Background
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy seeks to extend the reach of the U.S. Mission Uganda’s public diplomacy activities by establishing a mobile programming space (a bus or a truck) to travel to remote areas of Uganda to promote American culture and values. Through a selection of books, periodicals, films, technology, Internet access, and learning activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the mobile programming space will connect Ugandans in underserved areas with educational opportunities and serve as a program venue for U.S. Embassy staff and visiting speakers.
Program Description and Requirements
The mobile platform will conduct programs in six major areas: English language learning, American cultural programs, STEM related learning activities, literacy promotion, and educational activities including educational advising (EducationUSA) in towns and villages throughout Uganda. The mobile platform will closely coordinate programming with U.S. Mission and collaborate on speaking engagements U.S. officials.
The mobile platform staff will have support from U.S. Mission Uganda’s Information Resource Center and Public Affairs Staff, but must be able to operate independently. All materials will be provided by the U.S. Mission; the implementer will be responsible for maintaining the collection and programming.
The target audience for the platform is primary and secondary school students. Other possible audiences include teachers, local government officials, and business and civil society leaders in small towns and villages who do not have access to a public library. While the U.S. Mission will be responsible for determining the overall strategic plan for the platform, the partner organization will provide input in designing the travel and program schedule. The platform must provide least 180 days of programming in a year; the platform should remain in any given site for five consecutive days.
Mobile Programming Space Question & Answer Session Notes
Successful proposals must include the following elements:
- Upon award, a 12 month plan for staffing the mobile platform;
- A 12 month travel and program plan (weekends and national holidays off, and no more than half the operating time inside the Kampala area);
- Suggested curricula and programming activities;
- A sample week-long program;
- Regular communication and coordination plan with Information Resource Center staff;
- A care, maintenance, and security plan for the platform;
- Evidence of partnerships with other organizations.
Funding
The U.S. Embassy will be responsible for:
- Procuring the vehicle
- Purchasing insurance and registering the vehicle;
- Procuring the permanent collection of materials, including furniture, STEM materials, technology and books;
- Procuring and delivering distributable materials.
The partner organization will be responsible for:
- Basic maintenance of the vehicle, including purchase of fuel;
- Staffing the vehicle and associated costs;
- Accurate accounting of all expenses and travel;
- Providing security to ensure the safety of the platform and contents while in the field.
The project proposal should include a detailed budget, including cost-sharing (if applicable) for the 12 month award period.
Application Procedures and Deadline
For proposals to be considered, they must include the following information on the organization’s letterhead:
- Organization contact information;
- Background of organization and project leaders;
- Project narrative;
- Detailed travel, staff, and program plan.
A detailed budget and budget narrative is also required.
Proposals should be submitted via email no later than December 31, 2016 to KampalaGrants@state.gov with the subject “Mobile Program Platform Proposal.”
Questions can be submitted to the same email address. Responses will be posted online to the Embassy’s webpage.
Eligibility
Any registered non-profit, non-governmental organization may submit a proposal. Cost-sharing or matching is encouraged but not required.
Reporting Requirements
The selected organization is required to submit a final report at the conclusion of the project; intermediate reports may also be required as agreed upon by the U.S. Embassy and the selected organization. Additionally, the organization will be subject to monitoring and evaluation, and must submit all financial records to the U.S. Embassy to close out the project.
