U.S.-South Africa Space Camp program | DOS JHB 202003

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): U.S.-South Africa Space Camp (DOS JHB 202003)

1) What is the U.S.-South Africa Space Camp program?

The U.S.-South Africa Space Camp program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity administered by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in South Africa (U.S. Mission to South Africa). It supports a two-phase STEM enrichment program that gives South African learners hands-on exposure to aerospace and engineering, strengthens technical skills, and deepens understanding of the United States through an educational experience connected to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

2) What are the main goals of this program?

The program aims to (1) build STEM skills through practical learning and (2) support people-to-people exchange by connecting learners with aerospace-related professionals and engaging them with the history and practice of space exploration, including a U.S.-linked educational experience.

3) Who is offering and administering this grant opportunity?

The grant opportunity is from the U.S. Department of State and is administered by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in South Africa (U.S. Mission to South Africa).

4) What type of award is this?

This opportunity is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement typically involves substantial involvement or coordination with the funding agency during implementation.

5) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?

The funding opportunity number is DOS JHB 202003, and the CFDA number listed is 19.040.

6) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $150,000.

7) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S. and South African not-for-profit entities such as NGOs, civil society organizations, and think tanks, as well as public and private non-profit educational institutions.

8) Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?

The eligibility list provided includes not-for-profit entities and non-profit educational institutions. No for-profit eligibility is stated in the information provided.

9) What is the overall structure of the program?

The program is structured in two linked phases: Phase I (local programming in South Africa) and Phase II (an international exchange component involving travel for learners to attend Space Camp in the United States).

10) What happens in Phase I?

Phase I focuses on local programming in South Africa and is expected to consist of a series of workshops that teach STEM skills and share the history of space exploration. These workshops are intended to prepare and motivate learners while building a foundation of scientific and technical knowledge.

11) What happens in Phase II?

Phase II centers on an international exchange component. The grantee coordinates with the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg to arrange travel for at least 10 learners from Gauteng to attend Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

12) Is Phase II required?

The opportunity describes a two-phase program. If a proposal intends to complete Phase II, the travel and participation element is not optional, and applicants must demonstrate they can reliably organize the required logistics to send a minimum of ten learners to the camp.

13) How many learners must participate in the Space Camp travel component?

Phase II requires travel for at least 10 learners from Gauteng to attend Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama.

14) Which region are the Phase II learners expected to come from?

The program specifies that at least 10 learners should be from Gauteng for the Phase II Space Camp component.

15) Can an applicant partner with another organization to implement the program?

Yes. Applicants may choose to manage both phases themselves or sub-award one phase to a partner institution.

16) If a phase is sub-awarded, does the prime applicant still need to show capacity?

The information provided indicates applicants must demonstrate they can reliably organize the Phase II logistics either independently or through a partner. This implies the proposal should clearly show how responsibilities will be handled and by whom.

17) What experience is expected in competitive applications?

Competitive applications are expected to demonstrate clear, credible experience teaching science and technology to young learners and present a practical plan for delivering workshops and selecting and supporting participants.

18) What makes a proposal stronger according to the Embassy?

The Embassy indicates a strong proposal will come from an organization that already has an established way to communicate with schools in the Gauteng region, which supports recruitment, coordination, and participant selection. Strong proposals should also reflect readiness to handle the operational complexity of Phase II travel planning and coordination aligned with the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg.

19) What coordination is required with the U.S. government during the program?

The program notes that Phase II travel is coordinated with the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg, and the award mechanism is a cooperative agreement, which typically involves substantial involvement or coordination with the funding agency during implementation.

20) How are applications submitted?

Applications are submitted by email to JohannesburgGrants@state.gov.

21) What was the closing date listed for this announcement?

The original closing date listed is 2020-07-15.

22) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2020-05-26.

23) What location in the United States is associated with the Space Camp experience?

The Space Camp experience is connected to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

24) What kinds of activities are learners expected to engage in?

Based on the description, learners are expected to participate in hands-on STEM enrichment activities with exposure to aerospace and engineering, engage with the history of space exploration, and meet professionals in aerospace-related fields as part of the exchange-oriented experience.

25) Does the opportunity specify how learners should be recruited or selected?

The opportunity does not provide a specific selection method, but it states that proposals should include a practical plan for delivering workshops and selecting and supporting participants. It also emphasizes the value of established communication with schools in Gauteng for recruitment, coordination, and participant selection.