Poland: American Center Warsaw Program

Description

This cooperative agreement will provide funding for one year of activity. For up to two years, additional funds will be provided to maintain and upgrade the center (pending successful implementation of required programming). · Staffing the American Center Warsaw: Applicants should propose a staffing plan for operating the ACW to be implemented in consultation with the U.S. Embassy Warsaw. U.S. Embassy Warsaw envisions the winning proposal including positions to support the following areas 1. Innovative Programming: Identifying and working with partners on initiatives that support U.S. Embassy Warsaw’s mission and public diplomacy goals. 2. IT and Technology Innovations: Supporting the tech-forward nature of the ACW, utilizing the most current digital tools to expand the audience for ACW events. 3. Outreach and Communications: Actively promoting ACW events and resources, maintaining dynamic and engaging website and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook). 4. Administration and Operations: Overseeing day-to-day administrative tasks in compliance with U.S. Embassy Warsaw policies. For the purpose of this project, the award recipient organization will act as the employer of all locally hired, full-time and temporary staff. The award recipient will be responsible for establishing transparent and fair employment practices. All policies are subject to review by U.S. Embassy Warsaw. It is the responsibility of the award recipient to ensure that labor agreements are prepared and signed with each employee in full accordance with current Polish law, and, moreover, all social security and tax deductions are accurately and timely performed by the employer. The award recipient will advise all locally hired staff of the fact that although the employee is employed by a U.S. Government partner, it does not absolve him/her from paying taxes imposed by any level of government in Poland. The U.S. Government bears no liability or responsibility for the employment, benefits or welfare of the employee under employment agreement between the award recipient and the employee, nor will any credit for employment be given by the U.S. Government should the employee ever apply for a position with the U.S. Government. · Implementing Programs at the American Center Warsaw: ACW programs are planned in consultation with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of U.S. Embassy Warsaw and should be low-cost or even free to produce with the help of volunteers and local partners. The ACW supports a dynamic events calendar that includes a regular English conversation club, film screenings, workshops for U.S. exchange program alumni, cultural events, receptions, and events that feature high-level U.S. and Polish officials. Not all programming takes place within the physical ACW space and partnerships with outside organizations are encouraged. The proposal should also include program activities that will be supported by funds through the cooperative agreement. These may include, but are not limited to: virtual lectures and discussions with Americans; translation support; programs with exchange program alumni; master classes in the arts; performances; presentations from representatives of U.S. universities; training workshops; Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs); honoraria for local guest speakers; etc. Approximately 15% of funding should be used for program activities. U.S. Embassy Warsaw, both through the Public Affairs Section and other embassy sections, will also provide other programming opportunities at the ACW. For example, the Public Affairs Section administers a robust cultural and academic exchange portfolio that includes visiting artists, musicians, academics, students, and American speakers. Additional programs managed by partner organizations (EducationUSA advising, alumni events, lectures by Fulbright scholars, etc.) also regularly take place at the ACW. All activities of this kind organized or sponsored by U.S. Embassy Warsaw will be integrated into the activities of the ACW when appropriate. Therefore, ACW programs proposed by the recipient represent only some of the programming that ultimately will be provided at the Center. · Day-to-Day Operations at the American Center Warsaw: The proposal should include a detailed operational plan for managing a full-fledged public outreach center that is open to the public five days a week. This includes, but is not limited to, staff schedule to ensure coverage, plans to procure supplies and materials necessary to provide the full range of services and programming including: · Internet services, IT support (including software), and maintenance of equipment such as photocopiers and A/V equipment · The ACW website · Communications (telephone, postal services, etc.) · Supplemental furniture if needed · Supplemental equipment (additional or replacement iPads, computers, TV monitors, copy machine, printers) if needed · Marketing materials and promotional signs · Contractual services to maintain the center’s activities, including equipment repair as needed, cleaning services, interpretation services, and delivery of drinking water

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