Security Studies Course | Apply Online

Security Studies Course Grant (MRFP15-07): FAQs

What is the Security Studies Course grant opportunity (MRFP15-07)?

It was a discretionary U.S. government public diplomacy funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Mission to India through the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai. The opportunity supported the creation of a structured security studies offering in western India higher education.

Who offered this grant?

The opportunity was offered by the U.S. Mission to India through the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, as part of U.S. public diplomacy programming.

What was the main purpose of the grant?

The core purpose was to help fill a gap in western India higher education by supporting the creation of a dedicated, structured international security studies program. The announcement emphasized the need to develop the next generation of thinkers and practitioners focused on foreign policy and international security as India becomes more active in regional and global affairs.

Why did the announcement say this program was needed?

The opportunity noted that Mumbai already has strong professional education options (such as management and engineering), but that India also needs deeper academic and practical capacity in foreign policy and international security. It referenced examples of India taking on more international responsibilities, including evacuating citizens from Yemen and providing assistance to Nepal after the April 2015 earthquake, as indicators of growing demand for security and policy expertise.

What kind of program was the grant intended to create?

The program envisioned a one-year certificate program in international security studies, designed and launched through a formal partnership between a U.S. university and an Indian university.

What type of partnership was expected?

A formal partnership between a U.S. university and an Indian university was expected to jointly design and launch the certificate program in international security studies.

What characteristics were preferred for the U.S. university partner?

The ideal U.S. partner was described as an institution with an established, recognized security studies program or a proven track record of building security studies curricula.

How was the U.S. government expected to be involved in the project?

The award was structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. government anticipated being actively involved in the project rather than only providing funding.

What enrichment or add-on activities were mentioned?

The U.S. Consulate General Mumbai planned to add value, when feasible, through enrichment activities such as guest lectures. These could draw on visiting speakers, U.S. officials, and subject-matter expertise from the Consulate and Embassy.

What broader goals did the opportunity describe?

In addition to supporting academic program development, the opportunity described a broader goal of strengthening U.S.-India educational ties and better preparing emerging Indian scholars and professionals to operate in a changing environment where India is increasingly influential in regional and global security matters.

What was the funding mechanism for this award?

The opportunity was to be awarded as a cooperative agreement.

What was the funding activity category and CFDA number?

The funding activity category was Education under CFDA 19.040 (Public Diplomacy Programs).

How many awards were expected to be made?

The opportunity expected to make a single award.

How much funding was available?

The estimated total funding level was $50,000.

What were the minimum and maximum award amounts?

The award ceiling was $50,000 and the award floor was $40,000.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was stated in the opportunity description provided.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and U.S. nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than universities).

Was this an active opportunity or has it ended?

Based on the information provided, the notice was later archived on August 19, 2015, indicating it is no longer active.

When was the opportunity posted?

The notice was posted on May 19, 2015.

What was the application deadline?

The closing deadline was July 20, 2015.

When was it archived?

It was archived on August 19, 2015.

What was the point of contact for questions or access issues?

The point of contact listed was the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai Public Affairs Officer.

How could applicants contact the point of contact?

The contact route provided was via the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai main phone number: +91 22 2672 4000.

What did the opportunity say about accessing the full announcement?

For access issues or questions about the full announcement, applicants were directed to contact the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai Public Affairs Officer through the main phone number listed.

What geographic focus was implied by the announcement?

The opportunity framed its rationale around addressing a gap in western India higher education, with Mumbai specifically referenced through the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai and the discussion of existing strengths in Mumbai-based professional programs.