Description
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to provide day-to-day logistical field-support for 9 existing American Corners in Iraq under the strategic oversight and direction of the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS). These American Corners are fully operational and located in the following cities: Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Tikrit, Maysan, Basrah, Najaf, Mosul and Dohuk. The government of Iraq and the United States are jointly committed through the U.S.- Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement to the establishment of affiliations between Iraqi and U.S. Institutions to promote and facilitate coordination in the field of higher education and scientific research. One example of this cooperation is the American Corner information spaces hosted in universities and public libraries across Iraq. The American Corners introduce Iraqi publics to U.S. culture and society by providing a platform for educational programs and offering access to American print, multimedia, and other materials. The Corners help maintain an open dialogue, counteract misconceptions and misinformation, and build bridges of understanding between the people of the United States and Iraq. American Corners in Iraq also serve as a platform for Iraqis and Americans to engage with one another in person or electronically. In addition to serving as a general resource center, each Corner should serve as a space for supporting public diplomacy programming, including but not limited to: English-language teaching/learning, advising about educational opportunities in the United States, cultural programming, and activities that inform and engage Iraqi alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. The awardee will ensure that all Corners have the necessary equipment, Internet access, sufficient digital and hard copy collections, trained staff, and institutional support to fulfill these objectives. American Corners represent a collaborative partnership between a host institution and the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad. Host institutions provide space readily accessible to the public, along with dedicated English speaking staff. PAS provides electronic and print materials, equipment, and training. PAS and host institutions collaborate on programming, speakers, discussion groups, film presentations, digital video conferences (DVC), online engagements, and other activities. Subject to the availability of funds, the Embassy expects to award one cooperative agreement for up to $350,000.00 for the implementation of day-to-day logistical field support of the American Corners project in Iraq.