Qatari Audience Analysis | PAS QAT FY20 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS QAT FY20 001

The Qatari Audience Analysis grant opportunity is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Qatar (U.S. Embassy Doha) Public Affairs Section (PAS) funding call to support one comprehensive, nationwide audience analysis study focused on Qatari citizens living across the country, both in Doha and outside the capital. The Embassy plans to make a single cooperative agreement award, with an estimated total funding amount up to $250,000, for a project period of 12 months or less (with continuation funding possible later, but only if funds are available and performance is strong). Because the award is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, PAS expects to be actively involved in shaping and overseeing key parts of the work, including survey design, research protocols, questions, timelines, outreach materials, and other major implementation decisions.

At its core, the project is meant to generate an accurate, representative picture of Qatari society and provide actionable data that the Embassy can use to strengthen U.S.-Qatar ties through more effective public diplomacy. The study is expected to cover a broad cross-section of Qataris, reflecting differences in age, gender, geography, socioeconomic status, education, profession, religion, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, cultural immersion and tolerance levels, and travel exposure, among other factors. PAS is looking for analysis that is at least descriptive, but it strongly prefers deeper inferential work that explores correlations and potential causes behind attitudes and behaviors, including what might drive changes over time.

The research topics are intentionally wide-ranging and are designed to help PAS understand what Qataris think, believe, and do across major social and public-policy domains. This includes attitudes and behaviors related to the United States and Americans, the U.S. government and its policies, the U.S. military and military operations, and studying in the United States. It also includes views on regional and global issues such as the War on Terror, ISIS, the GCC, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Syria, Yemen, Russia, Iran, China, and issues tied to minority rights, religious rights, and human rights. PAS also wants practical insights into how Qataris get news and information, which platforms they use (digital and traditional), how they communicate and convene, whose voices they consider credible, and which types of news and narratives capture their attention. The Embassy notes specific interest in whether and how perceptions shifted after the Gulf conflict, and it places special importance on understanding why Qatari student enrollment at U.S. higher education institutions fell by 26% between academic years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.

Applicants are expected to propose a rigorous methodology suitable for audience analysis in Qatar, including clear sampling and fielding plans that ensure representation across demographic and geographic segments. The NOFO sets a minimum sample size expectation of 2,500 Qatari respondents, with larger samples encouraged. Strong proposals should clearly define target numbers for key subgroups (for example, by age band, gender, location, profession), explain how the study will achieve representativeness, and address anticipated challenges and mitigation strategies, including sensitivities related to privacy, local law, and cultural context. The proposal should also explain how the work will identify barriers that prevent (or facilitators that encourage) desired behavior change, and it should translate findings into usable guidance about effective channels and platforms for outreach and messaging.

While the study is nationwide, PAS identifies several priority audiences that applicants should pay particular attention to, including Qatari youth and students (especially outside Doha and in traditionally underserved communities), minority groups, parents and grandparents, women and girls, local decision-makers and opinion leaders, media outlets and experts, teachers and academic professionals, emerging voices, and communities involved in creative and performing arts. Projects that emphasize other audiences can still qualify, but they need to justify why those audiences matter for the Embassy goals described in the funding notice.

Operationally, the award recipient would be responsible for building and managing the research team, recruiting and conducting the study, preparing and administering survey materials, supervising data collection, handling administration and fiscal management, reporting progress, flagging issues early, complying with Embassy guidelines, and completing a final evaluation while returning any unspent funds. PAS will remain closely engaged throughout, including approving key personnel, subcontractors, and outreach strategy, and reviewing program materials for branding, messaging, and compliance considerations. The funding is authorized under the Smith-Mundt Act and uses FY2020 Public Diplomacy funding.

Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, individuals, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and other eligible entities as specified in the notice. Applicants are expected to demonstrate substantial hands-on experience in polling, statistics, and data analysis, and experience working with Qatari audiences is preferred. Applications had to be submitted in English by September 3, 2020, via email to the contacts listed in the notice, using the required forms available through Grants.gov and the opportunity’s related documents.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Qatar in the education, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Qatari Audience Analysis" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 19, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 03, 2020. (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 $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for PAS QAT FY20 001

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