U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo is offering the Dominican-U.S. Higher Education Network Building Grant

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Overview:

The Dominican-U.S. Higher Education Collaboration Network aims to strengthen academic ties between Dominican and U.S. universities through faculty workshops, joint training projects, and degree programs.

Objectives:

• Collaboration Enhancement: Foster partnerships and regular communication between Dominican and U.S. universities.
• Training: Enhance teaching, research, and administrative skills through workshops and training sessions.
• Promotion of U.S. Collaboration: Highlight the benefits of collaborating with U.S. universities and share success stories.

Key Components:

1. Assessment of Dominican Universities: Evaluate existing partnerships and identify opportunities for further internationalization.
2. Workshops and Training: Offer in-person and virtual workshops on internationalization and best practices.
3. Promotion of Exchange Programs: Facilitate dialogue for student and faculty exchanges and provide visa process information.
4. Online Collaboration Platform: Develop a platform for communication and resource sharing.
5. Networking Events: Organize events to connect representatives from D.R. and U.S. universities.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Track program success and collect feedback for improvement.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

• Performance Period: 12-18 months
• Number of Awards: 1
• Funding Type: FY24 Fulbright Hays Public Diplomacy Funds
• Completion Period: 18 months or less

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants:

• U.S. and Dominican not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and NGOs.
• U.S. and Dominican public and private educational institutions.

Cost Sharing:

Not required, but encouraged.

Other Requirements:

Organizations must have an active registration on www.SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Application Package:

Available on the U.S. Embassy website.

Submission Requirements:

• Format: Proposals in English, budgets in U.S. dollars, single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Documents Required:
• Application Forms: SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B
• Summary Page: Cover sheet with program details.
• Proposal (10 pages max): Detailed description of the program, including objectives, activities, and evaluation plan.
• Budget Justification Narrative: Detailed explanation of budget expenses.
• Attachments: CVs of key personnel, letters of support, NICRA (if applicable), permission letters, and SAM.gov registration.

Submission Dates:

Applications are due by August 29, 2024.

Submission Method:

Email all materials to SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Criteria:

• Program Idea Quality and Feasibility (25 points)
• Organizational Capacity (25 points)
• Ability to Achieve Objectives (15 points)
• Budget (10 points)
• Monitoring and Evaluation (15 points)
• Sustainability (10 points)

Review Process:

Evaluated by a Grants Review Committee.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Award Notices:

Grant agreements will be administered by the Grants Officer. No obligation for additional funding beyond the awarded amount.

Payment Method:

Recipients receive payments based on immediate cash needs. Up to 20% of the total is withheld until final reports are submitted.

Reporting Requirements:

Financial and program reports are required as specified in the award document.

G. OTHER INFORMATION

Budget Guidelines:

• Personnel: Wages, salaries, and benefits.
• Travel: Travel and per diem costs.
• Equipment: Items with a useful life over one year costing at least $5,000.
• Supplies: Necessary items and materials.
• Contractual: Goods and services acquired through contracts.
• Other Direct Costs: Miscellaneous expenses directly associated with the program.
• Indirect Costs: Overhead costs if no NICRA is available, claim at 10% de minimis rate.
• Cost Sharing: Contributions from the organization and partners.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Not allowed.

Further Guidance:

Review Federal Standard Terms and Conditions and OMB Uniform Guidance.

H. CONTACT INFORMATION

For Questions:

Email SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov.