UNVIE Space Exchanges 2022 | DOS UNVIE PAS FY21 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS UNVIE PAS FY21 01

The UNVIE Space Exchanges 2022 opportunity is a U.S. Department of State cooperative agreement managed by the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE) that funds an organization to run two U.S.-based exchange programs focused on the peaceful uses of outer space. The overall purpose is public diplomacy through space and STEM/STEAM engagement: strengthening relationships between the United States and foreign participants while showcasing U.S. leadership in space policy, education, and industry. The activity is categorized under Education (CFDA 19.040) and is offered as a discretionary award with a single expected recipient.

The first program is a youth exchange designed for teenagers ages 15 to 18. The implementing organization would bring up to 24 youth leaders plus two chaperones to the United States, drawing participants from six countries (two youth per country). The itinerary centers on space-themed programming in Washington, DC and hands-on training at the Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. A key feature is that participant selection is not solely handled by the awardee; it is carried out in close coordination with U.S. embassies in the participating countries. The youth component is meant to visibly reinforce U.S. support for STE(A)M education and to pair technical learning with cultural exchange, giving students direct exposure to American society, institutions, and educational approaches through a space-focused lens.

The second program targets university students and young professionals, described as emerging leaders ages 19 to 35. This exchange aims to deepen participants understanding of U.S. space policy and the U.S. space sector, while also building professional and people-to-people ties with the United States. The plan is to send three participants to Washington, DC for space-themed engagements and, if feasible, include Adult Astronaut Training at the same Huntsville facility. Unlike the youth exchange, UNVIE itself selects these participants from a global applicant pool. The awardee is brought in after selections are finalized, receiving participant names and countries of residence during the award period, which means the implementer must be prepared to execute programming and logistics based on UNVIE-provided final selections rather than recruiting directly.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, the opportunity has an award ceiling of $150,000 and anticipates one award. The funding opportunity number is DOS UNVIE PAS FY21 01, and it was originally posted June 29, 2021, with an original closing date of September 1, 2021. Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement, indicating that the competition may be open beyond only universities or nonprofits, depending on the specific eligibility language in the notice. In practical terms, a successful proposal would need to demonstrate the capacity to design and deliver high-quality exchange programming in Washington, DC and coordinate travel, lodging, scheduling, and participant support for activities in both Washington and Huntsville, while working closely with U.S. government partners on selection processes and participant coordination.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "UNVIE Space Exchanges 2022" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 29, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 01, 2021. (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 $150,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for DOS UNVIE PAS FY21 01

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