U.S. Embassy Nouakchott, PAS APS FY21

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A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Nouakchott Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in applying for funding for program proposals that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Mauritania through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. PAS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit Statement of Interest (SOI) applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, 2-3 - page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for PAS to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, PAS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. Purpose: PAS Nouakchott invites SOIs for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Mauritania through cultural programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives . Examples of PAS-funded programs include, but are not limited to : · Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; · Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; · Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; · Professional and academic programs; Priority Program Areas: Proposals should be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas: Strengthened Security for Americans and Mauritanians Example projects under this program area could focus on: · Crime and safety awareness · Countering Violent Extremism Increased Opportunity and Reduced Poverty Example projects under this program area could focus on: ·                Entrepreneurship ·                Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) ·                Environmental protection Promoting an Inclusive Society Example projects under this program area could focus on: ·                       Promoting social inclusion ·                       Reducing discrimination in all its forms ·                       Advocacy for inclusive national identity ·                       Cross-Cultural dialogue and understanding ·                       Human rights ·                       Cultural and ethnic diversity Participants and Audiences: The intended target audiences should be culturally and ethnically diverse communities, in particular youth and women within those communities. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: · Programs relating to partisan political activity; · Charitable or development activities; · Construction programs; · Programs that support specific religious activities; · Fund-raising campaigns; · Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; · Scientific research; · Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; · Programs that are not Mauritania-specific; · Programs submitted on behalf of individuals; or · Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: The Statutory Authority for this program is the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding is FY2021 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 1 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 4-8 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $15,000 Total estimated available funding: $80,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2021 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated programs start date: June 2021

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