Professional Development Training for STEM Secondary and Post-Secondary Educators in Kirkuk

SUMMARYThe U.S. Embassy in Baghdad invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to develop and implement a year-long English language and methodology training program for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educators (secondary and post-secondary levels) in Kirkuk Province of Iraq. This program provides direct professional development opportunities and training for a minimum of 30-45 STEM educators for virtual or online training courses and then selects 8-10 participants for a four-to-six week immersion program in the United States. Program participants will be a mix of STEM educators at the secondary and post-secondary (university) level in Kirkuk Province. The goal of the program is to ensure participants: improve their oral English language skills; learn STEM teaching pedagogy and best practices to use in the classroom; develop the skills needed to train other STEM educators; and are exposed to STEM curriculum development in the United States. Proposals must include elements of all these requirements as part of the training program. Instruction must be provided by English and Arabic speakers, with a strong preference for proposals from a non-governmental organization or a university that has native Arabic speaking STEM faculty or expert participants. Proposals must demonstrate that the organization has experience in the following areas: • professional development instruction in teaching in the STEM fields to include instruction on current STEM teaching methodology and classroom management, including lesson plan development, microteaching and team teaching;• best practices in STEM pedagogy, based on hands-on experience in developing lesson plans, giving presentations and conducting lessons using developed lesson plans; • teacher-training exercises and development of a strategy by which participating educators will share the knowledge and expertise they gain during the program to train their fellow teachers at the conclusion of the program; • English courses for Kirkuk-based STEM teachers that provide opportunities for the participants to engage with native English speakers in formal and informal situations to help them refine their communication, teaching, and presentation skills. The four-to-six week immersion exchange program in the United States should be scheduled during times that are convenient to participants’ teaching schedules. Proposals should include a virtual or online training element conducted by the same faculty who will teach the immersion portion. Participants should also receive certificates after the successful completion of the trainings and/or exchange programs. Eligibility: Applicants must• Be a U.S. non-profit organization meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3); an internationally based non-profit organization; an academic institution; or other institution for which profit is not a primary motive;• Have demonstrated experience administering STEM education and training programs; and • Have the capacity to operate in Iraq, or have or develop active partnerships with organization(s) operating in Iraq. All Federal assistance recipients must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS) and a CCR (CAGE) number prior to funds disbursement. A DUNS number may be acquired at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or requesting on-line at www.dnb.com.PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONIn Kirkuk Province, there are 201 public high schools and an estimated 1400 STEM teachers educating students between 16-18 years of age. All public schools are funded and staffed by the Government of Iraq, including the assignment of STEM teachers, development of course curriculum, and provision of supplies, books and other teaching materials. Senior Teaching Supervisors at the Kirkuk Provincial Directorate of Education, which is under the Iraqi government’s Ministry of Education, provide regular training to STEM teachers in the province to improve their skills and teaching capacity. At the University of Kirkuk, a public university under the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, 45 professors/instructors teach future STEM educators. On average, Kirkuk University graduates about 450 students a year with degrees in Teaching in the STEM fields. The goal of Professional Development Training for STEM Secondary and Post-Secondary Educators in Kirkuk is to improve the teaching skills capacity and English language skills of STEM educators in Kirkuk, based on the objectives and guidelines above. This program would directly serve to build ties between STEM educators and institutions in the United States and Kirkuk and to improve the quality of STEM skills overall in Kirkuk Province. In consultation with Embassy staff, the awardee will:• Develop and produce training materials for the program’s activities; • Manage all logistical elements of the program, including procuring safe and comfortable venues for evaluations and program interviews, hiring instructors, and recruitment of participants, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and its constituent posts in northern Iraq. For the immersion component, the awardee is responsible for all logistical elements of that travel, including visa processing (including the required visa fees), international travel, etc.;• Compile statistics and supply three quarterly reports and a complete final report to the Embassy on program activities and the status of implementation of program of work;• Issue certificates of completion to each participant at the conclusion of respective trainings;• Conduct pre-training and post-training evaluations/assessments with the participants and instructors and provide the results to the Embassy;• Provide the U.S. Mission in Iraq with copies of all materials used in the program; and• Provide all equipment needed to conduct the program, including multi-media equipment and training materials.• Adhere to all branding rules required for receiving U.S. funding.Anticipated Timeline:October-November 2014: Develop training program materials; conduct outreach, and in coordination with the U.S. Mission in Iraq, recruit program participants.December 2014-May 2015: Delivery of online or virtual training for 30-45 educators in three separate small groups.January 2015: First Quarterly Report for October-December 2014 activities due.March 2015-June 2015: Selection of 8-10 educators to participate in the U.S. immersion portion, including the visa application process.April 2015: Second Quarterly Report for January-March 2015 activities due.July 2015: Third Quarterly Report for April-June 2015 activities due.July 2015-August 2015: Delivery of the 4 to 6 week U.S. immersion portion of the program (Ramadan will likely fall from mid-June 2015 to mid-July 2015).October 2015: Final Narrative and Financial Report due.Guidelines:It is anticipated that award period will begin on or about October 1, 2014 and conclude September 30, 2015. During the award period, the awardee, in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or its constituent posts, will be expected to carry out all aspects of program planning, development, recruitment, implementation, etc. Online trainings should be offered inside Iraq and must include a four-to-six week immersion component in the United States. [Note: At present time, U.S. Government grants cannot cover travel by U.S. citizens to Kirkuk.] Applicants should propose a specific timeline, but exact timing may be altered through mutual agreement between the Embassy and the award recipient. ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITYApplicant organizations must demonstrate the capacity to manage the physical aspects of the program, including the provision of safe and comfortable classroom space and equipment, coordination of enrollment, and recruitment of instructors. They must demonstrate the capacity to develop curricula, deliver courses, prepare evaluations, and compile required reports. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work in English and Arabic and to carry out programs in the United States. [Note: At present time, USG grants cannot cover travel by U.S. citizens to Kirkuk.]APPLICATION INFORMATIONApplications must be prepared and submitted using the Public Diplomacy Grants Program Application form, available on www.grants.gov or by request from [email protected]. Please submit questions and completed applications to [email protected] It is anticipated that approximately $100,000 will be available for this award. Cost-sharing is strongly recommended. Cost sharing can take the form of both allowable direct and indirect costs. For accountability, the recipient must maintain records to support all costs claimed as part of the cost-share agreement. Such records are subject to audit. Please refer to OMB Circular A-110, (Revised), Subpart C.23 – Cost Sharing and Matching.All sections of the applications must be completed. In addition to information about project personnel as requested on the application form, please provide complete resumes for key personnel, such as Project Director. The deadline for receipt of applications is August 29, 2014. The Embassy reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal project configurations, budgets, and/or participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program, the availability of funds, and concurrence of the applicant. SELECTION CRITERIAThe Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants Committee will use the following criteria to evaluate proposals received in response this RFP:Implementation Plan: Proposals should address the goals of the English language teacher training program as outlined in this solicitation. Proposals will be evaluated for originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the training goals. They will be evaluated for the potential for long-term impact and sustainability in developing strong English language teaching skills in the Kirkuk province. Organizational Capacity: The Grants Committee will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants. Institutions with a proven track record in implementing education, training, and engagement programs in Iraq will be given special consideration. The appropriateness of the selected personnel and of any partner organizations will be considered as part of organizational capacity. Budget: Costs should be reasonable and realistic in relation to the project activities. Applicants are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible so that the committee may determine the extent to which the request represents an efficient use of USG resources. The budget should be consistent with the program narrative description of the project and should reflect the applicant’s understanding of the allowable cost principles established by OMB Circular A-122. Proposals that include cost-sharing and/or funding from other organizations/donors are encouraged. NOTIFICATIONApplicants can expect to be notified of the status of their application within thirty (30) days of the submission deadline. Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the United States Government. It does not commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. The USG reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. If a proposal is selected for funding, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Embassy.CONTACT INFORMATIONFor more information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Baghdad at [email protected].