Grants for Exclusive - see details - Federal

Overview: Island-wide population assessments support compliance with the San Clemente Island (SCI) Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), and also provide a benefit to the black abalone species as required under section 4(a)(3)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 35). The SCI INRMP main objective for black abalone is to continue to monitor and support the recovery of the black abalone population in suitable rocky intertidal habitat to increase the population at SCI, which specifically calls for efforts to continue to refine knowledge of, and monitor, the black abalone population and density at SCI. Endangered black abalone are currently present on SCI, managed under the SCI INRMP, and continued critical habitat exemption is still crucial to support the Navys mission on SCI. Thus, it is imperative that the present black abalone population size and density estimates are investigated. Details of the location, abundance, and habitat suitability for endangered black abalone on SCI will assist natural resource managers in conservation of the species, aid in recovery efforts for the species on SCI, and will support ongoing and future Navy operations to support the Mission. Please see the statement of Objectives, provided as a separate document, for a full description of the project.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Executive Summary: The U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section in Dushanbe, Tajikistan is soliciting proposals for a cooperative agreement to administer the English Access Scholarship program, that meets the specifications stated below. The implementer must be a legally recognized non-governmental organization, that meets U.S. and Tajikistan technical and legal requirements to develop and implement Public Diplomacy Programs as specified in Section C. Background: Launched in 2004, the English Access Scholarship Program (hereafter known as Access Program or Access) is a two-year global scholarship program supported by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Embassy of Tajikistan that provides a foundation of English language skills to bright, underserved students, primarily aged 14 to 15. This two-year, 360-hour program exposes participants to U.S. culture, global citizenship, and democratic values through English language scholarships, professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators, and programming for alumni. Consisting of both in-class and off-site activities, the program curricula must integrate the four pillars of the Access Program: global citizenship themes, U.S. culture and values, 21st-century skills, and English language instruction. Project description: The goal of the Access Program is to equip talented students who possess a minimal knowledge of English with effective communication and critical thinking skills through meaningful interaction, cooperative learning strategies, and real-life contexts. Additionally, Access seeks to prepare students for conversational English language skills with native and non-native speakers of English through a variety of experiential learning activities. Selected participants must be bright, economically disadvantaged students with a beginning level of English. Participants should commit to enroll in classes during the full two-year program. Students are expected to graduate with certificates of completion from the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan at the end of their two-year program. The Program is divided into two distinct phases: (1) 360 hours of after school classroom instruction, consisting of a minimum 6 hours per week and maximum 2 hours per day as well as (2) off-site activities that are cohesive and clearly linked to the curriculum described below. The program curriculum must focus on the Media Literacy and Civic Engagement themes. These themes remain relevant in both urban and rural areas of Tajikistan and the youth will learn to analyze, evaluate, and expand their access to alternative sources of information through the in-class and off-site activities on Media Literacy. It also aims to engage youth in more active civic lifestyles based on critical thinking skills, sharing and production skills, informed decision-making, and active participation. Media literacy improves citizens' understanding of fundamental rights such as communication, as well as the balance between these rights and ethical obligations at the personal and collaborative levels. By tying these values to the concept of global citizenship, media literacy education encourages youth to respect and support the rights of others. Program Design When designing an Access program, providers should take into consideration the time needed to recruit and train teachers and to select students for the program prior to beginning instruction. In addition, the purchase of textbooks and supplies will be an important part of program planning. The U.S. Embassy recommends using four levels (Starter, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate) of American Headway Textbooks. Access Teacher Community of Practice (CoP) It is highly recommended that providers plan for and budget to pay teachers to attend at least two hours per month of teacher professional development through the free Access Teacher Community of Practice (CoP). The Access Teacher CoP is an online resource for teachers to receive professional development focused on model lesson plans as well as webinars with guest speakers on American culture. Professional Development Before Access instruction begins, providers should provide and budget for training for teachers on all four pillars of the Access Program. For example, training on global citizenship themes and U.S. culture and values can be facilitated through webinars on the Access Teacher CoP, while training on TESOL methodology and 21st-century skills may be incorporated through Online Professional English Network (OPEN) courses or in-person trainings organized by the U.S. Embassy's Regional English Language Office. It is recommended that teachers engage in professional development on the CoP throughout the two-year program. By the end of this program, Access students will learn skills that help them gain them access to better jobs, educational opportunities, and the ability to participate in and compete for future exchanges and study in the United States, such as through FLEX, TechGirls, UGRAD, Fulbright, etc. The Successful Provider will be Responsible for the Following Tasks: Collaborate with the U.S. Embassy to integrate program goals in curriculum and program design. Partner with the U.S. Embassy to select high-quality teachers and appropriate students for the program. Support professional development needs for Access teachers. Deliver instruction and programmatic activities. Regularly monitor and evaluate program implementation to ensure high-quality programming. Inform U.S. Embassy about significant program developments, challenges, and highlights. Send invitations to the relevant U.S. Embassy staff alerting them to special events, as well as opportunities to visit and speak. Submit success stories of Access Program students to relevant U.S. Embassy staff, in a timely manner, for use on social media. Maintain program and financial documentation to comply with auditing and U.S. Government regulation. Project Audience(s): Youth (9th grade students, typically ages 14-15) with beginner-level English speaking skills from low-income communities most affected by labor migration and vulnerable to extremist ideas (rural areas of Khatlon such as the villages surrounding the cities of Kulob, Danghara, Qubodiyon, and Shahrituz as well as districts of the Dushanbe Republican Subordination including Tursunzoda, Rudaki, Obigarm and others which are predominantly in Tajikistans remote areas). By targeting 9th grade students (typically ages 14-15) from undeserved/migrant families, with some interest in volunteerism/community/ sustainability and environment/technology/womens empowerment. The program will help these Tajik youth consider and build the skills needed for future careers which are needed to develop Tajikistans domestic economy. Project Goal: To support socio-economic empowerment of Tajik youth by improving English language proficiency of 9th grade students from underserved communities through participation in a two-year English language training program focused on media literacy and civic engagement. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Increase English language reading, writing, listening and speaking skills on themes of media literacy and civic engagement up to 50 program participants through in-class instruction and off-site civic engagement/volunteer activities. Objective 2: Strengthen students understanding of global citizenship, U.S. culture, values through experiential learning activities, leadership and civic engagement skills. For example: through volunteerism, community service activities, and engaging in issues that impact their local community. Objective 3: Improve the ability of students to critically analyze media content, identify disinformation and credible sources through media literacy training and simulated disinformation exercises. All proposals should: Proposals should include both Cost Proposal and Technical Proposal. [Attachments 1 and 2]; Address how the project will contribute to achievement of objectives listed above; Enumerate specific outputs and outcomes to be achieved by the end of the project, using the Monitoring Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) [Attachment 3]; Describe pedagogical approach that will be used to teach Access students; Describe in detail the process for selecting and recruiting students; Describe how students of different English language levels will be organized in the program; Describe how students will be motivated and encouraged to attend all Access sessions; Describe how parents/community will be informed and involved in the Access program; Demonstrate competency to manage all financial and oversight aspects of the project, including participant costs; Cost Proposal should have a detailed breakdown of costs for the two-year project including purchasing of books/materials, students transportation and snacks, project administration, admin costs, etc. On average, costs associated with one student in the framework of the two-year project are approximately $1,000. Each project can include up to 50 students. Projects that involve higher numbers of students with lower costs are encouraged. English Access Scholarship Program Handbook [Attachment 5]; B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 2-year program Number of awards anticipated: 1 award per grantee for two or more sites. Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $24, 000 to a maximum of $50, 000. Total available funding: approximately $1,000 per student Award Ceiling: $50,000 Award Floor: $24,000 Type of Funding: FY23/24 Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia under the Foreign Assistance Act) Anticipated start date: November 30, 2024 The Public Diplomacy Section of Embassy Dushanbe reserves the right to award less or more than the amount of funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as they may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated Grants Officer. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. The Embassy will be substantially involved in carrying out the following aspects of this cooperative agreement: - Serves as the primary point of contact for providers throughout the program. - Approves proposals, program reports, and expenses. - Reviews and approves Access program announcements. - Helps the provider in the selection process of students, program coordinators and teachers. - Helps the provider in the recruitment of participants. - Assists during the development of the curriculum of English language, leadership and professional skills, and exposure to U.S. culture and democratic values and Intensive sessions. - Participates in the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the program. - Visits program sites. -Oversees program implementation and financial compliance. - Provides general support such as connecting with Fulbright English Teaching Assistants and English Language Fellows; access to American Spaces; facilitating connections with FLEX alumni, USANT regional representatives and representatives from the United World Colleges. - Promotes the success stories of the project results. The Embassy will be involved in the areas mentioned above or others as needs may come up. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 2-years or less. Please refer to the related documents' section for the mandatory award attachments and complete English Access Scholarship Program NOFO.

U.S. Embassy Nigeria through the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Coordination Office of the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State announces an open competitive opportunity for organizations to apply for funding to implement community-led monitoring or a virtual spaces intervention among priority populations for HIV prevention and treatment, including Key Populations (KP) and Adolescent and Young People (AYP). For HIV to no longer be a public health threat by 2030 in Nigeria, the populations at highest risk must know their HIV status, receive lifesaving HIV prevention and treatment, and reach viral suppression if they are HIV-positive. Data show that HIV prevention and treatment efforts should be focused on AYP and KPs. Key Populations include men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, sex workers, people who inject drugs (PWID), and people in prisons and other closed settings. Under this opportunity, the PEPFAR Coordination Office seeks to address pillar 1 of the 5x3 strategy, health equity for priority populations. Youth make up a significant proportion of the more than 32.9 million Nigerians reported to be active users of social media. AYP-led CSOs in the country have identified a gap with the lack of structured sexual health and HIV messaging and interventions on these platforms. Virtual online space is a digital environment that enables people to, socialize, interact, and gather information using available technologies and non-necessarily requiring a physical space to operate. Interventions on a virtual space may include, but not be limited to phone services such as calls and messaging, mobile applications, websites, and social media channels. Through Virtual Spaces Interventions, PEPFAR Nigeria intends to address the gaps in the use of online platforms and spaces by meeting KP and AYP where they are; providing them with HIV and other relevant health information; facilitating referrals and linkages to health facilities for person-centered HIV prevention, treatment, and other health care services. Prioritizing these spaces as a compliment of existing health systems in the on-going efforts to increase program reach among AYP and KPs, and to use this space to facilitate health promotion, HIV testing and case-finding, and drive access to other health services in a confidential manner. This program seeks to increase access to quality, concise and accurate HIV and health related messaging, facilitate active referrals and linkages to spaces and locations which can provided access to strategic HIV and other health services for prevention, treatment and care interventions targeted at AYP and KPs by leveraging on virtual spaces utilized by adolescents and young persons. The program will support community-led monitoring efforts among AYP and KP-led groups using platforms such as iMonitor + to ensure that HIV positive individuals among these priority populations are receiving high quality care and treatment services, identify any challenges, barriers, and/or gaps to care, and to report findings to PEPFAR to inform service delivery.

The Electronic Service Protection Order Court Pilot (ESPOC) (CFDA 16.062) supports efforts to develop and implement programs for properly and legally serving protection orders through electronic communication methods. The program requires the Department of Justice to award grants to state or tribal courts that are a part of a multidisciplinary partnership that includes, to the extent practicable, a state, tribal, or local law enforcement agency; a state, tribal, or local prosecutors office; a victim service provider or state or tribal domestic violence coalition; a provider of culturally specific services; a nonprofit program or government agency with demonstrated experience in providing legal assistance or legal advice to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; the bar association of the state or tribe; the state or tribal association of court clerks; a state, tribal, or local association of criminal defense attorneys; at least two individuals with experience in design and management of court case management systems; at least two state or tribal court judges with expertise in domestic violence and issuing protective orders; and a judge assigned to the criminal docket of the state or tribal court.

This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. 10441(c) and 34 U.S.C. 12511(d). The OVW State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program, (Coalitions Program, CFDA 16.556) is authorized by 34 U.S.C. 10441(c). This grant program supports the critical work of state and territory domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions and is a set-aside program under the OVW STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program statute. These organizations play an important role in advancing the goal of ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This program also includes a statutory set-aside from the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) statute, specifically for state and territory sexual assault coalitions (34 U.S.C 12511(d)).

This project will involve close collaboration with the successful offeror and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). This project will involve adding the navigation attributes to acoustic fields and potentially electric fields within the OpenFOAM framework, while still computing hydraulic variables. The resulting data set will include a sound field, a flow field, various navigation attributes that are found to impact either the acoustic and/or flow fields, and electrical field as appropriate. A field site with supporting geometry, acoustic data, lock operations data, navigation data, and AIS data will be provided by the USACE. The successful offeror will be responsible for processing ambient and intentional (that is the acoustic deterrent) acoustic and hydrological data as appropriate. Operations, navigation, and AIS data will be processed by USACE, which would include the removal/recoding of vessel identifications.

The Savannah Harbor DMCAs are located in Jasper County, South Carolina. Pre-construction baseline sampling efforts entailed data collection, integration, and analysis of avian blood/tissue of birds in DMCAs 12A. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B (see below). Subsequent during and post-construction sampling efforts have been concentrated in DMCA 14A, the disposal area that received the Cd-laden sediments. Sampling also may occur in adjacent DMCAs 13B and 14B when construction prohibits sampling or bird abundance is low in 14A. The general objectives of the project are: Objective 1: Conduct field work to collect avian blood and tissue samples of target species from the approved DMCAs during the post-construction period, during the placement of the cap/cover, and potentially for three years after the placement is complete. Blood and tissue samples may be collected using either live capture or by lethal collection (with permit), depending on the bird species. Target species have been changed over time due to lack of abundance or difficulty in trapping certain species. Current target species and sampling methodology can be found in the most recent progress and annual reports from the SHEP monitoring website http://www.shep.uga.edu/. Changes in target species must be approved by USACE. Objective 2: Conduct chemical analysis. Biological samples (e.g., blood, tissues) will be analyzed for cadmium as well as a suite of other metals (arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, zinc). Objective 3: Prepare quarterly progress reports, and annual reports to include documentation of methods, software (if applicable), and analyses conducted throughout the duration of the work based on the federal fiscal calendar year (October 1 to September 30). The recipient/awardee may be asked to present research findings and monitoring results to the natural resource agencies and/or the public. The recipient/awardee must attend the annual SHEP stakeholder meeting and present the previous years monitoring results. D. Public Benefit: The Savannah Harbor DMCAs contain upland and aquatic habitats and are also bound by salt marsh and riverine habitats. As a result, these habitat areas attract a wide range of avifauna, and thus deposition of the dredged material may be a potential contaminant exposure route for birds. There are several protected bird species popular among the public and bird enthusiasts such as bald eagles, least terns, and wood storks that use the DMCAs for foraging/feeding and nesting habitat. Monitoring data results will be used to document any potential long- or short-term SHEP impacts to these protected species as well as other bird species. The DMCAs also serve as host sites for tour groups from both the National Audubon and Georgia Ornithological Societies. Also, a web portal has been established which will increase public awareness regarding monitoring and management plans in response to the physical, chemical, and biological impacts from the SHEP. The current interactive website is accessible to the public and frequently visited.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nations state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers. COPS Office information resources, covering a wide range of community policing topics such as school and campus safety, violent crime, and officer safety and wellness, can be downloaded via the COPS Offices home page, https://cops.usdoj.gov. The COPS Office AHTF program advances public safety by making competitive grants to State law enforcement agencies in States with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions, for the purpose of locating or investigating illicit activities, through Statewide collaboration, relating to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil, or relating to the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids. The COPS Office is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and build trust between law enforcement and the community.

The DoD Tick-Borne Disease, Idea Development Award is a grant aimed at funding innovative research that could significantly advance the understanding and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, ultimately improving the lives of military personnel, veterans, their families, and the general public.

The "DoD Tick-Borne Disease, Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award" is a grant aimed at supporting the development of new treatments and diagnostic methods for tick-borne diseases, with a focus on improving patient care and quality of life for military service members, veterans, their families, and the general public.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nations state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers. COPS Office information resources, covering a wide range of community policing topics such as school and campus safety, violent crime, and officer safety and wellness, can be downloaded via the COPS Offices home page, https://cops.usdoj.gov. The COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) advances public safety by making competitive grants to State law enforcement agencies in states with high seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures for the purpose of locating or investigating illicit activities, such as precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine traffickers. The COPS Office is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and build trust between law enforcement and the community.

Proposers must retrieve the instructions document (zip file) associated with the application package for this opportunity as there is at least one required form that must be attached to the submitted proposal package. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) released its annual omnibus Research Announcement (NRA), Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2024 (OMB Approval Number 2700-0092, CFDA Number 43.001) on February 14, 2024. In this case "omnibus" means that this NRA has many individual program elements, each with its own due dates and topics. All together these cover the wide range of basic and applied supporting research and technology in space and Earth sciences supported by SMD. Awards will be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers, depending on the nature of the work proposed, the proposing organization, and/or program requirements. However, most extramural research awards deriving from ROSES will be grants, and many program elements of ROSES specifically exclude contracts, because contracts would not be appropriate for the nature of the work solicited. The typical period of performance for an award is three years, but some programs may allow up to five years and others specify shorter periods. In most cases, organizations of every type, Government and private, for profit and not-for-profit, domestic and foreign (with some caveats), may submit proposals without restriction on teaming arrangements. Tables listing the program elements and due dates (Tables 2 and 3), a table that provides a very top level summary of proposal contents (Table 1), and the full text of the ROSES-2024 "Summary of Solicitation", may all be found NSPIRES at http://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2024. This synopsis is associated with one of the individual program elements within ROSES, but this is a generic summary that is posted for all ROSES elements. For specific information on this particular program element download and read the PDF of the text of this program element by going to Tables 2 or 3 of this NRA at http://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2024table2 and http://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2024table3, respectively, click the title of the program element of interest, a hypertext link will take you to a page for that particular program element. On that page, on the right side under "Announcement Documents" the link on the bottom will be to the PDF of the text of the call for proposals. For example, if one were interested in The Lunar Data Analysis Program (NNH24ZDA001N-LDAP) one would follow the link to the NSPIRES page for that program element and then to read the text of the call one would click on C.8 Lunar Data Analysis Program (.pdf) to download the text of the call. If one wanted to set it into the context of the goals, objectives and know the default rules for all elements within Appendix C, the planetary science division, one might download and read C.1 Planetary Science Research Program Overview (.pdf) from that same page. While the letters and numbers are different for each element within ROSES (A.12, B.7, etc.) the basic configuration is always the same, e.g., the letter indicates the Science Division (A is Earth Science, B is Heliophysics etc.) and whatever the letter, #1 is always the division overview. Frequently asked questions for ROSES are posted at http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs. Questions concerning general ROSES-2024 policies and procedures may be directed to Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, Science Mission Directorate, at [email protected], but technical questions concerning specific program elements should be directed to the point(s) of contact for that particular element, who may be found either at the end of the individual program element in the summary table of key information or on the web list of topics and points of contact at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/program-officers-list. Not all program elements are known at the time of the release of ROSES. To be informed of new program elements or amendments to this NRA, proposers may subscribe to: (1) The SMD mailing lists (by logging in at http://nspires.nasaprs.com and checking the appropriate boxes under "Account Management" and "Email Subscriptions"), (2) The ROSES-2024 blog feed for amendments, clarifications, and corrections to at https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/solicitations/roses-2024/, and (3) The ROSES-2024 due date Google calendars (one for each science division). Instructions are at https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/library-and-useful-links (link from the words due date calendar).

The purpose of the SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grant Program is to support State agency efforts to improve and expand recipient fraud prevention, detection, and investigation efforts using the procedures, ideas and practices outlined in the SNAP Fraud Framework.Organizational Management: This objective aims to help States establish and communicate priorities, organize employees, and manage both large-scale and day-to-day processes. Many of the concepts described in this component are the foundation for successful program integrity initiatives.Performance Measurement: This objective offers recommendations encouraging States to consistently capture and analyze their own performance.Recipient Integrity Education: This objective provides targeted integrity education initiatives to help ensure recipients have the necessary information and tools to use SNAP benefits as intendedpreventing fraud before it occurs. When producing recipient integrity education materials, States are encouraged to educate the public and applicants about SNAP fraud, rather than emphasize the consequences as a deterrent to applying.Fraud Detection: Here, the SNAP Fraud Framework stresses the importance of proactively detecting fraud from the application process and continuing throughout the recipients time in the Program.Investigations and Dispositions: This objective aims to provide states with tools and suggestions to improve fraud case management from initial fraud referral through disposition.Analytics and Data Management: This objective details the necessary people, processes, and technology to launch and maintain an analytics capability. Data analytics can play a valuable role in preventing, detecting, and investigating SNAP fraud.Learning and Development: The final objective contains recommendations for States to invest in training and professional development opportunities to promote employee engagement and to ensure employees are aware of new and emerging trends in fraud.Please read the entire request for applications (RFA) for additional information.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Behavioral Health Service Expansion (BHSE) program. BHSE will support health centers to increase access to behavioral health services through starting or expanding mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services.

CDS projects align with SAMHSA's mission to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. Recipients are expected to fully implement the projects that were approved by Congress. With this program, SAMHSA aims to award resources enacted in the FY 2024 Further Consolidated Appropriation Act.

With this solicitation, OJJDP seeks to improve the judicial systems handling of child abuse and neglect cases by providing funding to support training and technical assistance (TTA) for judicial personnel and attorneys, particularly personnel and practitioners in juvenile and family courts, and by pursuing administrative reform in juvenile and family courts.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to support the Business Expansion Initiative for Women's Employment. This initiative seeks to address the persistent gender gap in the Afghan workforce by empowering businesses to hire more women in sectors where they are permitted to work through strategic business expansion initiatives. The project aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools and support to embrace gender-inclusive practices, thereby creating more job opportunities for women and fostering economic growth. This initiative aims to support women in Afghanistan who face significant challenges and barriers to economic progress, including limited access to employment opportunities, capital, financial services, and education. It seeks to achieve the following objectives:Empowerment through Business Expansion: Supporting women to start and expand their own businesses, join other women-led enterprises, or acquire the skills necessary to participate in women-led enterprises.Gender-Inclusive Practices: Promoting gender-inclusive policies and practices within businesses to improve access to employment opportunities and financial resources for women.Economic Growth: Contributing to economic growth by maintaining the visibility of women in the workforce and economy and recognizing women's contributions to economic development.PDS seeks proposals for this initiative addressing one or more of the following areas to help womens employment in Afghanistan:Training Programs for Businesses: Developing and implementing targeted training programs for businesses that commit to gender inclusive employment practices, focusing on areas such as inclusive leadership, diversity and inclusion practices, and gender-sensitive management.Mentorship, Apprenticeship, and Resource Support: Establishing structured mentorship and apprenticeship programs, providing business skills training, business expansion planning support, and offering resources such as toolkits and case studies.Acceleration and Expansion Planning Assistance: Offering tailored support to businesses in developing strategic expansion plans, including market analysis, financial modeling, business process analysis, human resources planning, and labor force development planning.Access to Capital: Facilitating access to capital for businesses that commit to gender inclusive employment practices, to include liaising with potential investors, entrepreneurs, collaborators, and industry partners, and providing networking opportunities with these resources for target businesses.Access to Markets: Facilitating relationships for businesses to access new domestic and international markets as they scale and grow.Awareness and Advocacy: Providing resources and training to business leaders that support them to start or continue efforts to advocate within their communities for gender-inclusive business practices.Community Engagement: Actively engaging with local communities to ensure that the benefits of business expansion are inclusive and contribute meaningfully to womens labor force participation and community development.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to empower Afghan women to conduct home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements tailored to fit the unique circumstances in Afghanistan. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by Afghan women, particularly in accessing employment opportunities, by equipping them with the skills and resources needed for home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements.The program aims to accomplish the following:Empower Afghan women with skills and access to resources for home-based, remote work, and other creative employment arrangements.Reshape societal perceptions about women's participation in the workforce to foster an environment conducive to women making meaningful contributions to the local economy.Create sustainable pathways towards economic independence and progress for Afghan women.Activities will primarily take place in Afghanistan, focusing on areas heavily impacted by restrictions on women's rights, which has significantly impeded their access to employment opportunities. PDS seeks proposals for projects that should address at least one or more of the following areas:Career Readiness Workshops: Enhancing women's skills for home-based and remote employment through targeted training sessions to explain these models and coachwomen on setting up these types of work arrangements.Mentorship Programs: Providing ongoing support and guidance to women participating in the initiative by establishing mentorship relationships. Guiding participants through the job search, application, and interview process, and in their first months of employment.Placement and Matchmaking Services: Establishing relationships with remote or home-based work-friendly employers, raising awareness among such employers about the skills available to them through remote employment arrangements with Afghan women, facilitating engagement between program participants and employers through virtual career fairs or other opportunities, etc.On-the-Job Training Programs: Facilitating practical experience and skills building in the remote work sector through virtual internship or job training experiences.Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness among Afghan women about the opportunities of remote work arrangements and best practices in seeking and maintaining such employment.Strengthening Partnerships for Remote/Home-based Work Empowerment: Establishing collaborations with organizations specializing in remote and home-based work initiatives to enhance women's access to job opportunities in these environments, providing tailored resources and mentorship.This funding opportunity provides an overview of the project's objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and resource needs. It underscores our commitment to promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan. We encourage proposals that contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing the unique challenges faced by Afghan women in accessing employment opportunities.

The objectives of the proposed research effort include: Monitor and report performance of dredged material placed at beneficial use sites, specifically mine land reclamation and landfill cover sites. Factors to be monitored include, but are not limited to:a. Ecosystem recovery and functionalityb. Water qualityc. Landscape stabilityd. Vegetation growth Successful applicants should have expert knowledge of confined disposal facilities and beneficial use of dredged material. The applicant should also have a record that demonstrates applied research and monitoring experience with both topics. The candidates should have prior experience with monitoring beneficial use sites. The candidates will be required to prepare a Statement of Work and Work Plan regarding the research to be conducted. The candidate will also be required to submit three (3) quarterly status reports and one (1) annual report each year of the contract to provide updates on the work being conducted.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on pollinators of northern Arizona throughout semi-arid grasslands that are utilized by bison. This research will be primarily comprised of field-based data collection prior to analyses of quantified biological data. The goal of this research is to examine pollinator communities, resources, and habitat quality in relation to areas of varying bison densities. Previous grazing exclusion experiments in this ecosystem revealed grazing-induced ecological changes that lead to altered grassland structure (i.e., plant species composition) and function (i.e., plant production, nutrient dynamics) (Musto 2023). However, no information has been collected on whether (and how) bison-induced changes to plant communities may affect the pollinator communities that utilize flowing plants as food resources and habitat.