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The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka is now accepting Concept Notes for the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) fiscal year 2023 competition. The deadline for the announcement to submit the concept notes to the U.S. Embassy is 11:59 p.m. Bangladesh Standard Time on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Submissions received after this date will not be considered. Selected applicants will be asked to submit full project proposals shortly after. AWARD INFORMATION: • Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Cooperative Agreement (as appropriate) • Length of Performance Period: 12 to 60 months • CFDA Number: 19.025 • Ceiling on Amount of Awards: $500,000 per project The AFCP Grants Program supports the preservation of archaeological sites, historic buildings and monuments, museum collections, and forms of traditional cultural expression, such as indigenous languages and crafts. Appropriate project activities may include: · Anastylosis (reassembling a site from its original parts) · Conservation (addressing damage or deterioration to an object or site) · Consolidation (connecting or reconnecting elements of an object or site) · Documentation (recording in analog or digital format the condition and salient features of an object, site, or tradition) · Inventory (listing of objects, sites, or traditions by location, feature, age, or other unifying characteristic or state) · Preventive Conservation (addressing conditions that threaten or damage a site, object, collection, or tradition) · Restoration (replacing missing elements to recreate the original appearance of an object or site, usually appropriate only with fine arts, decorative arts, and historic buildings) · Stabilization (reducing the physical disturbance of an object or site) SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING SITES AND OBJECTS THAT HAVE A RELIGIOUS CONNECTION: The establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution permits the government to include religious objects and sites within an aid program under certain conditions. For example, an item with a religious connection (including a place of worship) may be the subject of a cultural preservation grant if the item derives its primary significance and is nominated solely on the basis of architectural, artistic, historical, or other cultural (not religious) criteria. ELIGIBLE PROJECT APPLICANTS: The Cultural Heritage Center defines eligible project applicants as reputable and accountable non-commercial entities that can demonstrate they have the requisite capacity to manage projects to preserve cultural heritage. Eligible implementers may include non-governmental organizations, museums, educational institutions, ministries of culture, or similar institutions and organizations, including U.S.-based education institutions and organizations subject to Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. INELIGIBLE PROJECT APPLICANTS: The AFCP will not award grants to individuals, commercial entities, or past award recipients that have not fulfilled the objectives or reporting requirements of previous awards. INELIGIBILE ACTIVITIES AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS: AFCP will NOT support the following activities or costs, and applications involving any of the activities or costs below will be deemed ineligible: a. Preservation or purchase of privately or commercially owned cultural objects, collections, or real property, including those whose transfer from private or commercial to public ownership is envisioned, planned, or in process but not complete at the time of proposal submission; b. Preservation of natural heritage (physical, biological, and geological formations, paleontological collections, habitats of threatened species of animals and plants, fossils, etc.); c. Preservation of hominid or human remains; d. Preservation of news media (newspapers, newsreels, radio and TV programs, etc.); e. Preservation of published materials available elsewhere (books, periodicals, etc.); f. Development of curricula or educational materials for classroom use; g. Archaeological excavations or exploratory surveys for research purposes; h. Historical research, except in cases where the research is justifiable and integral to the success of the proposed project; i. Acquisition or creation of new exhibits, objects, or collections for new or existing museums; j. Construction of new buildings, building additions, or permanent coverings (over archaeological sites, for example); k. Commissions of new works of art or architecture for commemorative or economic development purposes; l. Creation of a new or modern adaptation of existing traditional dances, songs, chants, musical compositions, plays, or other performances; m. Creation of replicas or conjectural reconstructions of cultural objects or sites that no longer exist; n. Relocation of cultural sites from one physical location to another; o. Removal of cultural objects or elements of cultural sites from the country for any reason; p. Digitization of cultural objects or collections, unless part of a larger, clearly defined conservation or documentation effort; q. Conservation plans or other studies, unless they are one component of a larger project to implement the results of those studies; r. Cash reserves, endowments, or revolving funds (funds must be expended within the award period [up to five years] and may not be used to create an endowment or revolving fund); s. Costs of fund-raising campaigns; t. Contingency, unforeseen, or miscellaneous costs or fees; u. Costs of work performed prior to announcement of the award unless allowable per 2 CFR 200.458 and approved by the Grants Officer; v. International travel, except in cases where travel is justifiable and integral to the success of the proposed project or to provide project leaders with learning and exchange opportunities with cultural heritage experts; w. Individual projects costing less than US $10,000 or more than $500,000; x. Independent U.S. projects overseas.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Dhaka Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit program proposals that strengthen, expand, and celebrate U.S.-Bangladesh people-to-people ties, institutional linkages, and bilateral cooperation of U.S.- Bangladesh diplomatic ties. PDS invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit project proposals outlining program concepts that reflect these goals. Upon review of the proposals, PDS will invite selected applicants to the merit review process. Please carefully follow all instructions below. PURPOSE PDS Dhaka invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, or professional ties between the people of Bangladesh and the United States. Programs must highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an U.S. cultural element, or connection with an U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. This can also include the involvement of Bangladeshi alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Applicants are encouraged to review the U.S. Mission to Bangladesh Integrated Country Strategy to help develop strong proposals that align with the U.S. government’s priorities in Bangladesh. Examples of PDS-funded programs include, but are not limited to: · Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs; · Capacity-building workshops and training programs; · Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions; · Professional, cultural, and academic exchanges, partnerships, and programs including research collaboration; and · English language programs. Proposed programs should address one or more of the following objectives: · Advancing democratic values through the promotion of human rights, civil society, freedom of expression, press freedom, disability rights, and good governance; · Promoting inclusive economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship, promote economic opportunities and empowerment of underserved communities and youth, and explore the benefits of expanded trading opportunities between the United States and Bangladesh; · Increasing opportunities for Bangladeshi youth from historically marginalized communities (e.g., indigenous, LGBTQIA+, religious minorities, etc.); and · Increasing resilience to disinformation and misinformation through media literacy, fact checking, professional and technical training, and innovative awareness campaigns. Participants and target audiences include, but are not limited to: · Youth and rising leaders (high school and university-level students and entry-level young professionals); · Civil society leaders and non-governmental organizations including grassroots activists, organizers, and community-based and minority-serving organizations; · Journalists, social media influencers, and bloggers; · Business leaders and entrepreneurs; · Established opinion leaders, including cultural and/or educational institution administrators, educators, and government officials; and · Leaders and organizations supporting underserved communities living outside of Dhaka. The following types of programs are NOT eligible for funding: · Programs relating to partisan political activity; · Charitable or development activities; · Construction and infrastructure programs; · Programs that support specific religious activities; · Fundraising campaigns; · Lobbying for specific legislation or programs · Scientific research; · Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; · Programs that duplicate existing programs; · Projects consisting of a single meeting or brief conference; · Projects or events that require participants pay for entrance or participation; and · Projects or events benefitting a for-profit enterprise. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: Up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: Multiple Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $75,000. Total expected available funding: $500,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2023 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated programs start date: Between October 2023 to November 2023 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Cooperative Agreement, or Fixed Amount Award. Cooperative Agreements are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Should the government determine that a cooperative agreement is the appropriate mechanism for a selected project, the U.S. government’s responsibilities will be tailored to the selected project and defined in the pre-award process. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. PDS will entertain 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. ELEGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from Bangladeshi, Bangladesh-based, and U.S. entities: · Registered U.S. and Bangladeshi not-for-profit organizations, including civil society organizations, think tanks, and social, cultural, and educational institutions with programming experience; · U.S. and Bangladeshi non-profit or governmental educational institutions; · U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Non-U.S. based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government entity. For-profit and commercial entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. *For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. 2. Other Eligibility Requirements · In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) along with an active registration in SAM.gov. The UEI will be generated when the organization registers in SAM.gov. Please see pages 6-7 for information on how register in SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. · Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, the submission received closest to and before the deadline will be reviewed. I. Inquiries If you have any questions about the grants application process, please contact PDS at: DhakaGrants@state.gov.

Executive Summary:The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to oversee the administration and activities of the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Services and the Arts (EMK Center). The center is the U.S. Mission’s premier venue for cultural and educational programs, located in the artistic, cultural, and educational hub of Bangladesh’s capital. The EMK Center advances U.S. Public Diplomacy goals in seeking to provide Bangladeshi youth and young professionals with a platform to engage in open discussion, develop critical skills, engage in creative and innovative projects, and build bridges of understanding between the people of Bangladesh and the United States through the exchange of culture, ideas, and values.The recipient organization will be responsible for staffing and operating the EMK Center in close cooperation with the Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Dhaka (PDS). Key program activities under this cooperative agreement include managing Bangladeshi staff with expertise in program management; implementing EducationUSA advising; conducting programs in STEM, videography, photography, and other relevant fields; purchasing and maintaining all technology, equipment, materials, and supplies needed to support in-person and virtual (remote) engagement with Bangladeshi audiences; developing and executing a flexible, dynamic, and diverse monthly program schedule in collaboration with PDS; and encouraging EMK Center visitors to regularly attend Embassy-sponsored activities.Background:The EMK Center is one of more than 600 American Spaces across the world supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State. American Spaces serve to build bridges between the people of the United States and other countries through various programs and events. All American Spaces support five core programs: English language programs, alumni engagement, educational advising on U.S. higher education, cultural programming, and access to information about the United States. The spaces exemplify the U.S. commitment to a core tenet of democracy: the citizen’s right to free access to information.As the largest American Space in South Asia, the EMK Center conducts robust programming aimed at engaging Bangladeshi youth on a wide array of topics, including U.S. history and culture, English language learning, STEM and entrepreneurship, U.S. higher education opportunities, and Department of State exchange programs. Established in September 2012, the EMK Center has been engaging, inspiring, connecting, and empowering Bangladeshi citizens of all ages to better themselves, their communities, and our world.The EMK Center engages and connects both young and established leaders to encourage positive change through public service and volunteerism. The annual programs and activities are designed by the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) and EMK Center, reflecting both countries’ broader mission in establishing an equal and empowered society. Annually, the EMK Center organizes an average of over 500 programs and/or events on topics such as democratic governance, human rights, inclusive entrepreneurship, gender equality, preservation of arts and culture, and STEM education—all while engaging diverse audiences from throughout the country. Each year, the center also oversees a series of thematic campaigns focused on topics such as promoting diversity and inclusion, gender equality, and promoting STEM education. All services and events are free to the public.