American Language Center English Language and Cultural Program | PA 17001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): American Language Center English Language and Cultural Program (Amman, Jordan)

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is a U.S. Mission to Jordan cooperative agreement to keep the American Language Center (ALC) in Amman operating as a high-visibility American Space and a hub for direct, in-person engagement with Jordanians, especially young people. The award supports day-to-day operations of a tuition-based English program using the ALC's existing curriculum, while also expanding and formalizing a steady calendar of cultural activities introducing participants to U.S. culture, values, and society and creating space for dialogue.

2) Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement, and what does that mean?

This is a cooperative agreement. The operator is expected to run the English-language program without constant direct supervision, but the U.S. Embassy in Amman (Public Affairs Section) remains substantially involved in major decisions. Embassy involvement includes approving staff, guiding themes and program direction, approving the monthly events calendar, advising on curriculum and cultural programming, providing guidance on film licensing, and coordinating security consultation through the Regional Security Office.

3) What larger U.S. government frameworks does this program sit under?

The opportunity sits under the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) American Spaces network (about 700 locations worldwide) and is grounded in the Fulbright-Hays Act (Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961), which frames the overall purpose as strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people ties.

4) Where does the program take place?

The program is centered on the American Language Center (ALC) premises in Amman, Jordan, which will operate as an American Space language center and also host U.S. Embassy-run and partner activities.

5) What are the main responsibilities of the recipient organization?

The recipient is expected to provide the full operational backbone for the center, including staffing, administrative capacity, program delivery, supplies, technology infrastructure, technical support, marketing, and compliance with U.S. Embassy security requirements. The operator must also provide logistical and operational support for Embassy-sponsored and partner events hosted at the facility.

6) What are the two main pillars of program delivery?

Program delivery has two primary pillars: (1) English instruction delivered through the established ALC curriculum and materials, and (2) cultural and engagement programming delivered through ongoing clubs/exchanges plus additional events each month.

7) What are the minimum English teaching requirements?

The operator must run at least 18 English classes per session using the established ALC curriculum and associated materials and online resources. Classes are capped at 16 students per class.

8) How is the English program expected to be financially sustained?

The English program is designed to be financially sustained largely through tuition revenue. Course fees are set in consultation with the Embassy and are expected to cover most operating costs. The solicitation notes that per-session revenues from English courses should, on average, exceed 50,000 (the currency is not specified in the provided text).

9) What ongoing cultural activities must continue?

The operator must continue the ALC's ongoing monthly book club, monthly film club, and weekly language exchange pairing native English and native Arabic speakers.

10) What additional cultural programming is required beyond the ongoing activities?

In addition to the monthly book club, monthly film club, and weekly language exchange, the operator must add 2 to 3 other cultural events each month. These events should be visible to the public through an advertised calendar.

11) What kinds of cultural events are encouraged?

Examples mentioned include interactive discussions, film screenings, open mic nights, virtual exchanges or video conferences, alumni workshops, and thematic talks connected to issues of interest to Jordanians and U.S. public diplomacy priorities. Events are encouraged to be low-cost and volunteer-supported when possible.

12) How many Embassy-sponsored events are expected to be hosted at the facility?

The Embassy anticipates 5 to 10 Embassy-sponsored cultural events per month hosted at the grantee's facility.

13) What is required related to EducationUSA advising?

The facility is expected to host at least three days per month devoted to EducationUSA advising activities (group and individual sessions) delivered using Embassy advising staff. The operator is responsible for the logistical and operational support needed on the ground (such as room setup, equipment readiness, and coordination aligned with Embassy guidance).

14) What operational support is the operator expected to provide for Embassy and partner events?

The operator must provide the logistical and operational support that makes events work on the ground, including room setup, ensuring equipment is ready, and general coordination aligned with Embassy guidance.

15) What staffing plan is expected in the proposal?

Applicants must propose a recruiting and hiring plan (subject to Embassy approval) that yields sufficient qualified local teachers and staff. The solicitation generally envisions at least five teachers, two teacher or activity coordinators (for functions like testing, social media, and supplemental activities in addition to teaching), and one to two administrative support staff (full- or part-time).

16) How many classes are teachers expected to teach?

Teachers are expected to carry 3 to 4 classes per term.

17) Is U.S. experience required for teachers or staff?

Experience in the United States is described as helpful but not required.

18) Who employs the locally hired staff?

The grantee is the legal employer for locally hired staff.

19) What employment and labor compliance requirements apply?

The operator must implement transparent and fair employment practices consistent with Jordanian law, including proper contracts, timely tax and social security deductions, and clear communication that U.S. Government funding does not exempt employees from local taxes and does not confer U.S. Government employment status or benefits.

20) What facilities, supplies, and services must the operator provide or maintain?

The proposal must show how the applicant will procure and maintain the supplies and services needed to operate a modern American Space language center. This includes internet and IT support, software and equipment maintenance, the ALC website and social media, communications, classroom and event technology (laptops, projectors, SmartBoards, A/V), physical and digital information resources, marketing materials and signage, and contracted services such as cleaning, repairs, labor for event setup, and basic amenities like drinking water delivery.

21) Will the Embassy provide equipment?

The Embassy may provide some equipment from existing inventory on a loan basis, especially for major technology items or for specific events. Even if some equipment is loaned, the grantee remains responsible for overall functionality, cleanliness, and upkeep.

22) What security requirements apply?

The center must comply with U.S. Embassy security requirements. The Embassy will coordinate security consultation through the Regional Security Office, and the operator is expected to align operations with these security standards.

23) What reporting is required during the award?

The operator must provide weekly updates on attendance and submit a monthly report on operations and programs to the Public Affairs Section.

24) What marketing and communications responsibilities are included?

The operator must actively manage the center's social media presence, market the ALC to target audiences, and ensure the space remains clean, well-run, and compliant with Embassy security standards.

25) What is the maximum funding amount available?

Funding is capped at $140,000 total for one cooperative agreement (CFDA 19.021). Proposals above that ceiling are described as unlikely to be competitive.

26) What is the period of performance?

The period of performance is 12 months and is described as renewable.

27) What start date and program launch timing are mentioned?

An anticipated start around mid-July 2017 is mentioned, along with a goal of launching a new English session by July 15, 2017. These dates reflect the original posting timeline provided in the text.

28) Can the Embassy change the budget or program design after selection?

The Embassy reserves the right to adjust budgets and negotiate program design based on needs and funding availability.

29) What costs can the grant funds cover?

Funds can cover program and administrative costs consistent with the solicitation. The application must include a detailed line-item budget and supporting narrative aligned to SF-424A categories.

30) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is aimed at capable nonprofit operators and higher-education institutions, including U.S. 501(c)(3) entities and Jordanian organizations officially registered as a nonprofit or not-for-profit company.

31) What application forms are required?

Applications must be submitted through the required federal forms: SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B.

32) What narrative content and length are required in the application?

The application must include an executive summary and a narrative of up to 10 pages addressing vision, staffing, activities, monitoring, evaluation, institutional capacity, and a work plan.

33) What attachments are expected with the application?

Attachments referenced include a calendar of activities, resumes of key personnel, and a detailed Excel budget.

34) What role does the Embassy play in approving personnel and programming?

The Embassy will approve staff, guide key themes and program direction, approve the monthly events calendar, advise on curriculum and cultural programming, provide guidance on film licensing, and coordinate security consultation. Embassy public affairs staff and a Regional Public Engagement Specialist may also support training and help integrate innovative programming into the space.

35) What are the expectations for visibility and public access to programming?

Cultural events are meant to be visible to the public through an advertised calendar. The center is intended to function as a high-visibility American Space and a hub for engagement, particularly with young people.

36) What is the overall outcome the solicitation is trying to achieve?

The overall expectation is a professionally managed, locally staffed center that delivers consistent English instruction, maintains a lively schedule of cultural engagement that introduces U.S. culture and values and encourages dialogue, and provides reliable operational support for a steady stream of Embassy and partner programming, all aligned with the broader purpose of strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people ties.