2024 TLG NOFO_FINAL.pdf

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs

Office of Assistance Coordination Assistance Listings Number: 19.500

Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate (TLG) Program Opportunity Number: SFOP0010237

Key Information:

Announcement Type: New

Date Opened: 2/7/2024

Deadline for Questions & Notification of Intent to Apply:

2/21/2024

Application Deadline: 3/20/2024

Expected Date of Notification: 4/30/2024 Federal Agency Contact: NEA-Grants@state.gov

Funding Opportunity Synopsis

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate (TLG) program to provide scholarship opportunities for individuals from Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries and territories with significant Muslim populations, to attend American, independent, not-for-profit, higher educational institutions, based in the MENA region and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-sanctioned regional institution. Eligible universities must have institutional accreditation and maintain this accreditation throughout the course of the project. Eligible universities must include in their annexes proof of accreditation.

TLG is an innovative leadership training opportunity that aims to build a cadre of professional leaders who are civic minded, intellectually capable, and professionally skilled to become future leaders in their communities and respective countries. This project fulfills the Middle East Partnership

Initiative’s (MEPI) strategic framework objectives to: a) provide socio-economically disadvantaged individuals with opportunities to build leadership skills, and to effectively engage with civil society, the private sector, and/or government actors, and b) increase workforce employability and improve access to higher value opportunities through demand-driven professional training and targeted, localized job placement, primarily in the private sector. This project contributes to Bureau Goal 4 in the Joint Regional Strategy for the Middle East and North Africa: Advance accountable and responsive governance through strengthening democratic principles and fundamental freedoms.

All applications must be submitted in English. Complete instructions on how applicants can submit proposals for this opportunity can be found in

Section VI below.

Applicants should read this NOFO in its entirety before writing their proposal and should refer to the full Evaluation Criteria provided in Section

VII while drafting all materials.

Eligible Countries and Territories

In this announcement, we seek to support participants from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West

Bank and Gaza, and Yemen. Please note: Applications that focus on activities in countries and territories other than those listed will NOT be considered.

Background Information about NEA/AC

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of

Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) offers federal assistance to groups and individuals striving to bring about positive change in the MENA region.

NEA/AC works in 19 countries and territories, partnering with governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, youth and women activists, and private sector groups to advance their efforts. Competitively selected projects aim to foster participatory governance, economic reform, and educational advancement in response to local interests and needs.

NEA/AC is committed to advancing equity and support for minority and marginalized populations. All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals, organizations, and beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive a population as is feasible to bring perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program.

Table of Contents

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROBLEM STATEMENT

B. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

C. PROJECT DESIGN

D. GENDER AND SOCIAL INCLUSION INTEGRATION

E. DEFINITIONS

II. MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

III. AWARD INFORMATION

IV. SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

V. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

C. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

VI. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

B. APPLICATION FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

C. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

VII.FUNDING LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

A. AWARDS TO COMMERCIAL FIRMS OR FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

B. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

C. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL FUNDING REGULATIONS AND DOS TERMS AND

CONDITIONS

VIII. APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

A. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

IX.ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

C. TRAVEL NOTIFICATIONS

D. APPLICANT VETTING AS A CONDITION OF AWARD

E. BRANDING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTEES

F. UEI NUMBER REQUIREMENT FOR SUB AWARDEES

G. SUB AWARDEE REPORTING REQUIREMENT

X. AGENCY CONTACTS

XI. DISCLAIMER

APPENDICES (Posted with NOFO)

APPENDIX 1— Budget Sample Template and Budget Narrative Guidance APPENDIX 2— Logic Model Template APPENDIX 3— Application Guidance APPENDIX 4— Results Monitoring Plan (RMP)

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination

(NEA/AC) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to enhance and expand leadership training opportunities for students from the Middle

East and North Africa (MENA) region. The TLG program is a leadership development program that provides scholarships for students from MENA countries with significant Muslim populations to attend American, not-for-profit, higher educational institutions based in the MENA region and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-sanctioned regional institution.

Through this solicitation, NEA/AC seeks to support a five-year program supporting the selection and enrollment of up to two separate student cohorts. The program will be hosted by universities prepared to provide two-to three-year graduate-level degree programs in fields that further students’ competitiveness while including a civic engagement component. Successful applications should include a Gender Studies component. The program shall not provide scholarships to students for study in the fields of medicine or law.

Recruitment of students will be coordinated by a third-party implementer.

Eligible students include individuals who represent the region's cultural, religious, ethnic, and geographic diversity. Participants should come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and have the qualifications to gain admission to an American-accredited university in the MENA region but are otherwise unable to afford a graduate level education. The graduate program must include interactive and practical civic or public policy opportunities for each student, such as research projects, mentorship, internship/placement programs, and facilitation of higher-level public policy engagements.

Applications for this funding opportunity must include a comprehensive plan for working through selected academic units (centers, departments, offices) to carry out this project, including the names of participating academic units.

Within the application, academic units should propose research plans that will serve as roadmaps for identifying challenges to economic, political, or social development and comprehensive solutions in which graduate students will engage. Projects that are results-oriented, identify an outcome at the end of the funding period, and demonstrate scientific advancement and broader impact are desired.

A. PROBLEM STATEMENT

American-style higher education plays an important role in influencing and educating the next generation of leaders in the region, offering an alternative vision to extremist ideologies, strengthening democracy, and encouraging economic growth. Support for institutions offering such an education will allow greater numbers of students from the region to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for professional and national leadership and improve their prospects for employment in an academic environment that fosters critical thinking, tolerance of different opinions, an appreciation for cultural diversity, and a more expansive worldview. There is a need to harness the potential of talented yet financially disadvantaged youth, enabling them to gain skills necessary to create positive impact in their communities and become productive members of the workforce.

B. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

A successful project will result in:

1. Socioeconomically disadvantaged and geographically diverse students completing graduate level degrees from American-style, independent, not-for-profit, higher educational institutions based in the MENA region and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-approved/accredited regional institution.

2. Financial and reputational support for innovative academic programs that go beyond the traditional classroom to instill experiential and pragmatic applied knowledge through initiatives such as graduate research, assistantships, and internships.

3. Participants increasing their understanding of how to be effective civic and/or business leaders.

4. Graduates developing soft skills to help them compete in the workforce.

5. Students becoming engaged citizens who participate and lead civic engagement and social entrepreneurial activities.

6. Students increasing their awareness of gender issues in the MENA region.

C. PROJECT DESIGN

The TLG program builds a cadre of leaders who are civic minded, intellectually capable, and professionally skilled to become the community, business, and national leaders of the future. The program will enable students from the MENA region who are academically qualified but are unable to afford American-style graduate education to gain leadership skills and gender awareness and develop a spirit of civic engagement and volunteerism. Students must be registered on a full-time basis.

Applicants must address the following requirements in their application:

1. Eligibility, Recruitment, and Selection Processes

• The recruitment for the TLG program will be managed by an existing third-party implementer. The applicant should outline strategies for assisting and coordinating with the recruitment partner.

• The applicant should coordinate with the recruitment partner to ensure it admits students who meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

o Be a citizen or resident of one of the participating countries or territories.

o Demonstrate evidence of academic English proficiency as required by the relevant graduate program.

o Demonstrate financial need. Applicants should be underrepresented or economically deserving students and provide supporting financial documentation.

o Meet admission requirements.

o Ability to travel and start their graduate program.

o Possess strong academic credentials.

o Demonstrate maturity, adaptability, and leadership potential.

o Participants must commit to completing their master’s degree within two academic years.

• For the first cohort, NEA/AC intends to recruit residents living in the following countries/territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank and Gaza, and

Yemen. Citizens or nationals who hold citizenship in participating countries and the United States are ineligible for this program.

Similarly, asylum seekers in the United States and U.S. Legal Permanent

Residents (green card holders) are not eligible. If there are changes to participating countries/territories for future cohorts, NEA/AC will notify the university in writing prior to the start of the following recruitment phase.

• The applicant should provide a comprehensive methodology for the selection of short-listed candidates, including addressing gender balance and diversity needs during selection and implementation of the program. The methodology should outline how universities will work with participating departments in reviewing and ranking applicants taking into account the TLG program requirements and goals. This should include a selection rubric that explicitly notes how applications will be evaluated and ranked.

• The applicant should, in consultation with each academic unit, provide a recruitment timeline that aligns with the TL recruitment partner’s established timeline.

2. Enrollment and Tuition

• The applicant must provide a list of majors that will be available to TL students as part of their application, and coordinate with the recruitment partner.

• The applicant must ensure that the university will not channel scholarships to under-populated majors or majors that the university is seeking to promote. It should also ensure that students are not asked to change majors during the selection process to meet the needs of the university.

• Universities are strongly encouraged to incorporate gender courses within the majors available for TL students and encourage students to sign up for at least one gender course. NEA/AC will consider covering tuition fees for gender classes that are not offered as part of the approved majors.

• For each cohort, the TL program offers students the opportunity to enroll in preparatory language training that covers intensive language training and/or remedial classes to improve students’ academic preparation prior to enrolling in their field of study. Students who fail to successfully complete the requirements of the intensive language/remedial classes within their set duration will be dismissed from the program.

• The tuition rates for 2024–2025 will be applied to all future cohorts.

Annual tuition increases are not allowable on the federal share and should count solely towards the cost-share.

• A 15% tuition reduction is strongly suggested for this project. In all cases, NEA/AC reserves the right to allocate the largest portion of funding to the applicant that proposes the lowest average cost per student. The average cost per student is determined based on the total requested Federal funds divided by the expected number of students.

3. Travel, Visa, Residency Permits, and Bank Accounts

It is the applicant’s responsibility to coordinate and book airline tickets for new students arriving on campus. NEA/AC has requested assistance from the recruitment partner to facilitate airline tickets (roundtrip ticket) for Yemeni students for the first academic year. The applicant should exclude airline tickets for Yemeni students for the first year. In addition, the applicant must coordinate the visa process with the host country and assist and facilitate residency permits for students who are not nationals of the host country. The applicant should ensure that fees related to travel, visas, and residency permits are included in the budget proposal and students are receiving reimbursement in a timely manner. The applicant must assist students in obtaining local bank accounts no later than two months after matriculation, and the accounts should be compatible with withdrawing funds in U.S. Dollars. For the first semester, the applicant will ensure students are provided a settling-in allowance of $100 USD within a week of arriving on campus. Any delays in issuance of allowances or stipends should be communicated to NEA/AC.

4. Housing

University housing must be offered to all international students and students with refugee status. On-campus housing is preferred; however, if this is not possible given the number of students, off-campus housing is an option if it is university-sponsored housing only and is subject to university supervision, policies, and security control. Students already residing in the host country will be considered for housing on a case-by-case basis.

5. Student Benefits

The applicant will provide the following benefits to TL students and should outline in its proposal how each benefit will be addressed.

• As stated under the “enrollment and tuition section” the applicant shall cover all enrollment and tuition fees.

• Each student will receive university medical insurance.

• Each student will receive a net of $600 USD in monthly stipends for living expenses (i.e., after subtracting bank and other fees). Stipends will be paid only during semesters when students are enrolled in classes. Applicant will ensure stipends are paid on time (first week of the month) and when delays occur in the issuance of stipends the applicant will notify the NEA/AC team. Students completing their one required internship during the summer or winter months will receive stipends while participating in the internship opportunity. Additionally, students that are required to take summer classes for their major(s) will receive stipends for the months enrolled in classes and/or enrolled in TL-related activities. Students from conflict countries that are unable to return home or visit relatives in a third country will be provided stipends during the summer and/or winter semester if they are engaged in TL-related activities during that period.

• Applicant will ensure that students receive a net of $100 USD settling-in allowance for first time students within the first week of arriving on campus. Applicant should identify in its application how these funds will be paid out.

• The applicant should provide one laptop per student with the necessary associated software for the duration of the program.

• The applicant will provide students two annual round-trip economy air tickets from their campus to home; or housing and living stipends for students who are approved to continue program activities on campus during breaks due to being unable to return home because of circumstances outside of their control. Universities may provide air ticket(s) for students to visit family in a third country instead of their home country in the case where students are displaced or otherwise unable to meet family at home due to circumstances outside of their control. Students are not permitted to return home if they must update their host institution country residency documentation. Return travel must be coordinated prior to the start of semester so students do not miss their courses. NEA/AC must be notified if students miss courses due to delayed travel logistics.

• The applicant will provide one-time compensation of up to $500 USD to cover PhD applications and associated fees such as tests for graduating students with a CGPA of 3.0 and above only.

• The applicant must provide up to $600 USD per academic year for each student to purchase academic-related books. Proof of purchase will be required and submitted to the applicant.

• Students may apply for up to $1,000 USD in additional funds for a special opportunity (i.e., to attend a conference, pursue further research opportunities, participate in international debates, obtain seed funding for a capstone project or community service project, etc.). To apply, students, with the concurrence and guidance of the applicant, must complete the NEA/AC ad-hoc request form and submit to NEA/AC for approval. To be eligible, students must be in good program standing, meet all requirements for full participation, and provide justification for the value of the activity. Justification should include areas such as how the opportunity will build on their TLG experience, advance personal and/or TLG program objectives, help their communities moving forward, or advance a professional accreditation. The applicants are expected to review the student requests and provide a recommendation to NEA/AC. NEA/AC will review and approve such requests on a case-by-case basis.

6. Orientation and Integration

• Successful Applicants will describe how the program will integrate students into the larger campus community.

• Prior to students’ arrivals, host universities must provide students the following:

o Acceptance letters (accessible on university portal).

o Pre-arrival information about their scholarship, visas, and important university or program dates.

o Vaccination requirements.

o Information regarding the TL specific orientation.

o University general orientation.

o Information on campus life and dorm life – Rules and Regulation.

o Major choice counseling, academic advising, and class registration.

• The applicant will host a multi-day TL-specific orientation prior to the beginning of the academic year to supplement any university-wide orientation that is provided. The on-campus orientation should cover items such as program guidelines and requirements; culture shock;

health, safety, and security; university emergency residency requirements; etc. The applicant should provide a detailed plan for achieving this goal. The applicant is encouraged to submit detailed orientation sessions/workshops as an appendix.

• The applicant will ensure each student signs the Student Agreement, authorization release form, and media release form. Any additions to this list will be communicated to the applicant in writing. The applicant should submit a detailed approach as to how they will ensure students are well integrated at the university to avoid discrimination against their socio-economic status or being negatively labeled for the duration of their studies. The applicant is expected to present tools, resources, and interventions that will help in integration, including tools to help refugees, students that come from conflict environments, and students struggling to adapt to campus life to prevent drop-outs.

This detailed plan will be submitted within 30 days of award issuance.

• Incoming students must be assigned a TL peer mentor during their first semester in the program to help facilitate the transition to campus and program. The applicant should outline the structure of the mentorship program to include frequency of meetings, the process for matching students, and methodology to collect student feedback.

7. Academic Monitoring

• The TL academic director/coordinator will be responsible for closely guiding and advising students in their course schedules, grades, and overall performance including following up with students when necessary.

• The academic director/coordinator should be in regular contact with the students and advise them throughout their years of study.

• The TL administration will work closely with students in their first semester to create an academic projection plan.

• The academic director/coordinator is responsible for tracking students’ performance levels throughout the academic years by implementing the following:

o Coordinating with faculty members to report the scholars’ performance through progress reports. The reports should track grades and attendance in their respective courses.

o Scheduling biweekly advising meetings with each student. These advising meetings must be in-person. If in person meetings cannot take place due to extenuating circumstances, the applicant will track and include this information in the quarterly report.

• Students must maintain a CGPA of 3.0+ to continue receiving a TLG scholarship.

o If the CGPA drops below 3.0 during any given semester, the applicant shall give the student one grace semester to improve and restore their academic standing.

o If the CGPA remains below 3.0 after grace semester, the applicant will dismiss the student from the program.

• The applicant will submit at-risk student cases using the NEA/AC reporting template after each semester.

8. Student Development and Support

The applicant must present its approach to helping students become active members of their community, nurture their leadership, and improve their interpersonal skills. The applicant must present its approach to provide the following at a minimum:

• Applicant shall create and maintain a policies and procedures manual for the program.

• Extra-curricular activities for students to participate in throughout their journey at the university.

• Proposing activities geared towards developing leadership and civic engagement skills in students.

• Community service projects in home or host countries, including project design and management workshops covering proposal writing, budgeting, and community assessment approaches. Students may apply for up to $1,000 as seed funding through the one-time ad hoc request. For the first cohort, NEA/AC will give funding priority to projects that advance gender equality and equity, address climate challenges, and empower young women in STEM. The applicant is encouraged to provide examples of community service projects or organizations as an appendix.

• Placing and supporting students, beginning in the first academic year through graduation, to actively engage in volunteer activities with vetted humanitarian organizations and agencies serving vulnerable populations in host countries, and/or the scholars’ home countries.

Each student will be expected to complete at least 120 hours of service prior to graduation.

• Arranging and tracking mentoring and internship opportunities with local civil society, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. In addition to internships, MEPI welcomes new and creative approaches to developing civic-minded leaders. To be approved, new approaches must include proposed costs and programmatic and budget justifications.

• Plans to develop students' soft skills over the course of the award.

Such skills may include but are not limited to interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, personal accountability and finances, collaboration and teamwork, conflict resolution, adaptability and flexibility, and communication, both verbal and written.

9. Student Safety and Wellbeing

Within 60 days of award issuance, the applicant must develop crisis response processes in line with the TL program guidelines to address topics including, but not limited to: arrest or impending arrest; injuries that require hospitalization; death; disasters; threats to public welfare; bomb threats;

protests or riots; hostage situations; individual violence; violent crimes;

community health issues; infectious disease outbreaks; terrorist threats or the possibility of war in the proximity of a university; Title IX cases; cases of absconding; etc.

The applicant must ensure students have access to a 24-hour emergency hotline and are familiar with university emergency resources and emergency contact information. The applicant must notify NEA/AC immediately when incidents occur and follow up with a written incident report within no more than two business days. Sub-awardees must similarly notify the Prime Grantee immediately when incidents occur and follow up regularly with a written incident report. NEA/AC will provide the applicant with a copy of the incident report.

The applicant should have a dedicated welfare officer to assist in supporting TL students navigate any physical or psychosocial challenges. The applicant shall include policies and procedures to address the needs of students displaced by violent conflict (e.g., Syrian, Palestinian, and Yemeni students who might not be able to return to their home countries). Plans should demonstrate knowledge and capacity to collaborate with host governments where applicable and to identify and address legal and other constraints.

10. Gender Integration, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

The applicant must provide a detailed methodology of how they will address gender, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility matters during implementation, mainly:

• The applicant must submit its plans for integrating gender issues within the curriculum of the graduate program.

• How gender balance will be achieved, including during the selection and enrollment process for leadership and extracurricular activities.

• How gender stereotypes will be addressed during the program dissemination and orientation phases to overcome existing perceptions that certain majors are reserved for a particular sex.

• How gender stereotypes and cultural norms will be mitigated to ensure scholars select diverse majors, not limited to majors which have historically been seen as culturally acceptable, such as engineering for males or education for females.

• How messaging during the recruitment phase, both via the recruitment partner and post-enrollment support services, will mitigate gender sensitivities and help accommodate students who might face stress and disorientation due to moving to a less conservative country.

• How individuals with disabilities will be provided a fair opportunity in applying for the scholarship, as well as how this demographic will be engaged in all aspects of the TLG program, post-enrollment.

• How will the TL website, program and promotional materials be compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508-compliant.

12. Student Academic Monitoring Plans

Students must be registered on a full-time basis. Applications must describe how the applicant will monitor and measure student academic and extracurricular progress and well-being, including but not limited to each of the activities listed above. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. The applicant is responsible for keeping the NEA/AC student tracker updated, a copy of this tracker will be provided by the applicant upon issuance of an award. The applicant should submit a sample of academic tracking as an appendix.

Having timely access to information on students’ demographics, academic statuses, current location, etc., is key to successfully implementing the TL program. The applicant will develop a student database containing this information within the first year of the award issuance, in close coordination with the NEA/AC team. The applicant must demonstrate how data capture and visualization, to include infographics, can help provide a comprehensive view of student information in order to enable NEA/AC to carry out evidence-based decision-making regarding project programming. Data capture processes should include survey development, data quality control, analysis, and development of dashboards, all utilizing cutting edge technology that is cost effective. The applicant should be able to provide real-time information on students’ academic statuses so that NEA/AC can adapt programming activities. The successful applicant will also be required to respond promptly and comprehensively to data calls from NEA/AC, which will be requested at least monthly.

13. Remaining Balances, Drop-outs and Replacements

The applicant must describe how remaining balances (cost-savings on both the Federal share and cost-share) will be regularly identified and communicated to NEA/AC on a periodic basis, no less than every six months as per reporting requirements.

14. Internships

The applicant will outline how they will support students to identify one internship during their time in the program, and in addition, how they will track internship requirements, vet organizations, and validate students’ participation. The applicant will ensure that each student completes one internship comprising at least 120 hours of service, in advance of their approved graduation date and not in the final semester of study. Internships can be aligned with a student’s area of study or more broadly focused on civic engagement. The internship should take place in the student’s home country unless not feasible due to conflict, etc. Students cannot delay graduation or stay in the country of study past graduation to complete internship requirements. Students are eligible to receive the monthly stipend to complete up to one internship. The application will develop a plan to obtain student feedback.

15. Civic Engagement and Volunteering

The applicant should outline plans in how students will participate in volunteer and community service activities. Students are required to participate in civic engagement activities during their time in the TL program. The applicant will outline how they will track activities, vet organizations, and confirm students’ participation. The applicant will develop a plan to obtain student feedback.

16. Career Development

The applicant should outline workshops and plans to develop employability skills and career development plans of students.

17. TLG Conference

Applicants will coordinate with other TL host universities to plan and execute an annual graduate research conference, rotating locations between universities annually. Student attendance and participation in the annual TLG conference is mandatory and they are expected to submit proposals for presenting their research projects during the conference.

18. Alumni Tracking

The applicant will coordinate closely with MEPI’s Alumni Connection project implementer and provide alumni data for graduating students. In addition, the applicant should submit its approach on how to enhance and build better connections with the alumni. The applicant must demonstrate how it will leverage the alumni chapter, or other tools, to monitor the post-graduation status of all previous TL graduates across all phases and cohorts.

19. Participating Academic Units’ Research Proposals

Successful applicant institutions may identify within their proposal academic units (AU) that are best suited to carry out this project. AUs may submit proposals that serve as roadmaps that identify social problems and a proposed research plan in which graduate students will engage. Proposals must be result-oriented, identifying an outcome at the end of the funding period. Application and Submission Information can be found below.

Applications that wish to submit research proposals must include 2–3-page proposals from all participating academic units. These proposals must provide the following elements:

1. Project Summary: Summary of the proposed project, which consists of an overview, including a description of the activity, a statement of objectives and research methods to be employed, and a proposed timeline.

2. Introduction: Provides the rationale for why the project is important and answers the questions “What will we know at the end of this project that we don't currently know? What will we have that we do not have now?”

3. Problem Statement: Identifies a problem in the community, country, or region to address and argues why the problem is important and interesting. Why are these issues the right ones to be addressing now?

4. Background: Illustrates participating unit’s knowledge of the landscape and provides context and a comparison to the project. Background can include lessons from past and current research and/or an assessment of the present state of knowledge, including gaps.

5. Significance: Describes how this project will fill existing gaps in research and knowledge and move the field forward. What practical solutions will this project offer to address the problems? Why is it an interesting project that is neither trivial nor impossible?

6. Project Description: Concisely and coherently, this section completes the arguments developed earlier and presents an initial plan on how to solve the problems posed. Outlines the general plan for the project including objectives, theory, methods, activities, timeline and milestones, and expected results. Reference should be made to how the proposed work relates to the longer-term goals of the Unit’s focus and what strategy will be developed to increase graduate students’ knowledge, skills, and contributions in applied research.

7. The advancement of scientific knowledge and broader impact:

Broader impact of the proposed activities may be accomplished through the research itself, through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, and are complementary to, the project. Academic units should demonstrate how the project will advance current knowledge in the field and benefit society and how this knowledge will be shared with the rest of the society.

8. Biographical Sketches: Provides a sketch of the credentials of the potential faculty involved including background, knowledge, interests, and skills needed to perform the proposed research.

9. Leveraging Resources: Academic units should identify existing resources within the TL program, the applicant community, community partners (public, private and nonprofit) or their professional community that can be employed to further advance this project. These resources can include current collaborations or other funds.

10. Deliverables: List of expected publications, patents, copyrights, or software systems relevant to the current proposal.

11. Professional Development and Mentoring Plan: Describes the mentoring activities to be provided to graduate students including specific activities designed to advance their careers.

12. Reference information is required. Each reference must include the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article and journal title, book title, volume number, page numbers, and year of publication.

Successful proposals will demonstrate how professors/academic units will be attracted to participate in this funding opportunity. Compensation may include, but is not limited to, activities such as:

• Course release on a 3/3 course load (any arrangement resulting in more than 3/3 course load disqualifies the faculty/academic unit)

• TL graduate student as a research assistant.

• Stipend to accompany students to academic conferences or seminars.

• Purchase of new equipment to needed to complete the proposed research.

• Consider additional requests from professors.

Participating academic units submit clear project descriptions that will be shared with prospective students at the time of recruitment. These descriptions should include the focus of the area of study, what is being emphasized, what eligible students must demonstrate to be considered, and what they should expect from the program.

For example, a program focusing on evidence-based economic studies might have the following specific requirements: The focus of TLG in Economics is methodological, emphasizing the application of data analytics in the field of economics. Economic transactions are increasingly becoming digital, and analytics are relied upon heavily for financial decision-making.

Candidates should demonstrate an interest in learning how to apply advanced computer techniques to the field of economics. Areas of focus include using scientific mechanisms to advance strategic response to uncertain conditions and elevated risks; incorporating technology and scientific calculation to organize and utilize big data in economic activities;

applying knowledge of predictive analytics and decision science in forecasting economic outcomes; and linking factors that promote or hinder stability and prosperity using advanced technology. Candidates should expect to work on projects that use innovative approaches to harvest data and apply technology in solving local economic problems.

20. Research Projects

Applicants must work with students to develop research plans (RPs) that are approved by NEA/AC. Students are required to take a research methods course.

The applicant must provide training on one or more of the following:

• Methodological research

• Practicum

• Individual or collective research paper

• Presentation at a professional conference

• A publication (e-publications, blogs, peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, or newspaper articles are all acceptable publication formats.

Collective works such as a special issue of a journal or co-authored manuscript are highly encouraged).

It is expected that participating academic units submit progress of research projects and assessment of students’ training on a semester-basis. End-of-project report must demonstrate scientific advancement and broader impact.

Applied research entailing the use of scientific methods to solve real-world problems is highly encouraged. Applicants should carefully consider the practicum/internship opportunities they can arrange for students to increase their employability and preparedness to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.

TLG students must engage in scholarly activities (research conferences, lectures, seminars, roundtables) and/or participate in academic institutes at the host university during the course of their study. Potential research networking activities:

• Roundtable gatherings for TLG and interested TLU students, with a focus on existing knowledge in the field. This could be an opportunity to discuss recent literature in the field along with the means to connect to the local setting

• Workshop presentations and/or other means of contributing to scholarship in the field through organizing academic events and/or highlighting relevant events in the field.

21. Program Promotion and Social Media

The applicant should submit a comprehensive outreach plan within 60 days of issuance of the award to ensure that all social media activities feed content into, or tag, existing MEPI social media platforms, and plans on how to increase public interaction with the program, collect data, analyze feedback, communicate key messages, and leverage success stories to targeted audiences. The applicant will collect success stories in accordance with the MEPI guidelines. The applicant will draft and submit for approval an annual communication and outreach plan.

Grantees, sub-awardees and sub-grantees will be required to brand and mark all materials produced under this award with the standard U.S. flag, as specified in Section VIII below.

22. Management Meeting

MEPI plans to host an annual management meeting with TL implementing institutions and recruitment. Applicants should budget for up to three participants to attend this event for three days.

23. Prohibited Activities and Costs

The following activities and costs are NOT ALLOWED under this announcement:

• Exchange activities with other countries or territories.

• Social welfare projects.

• Paying to complete activities begun with other funds.

• Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns.

• Academic or analytical research in lieu of regular academic studies.

• One-time events, such as stand-alone conferences and one-off round tables.

• Medical and psychological research and clinical studies.

• Projects of a commercial or profit-making nature.

• Cultural presentations, cultural research, cultural clubs, or festivals, etc.

• Entertainment costs (e.g., receptions, social activities, ceremonies, alcoholic beverages, guided tours).

NOTE: Applications that include any of these activities or costs above may be eliminated at the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will not advance to the Merit Review Panel.

D. GENDER AND SOCIAL INCLUSION INTEGRATION

NEA/AC requires that all activities fully address intersectional1 gender and inclusion considerations, ensuring that individuals of all genders and diverse backgrounds2 benefit from support where applicable, and that gender and inclusion awareness is a built-in component of project activities. This should be documented through gender and social inclusion analysis in the project narrative that identifies any relevant gender and inclusion gaps and ways the proposed activities will address those gaps. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing relevant gender and inclusion gaps will enhance the project’s goals and objectives. Applicants who are unfamiliar with integrating gender and inclusivity in foreign assistance programing should view the training video located here:

https://encompassworld.com/elearningfiles/DOS/DOS_Gender_Integration_

E-Course/story_html5.html

E. DEFINITIONS

Diversity:

The term “diversity” means the practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of a community.

Inclusion:

The term “inclusion” means the recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of persons of all backgrounds.

1 Intersectionality describes the ways in which systems of inequality based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, class, and other forms of discrimination “intersect” to create unique dynamics and effects.

2 Consideration of diversity of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.

Equity:

The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as ethnic minorities, and indigenous persons, members of religious minorities;

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

Underserved communities:

The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of “equity”.

II. MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

Applicants shall provide a Logic Model and a Theory of Change to demonstrate how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve the stated objectives. The logic model and theory of change statements can be generated using the template in Appendix 2. Applicants shall also provide an illustrative Results Monitoring Plan (RMP) to describe how the proposed project will capture and measure data that demonstrates progress toward achieving the specific objectives of the proposed project. This includes any disaggregation of indicators relevant to the specific sub-populations the program intends to serve. The RMP may also include project-specific sub-objectives. The indicators proposed in the RMP should align with the logic model and include output and outcomes indicators. Please see Appendix 4 for the RMP template. Please see Section VI below for more information.

Successful applicants will work with the NEA/AC program and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) teams to create a plan based on the proposed logic model and theory of change to measure qualitative and quantitative indicators as part of the award negotiations process. The successful applicants will be responsible for collecting data against these indicators, which will be monitored throughout the period of performance of the award to gauge necessary modifications to the project’s design and assess the results of the project’s success in meeting expected outcomes.

Additionally, applicants are expected to use their theory of change and logic models as management tools to assess successes and needed pivots in the program’s performance.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Mechanism Type:

Cooperative Agreement

Cooperative Agreement

Estimated Number of Awards: 1-3

Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,600,000

Estimated Award Ceiling: $2,600,000

Estimated Award Floor: $500,000

Cost-Sharing or Matching: Encouraged; NOT Required

Estimated Length of Project Period: 5 Years

Contingent on the availability of funds, approximately $2,600,000 in Economic Support Funds for approximately 1-3 awards will be awarded through this announcement. If selected to receive an award, an applicant will be awarded funds for up to five years to support up to two cohorts depending on the activities and countries proposed. The estimated start date for this project is September 1, 2024. NEA/AC reserves the right to award more or less than the estimated program funding and reserves the right to award funding under this announcement for a period of up to two years after the announcement’s close date.

The request for full applications does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the U.S. government to make any awards, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

Competing Continuation

Requests for funding to extend beyond the initial budget period will be entertained on the basis of a competing continuation award. NEA/AC will review each grantee’s progress in meeting grant requirements, including timely submission of required reports, and compliance with all terms and conditions of the award; timely submission of a request for additional funding; the availability of funds; and that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Department of State.

IV. SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

NEA/AC shall be involved in the program and management performance of these cooperative agreements through consultation and technical collaboration on specified program activities.

NEA/AC Responsibilities

• Collaboration and written concurrence in establishing annual program objectives and the approval of an annual work plan.

• Collaboration in assessing progress and identifying issues that might affect the success of the program.

• Collaboration in addressing gender and incorporating gender in activities.

• Approval and written concurrence over student selections and dismissals.

• Collaboration and written concurrence in determining corrective actions, when necessary.

• Ensuring consistency in key personnel’s qualifications and job description across all universities and approving universities’ selection.

• Approval of key personnel and any subsequent changes in the positions during the life of the award.

• Collaboration and written concurrence in the creation of any training materials.

• Approval and written concurrence of annual program eligibility requirements.

• Approval and written concurrence of security, risk mitigation, and contingency plans. These plans should be updated and approved on an annual basis.

• Facilitation and coordination with U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and

Offices, as needed.

• Collaboration and written concurrence of establishing a crisis protocol.

• Collaboration and written concurrence in determining selection criteria for…