Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2014 03
Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2014 03
- The U.S. Mission to Iraq in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for Undergraduate Students" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.021 Investing in People in The Middle East and North Africa.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 9, 2014 and posted on Jun 9, 2014.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 9, 2014. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $1,500,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 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:
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for Undergraduate Students is a U.S. Embassy Baghdad grant opportunity meant to fund one organization to design and run a multi-stage exchange program for Iraqi university students. The central purpose is leadership development: building students skills and mindsets around civic engagement, civic rights and responsibilities, respect for diversity, and practical leadership. A core expectation is that the project includes a substantial U.S.-based exchange component that creates real interaction between Iraqi participants and Americans, with the broader aim of strengthening mutual understanding between the two societies. The program also explicitly supports the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement between the United States and Iraq, and it is authorized under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the Fulbright-Hays Act), which frames exchanges as a tool to deepen international understanding and peaceful relations.
Funding is offered as a cooperative agreement (meaning the Embassy expects to be actively involved rather than simply providing funds and stepping back). The Embassy anticipates making one award, with an award ceiling and estimated total funding of up to $1,500,000, depending on the availability of funds. The award period is expected to start around September 1, 2014, and run roughly 15 to 20 months, covering the full cycle: planning, recruitment, selection, orientations, the U.S. exchange itself, and follow-on alumni and community activities back in Iraq. Cost sharing is strongly encouraged, and applicants are expected to track and document any cost share contributions in line with federal requirements.
Eligible applicants are organizations positioned to manage complex international youth exchange programming. This includes U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, internationally based nonprofits, low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs), academic institutions, and other entities where profit is not the primary motive. Applicants must show a proven record administering youth-focused exchange programs and must have the ability to operate in Iraq either directly or through active partnerships with organizations on the ground. Practical compliance requirements also apply: recipients must have a DUNS number and CCR/CAGE registration in place before funds can be disbursed.
Programmatically, the solicitation asks applicants to propose how they will recruit and select about 100 Iraqi undergraduate students between ages 18 and 24 who have at least one academic year remaining at their university. Participants must be chosen through an open, competitive process and should demonstrate leadership potential and English proficiency. The centerpiece is a four-week program in the United States with strong, structured exposure to American civic life and peers. Suggested activities include time with U.S. host families, academic and leadership training on U.S. campuses, volunteer service with community organizations, and engagement with U.S. youth organizations. The program is designed not only as a short visit, but as an experience that helps participants return home ready to apply what they learned through follow-on projects and alumni engagement.
The Embassy lays out a target timeline for the 2014-2016 cycle: outreach and recruitment beginning in September 2014; selection finalized by January 2015; visa processing from February to May 2015; pre-departure orientation in June 2015; travel to the United States in July to August 2015; debriefing sessions after return from October to December 2015; and alumni activities continuing into February 2016. Applicants can propose their own detailed schedule as long as it includes the summer 2015 exchange window, with the understanding that exact dates may be adjusted by mutual agreement with the Embassy.
Operationally, the implementing organization is expected to handle a wide set of responsibilities. Recruitment must reach all 18 provinces of Iraq and be accessible in both Arabic and Kurdish, which is a significant capacity expectation. The awardee must organize interviews in key locations such as Baghdad, Basrah, and Erbil (and elsewhere as needed), with interview panels that can include program staff, IYLEP alumni, and U.S. Embassy representatives. The organization serves as the main information hub for students and families throughout the process, coordinates with the Department of State on DS-2019 issuance for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, and manages the full logistics chain: supporting travel for visa interviews, booking international and domestic travel, arranging lodging and meals, providing local transportation, and distributing participant pocket money.
The solicitation emphasizes participant safeguarding and risk management. If host families are used (which is recommended to deepen cultural exchange), the awardee must properly screen and brief them and conduct criminal background checks, including checks of the Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Registry, for adult household members. Similar background checks are required for program staff. Beyond screening, the organization must show it has a clear plan to monitor participant safety and wellbeing in the United States, provide appropriate supervision, support cultural adjustment, and offer counseling or problem-resolution pathways when issues arise.
Because this is a cooperative agreement, the Embassy expects to play a hands-on role throughout implementation. The Embassy will review and approve recruitment and publicity materials, application and notification content, and academic training themes, and it retains approval authority over the final participant and alternate selections. Embassy staff may advise on and participate in interview panels and will monitor and evaluate performance through ongoing communication and site visits if needed. The Embassy will also help coordinate visa interview scheduling with the Consular Section, but participation ultimately depends on each student successfully obtaining a J-1 visa.
Applications must be submitted using the Public Diplomacy Grants Program Application form available via Grants.gov (or by requesting it), and proposals and questions are directed to baghdadpdgrants@state.gov. Applicants must complete all application sections and include resumes for key personnel such as the Project Director. The deadline listed is July 9, 2014, and applicants are told to expect a status notification within about 30 days after the deadline. Proposals are evaluated on three main criteria: the quality and feasibility of the implementation plan (including long-term impact and sustainability), the organization s demonstrated capacity and track record (especially in Iraq-related youth exchange work), and a reasonable, detailed budget aligned with allowable federal cost principles. The Embassy notes it can adjust budgets, participant numbers, or configurations based on program needs and funding, and it also makes clear that the announcement does not guarantee an award or any future renewal funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for Undergraduate Students (U.S. Embassy Baghdad Grant Opportunity)
What is this grant opportunity?
This is a U.S. Embassy Baghdad Public Diplomacy grant opportunity to fund one organization to design and implement the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for Iraqi undergraduate students. The program is a multi-stage exchange with a major U.S.-based component and follow-on activities after participants return to Iraq.
What is the main purpose of IYLEP under this grant?
The central purpose is leadership development. The program is intended to strengthen Iraqi students' skills and mindsets related to civic engagement, civic rights and responsibilities, respect for diversity, and practical leadership. A broader goal is to strengthen mutual understanding between Iraqi participants and Americans through real interaction during the U.S. exchange component.
How does the program relate to U.S.-Iraq agreements and U.S. law?
The solicitation states that the program explicitly supports the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement between the United States and Iraq. It is authorized under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the Fulbright-Hays Act), which frames educational and cultural exchanges as a way to deepen international understanding and peaceful relations.
What type of award is being offered?
Funding is offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy expects to be actively involved during implementation rather than only providing funding and stepping back.
How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?
The Embassy anticipates making one award.
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The award ceiling and estimated total funding is up to $1,500,000, depending on the availability of funds.
What is the expected project period and start date?
The award period is expected to start around September 1, 2014 and run roughly 15 to 20 months. The timeframe is meant to cover the full program cycle, including planning, recruitment, selection, orientations, the U.S. exchange, and post-exchange alumni and community activities back in Iraq.
Is cost sharing required?
Cost sharing is strongly encouraged. If cost sharing is proposed, applicants are expected to track and document those contributions in line with federal requirements.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include organizations capable of managing complex international youth exchange programming, including U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, internationally based nonprofits, low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs), academic institutions, and other entities where profit is not the primary motive.
What experience or capacity must an applicant demonstrate?
Applicants must demonstrate a proven record administering youth-focused exchange programs and must have the ability to operate in Iraq either directly or through active partnerships with organizations on the ground.
Are there registration requirements to receive funds?
Yes. Practical compliance requirements apply, including having a DUNS number and CCR/CAGE registration in place before funds can be disbursed.
Who are the intended participants and how many will be selected?
Applicants are asked to propose how they will recruit and select about 100 Iraqi undergraduate students.
What are the participant eligibility criteria described in the solicitation?
Participants are expected to be Iraqi undergraduate students between ages 18 and 24 who have at least one academic year remaining at their university. Participants should demonstrate leadership potential and English proficiency.
How must participants be recruited and selected?
The solicitation requires an open, competitive recruitment and selection process. Recruitment is expected to reach all 18 provinces of Iraq and be accessible in both Arabic and Kurdish.
What is the core U.S.-based component of the program?
The centerpiece is a four-week program in the United States with strong, structured exposure to American civic life and interaction with American peers.
What types of U.S. activities are suggested?
Suggested activities include stays with U.S. host families, academic and leadership training on U.S. campuses, volunteer service with community organizations, and engagement with U.S. youth organizations.
Does the program include activities after participants return to Iraq?
Yes. The program is designed to support follow-on projects and alumni engagement after participants return to Iraq, including debriefing sessions and ongoing alumni activities.
What timeline does the Embassy propose for the 2014-2016 cycle?
The target timeline described includes: outreach and recruitment beginning in September 2014; selection finalized by January 2015; visa processing from February to May 2015; pre-departure orientation in June 2015; travel to the United States in July to August 2015; debriefing after return from October to December 2015; and alumni activities continuing into February 2016.
Can an applicant propose a different schedule?
Yes. Applicants may propose their own detailed schedule as long as it includes the summer 2015 exchange window. Exact dates may be adjusted by mutual agreement with the Embassy.
What geographic coverage is expected for recruitment inside Iraq?
Recruitment must reach all 18 provinces of Iraq and be accessible in both Arabic and Kurdish, which the solicitation frames as a significant capacity expectation.
Where are interviews expected to be conducted?
The awardee is expected to organize interviews in key locations such as Baghdad, Basrah, and Erbil, and elsewhere as needed.
Who may be included on interview panels?
Interview panels can include program staff, IYLEP alumni, and U.S. Embassy representatives.
What communications role does the implementing organization play?
The implementing organization is expected to serve as the main information hub for students and families throughout the process.
What visa-related responsibilities are included?
The organization coordinates with the U.S. Department of State on DS-2019 issuance for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. The Embassy may help coordinate visa interview scheduling with the Consular Section, but participation ultimately depends on each student successfully obtaining a J-1 visa.
What logistics is the awardee expected to manage?
The solicitation describes a broad logistics scope, including supporting travel for visa interviews, booking international and domestic travel, arranging lodging and meals, providing local transportation, and distributing participant pocket money.
Are host families required?
Host families are recommended to deepen cultural exchange. If host families are used, the awardee must properly screen and brief them and conduct required background checks.
What background checks are required for host families?
The solicitation requires criminal background checks for adult household members, including checks of the Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Registry.
Are background checks required for staff?
Yes. Similar background checks are required for program staff.
What participant safety and risk management expectations are described?
The awardee must show a clear plan to monitor participant safety and wellbeing in the United States, provide appropriate supervision, support cultural adjustment, and offer counseling or problem-resolution pathways when issues arise.
How involved will the U.S. Embassy be during implementation?
Because this is a cooperative agreement, the Embassy expects to play a hands-on role. The Embassy will review and approve recruitment and publicity materials, application and notification content, and academic training themes, and it retains approval authority over final participant and alternate selections. Embassy staff may advise on and participate in interview panels and will monitor and evaluate performance through communication and site visits if needed.
How are proposals evaluated?
Proposals are evaluated based on three main criteria: (1) quality and feasibility of the implementation plan (including long-term impact and sustainability), (2) the organization s demonstrated capacity and track record (especially in Iraq-related youth exchange work), and (3) a reasonable, detailed budget aligned with allowable federal cost principles.
Can the Embassy change the budget or program configuration?
Yes. The Embassy notes it can adjust budgets, participant numbers, or configurations based on program needs and funding.
Does this announcement guarantee an award or future renewal funding?
No. The announcement states it does not guarantee an award and does not guarantee any future renewal funding.
How do organizations apply?
Applications must be submitted using the Public Diplomacy Grants Program Application form available via Grants.gov (or by requesting it). Applicants must complete all application sections and include resumes for key personnel such as the Project Director.
Where should questions be sent?
Questions and proposals are directed to baghdadpdgrants@state.gov.
What is the application deadline and when should applicants expect to hear back?
The deadline listed is July 9, 2014. Applicants are told to expect a status notification within about 30 days after the deadline.
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