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. Mission’s 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 America’s reputation and promote U.S. policy and mutual understanding. Although post’s 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 IIP’s 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. IIP’s 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. IIP’s 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 IIP’s 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. IIP’s 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 PAO’s 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. IIP’s 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 IIP’s 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 post’s 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.