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