Exchange program for biotechnology experts | STX 100 FY20 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for STX 100 FY20 003

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, is funding a single cooperative agreement to run a short-term U.S. exchange program for five biotechnology experts from Turkmenistan. The core activity is a two-to-three-week study visit in the United States, organized by the awardee, with the broader grant performance period lasting 6 to 12 months (and in any case intended to be completed within 12 months or less). The program is framed as a capacity-building effort for Turkmenistan's Academy of Sciences and its affiliated research centers, which are facing reduced government support and are being pushed to sustain operations by commercializing their research. Applicants are encouraged to pick U.S. program locations that make practical sense for Turkmenistan's desert climate and soil constraints, so the exchange is directly relevant to conditions participants will face at home.

The grant sets a clear outcome-oriented goal: within 18 months after the exchange ends, participants are expected to be actively working on adapting at least two new biotechnologies to Turkmenistan's local conditions and to be marketing biotechnology solutions or services to at least five agricultural companies or producers. Progress is meant to be demonstrated through tangible indicators such as new projects launched and documented follow-up consultations between the participants and potential local clients or partners. In other words, the exchange is not just about professional exposure; it is designed to lead to applied research, field use, and a measurable increase in outreach to the agricultural sector in Turkmenistan.

Program content is expected to cover both technical biotechnology applications and the practical business side of turning research into marketable services. On the technical side, the exchange should expose participants to how U.S. institutions develop and apply biotechnologies related to crop protection against insects, bacteria, and other pests; artificial selection and crop improvement; soil quality improvement and salinity reduction; livestock breeding; and the use of halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) as livestock feed and as a tool for improving soil quality. On the commercialization side, participants should learn concrete methods for moving research toward real-world adoption, including how U.S. universities and research institutions structure technology transfer, industry engagement, partnerships, and service offerings. The NOFO also emphasizes learning through observation of real deployment, so site visits to agricultural facilities where biotechnology is being used in practice are part of the intended design. Two-way exchange matters as well: participants are expected to share Turkmenistan's experience with U.S. counterparts, establish professional networks, and lay groundwork for future research partnerships.

Because this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, the Embassy anticipates being more hands-on during implementation. The Embassy plans to be involved in soliciting and selecting participants, coordinating program dates, and recommending certain U.S. sites and venues. That structure signals that the awardee should be prepared for ongoing coordination with U.S. government staff and should design a program that can incorporate Embassy input while still delivering the full itinerary, training content, and follow-on planning needed to meet the program's outcomes.

Funding is expected to range from $35,000 to $55,000 for one award, using FY20 Fulbright-Hays Public Diplomacy funds, with an anticipated program start around October 2021 (subject to funding availability). A notable restriction is that award funds may not be used in any countries other than the United States and Turkmenistan, which affects how travel, events, and any third-country stopovers or subcontracted activities can be planned. Payment is expected by wire transfer in a single installment, and the awardee can only begin incurring costs starting on the official start date shown in the executed award document signed by the Grants Officer.

Eligible applicants are limited to U.S.-based nonprofits (including think tanks and NGOs) and U.S. public or private educational institutions. Cost sharing is not required, but it is treated as a competitive advantage and can add points in the evaluation (up to 10 percentage points, depending on the level of cost share). Organizational applicants must have the required federal registrations, including a unique entity identifier (noted as DUNS in the NOFO), an NCAGE/CAGE code, and an active SAM.gov registration. Organizations also need to ensure they are not listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM, since debarred or suspended entities cannot receive funds or participate in award activities. Each organization may submit only one proposal; submitting multiple proposals makes all submissions from that organization ineligible.

The application package is fairly prescriptive. Submissions must be in English, budgets must be in U.S. dollars, pages must be numbered, and documents must follow specific formatting expectations (8.5 x 11 pages; Word documents single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, with at least one-inch margins). Required components include standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), a summary cover sheet with key identifying details and a brief program purpose, a narrative proposal that clearly explains what will be done and how it aligns to the NOFO goals and objectives, and a budget justification narrative that explains each cost item in detail. Required attachments include one-page CVs or resumes for key personnel, letters of support from program partners that spell out roles and responsibilities, and a current NICRA document if indirect costs are included. Any official permission letters needed for activities should also be provided.

Applications were due by August 21, 2020, and had to be submitted by email to AshgabatCulturalAffairs@state.gov. After the program ends, the recipient must submit both a financial report and a program report within 30 days of completion. The State Department also notes that publishing the opportunity does not guarantee an award, does not reimburse proposal preparation costs, and does not commit the government to future or additional funding beyond what is awarded. For applicant questions, the point of contact is the same embassy email address, and the NOFO document itself is positioned as the controlling source for the full set of requirements and expectations.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Turkmenistan in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Exchange program for biotechnology experts" 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 Jul 20, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 21, 2020. (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 $55,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for STX 100 FY20 003

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