U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young

Women Leaders Program Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0018387

Application Deadline: June 26, 2026

A. Basic Information B. Eligibility C. Program Description D. Application Contents and Format E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines F. Application Review Information G. Award Notices H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration I. Other Information

A. Basic Information

1. Overview.

Funding Opportunity Title FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine

K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program Funding Opportunity Number

DFOP0018387

Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement Deadline for Applications June 26, 2026 11:59pm Eastern (Washington

DC time) Assistance Listing Number 19.009 Length of Performance Period

24 months

Number of Awards Anticipated

1 award

Award Amount Award Amounts

Approximately $1,500,000

Total Available Funding $1,500,000, pending availability of funds Type of Funding FY 2026 Educational and Cultural Exchange

Programs (ECE) Funds Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement Anticipated Award Date September 1, 2026

This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of the NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.

ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.

Pending satisfactory implementation of this program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this award for one additional, consecutive fiscal year, before openly competing it again.

2. Executive Summary.

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA, invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of the FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program (Albright SUSIs). The four Albright SUSIs will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. The Albright SUSIs will focus on one of two themes: 1) Economic Prosperity and Growth (two SUSIs) and 2) Governance and Security (two SUSIs). See details in section C.

Program Description.

The Albright SUSIs include four cohorts of approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students (men and women), between the ages of 18 and 25 (approximately 80 participants total).

The Albright SUSIs will include an approximately four-week academic residency at a U.S. educational institution and an approximately one-week integrated academic field experience that will bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency location. Each Albright SUSI should highlight American success and innovation in the themes outlined above. The program should include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once participants return home.

The award recipient will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and implementing the program, including administering the four Albright SUSIs and overseeing all subaward recipients.

Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

• U.S. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions

Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.

2. Cost Sharing.

There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this program.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements.

a. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.

Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more information.

b. ECA’s Grant Guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in Section A. Basic Information, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $1,500,000. Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be eligible to apply under this competition.

c. All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO and the PSI; not doing so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

d. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.

e. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

f. Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should make sure the application discusses one or more award that will be open with ECA at the start of the anticipated period of performance for this NOFO.

Applicants who do not have current awards directly with ECA, please review the information in the PSI, section D, with additional information that must be provided in your application for it to be eligible.

C. Program Description

1. Authority.

Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is "to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world."

The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.

2. Purpose.

The Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program (Albright SUSIs) is an intensive academic program for foreign undergraduate students (men and women), between the ages of 18 and 25.

Participants will study a designated theme (See Section C), while also deepening their understanding of American society, innovation, and institutions. The Albright SUSIs should celebrate American achievements and innovations through academic sessions, coursework, and off-campus site visits that align with the designated program theme.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

The four Albright SUSIs – two each on 1) Economic Prosperity and Growth and 2) Governance and Security – should be approximately five weeks in length. Participants should spend approximately four weeks at an accredited U.S.

college or university campus for an intensive academic residency and approximately one week on an academic field experience.8 The academic field experience should bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency location, and it will be relevant to the designated program theme. Each Albright SUSI cohort may have participants from one region or from multiple regions. Once participants return home, the program should provide opportunities for continued follow-on engagement activities.

Themes

a. The Albright SUSI on Economic Prosperity and Growth will provide participants with an overview of U.S. business models, technological innovation, labor market practices, and monetary policies that contribute to economic growth. Activities will focus on America’s leadership in business and innovation, utilizing historic periods of economic growth and technological advancement as critical moments that catapulted the United States to be a global economic powerhouse. Topics may also include U.S.

tech and artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks, supply chain management, strategic trade policies, investment and fundraising, financial literacy, organizational development and management, strategic business planning, and corporate governance structures. Participants should visit American businesses and meet with corporate leaders, board members, and small business owners, among others.

b. The Albright SUSI on Governance and Security will provide participants with an overview of U.S. policies, practices, and institutions that support governance and local, regional, and international security. This SUSI will explore public policy and negotiation processes through interactive trainings and simulations. Topics may include countering human and drug trafficking, disaster preparedness and response, cyber security, public health security, combatting transnational crime, and border security. This SUSI should emphasize practical skills such as leadership, dialogue, and cooperation through interactive workshops that allow participants to outline policy solutions to promote good governance and security in their own communities.

The Academic Residency component should:

1. Consist of a series of academic sessions that may include lectures, case studies, panel presentations, seminar discussions, debates, simulations, individual and group classroom activities, site visits, interactive workshops, and reading assignments. Sessions should be interactive, encourage critical thinking, and allow time for the exchange of views among participants and presenters;

2. Include engagement with local American communities, which may include home hospitality and holiday celebrations;

3. Be tailored for the particular group of foreign students and include discussions of issues relevant to the Albright SUSI themes or countries/regions represented. It must not replicate an existing lecture, course, survey, or graduate seminar designed for degree candidates;

4. Encourage active student participation in the educational process. The curriculum design should consider that participants may have little or no prior knowledge of the United States and different levels of English proficiency;

5. Include cultural site visits that will reinforce the academic curriculum and deepen participants’ understanding of historical and contemporary milestones demonstrating America’s great legacies, including landmarks and monuments; and

6. Be intensive, yet leave sufficient free time for individual interests and exercise. The program schedule should include adequate time for reading and preparation of class assignments. The program should incorporate supervised, optional cultural and weekend activities (such as group nights at the theater, concerts, and sporting events) where participants can celebrate and experience American culture.

The academic field experience for the Albright SUSIs should:

1. Directly complement and reinforce the academic residency.

2. Be arranged and led by the academic director and principal staff.

3. Be approximately one-week-long. It should expose the participants to a region distinct from that of their academic residency. If appropriate, the academic field experience segment may be interspersed within the academic residency, though the total time allotted for the academic field experience should be approximately seven days.

4. Include an appropriate mix of professional-level meetings relevant to the Albright SUSI’s objectives, visits to American cultural institutions, and recreational activities.

The proposal must specify the proposed academic field experience location(s). Please note, staff escorts travelling on the academic field experience must have demonstrated qualifications to accompany exchange visitors such as experience working with international audiences, accompanying international or domestic group travel, and/or managing health, safety, and emergency situations during travel.

Please note: The Office of Academic Exchange Programs may request that the award recipient modify the academic residency and/or academic field experience to protect the health, safety, or well-being of participants.

Program Administration ECA intends to issue one cooperative agreement of up to $1,500,000 that will support the design, oversight, and implementation of the Albright SUSIs in FY 2026 (for exchanges in summer 2027), pending satisfactory implementation of the program and the availability of funds.

The award recipient is responsible for the conception and structure of the program. It is essential that proposals provide a full, detailed, and comprehensive narrative describing how the recipient will achieve the objectives of the program. All proposals will demonstrate the institution’s administrative and program management capacities, thematic expertise, and/or experience working with exchange participants.

Program Dates Pending the availability of funds, the anticipated award for the cooperative agreement will begin on or about September 15, 2026, and end on or about September 15, 2028. The Albright SUSI should last approximately 35 days (plus arrival and departure days). The summer 2027 exchange will begin no earlier than June 1, 2027, and should conclude no later than August 15, 2027.

Participants Participants in the Albright SUSI will be highly motivated foreign undergraduate students, both men and women, between the ages of 18 and 25. Participants will ideally have limited to no international experience and must be proficient in English; interpretation will not be available. Participants should have demonstrated academic interest in their designated program theme and be promising emerging leaders in related fields and industries.

Albright SUSI participants may represent all six world regions. U.S. missions in eligible countries will recruit and nominate candidates, and ECA will confirm eligibility. ECA is committed to ensuring that participants with disabilities are able to engage fully in the program through reasonable accommodation and support. The award recipient will be responsible for working with the subawardees to provide reasonable accommodations. The recipient will NOT participate in the selection of participants. ECA will send a final list of participants to the award recipient.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows:

A. Program Planning and Management B. Program Administration C. Logistical Coordination D. Alumni Outreach/Follow-on Activities

A. Program Planning and Management

1. Provide overall coordination and management of the Albright SUSIs;

2. Design and oversee four Albright SUSIs in the United States for approximately five weeks each. Each Albright SUSI will include approximately 20 participants at a U.S. college or university campus for a total of approximately 80 foreign participants;

3. Provide and monitor subawards to selected educational institutions to conduct the Albright SUSIs. Each subawardee should not conduct more than one Albright SUSI per calendar year, and the recipient may choose to conduct only one Albright SUSI;

3. Oversee the program curriculum and other activities for all four Albright SUSIs, ensuring that they align with Department goals and objectives;

4. Prepare DS-2019 forms for all participants and send these forms to the U.S.

embassy or consulate well in advance of program start dates to allow for J-1 visa interview scheduling;

5. Enroll participants in ECA’s health benefits program, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), and/or other health benefits plan as directed by ECA for the duration of the program and issue health benefits identification cards for each participant;

6. Ensure that each participant completes and signs all required pre-program forms provided by ECA;

7. Develop health and safety protocols to protect the welfare of all participants;

8. In coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates, arrange and purchase international round-trip travel for participants;

9. In coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates, arrange and purchase any pre-program travel related to visa issuance;

10. In conjunction with U.S. embassies and consulates, make logistical and administrative arrangements for participants, such as pre-departure information, airport pick-up and drop-off, lodging and meals, domestic travel, medical treatment, and program funds disbursement, including travel allowances; communicate this information to participants prior to the program start date;

11. Promptly inform ECA of any serious incidents or issues involving participants that may affect their participation in the program (including, but not limited to, medical emergencies and medical evacuations for mental or physical health issues; natural disasters; arrests or other serious legal issues or misconduct accusations). Consult with ECA on the response to any serious incidents and on crisis management decision-making and operations, including responding to related queries from the media or others. Provide timely progress reports on any necessary follow-up action;

12. Create media content at the direction of ECA, including draft online content or success stories;

13. Ensure strict compliance with State Department branding and signage requirements at events, in remarks, in program documentation, and in online content;

14. Provide participants with follow-on guidance and resources and facilitate continued interaction among participants after the program;

15. Create and maintain a database of program alumni that includes alumni success stories; share these stories with ECA throughout the year;

16. Conduct program performance monitoring and evaluation according to the MODE framework requirements as outlined in section C.5. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the NOFO;

17. Manage and distribute ECA funds for this activity;

18. Submit required financial and program reports to ECA on time and provide weekly updates to the program office during the implementation period;

19. Provide reasonable accommodations for participant needs, including disabilities and medical or dietary restrictions, as necessary;

20. Prepare and print certificates of completion for participants who successfully complete their respective programs; and

21. Assume overall responsibility for complying with all applicable tax treaties and Federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for participants.

B. Program Administration Applicants should discuss their capacity and the capacity of proposed subawardees to successfully manage international exchange programs, including institutional strengths such as relevant experience, departments, and major administrative units. Proposals should include a staffing plan that details how staff will fulfill responsibilities.

The award recipient must designate a qualified project director to oversee all of the Albright SUSIs. The proposed project director must demonstrate relevant past experience that would contribute to their role of coordinating logistical and administrative arrangements, ensuring an appropriate level of continuity and consistency, overseeing alumni programming, and serving as the principal liaison between ECA and the subawardees. The project director will serve as ECA’s primary point of contact. The project director should plan to attend a partner retreat that will take place either virtually or in-person in Washington, DC, at least seven weeks before the start of the program.

The award recipient must designate a qualified academic director based at each subawardee (and at the recipient organization, if applicable) who will be in-person for the entire Albright SUSI to ensure the continuity, coherence, and integration of all aspects of the academic program, including the academic field experience. The proposed academic directors must demonstrate relevant past experience for their role in program planning and implementation, day-to-day oversight, and participant monitoring. In addition, a qualified administrative director or coordinator must be identified at each subawardee (and at the recipient organization, if applicable) to oversee all administrative support services. Proposed administrative directors must demonstrate relevant past experience for their role in managing participant supervision, participant health and safety, budgets, logistics, reporting, and other administrative arrangements.

Other staff may be designated as appropriate. Program coordinators and/or graduate student assistants may be employed to carry out clerical duties and to assist with the day-to-day concerns and needs of participants, but they should not be the principal point of contact for participants’ administrative concerns.

C. Logistical Coordination

1. Participant health and safety is an ECA priority. The recipient should consider the health, safety, and welfare of participants at all times. This includes assisting participants to understand the ECA-sponsored ASPE health benefits program and to navigate the complex healthcare system in the United States. The recipient and any sub-recipients should also help participants understand and navigate any national, state, local, and campus health or safety policies.

2. Housing and meal arrangements are an important dimension of program planning and must be discussed in detail in the proposal. In general, participants should be housed on campus in university dorms, similar designated university housing, or other suitable locations, ideally within walking distance to daily classes. Participants would ideally have access to kitchen facilities, either in their own rooms or in a common room. A cafeteria meal plan combined with a cash allowance for food that will permit participants to cook or eat at local restaurants is strongly recommended. Institute staff should consider any dietary, religious, medical, or living requirements and be prepared to discuss any challenges with the participants. Institute staff should consider conducting a pre-arrival survey of participant dietary and/or religious needs to better accommodate their needs. To the extent permitted by budget limitations, participants should receive up to the U.S. government per diem rate for meals and incidental expenses at the various program locales. See http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem for current U.S. government per diem rates.

3. Participant forms are required from each participant. Required forms include, but are not limited to, the Albright SUSI terms and conditions, a medical form, and a media release form. The recipient is responsible http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem for disbursing and collecting signed forms from participants. The recipient should notify ECA of any potential concerns or issues. All forms should be safeguarded since they contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

4. Virtual pre-departure orientation (PDO) workshops should be organized by the recipient for all participants to prepare for the program. Topics may include, but are not limited to: introduction to program themes, setting expectations, U.S. cultural norms, cross-cultural adjustment, health and safety guidelines and practices, and logistics. Pre-departure materials should be available to participants online or emailed at least six weeks before the start of the program.

5. An administrative orientation to the United States and to the campus for the participants should address administrative details of the program, identify campus and local resources, review safety and security procedures, and provide general information that will facilitate the participants’ adjustment to daily life in a new environment. Important topics will be campus safety and general security tips, medical issues and protocols, transportation, per diem, and availability of foods to which participants are accustomed or that meet specific dietary requirements.

6. An academic orientation should provide participants with a concise overview of the program, including principal objectives and major themes. The academic director should discuss guidelines for behavior that encourage active participation, respect for the views of other participants, concise comments and questions that keep the students on-topic, and other parameters that will promote effective discussion throughout the program.

7. Opening and closing events (e.g., luncheon, dinner, or reception) should formally inaugurate and close the program. These events typically include representatives from the Institute as well as individuals from the larger community.

8. Access to resources should be arranged, including campus libraries, computer and internet facilities, gymnasium or fitness center, health services, on-campus disability resources, counseling services, and local and national newspapers, periodicals, radio, and television. Institutes should conduct a formal orientation to university library services during the first week of the program and should provide participants with computer training and technical support, as needed. Reasonable accommodations should be made for any participants with disabilities. Applicants should budget approximately $2,000 total for reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities.

9. Monitoring and evaluation should be conducted according to the MODE framework requirements as outlined in section C.5. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the NOFO. The recipient should ensure participants have time reserved to complete required survey(s). Copies of surveys should be available to the ECA program officer upon request. Additionally, the recipient will be responsible for collecting alumni success stories to share with the ECA program office.

10. Travel allowances should be disbursed to each participant to support in-transit costs incurred during travel to and from the United States, including visa travel. The ECA program office suggests approximately $125 per participant (roundtrip) for visa travel and incoming/outgoing allowances. Potential costs include accommodations, visa travel per diem, transit fares, or baggage fees.

D. Alumni Outreach/Follow-on Activities Proposals should provide plans for continued follow-on activities (with minimal ECA support) that ensure ECA-supported programs are not isolated events. Proposed activities for alumni must reflect the goals and objectives of the program. The proposal should include an outline of follow-on programming (including a timeline), information on how it will be coordinated with existing alumni efforts, and a description of how the applicant will foster and maintain long-term linkages with alumni. Examples of successful past follow-on activities include, but are not limited to: structured mentoring programs, alumni reunions or workshops, monthly web discussions, reverse exchanges for Americans, and/or distance learning opportunities for alumni. Applicants should incorporate the online community on the International Exchange Alumni website (https://alumni.state.gov) into their alumni outreach plans.

Follow-on activities should be well-developed but also remain flexible enough to allow for changes based on participants’ needs. Alumni activities should be financed using the line item budgeted for follow-on activities (up to $5,000), and the applicant organization may contribute additional funds through cost sharing. Please refer to the PSI for additional information.

5. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA https://alumni.state.gov/ programs.

ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework are available online at: https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.

The proposal must include the MODE Framework objectives and indicators listed below (note that, because not all MODE objectives and indicators are relevant for a program, the numbering below will not be sequential). In addition to the ECA-required objectives and indicators, applicants may also select additional MODE Framework indicators (see the Indicator Book on the MODE Framework website), or design custom objectives and indicators that are specific to the proposed program and this proposal.

• Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and

Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide -https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our website https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/)

• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective ο Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures

E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the United States Government (core indicator)

E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time because of their program (core indicator)

E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the United States for the first time during their program (core indicator)

E1.1.12: Percent of foreign participants indicating a change in understanding of third-party countries’ cultures and values

E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the American people (core indicator) https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/

E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in understanding of United States culture and values (core indicator)

E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements in support of democratic values (core indicator)

• Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on their communities / countries

E2.0.01: Percent of foreign participants that volunteer in their host communities

E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in their host communities ο Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in their ability to have an impact in their home country (core indicator)

• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions

E3.0.02: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of Americans (core indicator)

E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State program participant (core indicator)

• Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries

E4.0.01: Percent of participants reporting increases in their job skills as a result of their program participation

E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft skills as a result of their program participation ο Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional, and cultural exchange programs E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator) E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator)

• Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships

E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)

Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs) ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document; there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. While ECA recommends the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:

• Objectives. Programmatic objectives are statements of the condition(s) that state what the program is designed to achieve. Objectives are therefore bound by the resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). In addition to those outlined above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the MODE Framework or other applicant-designed program-specific objectives.

• Indicators. Performance indicators are measures used to gauge progress toward programmatic objectives and sub-objectives. Indicators should be as specific as possible (following the SMART principles) and include any proposed disaggregations (meaning, breakdowns of the data by subgroups; the PMP lists the demographic questions required to obtain the information necessary to report the disaggregations). Each indicator should also include a target number to be achieved. A target is a planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe.

• If you do not use the PMP format provided, note that any performance monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include the information in the column headers (Indicator Name, Definition, Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the PMP attachment at a minimum.

• In addition to those indicators outlined in above, the applicant may propose additional custom, program-specific indicators in the PMP (ECA recommends the proposed PMPs include a minimum of one indicator for each custom programmatic objective).

• During the period of performance of the award, the ECA program office may further revise, add, or remove indicators. Therefore, the applicant’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI

PMP and data collection instruments should be flexible enough to incorporate those once established.

Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data only on participant outcomes during the period of performance of the award itself (see the PMP for guidelines as to when these data collection efforts should occur). ECA will measure outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the exchange has ended to capture the long-term outcomes of ECA programming unless otherwise specified in the solicitation. In this instance, the recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.

Regardless of the survey platform used, all MODE Framework survey questions outlined above are required (i.e., should be forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for more information on how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.

Program Performance M&E Narrative Proposals should include information within the program narrative section(s) that outlines how the applicant intends to measure the indicators listed above. This will be separate from the PMP and should include but not be limited to:

• An overview of resources available to the applicant that outline the team structure and responsibilities surrounding performance monitoring.

• The mechanism(s) through which surveys and other data collection tools (if applicable) will be administered, including which platform will be used, and when and how surveys will be advertised to participants – detailing strategies to ensure adequate survey response rates (https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a), and to reduce selection and non-response bias.

• A brief explanation of data analysis and reporting procedures.

• An overview of a proposed learning plan and feedback loops to ensure that the Grant Officer (GO)/Grant Officer Representative (GOR) are informed on performance monitoring issues at regular intervals.

Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection System ECA has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data. The MODE Survey https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a

Builder offers implementing partners a guided workflow that will generate a ready-to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements.

Use of the Qualtrics survey platform can be utilized at no cost to implementing partners. Additional information about the MODE Survey Builder can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 and here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an alternate survey tool or use the MODE Survey Builder, but if you are utilizing the MODE Survey Builder, you must indicate such in your proposal.

MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements MyGrants is a database solution that serves as the official system of record for all U.S. Department of State and ECA awards. The Results Performance Monitoring (RPM) module within MyGrants is an extension module that enables users to report performance monitoring data in the same system where they currently manage federal assistance actions. As part of ECA’s efforts to streamline data collection and management, the recipient(s) of this award will be required to input performance reporting data outlined in this solicitation into the MyGrants RPM. The data stored in the MyGrants RPM will provide ECA with a bureau-wide, uniform M&E reporting tool that is already linked with other elements of the awards familiar to existing awardees.

6. Cost Share.

ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit.

The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution may be reduced in like proportion.

7. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines.

https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM

Public Law 104-319 provides that "in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy," the Bureau "shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such countries." Public Law 106 - 113 requires that the governments of the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process.

Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.

8. Virtual Exchange Component.

When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar circumstances require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges. Proposals should demonstrate the organization’s capacity to provide innovative options for virtual activities to substitute for in-person engagement for program participants. Organizations should consider how they will implement virtual exchange activities, given the potential limits to internet access from participants in some locations and while continuing to advance foreign policy objectives and achieve lasting benefits for U.S. citizens and international participants.

9. Communications Guidance for ECA Recipients.

All ECA Recipients must adhere to the requirements in ECA’s Communications Guidance on the creation of program branding and attribution, websites, social media, and press.

10. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.

ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly known as “Freedom 250” – a truly global celebration. As the period of performance for this award is scheduled to cover part or all of calendar year (CY) 2026, the applicant may wish to consider ways the program can celebrate Freedom 250. Any Freedom 250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided Freedom 250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.

11. Substantial Involvement.

In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine monitoring, as follows:

https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/ https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/

1. ECA will make determinations on eligible countries, make all final participant selections, and provide a list of selected finalists to the implementing partner; and

2. ECA will review and approve all public-facing materials prior to dissemination as part of a communication plan that will be developed with the applicant.

D. Application Contents and Format

Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.

Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the PSI, which contains guidelines for proposal preparation.

1. Budget Format.

Applicants must submit a budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and a budget narrative. See the PSI section III for more information on the budget requirements.

Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.

2. Content of Application.

Please see the PSI for information about the application and formatting guidelines.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package.

The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov or from the ECA website at https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/.

2. Department of State Contacts.

For questions about this announcement, contact: Samira Omarshah, U.S.

Department of State, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA/A/E/USS, at 202-766-5481, and at OmarshahSL@state.gov.

All correspondence with ECA concerning this solicitation should reference the title and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. Please read the https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:OmarshahSL@state.gov complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.

The terms and conditions published in this solicitation are binding and may not be modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be binding.

3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Required Registrations All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

All federal award recipients must maintain a current registration in the SAM database. Recipients must maintain accurate and up-to-date information in www.SAM.gov until all program and financial activity and reporting are completed on any issued award. Recipients must review and update the information at least annually after the initial registration and more frequently if required information changes or another award is granted. There is no cost associated with registering or updating SAM.gov accounts.

http://www.sam.gov/

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM.gov, refer to:

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and SAM.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

4. Required Registration with MyGrants.

All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be registered with the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants system by accessing https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and clicking the “create an account” link.

MyGrants is the U.S. Department of State’s grants management system and is supported by the Department’s Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS).

Recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories that have previously used MyGrants as a U.S. Department of State award recipient do not need to register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact the ILMS Help Desk for help in gaining access.

Support for Recipient Organizations and recipient contacts and signatories is available 24 hours, 7 days a week (except federal holidays), and can be reached at 1-888-313-ILMS (4567) or through the ILMS Self Service Portal at https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/.

5. Submission Instructions.

Method of Submission Applications may only be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov in the “Search Grants” portion of the system.

Grants.gov Registration, Application Submission, and Receipt Procedures Eligible organizations should follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’ portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov Applicants should read instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Applicants should check with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this NOFO to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov.

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

How to Submit an Application to ECA via Grants.gov For access to…