Opportunity Information: Apply for SCAKAB 15 CA 007 SCA 04152015
Apply for SCAKAB 15 CA 007 SCA 04152015
- The U.S. Mission to Afghanistan in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Operations of the Kabul Educational Advising Center (KEAC) locations in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar e Sharif" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.501 Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 7, 2015 and posted on Apr 16, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 1, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $1,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Eligibility is open to all types of applicants except for 1) individuals and 2) government entities. Please refer to Section D for funding restrictions. Organizations may sub contract with other entities, but only one entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SCAKAB 15 CA 007; also referenced as SCA 04152015) was issued by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul under CFDA 19.501, Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan. It seeks one implementing organization to manage and operate the Kabul Educational Advising Center (KEAC) network, which includes three physical locations in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar e Sharif. The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the selected recipient would not work independently in a hands-off grant arrangement, but instead would carry out the program in close coordination with the U.S. Embassy, specifically through joint management with the Embassy's Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer.
The core purpose of the project is to sustain and deliver EducationUSA-style educational advising services for Afghan students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States. The program is expected to provide practical advising and training that helps prospective students understand U.S. admissions processes, identify suitable institutions and programs, and prepare competitive applications. Alongside advising, the opportunity emphasizes test preparation and related support activities, reflecting the real-world needs of students navigating standardized testing and application requirements.
Beyond getting students to U.S. schools, the opportunity also highlights a career-development dimension. The KEAC centers are expected to provide career mentoring and job-search skills training for students both before they depart for studies and after they return to Afghanistan. This component points to a broader public diplomacy and workforce development objective: helping participants translate educational experiences into employability and professional contribution at home, rather than limiting the center's role to admissions advising alone.
Operationally, the recipient is expected to continue day-to-day operations at all three sites and ensure consistent service delivery across locations. The announcement specifies that, in addition to educational advising and test preparation courses, the awardee must provide testing services and ensure that advising activities are conducted by certified EducationUSA advisors. That requirement signals an expectation of quality control and alignment with established EducationUSA standards, including trained staff who can deliver accurate, ethical, up-to-date guidance on U.S. higher education.
In terms of timing, PAS anticipated a start date of about October 1, 2015, with operations running through about October 1, 2017 for the base period. The planned period of performance is 24 months, with an option for an additional 12-month extension (option year one), bringing the potential total duration to three years if the option is exercised and performance and funding support continuation.
The funding level is substantial for a single-award public diplomacy education activity. The opportunity anticipated one award, with an estimated total funding amount of $1,000,000. The stated award ceiling is $1,000,000 and the award floor is $800,000, indicating the Embassy expected proposals to fall within that range depending on the proposed approach, staffing, and operational plan. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, so applicants were not required to commit non-federal matching funds as a condition of eligibility or competitiveness.
Eligibility is relatively broad but with two explicit exclusions: individuals and government entities are not eligible to apply as prime recipients. Other organization types could apply, consistent with the "Others" category referenced in the notice, and applicants were directed to review Section D for any additional funding restrictions. The solicitation allows subcontracts or partnerships, but it makes clear that only one organization may serve as the prime recipient. If sub-awards or subcontracting are proposed, the roles and responsibilities of each participating entity must be clearly described in the proposal so the Embassy can assess accountability, management structure, and how services will be delivered across the three cities.
Key administrative dates in the public posting show it was posted on April 16, 2015, with a closing date of June 1, 2015 (the original and current closing dates match), and it was archived on July 1, 2015. The agency is listed as the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan. For access issues or administrative questions, the point of contact named in the announcement is Javier Pareja, Grants Manager in the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
Overall, the opportunity is designed to keep a three-site educational advising and career mentoring platform running in Afghanistan under close Embassy collaboration, with a clear emphasis on U.S. study advising, standardized test preparation and support, provision of testing services, and delivery by certified EducationUSA advisors, all funded through a single cooperative agreement award within the stated budget range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SCAKAB 15 CA 007. The opportunity is also referenced as SCA 04152015.
Who issued this grant opportunity?
This opportunity was issued by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, listed under the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan.
What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is under CFDA 19.501, Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The project is intended to sustain and deliver EducationUSA-style educational advising services for Afghan students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States.
What program or network is the awardee expected to manage?
The selected implementing organization is expected to manage and operate the Kabul Educational Advising Center (KEAC) network.
How many KEAC locations are included, and where are they?
The KEAC network includes three physical locations: Kabul, Herat, and Mazar e Sharif.
What type of award is expected (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
The award is structured as a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
It means the recipient is expected to carry out the program in close coordination with the U.S. Embassy rather than operating independently in a hands-off grant arrangement. The announcement describes joint management with the Embassy, specifically through coordination with the Embassy's Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer.
How many awards are anticipated?
The announcement anticipated one award (a single implementing organization as the prime recipient).
What is the estimated total funding amount?
The estimated total funding amount is $1,000,000.
What are the award ceiling and award floor?
The award ceiling is $1,000,000 and the award floor is $800,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
What services are KEAC centers expected to provide?
The centers are expected to provide EducationUSA-style educational advising and training related to U.S. higher education, including practical guidance to help students understand U.S. admissions processes, identify suitable institutions and programs, and prepare competitive applications.
Does the opportunity include standardized test preparation?
Yes. The opportunity emphasizes test preparation and related support activities to reflect students' needs around standardized testing and application requirements.
Are testing services required as part of this award?
Yes. In addition to advising and test preparation courses, the awardee must provide testing services.
Are there staffing or credential requirements for advisors?
Yes. The announcement specifies that advising activities must be conducted by certified EducationUSA advisors.
Is career development included in the scope of work?
Yes. The opportunity includes a career-development component, expecting KEAC centers to provide career mentoring and job-search skills training for students both before they depart for studies and after they return to Afghanistan.
Is the program only about getting students admitted to U.S. schools?
No. While U.S. study advising is a core focus, the opportunity also highlights career mentoring and job-search skills training to support employability and professional contribution in Afghanistan.
What is the expected period of performance?
The planned period of performance is 24 months.
Is there an option to extend the award?
Yes. The opportunity includes an option for an additional 12-month extension (option year one), for a potential total duration of up to three years if the option is exercised and continuation is supported by performance and funding.
What start and end dates were anticipated for the base period?
PAS anticipated a start date of about October 1, 2015, with operations running through about October 1, 2017 for the base period.
Who is eligible to apply as the prime recipient?
Eligibility is described as relatively broad, but the notice explicitly states that individuals and government entities are not eligible to apply as prime recipients.
Can multiple organizations apply together?
Subcontracts or partnerships are allowed, but only one organization may serve as the prime recipient.
If sub-awards or subcontracting are proposed, what must be included in the proposal?
The roles and responsibilities of each participating entity must be clearly described so the Embassy can assess accountability, management structure, and how services will be delivered across the three cities.
When was the opportunity posted, and what was the closing date?
The opportunity was posted on April 16, 2015. The closing date was June 1, 2015 (the original and current closing dates match).
When was the opportunity archived?
The opportunity was archived on July 1, 2015.
Who is the point of contact for access issues or administrative questions?
The point of contact listed is Javier Pareja, Grants Manager in the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
Which Embassy office is directly involved in program coordination?
The announcement describes close coordination with the U.S. Embassy through joint management with the Embassy's Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer.
What is the overall program emphasis described in the opportunity?
Overall, the opportunity is designed to keep a three-site educational advising and career mentoring platform running in Afghanistan under close Embassy collaboration, emphasizing U.S. study advising, standardized test preparation and support, provision of testing services, and delivery by certified EducationUSA advisors, funded through a single cooperative agreement within the stated budget range.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: U.S. Mission to Afghanistan
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: Summer Research Education Experience Programs (R25)
Previous opportunity: Centers of Excellence in Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Research (CEER) (RM1)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SCAKAB 15 CA 007 SCA 04152015
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SCAKAB 15 CA 007 SCA 04152015) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 2016 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program Apply for HR HRTRP 15 002 Funding Number: HR HRTRP 15 002 Agency: Human Resources Category: Education Funding Amount: $3,600,000 |
| Combating Air Pollution in North India Apply for NDRFP15 05 Funding Number: NDRFP15 05 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Internship training program State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants (STPLG) Program Apply for P15AS00103 Funding Number: P15AS00103 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,640 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD Connections Through Conversations and Culture Conference Support Apply for P15AS00107 Funding Number: P15AS00107 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Strengthening Institutions Program CFDA Number 84.031A Apply for ED GRANTS 042315 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 042315 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD LION FISH INTERNSHIP Apply for P15AS00109 Funding Number: P15AS00109 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success CFDA Number 84.116G Apply for ED GRANTS 042415 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 042415 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Visual Exhibit on Indian Faith and Traditions in America Apply for NDRFP16 02 Funding Number: NDRFP16 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Building the Next Generation of Strategic Thinkers Apply for NDRFP16 03 Funding Number: NDRFP16 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General Kolkata TIP Conclave 5 Fighting Transnational Crime in the Tri Country Border Area Apply for KRFP16 01 Funding Number: KRFP16 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata Hackathon to Counter Gender Based Violence (GBV) Developing a User Centric Sustainable Mobile App Apply for KRFP16 02 Funding Number: KRFP16 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $45,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General Kolkata Emerging Markets Summit to Promote Trade Connectivity Apply for KRFP16 03 Funding Number: KRFP16 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata Strengthening Women s Empowerment and Leadership at the Grassroots Level through Capacity Development Apply for KRFP16 04 Funding Number: KRFP16 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $130,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General Kolkata Empowering India s Youth to Counter Gender Based Violence Apply for KRFP16 05 Funding Number: KRFP16 05 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Strengthening U.S. India Relations Through Jazz Apply for NDRFP16 01 Funding Number: NDRFP16 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| University Scholarship Program (Phase VII) Apply for 268 15 000002 Funding Number: 268 15 000002 Agency: Egypt USAID Cairo Category: Education Funding Amount: $18,000,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Office of Indian Education (OIE) Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs Demonstration Grants for Indian Children Program CFDA Number 84.299A Apply for ED GRANTS 042815 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 042815 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Enhanced Assessment Instruments Grants Program Enhanced Assessment Instruments CFDA Number 84.368A Apply for ED GRANTS 042815 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 042815 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for High School Students Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2015 02 Funding Number: DOS BAGHDAD PD 2015 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Iraq Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2015 03 Funding Number: DOS BAGHDAD PD 2015 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to Iraq Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SCAKAB 15 CA 007 SCA 04152015", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.