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.Apply for PAS SINGAPORE FY21 003
- 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity about?
The U.S. Embassy in Singapore (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 exhibition is part of a broader USSG55 year-long campaign and is intended to present shared history through a well-researched set of photos and stories.
What type of award is being offered?
Funding is offered as a cooperative agreement, not a standard grant. This means Embassy staff will be actively involved during planning and delivery, with ongoing coordination and regular communications.
How much funding is available?
The total award pool is up to $30,000 (FY2021 public diplomacy funds). Individual awards are expected to range from $5,000 to $30,000, with one award anticipated.
Is additional funding possible beyond $30,000?
The Embassy notes that additional funding could be possible if the proposed budget aligns with project goals and appropriate approvals are obtained.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based, Singapore-based, and other foreign nonprofit organizations/NGOs; private or public institutions of higher education; and individuals with the relevant capability to carry out the work. For-profit entities are not eligible.
Can an individual apply, such as an independent curator?
Yes. Independent curators may apply as individuals, and individuals do not need SAM.gov registration. If selected, individuals will undergo a background check.
Are for-profit companies eligible?
No. For-profit entities are not eligible for this opportunity.
Do U.S.-based applicants need a Singapore partner?
U.S.-based applicants are expected to show strong linkages to a Singapore-based partner.
Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required. However, the Embassy notes that projects of this scale often cost more than the Embassy can fund, so applicants may need to bring additional resources or partners.
If we include partners or cost-sharing arrangements, do they need approval?
Yes. Any cost-sharing partnerships must be pre-approved, and the Embassy retains approval authority over any sub-awardees or collaborators.
What is the project timeline and performance period?
The overall project is expected to run for a 12-month performance period beginning around July 1, 2021 (subject to funding availability).
When is the exhibition expected to launch?
The virtual exhibition is expected to launch by October 2021.
Is the exhibition intended to be free to the public?
Yes. The exhibition is intended to be free for public access.
What are the main workstreams or responsibilities for the selected partner?
The Embassy is looking for a team that can handle three major workstreams: (1) curation and exhibition design, (2) end-to-end project management and technical delivery, and (3) public outreach.
What content themes should the exhibition cover?
Applicants are expected to develop a coherent narrative that brings the bilateral relationship to life through themes such as diplomatic milestones, official visits, partnerships, business ties, and cultural exchange.
What thematic priorities are emphasized in the opportunity?
The opportunity emphasizes: 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.
Will the Embassy provide photos, or must the partner source them?
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.
Who is responsible for intellectual property permissions and copyright clearance?
The partner is responsible for securing any necessary intellectual property permissions and copyrights for reproducing materials used in the exhibition.
Does the exhibition need to include multimedia elements?
Yes. The exhibition is expected to go beyond static images by integrating multimedia elements like audio and video, along with clear, audience-friendly copywriting for exhibition text and interpretive materials.
What technical deliverables are required for the website?
The partner must deliver a functional web-based exhibition experience, including providing a domain and server hosting for two years. The site may be structured as a microsite that can connect back to the Embassy website.
How long must the partner provide hosting?
The partner must provide domain and server hosting for two years.
What happens after the two-year hosting period ends?
The partner must plan for a handover of site management to the Embassy after the two-year hosting period.
Are there browser, mobile, and performance requirements?
Yes. The website must work across commonly used browsers, be responsive from desktop to mobile, and be designed for usability and performance, including fast loading with a target of under five seconds.
Is an offline or downloadable viewing option required?
Yes. The website must include an offline or downloadable viewing option.
What UX/UI and design expectations are included?
Design expectations include intuitive navigation, strong UX/UI, interactive presentation of images, multimedia support, and overall usability.
Are accessibility features required?
Accessibility features are expected where feasible.
What maintenance and support are required after launch?
The partner must provide maintenance and technical support, including at least a one-year warranty period to address bugs or glitches after launch.
What security and data protection expectations apply?
The partner must include 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.
Is a public engagement plan required, or is building the website enough?
A public engagement plan is required. The Embassy expects outreach activities that broaden awareness and educate diverse audiences, not just a finished website.
Which audiences are specifically emphasized for outreach?
The opportunity emphasizes audiences such as schools, youth, and communities with existing connections or interest in U.S.-Singapore relations.
How many target groups must be included in the outreach plan?
The proposal should name at least three target groups and describe online activities that guide participants through the exhibition.
Are learning resources or customized content expected as part of outreach?
Yes. Outreach activities should be supported by customized content and learning resources that encourage interaction.
Are analytics, SEO, and reporting part of the scope?
Yes. The partner should implement web analytics (including Google Analytics and tracking), search engine optimization (SEO), and reporting that captures quantitative and qualitative outcomes such as visitor counts, audience profiles, and feedback.
How much control does the Embassy have over project decisions?
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.
Can the Embassy request changes after elements have already been agreed?
Yes. The Embassy reserves the right to request revisions, including changes to previously agreed elements if circumstances shift, so applicants should build realistic review and approval time into schedules.
What experience or capabilities are applicants expected to demonstrate?
Applicants should have demonstrated experience relevant to the project, such as art and curation, exhibition and web design, technical support, education and outreach, media, and international project management.
Is a curator required on the project team?
Yes. The applying organization must have a curator assigned.
Do organizations need to be registered in SAM.gov?
Yes. Organizations must be registered in SAM.gov to receive an award.
Do individuals need SAM.gov registration?
No. Individuals do not need SAM.gov registration, but a background check is required if selected.
How must applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted electronically. No fax, courier, or hardcopy submissions are accepted.
What forms are required with the application?
Mandatory federal forms include SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, in addition to the proposal and budget.
What is the application deadline?
The original closing date listed is May 30, 2021.
Where can applicants send questions or accommodation requests?
Questions or accommodation requests should be directed to SingaporePASCultural@state.gov.
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