FINAL EAP FAS Diplomatic Training Q+A.docx

U.S. Department of State Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Questions and Answers Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0007253

1. Does EAP expect there would be an equal number of participants from each of the three countries that take part in the trainings?

a. Yes, we expect the number of participants from the three target countries to be roughly equal. However, we recognize this may depend on other factors such as the availability of the target countries’ diplomats to participate, how many junior diplomats each country has at present, etc.

2. Does EAP envision that “in-country” program activities include three unique sets of trainings held in each respective country, or would a program design that brings participants together from each into one wider cohort be desired?

a. We had envisioned trainings occurring in each of the three countries to ensure the broadest possible participation. However, we are open to proposals that would bring participants together from all three countries to a single location. We also recognize that travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 might make virtual engagement more realistic for the near term.

3. Would the implementing organization and EAP officials be substantially involved in a selection process for program participants, or will all participants be nominated by their respective Ministries?

a. Given that the pool of potential participants is relatively limited, we anticipate that program participants would be nominated by their respective ministries.

4. Can an implementing partner expect to draw on the expertise of American diplomats who are posted in the Freely Associated States or other Pacific Island missions as resource persons for training activities? If so, would the travel and other associated costs of participating American diplomats be covered by the Department of State, outside the project budget?

a. No, the implementing partner should not expect to draw on American diplomats posted in the region as trainers or instructors, though they may be called upon to deliver opening, closing or keynote remarks at events.

5. Size of cohort - Is there a target number of participants that this grant should cover? Can you provide an approximate number of entry-level diplomats from each country?

a. Approximately 5-8 participants per country.

6. Location of potential participants – are they located in the three locations or would be stationed in posts around the world?

a. We anticipate most participants would be based in the three FAS countries; however, FAS governments may wish to nominate participants stationed at their other missions in the United States and elsewhere, especially if virtual trainings are an option.

7. The NOFO does not speak to the participant selection process – do we assume that EAP will identify the training participants from each country?

a. We anticipate that program participants would be nominated by their respective ministries directly to the implementing partner.

8. Will the reporting be quarterly as listed in the NOFO or bi-annual? - Many ECA programs have moved to semi-annual reporting schedule, not sure about the regional bureaus...

a. This depends on the conditions set by the Grants Officer upon awarding the grant. Many EAP programs continue to require quarterly reporting.