Deadline: 09-Sep-20
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo (“PAS Colombo”) is pleased to announce a call for proposals through the Public Diplomacy Grants program.
PAS Colombo’s purpose in funding projects under this opportunity is to enable non-governmental organizations and educational institutions, in partnership with a Sri Lankan institution, to develop and implement Augmented Reality visual experiences for Galle Fort in SriLanka.
The goal of this effort is to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by enhancing how this major historical monument and popular tourist destination, is experienced, through Augmented Reality. International tourism to Sri Lanka has decreased after the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. By creating a virtual platform incorporating Augmented Reality technology, this project aims to utilize existing documentation of Galle Fort and to increase awareness of the Fort, ultimately attracting tourists to Sri Lanka.
Objectives
PAS Colombo seeks proposals in response to this NOFO for a digitization project that will transform the existing research into an effective, user friendly and accessible way for visitors, students, and interested individuals to experience the site:
- Provide innovative and high-visibility support for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by launching the country’s first AR tourism initiative at Galle Fort.
- Provide Sri Lanka’s tourism industry with tangible and sustainable infrastructure for the protection and promotion of a major heritage site.
- Promote greater understanding among Sri Lankan and foreign students that visit the site every year, on the importance of protecting and promoting archeological heritage sites
- Provide a report after the first 3 months of the online portal going live, of virtual visits to the site and related information of online traffic
Funding Information
- Anticipated Award Amount is Up to $250,000.
Duration
- Duration of Award is up to eighteen (18) months
Eligibility Criteria
- All U.S. and Sri Lankan registered non-profit, non-governmental organizations and U.S. and Sri Lankan universities are encouraged to apply.
- Any relevant experience must be documented in the organization’s proposal. Organizations must provide proof of registration and non-profit status with their proposal application.
- U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter.
Submission Process
- Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.
- Acknowledgement of receipt: Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.
- Review: A technical review panel will review the proposal and based upon the criteria noted below. A determination will be made regarding the program’s proposed area of activity and the Mission’s strategic goals, and those proposals that are the best fit will be given additional consideration.
- Follow up notification: Applicants will generally be notified within 90 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=328594