U.S. Alumni Capacity Building | PAS MOROCCO FY24 06

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): U.S. Alumni Capacity Building (PAS-MOROCCO-FY24-06)

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This is a cooperative agreement grant offered by the U.S. Embassy in Morocco (Public Affairs Office) titled "U.S. Alumni Capacity Building" under the "Alumni Connect" brand. The Funding Opportunity Number is PAS-MOROCCO-FY24-06 and the CFDA number is 19.040.

2) What is the overall goal of the program?

The overall purpose is to strengthen the network of Moroccan alumni of U.S. government exchange programs by improving alumni skills, increasing collaboration across regions and sectors, and building more consistent engagement between alumni and the U.S. Embassy.

3) Who is the target audience and how many people should the project reach?

The project is designed to reach roughly 300 alumni of U.S. Department of State exchange programs in Morocco through a coordinated package of engagement activities during 2024-2025.

4) What is meant by a "year-long package" of activities?

The grant expects an integrated set of connected activities delivered over a 12-month performance period. These activities include data collection (survey and focus groups), trainings, networking events, regional summits, thematic meetups, a youth-focused event, a small grants competition tied to training, mentorship support, and public-facing multimedia content.

5) What are the main required components of the project?

The funded project is expected to deliver multiple connected components, including: an alumni survey and focus groups, capacity-building training (with virtual and in-person elements), a mentorship structure, a small grants competition linked to training, an in-person youth alumni training/networking event in Rabat, two one-day regional alumni summits in two different parts of Morocco, thematic meetups across Morocco, and the creation of alumni leadership multimedia content (videos, photos, audio/podcasts).

6) What is required for the alumni survey and focus groups?

The awardee must run an alumni survey and focus groups to establish a baseline picture of alumni interests, needs, and current engagement levels with the U.S. Embassy and with other alumni.

7) How should the capacity-building training be designed?

The training should be based on what the survey reveals and is described as typically centered on project management or other high-demand topics. The training is expected to include both virtual and in-person elements.

8) How are the training, mentorship, and small grants connected?

The capacity-building training is tied to a small grants competition and a mentorship structure. Participants are paired with senior alumni mentors to support project design and implementation of small-grant projects.

9) What is the youth alumni event and where does it take place?

The program includes a dedicated in-person youth alumni training and networking event in Rabat for recently returned youth alumni. The event includes participation from U.S. Embassy officials and alumni leaders and is intended to keep new alumni connected and build early leadership skills.

10) What are the regional alumni summits and what should they include?

The awardee is expected to produce two one-day regional alumni summits in two different parts of Morocco. These summits should feature exhibits, panels, workshops, and speakers that showcase alumni work, plus a luncheon component involving U.S. government officials.

11) What are thematic meetups and what topics are suggested?

Thematic meetups are gatherings across Morocco that bring together alumni working in specific fields to deepen professional connections, build capacity, and encourage collaboration across different exchange programs and age cohorts. Examples of themes mentioned include environment and tech entrepreneurship.

12) What communications or media deliverables are required?

The grant includes a communications deliverable: creating alumni leadership multimedia content such as videos, photos, and audio/podcasts that elevate alumni achievements and help sustain visibility for the alumni network.

13) What level of implementation capacity is expected from applicants?

Applicants are expected to propose a full package plan with a detailed budget and demonstrate they can handle end-to-end implementation, including program design, logistics, participant engagement, event delivery, and required deliverables like the survey, focus groups, and multimedia content.

14) What logistics and direct support can the budget include?

The project is expected to include logistical support such as transportation arrangements or travel reimbursement, hotel accommodation when needed, event space, meals/receptions, and supplies.

15) What program management tasks are explicitly included in the expected scope?

The awardee is expected to design the training curriculum, recruit and manage mentors, coordinate speakers and program content for events, produce the survey and focus groups, produce multimedia deliverables, implement monitoring and evaluation, and design and implement the small grants program (including solicitation, review, and support for grantee projects).

16) Is monitoring and evaluation (M&E) required?

Yes. A monitoring and evaluation plan is required and must be approved by the Public Affairs Office. The plan should measure impact using pre- and post-surveys as well as qualitative feedback.

17) Who manages and runs the small grants program?

The awardee must design and implement the small grants program linked to the training sessions, including the process for soliciting proposals, reviewing them, and supporting grantee projects.

18) How much funding is available?

Funding ranges from USD 100,000 to USD 200,000. Total funding available is up to USD 200,000.

19) How many awards will be made?

There is an expectation of one award, depending on the final award amount.

20) How long is the performance period and is renewal possible?

The performance period is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years.

21) What type of funding mechanism is this and what does that imply?

This opportunity is a cooperative agreement. That means the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office will be actively involved during implementation, including providing input on participant selection, program content and speakers, and consultation on venues and logistical details.

22) What is the source of funds for this award?

Funds come from FY24 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy resources.

23) When is the anticipated start date and what timeline issue should applicants note?

An anticipated program start date is listed as October 1, 2024. However, the application instructions also indicate the project should not have an intended start date before January 2025. Applicants should align their proposed timeline with the solicitation requirements.

24) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to Moroccan registered associations or NGOs that are nonprofit and either (1) led by alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, or (2) able to show clear experience implementing programs involving alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.

25) Are there U.S. government registration requirements for applicants?

Yes. Applicants must meet U.S. government administrative requirements, including obtaining a UEI and completing full SAM.gov registration (and any related registration steps referenced in the NOFO).

26) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing is not required, and there is no minimum or maximum matching percentage for this competition.

27) When were applications due?

Applications were due Monday, May 6, 2024, by midnight.

28) How must the application be submitted?

Applications must be submitted electronically to Rabatgrants@state.gov.

29) What language and currency requirements apply to the application?

The submission package must be in English, and budgets must be in U.S. dollars.

30) What formatting requirements are specified?

The application must be properly formatted, including page numbering, 8.5 x 11 layout, and specified Word formatting such as single spacing, 12-point Times New Roman, and 1-inch margins.

31) What required forms and documents must be included?

Required forms and documents include: SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, a project narrative, an applicant organizational information form, a detailed budget proposal, and CVs for the director and key personnel.

32) How are proposals reviewed and selected?

Proposals are reviewed in two stages: (1) a technical screening for eligibility and compliance, and (2) a Grant Review Committee evaluation by U.S. Mission Morocco staff.

33) Will the Embassy provide pre-consultation or discuss the application after submission?

No. The Embassy notes that it does not provide pre-consultation on application questions and will not discuss the competition after submission until the review process is complete.