U.S. Embassy Singapore - Annual Program Statement | PAS SINGAPORE FY21 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS SINGAPORE FY21 003

The U.S. Embassy in Singapore, through its Public Affairs Section, is seeking a partner to curate, build, and deliver a virtual photo exhibition marking 55 years of U.S.-Singapore diplomatic relations. The project sits under a broader USSG55 year-long campaign and is meant to present the shared history of both countries through a well-researched set of photos and stories that help the public better understand the relationship and where it is headed. The exhibition is intended to be free for public access and is expected to launch by October 2021, with the overall project running for a 12-month performance period beginning around July 1, 2021 (subject to funding availability).

At the core, the Embassy is looking for a team that can handle three major workstreams: curation and exhibition design, end-to-end project management and technical delivery, and public outreach. On content, applicants are expected to research and develop a coherent narrative that brings the relationship to life through themes such as diplomatic milestones, official visits, partnerships, business ties, and cultural exchange. Some photos will be provided by the Embassy, but the partner is responsible for sourcing additional materials as needed, ensuring image quality, and securing any necessary intellectual property permissions and copyrights for reproduction. The exhibition is also expected to go beyond static images by integrating multimedia elements like audio and video, with clear, audience-friendly copywriting for exhibition text and interpretive materials. The thematic priorities emphasized in the opportunity include: the shared history that underpins a secure, prosperous, and innovative future; enduring connections that support stability in Singapore, the United States, and the Indo-Pacific; and the overall importance of the bilateral partnership.

On the technical side, the partner must deliver a functional web-based exhibition experience, including providing a domain and server hosting for two years. The site can be structured as a microsite that can connect back to the Embassy website, and the partner must plan for a handover of site management to the Embassy after the two-year hosting period. The website must work across commonly used browsers, be responsive from desktop to mobile, and include an offline or downloadable viewing option. The design expectations focus heavily on usability and performance: intuitive navigation, strong UX/UI, interactive presentation of images, multimedia support, fast loading (with a target of under five seconds), and accessibility features where feasible. In addition to building the site, the partner must provide maintenance and technical support, including at least a one-year warranty period to address bugs or glitches after launch, along with strong security features to protect content and prevent unauthorized access. If any personal data is collected through the site, the project must address data protection needs.

The Embassy also expects a serious public engagement plan, not just a finished website. Applicants should propose outreach activities that broaden awareness and help educate diverse audiences, with an emphasis on groups like schools, youth, and communities with existing connections or interest in U.S.-Singapore relations. The proposal should name at least three target groups and describe online activities that guide participants through the exhibition, supported by customized content and learning resources that encourage interaction. Digital visibility and measurement are built into the scope: the partner should implement web analytics (including Google Analytics and tracking), search engine optimization (SEO), and reporting that captures both quantitative and qualitative outcomes, such as visitor counts, audience profiles, and feedback.

Funding is offered as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, meaning Embassy staff will be actively involved throughout planning and delivery. The award pool is up to $30,000 total from FY2021 public diplomacy funds, with one award anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range from $5,000 to $30,000, and the Embassy notes that additional funding could be possible if the proposed budget aligns with the project goals and approvals are obtained. Because it is a cooperative agreement, the partner should expect ongoing coordination and regular communications, and the Embassy retains approval authority over major elements, including photo selection, content and design decisions, technical specifications (domain/hosting), outreach activities, marketing materials, and any sub-awardees or collaborators. The Embassy also reserves the right to request revisions, including changes to previously agreed elements if circumstances shift, so applicants need to build realistic time into their schedules for review and approvals.

Eligibility is open to U.S.-based, Singapore-based, and other foreign nonprofit organizations/NGOs, as well as private or public institutions of higher education and individuals with the relevant capability to carry out the work. For-profit entities are not eligible. Applicants need demonstrated experience that fits the project, such as art and curation, exhibition and web design, technical support, education and outreach, media, and international project management. The applying organization must have a curator assigned, and independent curators may apply as individuals. U.S.-based applicants are expected to show strong linkages to a Singapore-based partner. Cost sharing is not required, but the Embassy flags that projects of this scale often cost more than the Embassy can fund, so applicants may need to bring additional resources or partners; any cost-sharing partnerships must be pre-approved.

For administrative requirements, organizations must be registered in SAM.gov to receive an award, while individuals do not need SAM registration but will undergo a background check if selected. Applications must be submitted electronically (no fax, courier, or hardcopy submissions). Along with the proposal and budget, applicants must submit mandatory federal forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. The original closing date listed is May 30, 2021, and questions or accommodation requests are directed to SingaporePASCultural@state.gov.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Singapore in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), business and commerce, community development, education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Singapore - Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 23, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 30, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $30,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for PAS SINGAPORE FY21 003

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