Operation and Management of the Edward M. Kennedy Center | PDS DHAKA NOFO FY2022 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for PDS DHAKA NOFO FY2022 01

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka (Public Diplomacy Section) is seeking one organization to run the day-to-day operation and programming of the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Services and the Arts (EMK Center) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The EMK Center is described as the U.S. Mission's flagship venue for cultural and educational engagement and serves as a major public platform for Bangladeshi youth and young professionals to participate in open dialogue, build practical skills, explore creative and innovative work, and strengthen mutual understanding between Bangladesh and the United States through the exchange of culture, ideas, and values.

This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the selected organization would not operate independently; it would manage the center in close coordination with the Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section. The recipient would be expected to staff, operate, and continuously animate the space with programming that advances U.S. public diplomacy goals while remaining accessible to the public at no cost. A core expectation is that the organization can maintain a steady pipeline of relevant, high-quality events and services and can keep the center functioning as a reliable hub for both in-person and virtual engagement.

The scope of work centers on operational management plus a large, diverse program portfolio. The selected organization would manage Bangladeshi staff who have the skills to plan and deliver programming, and it would also implement EducationUSA advising, which supports students seeking information about U.S. higher education opportunities. Programming areas explicitly referenced include STEM and skill-building content such as videography and photography, along with other fields aligned to audience interests and embassy priorities. On the operational side, the awardee must purchase, maintain, and manage the technology, equipment, materials, and supplies needed to run the facility and support hybrid programming (in-person and remote). Another major responsibility is developing and executing a flexible monthly schedule of activities in collaboration with the Embassy, while also building audience habits by encouraging repeat visitation and sustained participation in Embassy-sponsored programs.

The announcement places the EMK Center within the global network of American Spaces supported by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. As part of that network, the EMK Center is expected to deliver five core American Spaces functions: English language programming, alumni engagement (particularly with U.S. exchange program alumni), advising on U.S. higher education, cultural programming, and access to information about the United States. The opportunity also emphasizes a broader democratic principle tied to American Spaces: supporting the public's free access to information.

The EMK Center is characterized as the largest American Space in South Asia, with a track record of high-volume programming since its establishment in September 2012. The center reportedly conducts robust engagement on topics such as U.S. history and culture, English language learning, STEM and entrepreneurship, U.S. higher education pathways, and U.S. Department of State exchange programs. It also highlights a strong civic and leadership dimension, aiming to connect emerging and established leaders and promote positive change through public service and volunteerism. The programmatic themes cited for typical annual activities include democratic governance, human rights, inclusive entrepreneurship, gender equality, arts and cultural preservation, and STEM education. In addition to individual events, the center runs thematic campaigns each year, including campaigns focused on diversity and inclusion, gender equality, and STEM promotion. The scale described is significant, averaging more than 500 programs and/or events annually, with participation drawn from diverse audiences across Bangladesh.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a continuation-category opportunity released by the Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bangladesh, with an expected single award. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, and the award ceiling is $650,000. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and other nonprofits (both with and without IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education in those categories) and private institutions of higher education. The opportunity is tied to CFDA numbers 19.040 and 19.441 and spans activity areas including arts and cultural affairs, community development, education, humanities, and science and technology. The notice was created May 27, 2022, and the application deadline was July 7, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Bangladesh Standard Time.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bangladesh in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), community development, education, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda), science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Operation and Management of the Edward M. Kennedy Center" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040, 19.441.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 27, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 07, 2022 July 7, 2022 (1159 p.m. Bangladesh Standard Time). (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $650,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

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