U.S. - Tanzania Tech Challenge | PDS DAR FY24 003

FAQs: U.S. - Tanzania Tech Challenge (PDS DAR FY24 003)

What is the U.S. - Tanzania Tech Challenge?

The U.S. - Tanzania Tech Challenge is a grant competition run by the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam (Funding Opportunity Number: PDS DAR FY24 003). It funds technology-driven ideas designed to strengthen civic engagement, improve media and digital literacy, and support information integrity in Tanzania.

What types of problems is this challenge trying to solve?

The opportunity highlights needs such as limited access to verified information outside major urban centers, low levels of media literacy that increase vulnerability to manipulation, and the need for accessible digital training resources that bridge cultural and information gaps.

What are the main goals (core objectives) of the grant?

The program has two core objectives: (1) identify and financially support Tanzanian tech companies and other eligible Tanzanian entities as they develop and expand solutions that improve civic participation and strengthen the integrity of Tanzania's information environment; and (2) build sustained, constructive collaboration among Tanzanian tech firms and key stakeholders (educational institutions, media organizations, civil society groups, and government actors) to support long-term impact through partnerships.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to Tanzanian entities, including Tanzanian not-for-profit organizations (NGOs, civil society organizations, think tanks), Tanzanian public and private educational institutions, and Tanzanian for-profit organizations.

Can non-Tanzanian organizations apply or lead a project?

No. The notice restricts eligibility to Tanzanian entities, and proposals must focus only on Tanzania. Proposals centered on other countries or locations are disqualified.

Where must project activities take place?

All proposed project activities must take place outside the United States and its territories, and submissions must focus only on Tanzania.

How much funding is available per award?

Individual awards will not exceed USD 250,000.

How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The Embassy anticipates making about three awards, depending on funds being available.

Is funding guaranteed?

No. Awards are dependent on funds being available, and award decisions remain at the discretion of the U.S. government. The Embassy also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

What kinds of projects are a good fit?

Projects can take many forms as long as they are tech-based and clearly tied to the challenge goals (civic engagement, media and digital literacy, and information integrity). The Embassy is especially interested in solutions that can reach rural and underserved areas, including efforts delivered in local languages or designed for communities with limited media access.

What examples of eligible solution types are mentioned?

Examples in the notice include education and training programs, gaming and interactive learning platforms, fact-checking tools, content authentication or provenance tools (including approaches like blockchain-based verification), synthetic media and deepfake detection, social listening, messaging-based solutions, and other consumer-facing awareness or media literacy products.

Does the project have to be technology-based?

Yes. The notice describes the competition as funding technology-driven ideas and specifies that projects can take many forms as long as they are tech-based and tied to the challenge goals.

Is there a preference for rural or underserved communities?

Yes. The Embassy is especially interested in solutions that can reach rural and underserved areas, including solutions delivered in local languages or designed for communities with limited media access.

What is the application deadline?

The opportunity is open until 8:59 PM UTC on August 13, 2024.

Are applications reviewed on a rolling basis?

Yes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis up to the deadline.

How do applicants submit an application?

Applications must be submitted by email to GECTechChallenge@state.gov. Correspondence should reference the title "2024 Tanzania Tech Challenge."

What language must the application be written in?

Applications must be submitted in English.

How many proposals can one organization submit?

Each organization may submit only one proposal. If an organization submits more than one, all of its submissions become ineligible.

What are the required components of the application package?

Required materials include a one-page cover page/executive summary, a point-of-contact table, a list of program partners and sub-awardees and their roles, key personnel details (roles, qualifications, and time allocations), a list of funding sources, and a main proposal narrative capped at eight pages (not counting the cover page and attachments). Applicants must also include standard federal forms, including SF-424 and SF-424A, with SF-424B required for individuals and for organizations that are not registered in SAM.gov.

How long can the main proposal narrative be?

The main proposal narrative is capped at eight pages, not counting the cover page and attachments.

What summaries/descriptions are required inside the proposal?

The proposal must include a short 250-word summary and a 280-character "tweet-length" description.

What does the proposal need to explain about the solution?

The proposal must clearly explain the technology and approach, including which category the tool fits into, the origin and measurable objectives of the idea, intended users and target communities, an implementation timeline, a monitoring and evaluation approach, and a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period.

What technical or operational details are requested?

The notice asks for details such as system design, integration with other platforms, speed of deployment, reporting/analytics features, what differentiates the tool from similar products, any government experience, current customers, and willingness to partner locally.

Do applicants need to describe partners and sub-awardees?

Yes. The application requires a list of program partners and sub-awardees and their roles.

Do key personnel need to be identified?

Yes. Applicants must provide key personnel details, including roles, qualifications, and time allocations.

Do applicants need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration?

Yes. Applicant organizations must have a UEI and an active SAM.gov registration to receive an award.

How long can SAM.gov registration or renewal take?

The notice warns that SAM registration or renewal can take 4 to 8 weeks.

Do sub-grantees need a UEI at the time of application?

No. Sub-grantees do not need a UEI at the time of application, but they will need one before funds can be directed to them.

Are exemptions to UEI and SAM.gov requirements possible?

In limited cases, exemptions may be granted, such as when an applicant's identity must be protected for safety reasons or when urgent circumstances prevent registration before award. Any exemption request must be emailed to the point of contact at least two weeks before the deadline and must be approved by the Grants Officer.

Who reviews applications and how are they scored?

Proposals are reviewed in a multi-stage process and scored on a 100-point scale by the Embassy Public Diplomacy Section, with support from other State Department colleagues and subject matter experts as needed.

Will all applicants be notified of the results?

No. Only successful applicants are contacted.

When can an awardee start spending grant funds?

Awardees may only begin incurring costs on or after the official start date shown on the signed award document.

What happens after selection?

Awardees must sign a grant agreement and submit program and financial reports as required.