Establishment of an Academic Partnership in Architecture and Heritage Conservation | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this grant opportunity about?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad (Public Affairs Section) to establish a formal academic partnership focused on architecture and heritage conservation management. The central goal is to connect a qualified U.S. educational institution with the National College of Arts, Rawalpindi Campus (NCA Rawalpindi) to strengthen academic programming, institutional capacity, and professional expertise in architectural education and cultural heritage preservation/management.

2) Who is offering the funding?

The funding is offered by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad through its Public Affairs Section (PAS).

3) What type of award is expected?

The award is expected to be made as a cooperative agreement. In general, a cooperative agreement means the U.S. government anticipates being actively involved during the project period rather than simply providing funds without ongoing engagement.

4) Is this a competitive opportunity?

Yes. The opportunity is structured as an open competition, and it is expected that one award will be made.

5) What is the estimated funding amount?

The estimated total funding is up to $1,000,000.

6) What is the anticipated award range?

The anticipated award range is from $750,000 (floor) to $1,000,000 (ceiling).

7) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, so applicants should plan to contribute non-federal resources as part of the proposed budget and overall project design. The summary indicates this contribution may be cash or in-kind, depending on the terms of the full announcement.

8) What is the main purpose of the partnership?

The core purpose is to link a U.S. educational institution with NCA Rawalpindi to strengthen academic programming, build institutional capacity, and expand professional expertise related to architecture and heritage conservation management.

9) Who is the intended partner institution in Pakistan?

The partnership is intended to be established with the National College of Arts, Rawalpindi Campus (NCA Rawalpindi) in Pakistan.

10) What kinds of activities might the project support?

While the summary does not list mandatory activities, it implies activities such as curriculum development, faculty and/or student exchanges, joint studios or workshops, training in conservation methods, and training in heritage conservation management practices. The overall emphasis is capacity-building that strengthens NCA Rawalpindi's ability to teach, research, and engage professionally in architecture and heritage conservation.

11) Does the program have a public diplomacy component?

Yes. Because the opportunity is administered by a public diplomacy office, proposals are likely expected to support people-to-people ties, professional linkages, and longer-term institutional relationships between the United States and Pakistan.

12) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Education.

13) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 19.501, Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. institutions that are nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code.

15) What type of U.S. institution must be the lead and funding recipient?

The lead institution and the funding recipient must be an accredited four-year U.S. college or university.

16) Are there accreditation or field-specific expectations for architecture programs?

Yes. U.S. schools of architecture are expected to be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

17) Are there standards mentioned for U.S. preservation programs?

Yes. U.S. preservation programs should meet the membership standards of the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE).

18) Is this opportunity meant for established academic programs?

Based on the eligibility and field-specific expectations described, the competition is aimed at credible, established U.S. academic programs that can demonstrate institutional capacity and recognized academic quality in architecture and/or preservation.

19) Can proposals be tailored to the U.S. institution's goals?

Yes. The partnership is intended to allow U.S. universities to pursue institutional or departmental objectives in collaboration with NCA Rawalpindi, as long as the proposal clearly advances architecture and heritage conservation management.

20) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SCAPPD 13 CA 091 SCA 05032013.

21) What is the official title of the opportunity?

The title is Establishment of an Academic Partnership in Architecture and Heritage Conservation.

22) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 3, 2013.

23) When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on June 7, 2013.

24) What is the application deadline?

The closing date was extended from the original June 15, 2013 deadline to a current closing date of July 12, 2013.

25) When is the archive date?

The archive date is August 11, 2013.

26) Who can applicants contact for help accessing the full announcement?

Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement were directed to contact Ellen Delage, Afghanistan/Pakistan Program Specialist at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy, via email at DelageEM@state.gov.