Planning for Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Syria | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Planning for Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Syria

1) What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Planning for Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Syria".

2) What type of funding mechanism is this?

This is a cooperative agreement, which indicates a hands-on partnership with the U.S. Department of State rather than a simple pass-through grant.

3) What is the main purpose of the project?

The central purpose is to lead a major research and planning effort that produces thorough and credible documentation of the current condition of cultural heritage sites across Syria, identifies current and emerging threats, and lays out practical preservation needs and priorities.

4) What kinds of deliverables or outputs is the project expected to produce?

Based on the description provided, expected outputs include:

• Documentation describing the current condition of heritage sites across Syria
• Analysis identifying present and emerging threats to those sites
• Forward-looking preservation plans and recommendations
• Prioritized short-term and long-term safeguarding actions

5) Is the project focused on implementing preservation work or planning for future work?

The project is primarily a research and planning effort. It is intended to generate recommendations for safeguarding actions that could be pursued later as separate projects, particularly when security conditions and funding allow, including in a post-conflict context.

6) Why is this documentation and planning work important?

The resulting documentation and planning outputs are meant to function as an authoritative reference to:

• Raise awareness inside Syria and internationally about risks to cultural heritage
• Help governments, donors, and implementing partners identify realistic preservation projects
• Support decisions about assistance options that could be undertaken now where possible, or later during recovery and reconstruction

7) How many awards are expected to be made under this opportunity?

Only one award is expected.

8) What is the funding amount for the award?

The funding amount is fixed at $600,000. The award floor and the award ceiling are both $600,000.

9) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants must contribute nonfederal resources consistent with the terms in the full announcement.

10) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. In other words, qualifying U.S. nonprofit organizations may apply, but universities and colleges are not eligible under this listing.

11) What government offices are involved in administering this program?

The program is within the U.S. Department of State, specifically the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (Office of Press and Public Diplomacy), in collaboration with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Heritage Center.

12) What is the statutory authority for this opportunity?

The underlying statutory authority listed is the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961 (Public Law 87-256).

13) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NEA-PSHSS-14-001.

14) How is this opportunity categorized in the listing?

It is categorized as discretionary funding, and the activity category is labeled Disaster Prevention and Relief.

15) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 19.021, titled Investing in People in the Middle East and North Africa.

16) What level of coordination is expected with the Department of State?

The selected organization is expected to coordinate closely with the Department of State throughout the project, maintain regular communication, and share updated findings on an ongoing basis.

17) When was the opportunity posted?

The announcement was posted and created on March 13, 2014.

18) What is the application deadline?

The listing shows an original closing date of April 16, 2014, and a current closing date listed as April 15, 2014.

19) When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity archive date is May 16, 2014.

20) Who should be contacted for substantive questions about the opportunity?

For substantive questions, the contact listed is Andrew Cohen, Senior Cultural Property Analyst at the Cultural Heritage Center (ECA/P/C). Correspondence should reference the opportunity title and the funding opportunity number (NEA-PSHSS-14-001).

21) Are there any restrictions on communication after the submission deadline?

Yes. The announcement notes that after the submission deadline passes, Cultural Heritage Center staff may not discuss the competition with applicants until the proposal review is complete.

22) Who should be contacted for technical difficulties accessing the full announcement?

For technical difficulties accessing the full announcement, the contact listed is Lavenia Holland, Program Analyst.

23) Is this opportunity intended to support multiple organizations or a single lead organization?

It is designed to support a single U.S.-based nonprofit organization to lead the research and planning effort.

24) What is the geographic focus of the work?

The project is focused on Syria, specifically cultural heritage sites across Syria.

25) What does the opportunity say about timing for on-the-ground implementation?

The recommended safeguarding actions are framed as work that could be pursued later as separate projects, especially when security conditions and funding allow, including during recovery, reconstruction, or a post-conflict context.