Eastern Iraqi Universities Initiative | DOS BAGHDAD PD 2022 007

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2022 007

The Eastern Iraqi Universities Initiative (Funding Opportunity Number DOS BAGHDAD PD 2022 007) is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity offered through the U.S. Mission to Iraq to strengthen higher education capacity in eastern Iraq, specifically at the University of Diyala and the University of Wasit. The program is framed as an education-focused, discretionary grant (CFDA 19.021) intended to help these universities expand and modernize their computer science and computer engineering offerings while also connecting students and faculty to internationally recognized, U.S.-based Information Technology certification pathways.

At its core, the opportunity asks applicants to design and implement a practical, structured program that advances two main priorities. The first priority is supporting and developing advanced computer and technology programs housed in the computer science and computer engineering departments at both universities. This implies work that goes beyond basic instruction and targets up-to-date, industry-relevant content, improved teaching capacity, and department-level modernization. The second priority is facilitating the issuance of IT certifications from certified U.S. institutions, meaning the program should help participants access recognized credentialing processes and, where appropriate, prepare for and complete certification requirements through credible U.S. certification providers or institutions.

A central requirement is that proposals include a separate, clearly articulated work plan for each university rather than a single blended plan. Each work plan is expected to describe the capacity-building approach in detail, including what training programs will be delivered, how curricula will be developed or upgraded, and what educational resources will be used. The opportunity explicitly anticipates the purchase of curricula, equipment, and educational materials, suggesting that budgets may legitimately include technology infrastructure and learning resources necessary to deliver modern computing instruction and certification preparation. The proposal should also show how these inputs translate into measurable improvements at the department and institutional levels, such as strengthened courses, improved labs, better-prepared faculty, and increased student access to current tools and learning pathways.

Another major component is building sustained linkages with American universities. Applicants are expected to incorporate collaboration mechanisms that connect Diyala and Wasit with U.S. higher education partners, with faculty exchange programs specifically highlighted as a way to foster collaboration and information sharing. In practice, this points to activities like joint curriculum development, visiting lecturers, co-teaching or mentoring models, peer-to-peer departmental partnerships, and structured exchanges that support long-term institutional relationships rather than one-off engagements.

The funding is capped at an award ceiling of $1,000,000, with the Department of State indicating it expects to make one award. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations with U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education as direct applicants). The opportunity was posted on Aug 10, 2022, with an original application deadline of Sep 10, 2022. Overall, the initiative is designed to deliver tangible improvements in computing education and professional credentialing at two Iraqi universities while embedding those improvements within durable partnerships with U.S. academic institutions.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Iraq in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Eastern Iraqi Universities Initiative" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.021.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 10, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 10, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2022 007

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: