperation with the U.S. Mission becomes easier, more effective, and more sustainable.

4) How does EFMC connect to broader U.S. goals in Iraq?

The program is framed as supporting U.S. Mission priorities in Iraq and the broader Strategic Framework Agreement goals by strengthening professional communication capacity among important contacts.

5) Who are the intended participants?

Participants are Iraqi counterparts who regularly engage with U.S. Mission offices. They are nominated by U.S. Mission offices because the Embassy interacts with them routinely and expects to continue interacting with them in the future.

6) Are participants U.S. Embassy employees?

No. The opportunity specifies that the participants are not Embassy employees.

7) What type of English instruction is expected?

The program focus is practical, skills-based English instruction tailored to real professional needs and job-related communication requirements.

8) Does the program need to serve different proficiency levels?

Yes. A major emphasis is responsiveness to varying ability levels and differing professional contexts. The implementer is expected to assess proficiency, group students appropriately, and deliver instruction that matches beginner-to-advanced levels as well as professional communication needs.

9) What outcomes are expected for participants?

The expected outcome is that participants can communicate more confidently and accurately in English in ways that support their professional development and improve collaboration with the U.S. Mission over time.

10) What is the funding amount for this grant?

The announcement lists an estimated total funding amount of $300,000. Both the award ceiling and the award floor are shown as $300,000, indicating the Embassy anticipated a single award at that amount (subject to funds being available).

11) Does the announcement suggest one award or multiple awards?

Because both the award ceiling and award floor are listed as $300,000, the posting indicates the Embassy anticipated a single award at that amount, subject to funds availability.

12) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

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

13) What type of award mechanism is expected?

The text references a cooperative agreement expectation, which typically implies substantial involvement or ongoing coordination with the U.S. government during implementation.

14) What does the cooperative agreement expectation imply for implementation?

Based on the description provided, it suggests ongoing coordination with the U.S. government during implementation, such as alignment on participant nomination processes, reporting, oversight, and program adjustments.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with U.S. 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.

16) Are U.S. universities eligible to apply?

No. The eligibility statement excludes institutions of higher education.

17) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. The opportunity notes a cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants would be expected to contribute some portion of the program value through cash or in-kind support, consistent with the terms in the full announcement.

18) Where were applicants directed to find full details?

Organizations interested in applying were directed to the Embassy Baghdad grants opportunities page for full details.

19) Who was the point of contact for questions or submission issues?

The opportunity lists the Embassy Grants Specialist, Muhiba Rabejanova, as the contact for access issues, general questions, and application submissions.

20) When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date was June 8, 2015.

21) What was the application deadline?

Applications were due by close of business in Baghdad, Iraq time on July 8, 2015.

22) Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on August 7, 2015.

23) What time zone applied to the submission deadline?

The deadline was defined as close of business in Baghdad, Iraq time.

24) What kinds of responsibilities does the implementer need to be prepared for?

Based on the description, the implementer should be prepared to assess participant proficiency, group students appropriately, tailor instruction to professional contexts, and coordinate with the U.S. Mission (including nomination alignment and reporting/oversight expectations associated with a cooperative agreement).

25) How were participants selected for the training?

Participants were nominated by U.S. Mission offices because they are individuals with whom the Embassy regularly interacts and expects to continue interacting in the future.