Partnership Program for Polytechnic Universities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region | Apply Online

FAQs: Partnership Program for Polytechnic Universities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a U.S. Embassy Baghdad public diplomacy grant called the Partnership Program for Polytechnic Universities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. It is designed to build practical, job-oriented higher education capacity in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by linking U.S. higher education institutions with Kurdish polytechnic universities.

What is the main goal of the program?

The core goal is to strengthen technical and vocational higher education so graduates are better prepared for real labor market needs. The partnership is expected to improve how polytechnic universities are managed, what and how they teach, and how they connect to employers and industry demand.

Which Iraqi institutions are included?

The program focuses on three polytechnic universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Erbil Polytechnic University, Sulaimaniyah Polytechnic University, and Dohuk Polytechnic University, including their branch institutes and satellite campuses.

What kinds of U.S. institutions can be involved as partners?

The program is intended to link Iraqi polytechnic universities with U.S. higher education institutions, particularly U.S. colleges or community colleges, and potentially other U.S. higher education partners.

How many awards are expected under this opportunity?

Funding is expected to support a single award, subject to the availability of funds.

What is the funding amount for the award?

The anticipated award ceiling is up to USD 400,000, and the published award floor is also listed as USD 400,000 (subject to available funds).

How long is the period of performance?

The period of performance is about 12 months, beginning around mid-September 2014.

What activities are expected during the 12-month period?

The grant period covers planning, assessment, training delivery, participant orientation, any exchange components (if included), and closeout evaluation.

Where are activities expected to take place?

Activities are primarily expected to take place in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region through hands-on training sessions and seminars. A U.S.-based training or exchange component is optional if the budget allows.

Is there an assessment required at the start of the project?

Yes. Early in the grant, the awardee is expected to conduct an in-person assessment visit to the three polytechnic universities and relevant stakeholders, coordinating closely with U.S. Embassy Baghdad and the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil.

What happens after the assessment visit?

Based on the assessment, the awardee is expected to help negotiate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the U.S. and Iraqi institutions and then implement a practical action plan informed by identified needs.

Are memoranda of understanding (MOUs) part of the program design?

Yes. The solicitation specifically anticipates that the awardee will help negotiate MOUs between the U.S. and Iraqi institutions following the initial assessment.

What kinds of technical or programmatic topics are encouraged?

The technical content is intended to be driven by identified needs, with a clear workforce preparation focus. Examples mentioned include curriculum review and development aligned with employer demand, career preparation services, improved university administration, modern teaching methods (including English language teaching techniques), and mechanisms to connect industry and academia through advisory structures.

Can one U.S. institution partner with all three Iraqi polytechnic universities?

Yes. While multiple U.S. partners are allowed, the solicitation notes that, given the short timeframe, one U.S. institution may partner with all three Iraqi polytechnics.

Who serves as the main coordinator for the partnership?

The awardee serves as the central coordinator and point of contact among the Iraqi universities, the U.S. partner institution(s), and U.S. government stakeholders.

What logistical responsibilities does the awardee have?

Responsibilities include planning and delivering participant orientation, managing logistics for U.S. expert travel to the Kurdistan Region for assessments and trainings, and potentially arranging travel for Iraqi faculty or administrators to the United States if the proposal includes a U.S. component.

Is a U.S.-based exchange component required?

No. A U.S.-based training or exchange component is described as optional and contingent on whether the budget allows.

What monitoring and evaluation expectations are included?

The awardee must conduct regular monitoring and evaluation, submit progress evaluations on a schedule set in the grant, and organize a closing session to capture lessons learned, assess results, and prepare participants to continue follow-on activities independently.

Where might the closing session take place?

The closing session may take place in the United States if a U.S. component is included; otherwise, it is organized as part of closeout activities as described in the grant expectations.

Is cost sharing required?

Cost sharing is strongly recommended. It may include allowable direct and indirect costs, but it must be documented and auditable under federal requirements.

What registrations or identifiers are needed before funds can be disbursed?

Applicants must have the identifiers needed for U.S. federal awards, including a DUNS number and a CCR or CAGE-related registration, before funds can be disbursed.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations (including those meeting 501(c)(3) standards), internationally based nonprofits, low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs), and academic or other institutions where profit is not the primary motive.

What experience or capacity must applicants demonstrate?

Applicants must show a track record in education and partnership delivery, including experience administering higher education programs (especially linkage or partnership programs). They must also demonstrate the ability to operate in Iraq directly or through active local partnerships.

Are language capabilities mentioned as an expectation?

Yes. A specific capacity expectation is the ability to work in both of Iraq's national languages, Arabic and Kurdish.

How do applicants submit an application?

Applications are submitted using the Public Diplomacy Grants Program Application form (available through grants.gov or by request) and are emailed to ErbilPublicAffairs@state.gov.

What is the application deadline?

The stated deadline is September 1, 2014, by 5:00 pm Baghdad time (noting that an earlier closing date had been extended).

What must be included in the application package?

Applicants must complete all sections of the application and include resumes for key personnel, such as the Project Director.

How soon will applicants be notified after submitting?

The posting indicates applicants can expect notification within about 30 days after submission.

Can the Embassy change the proposed project design or budget?

Yes. The Embassy notes it may adjust project design, budgets, or participant numbers based on program needs, funding availability, and coordination with the applicant.

Will the U.S. government pay for proposal preparation costs?

No commitment is made to cover proposal preparation costs. The announcement states the U.S. government is not obligated to fund proposal preparation costs.

Is the U.S. government obligated to fund any or all proposals?

No. The announcement states the U.S. government may reject any or all proposals.

Does this opportunity imply future funding beyond the award?

No. The announcement states it is not committing to any future funding beyond the award.

How will proposals be evaluated?

Proposals are evaluated by the Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants Committee using three main criteria: (1) the strength and relevance of the implementation plan (including clarity, substance, originality, alignment with stated goals, and likelihood of sustainable long-term impact), (2) organizational capacity (including past performance, especially in Iraq, and suitability of key personnel and U.S. partner institution(s)), and (3) a realistic, well-justified budget consistent with allowable cost principles.

How involved will the U.S. Embassy and Consulate be during implementation?

The Embassy and Consulate retain substantial involvement, including approving partnership themes and fields, approving participant selections, approving the U.S. partner institution(s), reviewing assessments and MOUs, and monitoring progress through ongoing communication and possible site visits.

What is the policy or legal framework referenced for this program?

The program is framed as supporting stronger U.S.-Iraq ties and advancing the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, with grantmaking authority rooted in the Fulbright-Hays Act (Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961), emphasizing mutual understanding and long-term educational and cultural cooperation.

Who can be contacted for additional information?

The primary contact listed is ErbilPublicAffairs@state.gov (with an individual grants specialist contact also referenced in the posting).