Operation and Management of the Edward M. Kennedy Center

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Dhaka announces an open competition to manage and operate the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Service. The EMK Center advances U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by engaging young Bangladeshi professionals, and U.S. exchange alumni in high-impact programs that showcase American excellence in trade, commerce, technology, and education, while promoting U.S. culture and society through strategic campaigns, workshops, and curated events.

As part of the global American Spaces network, the EMK Center supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by countering adversarial narratives, engaging U.S. exchange alumni, promoting U.S. innovation, expanding access to English language and professional skills training, and providing EducationUSA advising that significantly contributes to the U.S. economy. In addition, the EMK Center serves as a whole-of-mission platform where the Foreign Commercial Service, Economic Section, and Foreign Agricultural Services collaborate to advance U.S. commercial objectives through joint programming, business engagement, and showcasing American brands.

The selected recipient will manage the EMK Center in close partnership with the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PD). Key responsibilities include supervising professional local staff; delivering comprehensive EducationUSA services; designing and implementing programs in STEM, videography, photography, and related fields; maintaining all technology and equipment; and executing a flexible monthly program calendar that sustains strong in-person and virtual participation in EMK, American Spaces Bangladesh network programs, and Embassy-sponsored activities.  

Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply: 

●     Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, trust

●     Private educational institutions

●     Public International Organizations

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.

Individuals are not eligible to apply for this NOFO