Advancing U.S.-Oman Partnerships

Overview

U.S. Embassy Muscat’s Public Affairs Section invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, professional, and scientific ties between the United States and Oman through programming that highlights shared values, strengthens people-to-people ties and institutional linkages, and promotes bilateral cooperation. Competitive proposals should focus on at least one of the grant priority areas outlined below. Proposals that do not address one of the grant priority areas outlined below will not be considered for funding. All proposed programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives.

Grant Priority Areas:  

• Cultural and Artistic Exchange: Programs that highlight shared cultural heritage, support artistic collaboration, or promote mutual appreciation through music, art, literature, or other creative expressions.  These initiatives may also include efforts to preserve and revitalize cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. 
• English Language and Education: Initiatives to enhance American English language skills, improve teaching methodologies, and foster collaboration between educational institutions in the U.S. and Oman. 
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Development: Programs that encourage innovation, support small business development, promote workforce readiness, and enhance trade relations with the United States. 
• STEM and Innovation: Projects that promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, foster innovation, and facilitate joint research and technological collaboration with the United States or American companies. 

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise (3-page) statement of interest designed to clearly communicate projects idea and objectives.  This is not a full proposal and will not result in a federal assistance award at this step. 

The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit project ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application.  Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their project idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.  The Department of State will consider applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. 

Priority Region: Oman