10 FAH-1 H-000
Public Diplomacy
10 FAH-1 H-010
MANAGING AND USING AMERICAN SPACES
(CT:ASH:10; 04-15-2019)
(Office of Origin: R/PPR)
10 FAH-1 H-011 Introduction to Managing
and Using American Spaces
(CT:ASH:4; 01-30-2018)
American Spaces are Department of State-supported and
Public Diplomacy-managed public programming spaces overseas. They are part of
a U.S. Missions public diplomacy efforts to engage host country audiences.
10 FAH-1 H-012 Goals of American Spaces
(CT:ASH:4; 01-30-2018)
a. American Spaces are publicly accessible facilities
designed to support the achievement of U.S. foreign policy goals by building
and strengthening relationships with foreign audiences, providing platforms and
programs for engagement on policy issues, showcasing American culture and
values, and providing information about the United States.
b. Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) and their public
diplomacy sections are responsible for setting goals and managing American
Spaces, developing and implementing public diplomacy programs in the Spaces,
evaluating their impact, requesting funding or other support as needed, and if
a Space is no longer serving its intended purpose or meeting the standards for
American Spaces, recommending its closure. The regional bureau public
diplomacy (PD) offices, Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) and
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchanges (ECA) also provide support and
guidance for the American Spaces.
10 FAH-1 H-013 Categories of American
Spaces
(CT:ASH:4; 01-30-2018)
American Spaces can be categorized according to criteria
of ownership, location, level of access to the public, and relationship to the
U.S. Government. All American Spaces must provide people-to-people
interactions and unfettered access to uncensored information about the United
States.
a. American Spaces that are open to the public and
staffed by U.S. Government Direct Hires, Foreign Service national staff (FSN)
or contracted staff, operating in facilities leased or owned by the U.S.
Government, are defined as American Centers. These are
differentiated by their location on and off U.S. Embassy or Consulate
compounds, and their level of public access.
(1) On-compound, in Chancery -
American Centers collocated in the Chancery of a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
compound present challenging procedures for public access due to security and
escort requirements, and restrictions to wireless connectivity and use of
personal electronic devices due to the proximity to the Controlled Access Areas
(CAA). They are normally operated by both USG Direct Hire and FSN staff within
the PD section. Chancery spaces must adhere to the security requirements and
procedures described in 12 FAH-5 Physical Security and 12 FAH-6 Overseas
Security Policy Board (OSPB) Security Standards, with post Emergency Action
Committee (EAC), Counterintelligence Working Group (CIWG), and Regional
Security Officer (RSO) oversight.
(2) On-compound, in Annex -
American Centers collocated in an Annex on a U.S. Embassy or Consulate compound
generally allow for greater public access.
(a) Ideally, American Centers in an Annex are designed
in tandem with a dedicated Compound Access Control (CAC) separate from the
employee, Consular or non-Center visitor, or service CACs. The American Center
should also be situated away from CAAs to allow the use of Wi-Fi and small
personal devices. Post specific Wi-Fi use must be requested by Post's CIWG via
cable in compliance with OSPB and DS/IRM regulations and guidance.
(b) Following security screening, unescorted access from
the CAC to the American Center in the Annex may be permissible if visitors are
restricted to a pathway meeting OSPB requirements that leads directly to the
American Center and prevents their access to the rest of the compound.
American Centers without a separate pathway to the Annex will need to provide
escorted access for all visitors after a required security screening.
(c) In all cases, on-compound American Centers must
adhere to the security requirements and procedures described in 12 FAH-5 and 12
FAH-6 Overseas Security Policy Board (OSPB) Security Standards, with post
Emergency Action Committee (EAC), Counterintelligence Working Group (CIWG), and
Regional Security Officer (RSO) oversight.
(3) Off-compound, Stand alone,
Single-tenant - American Centers in locations that are wholly owned or
leased by the U.S. Government in stand-alone facilities located outside of the
U.S. Embassy Chancery or Consulate compound generally provide greater access to
and connectivity for the public. These standalone facilities must adhere to the
security requirements and procedures described in 12 FAH-5 Appendix
L 42 (Public Office Facilities - Sole Occupant of a building) and 12 FAH-6
Overseas Security Policy Board (OSPB) Security Standards, with post Emergency
Action Committee (EAC), Counterintelligence Working Group (CIWG), and Regional
Security Officer (RSO) oversight.
(4) Off compound, Commercial space,
Multi-tenant - American Centers that lease space in multi-tenant
commercial centers with U.S. Government funding administered by the Bureau of
Overseas Buildings Operations OBO offer the greatest access to the public.
(a) They are required to meet all physical security
standards pertaining to facilities where the U.S. Government is the tenant in
commercial office space (see 12 FAH-5 Appendix
L 41 and 12
FAH-6 H-110 Overseas Security Policy Board).
(b) Usually located in a heavily transited commercial
area, they can attract a wider foreign target audience. In some cases, they
can use the public areas of the commercial space for cultural exhibitions and
activities, and can benefit from interaction with other organizations located
in the same building.
(c) Technical security requirements for OpenNet and DIN
networks should be the purview of the Bureau of Information Resource Management
(IRM) and the Countermeasures Program Division (DS/ST/CMP), in accordance with 5 FAM 872
Dedicated Internet Networks (DIN) and 12 FAH-10 H-152
Information System Security Controls and Procedures.
(d) Off-compound American Centers may need to apply to
Diplomatic Security for collocation and setback waivers of the Secure Embassy
Construction and Counter-terrorism Act (SECCA) that requires collocation of
Chief of Mission (COM) personnel in a metropolitan urban area in the same
compound (see 12
FAM 313 Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act (SECCA) and 12 FAH-5 H-311
for clarification of the Collocation and Setback of Diplomatic Facilities).
RSOs should contact DS/PSP/PCD for guidance.
b. American Spaces owned and managed by local host
institutions are classified according to the relationship between post and the
partner:
(1) American Corners are partnerships with
host-country institutions governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
(a) In a standard MOU, the host-country institution
provides a physical space and staff, and the Public Diplomacy section (PD
section) provides multi-media materials about the United States, training and
technical support.
(b) American Corners comprise the largest number of
American Spaces and provide the most cost-effective engagement platform for
foreign audiences. When located outside of capital cities, American Corners
reach audiences who have little or no exposure to American culture, people,
values and ideals.
(c) No American Corners are to be connected to the
Department computer network (OpenNet).
(d) The Public Diplomacy section needs to maintain
strong relations with partner hosts in order to support U.S. Government foreign
policy messaging, provide a welcoming environment and offer a wide selection of
programs.
(e) While American Corners are not part of the official
U.S. Mission, Public Diplomacy sections can use them as they would an American
Center to advance U.S. strategic interests by providing places for sustained
conversations that enhance Americas reputation and promote U.S. policy and
mutual understanding. Although posts Public Diplomacy section has direct
responsibility for managing the relationship with the Corners, broad public
diplomacy engagement by all Mission personnel will best ensure their success
and sustainability. Due to local sensitivities, some American Corners may use
a different name in the field (e.g., Lincoln Corners, InfoUSA, Windows on
America).
(f) Before establishing an American Corner, a post must
conduct a detailed assessment of both post capacity and partner capacity.
Financial implications should also be considered. Posts may want to test the
relationship first, by partnering on a couple of pilot programs. There are
required steps for establishing a new American Corner that are explained in
detail in the American Spaces Handbook. PAOs must obtain COM concurrence to
establish a new American Corner and must consult with the RSO and notify the
Regional Bureau and Office of American Spaces of the intent to establish an
American Corner. Eligibility for IIP American Spaces support funding will also
require IIP approval of new American Corners. The PD staff should work closely
with the designated Regional Public Engagement Specialist (REPS) during the
process of establishing the Corner.
(2) Binational Centers (BNCs) are private, autonomous,
non-profit institutions dedicated to promoting mutual understanding between the
host country and the United States through educational, cultural and
informational programs. BNCs, although independent and usually governed by a
binational board of directors, can fulfill the same function as American
Centers to enhance relations between the United States and other countries and
to inform local audiences about U.S. policy, values and society. BNCs host
English language activities, libraries and EducationUSA advising programs.
BNCs can be valuable allies for youth and alumni outreach, accessible program
venues, and key platforms for promoting the teaching of English and U.S.
culture.
(a) Concentrated in Latin America, their primary support
comes from student fees for English classes.
(b) Many BNCs include a member of the PD section as a
non-voting member of their Board of Directors.
(c) BNCs designated as American Spaces are eligible for
IIP American Spaces support funding and offer posts platforms for public
diplomacy programs under a relationship of mutual trust and benefit.
Designation of a BNC as an American Space would require a vetting process to
evaluate capacity of both the post and the BNC to sustain the relationship.
The PAO must consult with the ambassador, the REPS and the RSO before
recommending the BNC for approval by the regional bureau, in coordination with
IIPs Office of American Spaces.
(d) BNCs liaise with U.S. Embassies under the auspices
of the PD section in a wide array of mutually beneficial projects, but they do
not depend economically on the U.S. Government. The fact that BNCs are
self-sustaining through English teaching revenue is an especially attractive
aspect of the BNC model and key to its enduring success.
(e) Background on BNCs: From the 1920s to 1950s,
American citizens living abroad partnered with the U.S. Government to establish
dozens of binational centers, primarily in Latin America and Europe. Many of
these binational centers in Latin America remain active to the present day, but
the U.S. Government has not established any new Binational Centers since before
the consolidation of the United States Information Agency and the Department of
State in 1999.
3. Hybrid Spaces include aspects of both U.S.
Government-owned and partner spaces in facilities and staffing.
(a) Hybrid Spaces take on different characteristics
based on the particular needs of a post and its Embassy-defined goals.
(b) Hybrid Spaces can include U.S. Government-owned or
leased facilities operated by FSN staff and Direct Hire, or another combination
of public-private partnerships which includes contractor-run facilities.
(c) Hybrid Spaces that are U.S. Government owned or
leased facilities must adhere to the security requirements and procedures
described in 12 FAH-5 Physical Security and 12 FAH-6 OSPB Security Standards,
with post EAC, CIWG and RSO oversight. Those not meeting standards will
require exception requests. RSO should contact DS/PSP/PCD for guidance.
4. Moveable Spaces are mobile display units
appropriate for use at schools, malls, information fairs, and other public
events in remote locations. IIP makes available via the eShop platform
USG-branded, standardized, high-quality sets with the goal of making it easy
for posts to take programs on the road to reach new and diverse target
audiences.
10 FAH-1 H-014 American Spaces Programs
(CT:ASH:4; 01-30-2018)
a. Based on the strategic goals outlined in its
Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) and Public Diplomacy Implementation Plan
(PDIP), and the needs and interests of its key audiences, each post will
develop and implement programs and activities in its American Spaces.
Programming should be aligned with supporting achievement of ICS goals. This
could include speakers, policy discussions, workshops (e.g., civil society
skills building and entrepreneurship), cultural programs, films and other
multi-media programs, digital information for research, exhibits, EducationUSA
programs on American colleges and universities, English language training, and
alumni programs, among other activities. Some programs will be completely
post-generated; others may be supported by Washington offices (e.g., an ECA
cultural program). American Spaces should be whole-of-mission engagement
platforms, and should host programs sponsored by other sections of the mission:
for example, the Foreign Agriculture Service and the PDS might collaborate on a
trade promotion exhibit of American agricultural products.
b. IIPs Office of American Spaces emphasizes a focus
on five core programs that are hosted in the Spaces: information about the
United States, English Language, EducationUSA advising, alumni activities, and
cultural and outreach programs.
c. While American Spaces need to include all five
areas in their programs to qualify for IIP funding, each post will determine
which programs to emphasize, depending on its strategic goals.
10 FAH-1 H-015 Support for American
Spaces
(CT:ASH:10; 04-15-2019)
a. IIP has the lead responsibility for developing and
applying the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs strategic
approach to American Spaces as well as managing the REPS (formerly IRO) corps.
IIPs limited resources will be applied to select American Spaces to bring
their operations to a higher level for effective public engagement. Support
can include funding for staffing, training, equipment, cosmetic or minor
renovations, security upgrades, and programming activities, as well as providing
strategic consultations, briefings and advocacy for internal and external
support of American Spaces.
(1) IIP
commissioned the Smithsonian Institution to develop an Idea Book and other
resources to provide design guidance for modern American Spaces to create an
attractive and welcoming American look and feel. Click here for "The
Idea Book" and other "Smithsonian Institution" resources.
(2) Procurement
of many of these resources is available through IIPs eShop, with registration
on an OpenNet account.
b. Funding:IIP resources will be dedicated to
maintaining the highest possible capability and effectiveness of American
Spaces, according to established priorities. IIP funding is used to ensure
that American Spaces reflect the best that the United States can offer to
foreign audiences.
(1) IIP administers an American Spaces Support Funds
(ASSF) process that provides funding on a competitive basis for American Spaces
worldwide. Eligibility for funding will be determined based on prioritization
and compliance with American Spaces Standards.
(2) The numbers of American Spaces prioritized, the
allocation of funding, and the methods of selection may vary, as appropriate,
with Department objectives.
(3) Funding for programming, equipment, internet
connectivity, staffing and, cosmetic renovations granted through the IIP ASSF
process will be transferred to the regional bureaus for obligation by posts to
supplement other funding allocated by the regional bureaus and individual posts
in support of American Spaces.
(4) Funding for construction projects, including
lease-fit outs and renovations made to U.S. Government-owned, leased or
operated American Spaces will be directed through OBO. Funding for facility
enhancements and other construction activities for non-U.S. Government American
Spaces will be administered as grants, cooperative agreements or contracts in
accordance with directives from the Office of the Procurement Executive
(A/OPE).
(5) Public Diplomacy funding for American Spaces can
be contracted or awarded through direct procurements and/or a Federal
Assistance award vehicle as appropriate in accordance with 4 FAM 613, the
Federal Assistance Policy Directive, and the Federal Assistance Management
Advisory Number 2015-02.
(a) Eligible recipients of Public Diplomacy assistance,
to include property assistance, are defined as governmental institutions in
other countries, individuals, and public or private nonprofit organizations
both in the United States and in other countries.
(b) Grants award vehicles for public diplomacy can
include small grants, travel grants, property grants, fixed amount awards and
cooperative agreements for public benefit assistance according to statutory
authorities governing public diplomacy.
(c) Posts can award property grants directly or to
partner grantees on behalf of non-U.S. Government American Spaces in order to
support programming and provide equipment, supplies and other resources to
achieve USG programmatic objectives (see Federal Assistance Policy Directive,
Chapter 3, Sub-chapter 3.02: Federal Property Standards).
(d) The Smith-Mundt Act (22 U.S.C. 1461) and the
Fulbright-Hays Act (22 U.S.C. 33) authorize acquisitions of property by the
Department to support public diplomacy programs. Under certain circumstances,
the title to such property may be transferred to peoples of foreign countries
without further obligation to the U.S. Government.
(e) Public diplomacy projects with construction costs
included need to have programmatic justifications and comply with federal
assistance objectives. They should be appropriately defined as construction
activity projects for upgrades/renovations in support of improved
services/outreach, and provide a risk mitigation strategy.
(f) The PAO or other warranted Foreign Service Officer
in the PD section should make sure he/she has a valid grants warrant and works
with the regional bureau and A/OPE for funding of complex non-USG American
Spaces projects. In cases where a procurement or contract is needed and
authorized by A/OPE, the PD section can work with the contracting officer at
post (usually the GSO), or in more complex cases, with the Office of
Acquisitions Management, A/OPE/AQM.
6. Funding for leasing, new construction, and
construction activity in U.S. Government leased or owned American Spaces will
comply with the terms and conditions of the Public Diplomacy Funding Matrix
(see 4 FAH-3
H-160 Financial Management Procedures Handbook and 4 FAH-3
Exhibit H-162.2). The Embassy Security, Construction and Maintenance
appropriation, administered by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
(OBO), is the account from which all facility leasing, construction or
maintenance activities are to be funded. The use of any other funding
requires congressional notification and subsequent transfer of funds to OBO.
7. Funding for all American Spaces will follow
procedures established by A/OPE as authorized in 1 FAM 212.2
(Office of the Procurement Executive, A/OPE) in accordance with guidelines for
federal assistance.
c. Training: High-performing American Spaces require
well-informed and trained staff and partners to serve the public diplomacy
goals of the mission. IIPs American Spaces office (IIP/PL/AS) provides
training in collaboration with FSI and ECA, generally at overseas locations.
Cultural training and other public diplomacy training offered at FSI is also
helpful for the staff of American Spaces. REPS are available to provide
training and support at the PAOs direction. IIP/Digital Program Management
can also provide other program support to ensure American Spaces remain at the
forefront of innovation, programming, and technology. Training will emphasize
three core American Spaces skills:
(1) Applying proven planning strategies and project
management skills to managing American Spaces;
(2) Incorporating and connecting mission goals into
creating dynamic, foreign policy-focused programming; and
(3) Adopting digital tools and strategies for
identifying and engaging target audiences.
10 FAH-1 H-016 Standards for American
Spaces
(CT:ASH:4; 01-30-2018)
a. IIPs Office of American Spaces has developed
worldwide standards to assist posts in evaluating their American Spaces and
assessing them against a common model. The standards allow for a consistent
approach to IIPs funding of American Spaces and monitoring their progress and
needs.
b. The objective of these standards is to provide posts
with tools to assess the program, management and physical elements of their
American Spaces; to identify possibilities for expanded programming or
facilities; and to guide resource allocation decisions.
(1) Program standards cover
the five major program emphases of American Spaces: English language learning,
educational advising, alumni activities, cultural programs and information
about the United States.
(2) Management standards
address such issues as performance of American Spaces staff, embassy/consulate
oversight and support, REPS involvement, funding, reporting, evaluation,
communication and partnerships.
(3) Design standards apply to
exterior and interior physical enhancements, upgrades for disability access,
signage, color schemes, and graphics that are gauged to represent American
values and that require construction activities and design recommendations.
(4) Embassy PD officers, REPS, and American Spaces
staff, in consultation with Regional English Language Officers (RELOs) and
Regional Education Advising Consultants (REACs), should jointly assess how well
an American Space meets the three standards, identify further objectives for
it, and decide whether to seek funding to meet those objectives.
c. Evaluation and closure of Spaces:
Posts should always be cognizant of whether its current suite of American
Spaces is optimally meeting mission goals. The PAO and his/her designee should
identify opportunities for new Spaces if they arise, and also identify those
American Spaces that are no longer able to meet the posts objectives. In
particular, if a Space neither meets minimum-level criteria nor is likely to do
so, the PD section should, after due consideration, remove it from the list of
American Spaces that IIP recognizes and considers eligible for IIP/AS funding.
In close consultation with the COM, the regional bureau PD office and IIP/AS,
the PAO should close such Spaces. The American Spaces Handbook provides
detailed information on terminating the relationship with an American Corner.
(In some instances, a post may decide to maintain an American Space that does
not qualify for IIP funding if it has other sources of support and is serving
as a useful programming vehicle for post.)
d. Special Maritime and Territorial
Jurisdiction (SMTJ): Based on 18 U.S.C. 7(9), American Spaces of all
types and varieties may fall within the jurisdiction of U.S. criminal law. As
such, RSOs should have a plan to respond to incidents that occur within
American Spaces as crimes and potential crime scenes. Examples of incidents
where U.S. criminal law may apply include, but are not limited to assaults,
sexual assaults and murder. Violations of U.S. criminal law within the SMTJ
are investigated by the DS Office of Special Investigations (DS/DO/OSI) in
consultation and coordination with the RSO. RSOs may contact the OSI Duty
Agent via the DS Command Center at any time to consult.
e. A complete list of current standards American
Spaces.
(1) 10 FAM 385 Open
Access Principles: In order to provide an environment conducive to dialogue
and positive engagement with foreign audiences, American Spaces require open,
unrestricted access to the physical and digital space where public diplomacy
takes place. In coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), IIP
has identified five Open Access Principles (OAP) to guide the operation of U.S.
Government American Spaces in ideal conditions.
(2) The Open Access Principles include:
(a) No appointment required: During regularly
established hours of operation for the American Space, post should allow
visitors to enter the public area of the facility upon arrival. No prior
appointment should be necessary, and no prior security access request should be
required. Posts should consider whether visitors should be issued a badge,
(see 12 FAM 441
Access Control for further guidance to access of U.S. Government facilities).
(b) Unescorted access: After undergoing appropriate
security screening, as defined by post RSO in accordance with current
Department policy, visitors should be allowed to proceed to the American Space
unescorted within a wholly confined pathway or if under continuous observation
by authorized post personnel unless otherwise proscribed by the Mission Access
Policy. Local Guard Force personnel may not be utilized for visitor escort
purposes.
(c) Separate security screening: At posts with high
volumes of visitors, separate security screenings (such as those used for
visitors to consular operations) should be provided for American Spaces
visitors, if feasible.
(d) Personal electronic devices allowed: Visitors to the
American Space should be allowed to bring their own personal electronic devices
(PEDs) and be able to use them in the public area, as long as this is
consistent with OSPB technical security standards, Department policy on
electronic devices, and post access policies, and reviewed by post's Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) and Counterintelligence Working Group (CIWG) in
accordance with current Department policy.
(e) Wireless internet access: American Spaces visitors
need to be able to connect their own personal electronic devices (to a network
in the space using Wi-Fi, and the network needs to provide the best-available,
most cost effective bandwidth. All Wi-Fi installation and usage must comply
with Department Wi-Fi policies, be requested by post's EAC and CIWG, and
approved by the Department.
(f) Risk-Managed Security: Security standards, such as
those approved by the Overseas Security Policy Board (OSPB), supersede the Open
Access Principles. The OAP should 11therefore be viewed as the desired and
preferable condition for U.S. Government owned/leased American Spaces, with
applicable security standards as the default position. U.S. Government
owned/leased American Spaces must develop a risk management formula, in
consultation with RSOs, which welcomes visitors and balances security measures
with open access
(3) For U.S. Government American Spaces located on
U.S. Embassy or chancery compounds, posts, IIP, regional bureaus, OBO, DS, IRM
and other functional bureaus should work together to find solutions to balance
security needs with Open Access Principles.
(4) For off-compound U.S. Government American Spaces,
physical security requirements and security procedures for open public access
will be coordinated with landlords and the RSO, and meet Department standards
and guidance. Access to the internet and permission for visitors to enter with
personal electronic devices will be administered by the PD section in
cooperation with the RSO and IRM, according to published Department standards
and guidance.
(5) Proposals and projects for on and off compound
projects that affect Open Access Principles should be coordinated through the
R-OBO-DS Working Group to ensure that standards, costs and mitigation plans are
in place for these multi-year projects. Post's point of contact in the
R-OBO-DS working group is the Management Officer for American Spaces.
(6) For non-USG American Spaces located in partner
institutions, PD sections should work with partners to facilitate the OAP, and
request assistance for security assessments from RSOs when needed. Technical
assistance for internet connectivity and related equipment should be contracted
out to third parties.