Communicating to the public is a key factor in saving lives during a natural disaster. U.S. Embassy Bangkok, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted a multi-day Strategic Communications in Disaster Management workshop, designed to strengthen public communications skills for, and interoperability between, 55 representatives of the variety of civil, governmental, military, and media entities involved in disaster response in Thailand. These participants came from all over Thailand to better disperse this life-saving information. The training included panels with experts such as Kathryn Flachsbart, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission U.S. Embassy Bangkok and Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration who shared their knowledge and experiences with the group.

Together, these participants strengthened skills in effective crisis communication, emphasizing the critical role of accurate and timely reporting during disasters. By enhancing coordination and response capabilities, lives are safer—those of residents, business owners, workers, and visitors, including Americans—across Thailand and beyond.
U.S. Embassy Bangkok appreciates the following for sending representatives from around the country: Royal Thai Armed Forces, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Transport Marine Department, Prime Minister’s Office (Intl Relations Dept.), Department of Disease Control, Irrigation Water Management and Maintenance Division, Provincial PR, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Chiang Mai Municipality and media representatives from online, print, and radio.

Online Professional English Network Winter Term 2025 (Starts January 14-March 10, 2025)

Online Professional English Network offers 8-week, online university-level courses in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) developed by U.S. educational institutions.

What courses are available?

• Teaching Grammar Communicatively (TGC) by World Learning
• Teaching English for Critical Intercultural Awareness (TECIA) by World Learning
• Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom (ET) by Iowa State University
• Teaching English Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages (TEAWSL) by Iowa State University
• Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) by George Mason University
• Professional Development for Teacher Trainers (PDTT) by Arizona State University
• Creating and Implementing Online Courses (CIOC) by Arizona State University
• TESOL Methodology (TM) by University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
• Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement (FSME) by University of Oregon
• Teaching for Environmental Awareness (TEEA) by Kansas State University

For more details about courses click here : https://openenglishcommunity.org/page/global-online-courses

Candidates must:

• Be an English language professional
• Have strong English language reading and writing skills (minimum 525 TOEFL, 70 iBT, or CEFR B2). Applicants do not need to submit the test scores
• Be a Thai citizen
• Be living in your country for the entire duration (8 weeks) of the OPEN term (Orientation Starts on December 9, 2024-January 3, 2025, and Course Starts on January 14-March 10, 2025
• Have regular and reliable access to high-speed internet connection
• Be able to spend 10 to 12 hours online each week for the duration of the 8-week course
• Be willing to be enrolled in a second or third course, if your primary choice is unavailable

The selected candidates will be contacted for phone interview.

Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/hb9st6tLLdN5jhxx5

Application deadline is Monday, November 4, 2024

Announcement for 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok invites interested scholars to apply to summer 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars. The program will take place over the course of five to six weeks beginning between late-May and early-July 2025.

Applicants can download the application form on the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s website via this link: Application Form.

Applications must be received at the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok by 12.00 a.m. of Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Please submit your applications to BangkokPD@state.gov with the subject line, stating “Application to 2025 SUSI for Scholars_ Your Full Name.”

Applicants will be selected for an interview based on the criteria below. Candidates will be notified regarding selection or non-selection by April 2025. For inquiries, please email BangkokPD@state.gov.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.  The program goal is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars will take place at various colleges, universities, and academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five to six weeks in summer 2025.  Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars comprise the following themes in U.S. Studies: American Politics and Political Thought; Contemporary American Literature; Journalism and Media; U.S. Culture, Identity, and Society; U.S. Economics and Sustainable Development; and U.S. Foreign Policy.

INSTITUTE THEMES:

The Institute on American Politics and Political Thought will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and practitioners insight into how intellectual and political movements have influenced American political institutions and American democracy.  The Institute will explore the shaping of American identity and the chemistry between that identity and U.S. history, politics, and the democratic process.  The Institute will cover a broad range of American experiences that have influenced and been influenced by American national identity.  The Institute will provide a deeper understanding of major currents in U.S. political thought, from the colonial period to the present, and explore contemporary U.S. political and social debates and public policy, relating them back to U.S. political thought and American identity.  The University of Montana will administer this program while the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, will host this Institute.

The Institute on Contemporary American Literature will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of U.S. society and culture, past and present, through an examination of contemporary American literature.  The Institute will examine how major contemporary writers, schools, and movements reflect the U.S. literary canon.  The Institute will also explore the diverse communities and voices that constitute the American literary landscape and expose participants to writers who are establishing new directions for American literature.  The Institute will cover a variety of contemporary American writers and texts and suggest how the themes explored reflect larger currents within contemporary U.S. society and culture.  The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, will administer and host this Institute.

The Institute on Journalism and Media will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign journalism instructors and other related specialists with a deeper understanding of the roles that journalism and the media play in U.S. society.  The Institute will examine the role of journalists in recognizing and preventing disinformation and will explore strategies for media and information literacy to counter disinformation.  Additionally, the Institute will examine best practices in journalism by discussing the rights and responsibilities of the media in a democratic society, including editorial independence, journalistic ethics, legal constraints, and international journalism.  The program will also highlight the impact of technology in journalism, including the influence of the digital economy, globalization of the news media, and other changes that are transforming the profession.  The University of Montana will administer this program; Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, will host the Institute.

The Institute on U.S. Culture, Identity, and Society will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and other specialists with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions through the lens of diversity and national unity.  The Institute will examine the ethnic, racial, social, economic, political, and religious contexts in which various cultures have manifested in U.S. society while focusing on the ways in which these cultures have influenced social movements and American identity throughout U.S. history.  The program will draw from a diverse disciplinary base and will provide a model of how a foreign university might approach the study of American culture and society.  The University of Montana will administer this program; Seattle University in Seattle, Washington, will host the Institute.

The Institute on U.S. Economics and Sustainable Development will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced foreign university faculty, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with a deeper understanding of key components and structures of the U.S. economy.  Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program will explore various topics of socioeconomics such as how financial institutions, investors, and businesses interact to support sustainable economic development, innovation, and growth; and increasing diverse and equitable employment through institutional regulation, social inclusion strategies, and private and public policies.  Throughout the Institute, participants will examine the interplay of climate change, U.S. business innovation, corporate regulation, entrepreneurship, and economic theory.  Participants will have opportunities to learn about key institutions and stakeholders in the U.S. economy and meet with a diverse range of business leaders and small business owners, among others.  The University of Montana will administer this program; the Institute for Training and Development (ITD), in conjunction with Suffolk University, will jointly host the Institute in Amherst and Boston, Massachusetts.

The Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of new approaches to U.S. foreign policy and how U.S. foreign policy is formulated and implemented.  The Institute will include a historical review of significant events, individuals, and philosophies that have shaped U.S. foreign policy.  The program will explain the role of key influences on U.S. foreign policy including the executive and legislative branches of government, the media, the U.S. public, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions.  The Institute will also examine the current U.S. foreign policymaking landscape and emerging trends that are shaping policy.  The University of Montana will administer this program; the University of Delaware will host the Institute in Newark, Delaware.

OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Program Funding: Through an award given to the University of Montana (UM), the Department of State will cover all participant costs, including program administration; travel allowances, domestic travel and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence, as well as arrange and pay for participants’ international and visa travel costs and travel allowances within set limits.

Program Requirements and Restrictions: All participants are expected to participate fully in the program.  Candidates should be made aware that they are applying for an intensive program and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.  The Institute is not a research program.  Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings.  Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.  If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply.  Note that Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods.  Institutes focus on U.S. studies with only a brief focus on the U.S. education system itself.

Housing and Meal Arrangements: When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute.  However, private room accommodations are not guaranteed.  During the study tour (up to two weeks), participants will likely share a hotel room with another participant of the same gender.  During the residency, housing will typically be in college- or university-owned housing.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. All participants will be expected to respectfully share communal spaces and any necessary responsibilities.

Special Requirements: Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily or weekly worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.  Special accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible.  Should a participant need to quarantine due to health and safety concerns, accommodations will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and host institution guidelines.

Travel Arrangements: For all Institutes, the implementing partner (UM) will arrange and pay for international and visa travel for all Institutes.  The host institution will provide each participant with a small travel allowance.  The host institutions will arrange and cover the cost of any program-related travel within the United States.

Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit during the U.S.-based in-person component, which provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program.  Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to $100,000 subject to policy exclusions and limitations.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.

Grounds for Program Dismissal: Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.  If selected, candidates are required to sign the SUSI Terms and Conditions.  This document will outline SUSI policies and rules for participation in more detail.

CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars are highly competitive. Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with U.S. studies focus or component; who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.

Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated, experienced scholars and professionals generally from institutions of higher education or research-focused organizations (not-for-profits, think tanks, etc.). While the educational level of participants will likely vary, most should have graduate degrees and have substantial knowledge of the thematic area of the Institute or a related field.

Ideal candidates come from home institutions seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into its curricula, to develop new courses in the Institute subject, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme.  While the nominee’s scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect from their participation in the Institute is equally important.  Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience living in or visiting the United States.

As noted above, candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely in English. Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to participate in all seminar and panel discussions fully and actively. English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for participants as individuals and to foster a cohesive and interactive group.

Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program, comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.

Relatives of U.S. embassy or Fulbright commission employees are not eligible for SUSIs.

Candidates must be willing to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and points of view.

Announcement for 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators 

 

U.S. Embassy Bangkok invites interested secondary school educators to apply to the Summer 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary School Educators. The program will take place over the course of five weeks beginning between late-May and early-June 2025.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Applicants can download an application form on the U.S. Embassy Bangkok website via this link: Application form. Applications must be sent to BangkokPD@state.gov, stating “Application to 2025 SUSI for Secondary Educators_(Your Full Name)” by 12.00 a.m. of Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Applicants will be selected for interview based on the criteria mentioned above. Interviews will take place at the Media and Cultural Section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok or Zoom in January 2025. Candidates will be notified regarding selection and non-selection by April 2025. All communications and questions regarding the SUSIs for Secondary Educators should be sent to BangkokPD@state.gov.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign secondary school educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The program goal is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad.
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators will take place at various academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five weeks in summer 2025. Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency and, if conditions allow, a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) will provide three multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (including secondary school teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present.  The Institutes focus on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States.  Two of the Institutes are tailored for secondary school teachers; please note that the Institutes for teachers focus on content and materials about the United States rather than teaching methods and pedagogy.  The third Institute is tailored to experienced administrators, including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others.

Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, program content will examine the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values, broadly defined. The programs will also illuminate contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society. The four-week academic residencies will take place at U.S. university and college campuses and will consist of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities. Study tours will complement the academic residencies and showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. The program features curriculum based on the study of how America’s foundations and historical development have shaped and continue to inform U.S. politics, economics, and society. Community service activities are a key cultural component of the program and provide participants with a first-hand experience of how volunteerism plays a vital role in U.S. civil society.  The program will offer multiple opportunities for follow-on engagement through alumni webinars, grant-funded follow-on projects, social media, and an alumni workshop.

The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, Montana, will oversee and administer the three SUSIs for Secondary Educators and will conduct one Institute for teachers which will explore the concept of the “American Dream”.  The Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Amherst, Massachusetts, will conduct the second Institute for teachers which will explore the nation’s progress and future.  California State University, Chico will conduct the Institute for administrators and will focus on equitable learning communities, the history of local native people in the Northern California region, and U.S. democracy.

OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION: 

Program Funding: Through an award given to the University of Montana (UM), the Department of State will cover all participant costs, including program administration; travel allowances, domestic travel, and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence; as well as arrange and pay for participants’ international and visa travel costs and travel allowances within set limits and in coordination with posts and Fulbright commissions.

Program Requirements and Restrictions: All participants are expected to participate fully in the program.  Candidates should be made aware that they are applying for an intensive program and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.  The Institute is not a research program.  Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings.  Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.  If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply.  Note that Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods.  Institutes focus on U.S. studies, with only a brief focus on the U.S. education system itself.

English Language Ability: All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program. Host institutions will take into account that the level of comprehension and speaking ability of participants may vary and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for participants who English as a second or third language.

Housing and Meal Arrangements: When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute.  However, private room accommodations are not guaranteed.  During the study tour (one week), participants will likely share a hotel room with another participant of the same gender.  During the residency, housing will typically be in college or university owned housing or nearby hotels.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. All participants will be expected to respectfully share communal spaces and any necessary responsibilities.

Special Accommodations: Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily or weekly worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.  Special accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible.  Should a participant need to quarantine due to health and safety concerns, accommodations will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and host institution guidelines.

Travel Arrangements: The University of Montana (UM) will arrange and pay for international and visa travel for all Institutes.  The host institution will provide each participant with a small travel allowance. The host institutions will arrange and cover the cost of any travel within the United States.

Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit, which provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program.  Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to $100,000, subject to policy exclusions and limitations.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.

Grounds for Program Dismissal: Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.  If selected, candidates are required to sign the SUSI Terms and Conditions.  This document will outline SUSI policies and rules for participation in more detail.

Virtual Program Contingency: Should health, safety, and travel conditions pose significant challenges to the program, SUSIs will pivot to a virtual format.

Connectivity: Participants should have access to a computer and a stable internet connection for virtual pre-departure orientation sessions. If a participant does not have a computer or adequate internet access, the University of Montana (UM) will work with the participant to facilitate access on an as-needed basis.

CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators are highly competitive. Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with U.S. studies focus or component; who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.

Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated, experienced secondary school teachers and administrators whose students are approximately 14-18 years of age.

Ideal candidates come from institutions seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into their curricula, to develop new courses in the Institute subject, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme.  While the nominees’ scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect from their participation in the Institute is equally important.  Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience living in or visiting the United States.

As noted above, candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely in English.  Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to fully and actively participate in all seminar and panel discussions.  English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for participants as individuals and to foster a cohesive and interactive group.

Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.

Relatives of U.S. Embassy or Fulbright commission employees are not eligible for SUSIs.

Candidates must be willing to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and different points of view.

USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission (ATM) Implementation Services to Thailand

Added Q&A on August 29, 2024

• Questions and Answers for B02 Attch 5 – USDA RFQ 12314424Q0168 (Thailand ATM) (PDF 41KB)

Dear Potential Contractors or Offerors,

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) is soliciting proposals from any and all qualified firms, organizations or individuals to provide USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission (ATM) Implementation Services to Thailand to include, but not limited to the following: Business Recruitment and Matchmaking, Meeting Coordination and Facilitation, Logistics Management, Interpretation and Materials Translation, Informational Materials Development, Follow-up Activities and Photography.

The Request for Quote is attached for your review and consideration.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 3:00 pm U.S. Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Thank you and we are looking forward to receiving your quotes.

Solicitation Packet Download

• B02 12314424Q0168 Thailand ATM (PDF 105KB)
• B02 Attch 1 Thailand ATM RFQ Instructions to Offerors (DOCX 61KB)
• B02 Attch 2 Thailand ATM Commercial Clause-Provision (DOCX 110KB)
• B02 Attch 3 Statement of Objectives Thailand ATM (DOCX 122KB)
• B02 Attch 4 Pricing Worksheet Bangkok, Thailand ATM 8-12-24 (XLSX 12KB)
• B02 Attch 5 Athenee Hotel – U.S. Thailand Agribusiness Trade Mission (XLSX 57KB)
• B02 Attch 6 Thailand ATM Q and A Template 7-16-24 (XLSX 10KB)

Contracting Officers’ Information:

Emil E. Abraham

Contracting Officer

USDA – Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) – Procurement Operations Division (POD)

Emil.Abraham@usda.gov

Alternate POC

Nathan Weatherford

Contract Specialist

USDA – Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) – Procurement Operations Division (POD)

Nathan.Weatherford@usda.gov

Notice of Funding Opportunity 

Funding Opportunity Title: Bolstering Accurate, Impactful Reporting in Thailand
Funding Opportunity Number: BKK-2024-NOFO-03
Deadline for Applications: September 2, 2024
Assistance Listing Number: 19.040
Total Amount Available: $125,000, subject to Congressional notification and availability of funds. 

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, of the U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to enhance journalists’ reporting skills and ethical standards, support accurate reporting fieldwork, and strengthen media institutions’ ability to promote accurate reporting and to counter misinformation. Please follow all instructions below. 

Program Objectives:

Thailand’s diverse media landscape is influenced by political, regulatory, and economic pressures, including the profit-driven nature of contemporary media.  Pressured to prioritize sensationalism over comprehensive or accurate reporting, news organizations may unwittingly expose their journalists to legal and other consequences in pursuit of sensational stories and gripping visuals, or blur the boundaries between editorial content and advertorials, eroding journalistic integrity.  Moreover, online media has ushered in an era of information sourced from social media and unreliable sources.  While this is cheap and facilitates rapid news dissemination, it also facilitates the spread of misinformation and undermines the importance of on-the-ground reporting for factual accuracy and verification.  Furthermore, journalists once reliant on editorial and support teams must be self-sufficient due to staff shortages.

To improve ethical standards and media skills among reporters (including local journalists covering underserved communities), support their ability to do original reporting and research instead of relying on third-party sources, and strengthen networks between those reporters and Bangkok-based professional media organizations, mid-career journalists will participate in workshops or reporting tours to enhance reporting skills, media literacy, verification tools, and research capacity, thereby reducing their reliance on third-party sources (such as unverified social media) for content.

The desired outcome is to strengthen Thai reporters’ capacity to investigate issues of public interest, distinguish facts from mis- or disinformation, and accurately assess the potential impact of geopolitical changes on Thailand.  Through this, Thai decision-makers at both national and local levels will gain access to accurate reporting that reflects the views of people directly impacted by these changes, including marginalized voices.  Stronger media institutions will support democracy by fostering informed and constructive public dialogue and enable more people to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

The grantee will work with Thai media members and/or media organizations, a majority of which should represent media markets outside of the Bangkok metro area, to improve media literacy and professionalism through workshops, reporting tours, research trips, and other events to highlight issues that matter but might be underreported due to limited newsroom resources.  Specifically, participants will gain the ability to better analyze social media and other information streams and develop compelling story ideas and report on issues that matter or reflect marginalized voices that do not receive sufficient attention due to the budget constraints.  The grantee will also strengthen understanding of journalists’ civic responsibilities to foster broad discussion on issues of public importance, to probe beyond conventional narratives, and to abide by strong ethical standards with respect to truth and fairness, building resilience against attempts to coopt or skew reporting.

Grant activities might include, but are not limited to:  media training, workshops, journalist matching or mentorship, reporting/fieldwork trips, or network building between established and emergent media (including citizen journalists).

Participants and Audiences:

1. Early- to mid-career Thai reporters working in print, broadcast and/or web, representing both established and independent media;
2. Reporters from marginalized communities, or reporters dedicated to reporting on behalf of these communities;
3. Mid-level and senior decision-makers at the national and sub-national level who consume media subject to misinformation, or do not currently access reliable, accurate reporting about the impact of geopolitical challenges on Thai people 

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months
Number of awards anticipated: 2-5 awards (dependent on amounts)
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000
Total available funding: $125,000
Type of Funding:  FY24 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act
Anticipated program start date:  September 2024 

This notice is subject to Congressional notification and availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:  

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations or professional organizations.
• Public and private educational institutions
• Individual journalists or not-for-profit media collectives.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost share is not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Organization or individuals not based in Thailand should demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence to orchestrate programs in Thailand, along with necessary personnel to ensure the project’s success.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application
Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.
• All documents are in English.
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars.
• All pages are numbered.
• All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family
• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family
• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (8 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.
• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.
• Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve.  The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives, including a proposed schedule and timeline for planned activities.
• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
• Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments:

• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

Note:  As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number.  Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note:  The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks.  Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions: 

Step 1:  Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process.  SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 2:  Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

• An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.
• For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

4. Submission Dates and Times 

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM on September 2, 2024 (Bangkok Time).

5. Funding Restrictions

N/A

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to PressBKK@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points:  The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 10 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds.  This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed.  Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 20 points:  Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

i. The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

iii. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: The recipient must request payment under this award by completing form SF-270 – Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise stipulated, the recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis.   

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

• 2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:  NOTE:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:
  • Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
  • Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),
  • Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
  • Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
  • Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.  The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.   

The recipient will be required to submit financial reports and progress reports.  The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.  Financial reports should be submitted no more than 30 days following the end of each calendar year quarter. 

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.  Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation.  In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: PressBKK@state.gov.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor.  Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs:  These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating.  If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy.   It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages:  Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

Online Professional English Network Fall Term 2024 (Starts September 24, – November 18, 2024)

Online Professional English Network offers 8-week, online university-level courses in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) developed by U.S. educational institutions.

What courses are available?

• Teaching Grammar Communicatively (TGC) by World Learning
• Teaching English for Critical Intercultural Awareness (TECIA) by World Learning
• Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom (ET) by Iowa State University
• Teaching English Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages (TEAWSL) by Iowa State University
• Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) by George Mason University
• Professional Development for Teacher Trainers (PDTT) by Arizona State University
• Creating and Implementing Online Courses (CIOC) by Arizona State University
• TESOL Methodology (TM) by University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
• Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement (FSME) by University of Oregon
• Teaching for Environmental Awareness (TEEA) by Kansas State University

For more details about courses click here : https://openenglishcommunity.org/page/global-online-courses

Candidates must:

• Be an English language professional
• Have strong English language reading and writing skills (minimum 525 TOEFL, 70 iBT, or CEFR B2). Applicants do not need to submit the test scores
• Be a Thai citizen
• Be living in your country for the entire duration (8 weeks) of the OPEN term (Orientation Starts on August 19-September 13, 2024, and Course Starts on September 24,-November 18, 2024)
• Have regular and reliable access to high-speed internet connection
• Be able to spend 10 to 12 hours online each week for the duration of the 8-week course
• Be willing to be enrolled in a second or third course, if your primary choice is unavailable

The selected candidates will be contacted for phone interview.

Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/CecVG1orLggmJNeBA

Application deadline is Monday, July 15, 2024