Deadline: 10-May-22
The Bureau of Global Talent Management, Office of Talent Acquisition (GTM/TAC) at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2023 William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship Program (Clarke DS Fellowship).
A cooperative agreement for up to $1,500,000 (USD) in FY22 Diplomatic Programs funds will be awarded, pending availability of funds, for work that will support programmatic, financial, and administrative activities for the 2023 Clarke DS Fellowship program. It will include outreach, facilitating and assisting in the selection of fellows, tracking and monitoring of fellows, maintaining of databases and statistics related to the program, program and financial reporting requirements, financial disbursements, travel, lodging and logistical arrangements.
Program Goals
- Contribute to a Foreign Service that reflects the diversity of the United States.
- Develop new Diplomatic Security talent for the Department of State’s Foreign Service at the graduate level.
Program Objectives
- Attract and recruit highly talented and qualified candidates from across the United States who represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity to a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State through a program of educational support and professional development.
- Provide candidates and fellows with information on the service elements, benefits, challenges, and requirements of a Foreign Service Diplomatic Security career.
- Provide candidates and fellows with information on the benefits and obligations of the Fellowship and need to complete Foreign Service entry requirements including obtaining and maintaining required clearances (security, suitability, and medical), passing all physical readiness and fitness for duty requirements, and passing the Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment (FSSOA).
- Provide funding to assist fellows towards completing graduate degrees in academic disciplines representing the Diplomatic Security skill needs of the Department’s Foreign Service.
- Enhance fellows’ understanding of the work of a DS Special Agent and the lifestyle of the Foreign Service through a domestic practicum in Washington D.C. and an overseas practicum at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or mission.
- Provide fellows with mentoring and professional development training to expose them to information that will help to prepare them to be successful Foreign Service DS Special Agents.
- Administer the program in a strategic and efficient way that produces the intended results.
Funding Information
- Funding Amount: $1,500,000
- Number of Awards: One award (1)
- Project Duration: 38 months
Expected Results
Based on the goals and objectives of the program, expected results include, but are not limited to the following:
- Recruitment activities will target diverse candidates and institutions across the United States and highlight the Department of State’s commitment to building a workforce that represents the broad and inclusive elements of their nation’s diversity.
- The applicant pool will represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity.
- Candidates’ knowledge of the benefits, challenges, and requirements of a Foreign Service career will increase.
- Eight (8) fellows will be selected through a highly competitive nationwide selection process.
- Fellows will be prepared for careers with the Department of State as Foreign Service DS Special Agents through a program that includes financial assistance towards the completion of a two-year master’s degree in an area relevant to Diplomatic Security, mentoring, practicums, and professional development.
- Fellows will complete the Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSSOA), physical readiness and fitness, medical, security, and suitability clearance requirements as outlined in the fellowship agreement in a timely manner.
- The program will be administered in a cost-effective manner, resources will be matched to program objectives, and all program elements will be completed within budget.
Eligibility Criteria
U.S. non-profit/nongovernmental organizations subject to section 501 (c) (3) of the U. S. tax code and U.S. institutions of higher education (public and private). Eligible applicants must provide proof of their 501(c) (3) eligibility status, as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338600