U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan: U.S. Embassy Bishkek PDS Annual Program Statement (SOI)

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations/individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a project (or projects) to strengthen ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic and support a priority program area (see below) to highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. 

All proposed programs must include an American element, either through a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s, usage of American educational/informational resources, including American English-language teaching resources, or any other activities that promote or contribute to increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of the Kyrgyz Republic. Proposals that propose program activities in rural/remote parts of the Kyrgyz Republic are encouraged. Competitive proposals will promote continued/sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic even after the project concludes.

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 Background, Goals, and Objectives
The PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic and support a priority program area (see below) to highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation.
All proposed programs must include an American element, either through a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s, usage of American educational/informational resources, including American English-language teaching resources, or any other activities that promote or contribute to increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of the Kyrgyz Republic. Proposals that propose program activities in rural/remote parts of the Kyrgyz Republic are encouraged. Competitive proposals will promote continued/sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic even after the project concludes.

Special consideration will be given to proposals which include partnership with Kyrgyz governmental bodies, and to organizations that have a demonstrated track record of implementing these types of partnerships.

PDS invites proposals for programs that support one of the following U.S. Embassy Priority Program Areas:

• Increasing Understanding of U.S. Values and Creativity
• Fostering Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth
• Promoting Accountable Governance and Stability
• Improving English Language Education
• Enhancing Climate Change Resilience and Environmental Protection
• Combating Transnational Threats

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 under this funding opportunity.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

Award Amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $80,000 (approximately)

Number of awards anticipated: Up to 5 awards (dependent on amounts and funding availability)