2027_Pickering_NOFO_Selection_1.docx

United States Department of State Bureau of Human Resources Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program Selection Grant Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0019974

Assistance Listing Number: 19.013 Solicitation Type: Open Competition Type of Award: Grant; Cooperative Agreement; Fixed Amount Award Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 20 November 2026 Total Funding Floor (if applicable): $XXXX Total Funding Ceiling: $85,855 Cost Sharing: Required Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 Period of Performance: 3-6 months Question Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 15 November 2026 Eligibility Applicants: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses.

Table of Contents

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Background The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources, Outreach, Fellowships, and Internships Division (HR/OFI) announces an open competition for an organization (see eligibility information in C.1) interested in submitting an application to implement a project aimed at managing all operational, logistical, and administrative functions for the candidate screening, panel review, and final evaluation phases of the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Selection Process.

This candidate selection project is a critical foundational component of the broader Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program, established under Section 47 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2719) and Section 105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.). The project directly supports and advances existing strategic priorities outlined in the Department of State and USAID Joint Strategic Plan (JSP), the Bureau of Human Resources Functional Bureau Strategy (FBS), and the National Security Strategy. Specifically, this project strengthens U.S. diplomatic readiness and institutional capacity by executing a rigorous, merit-based, and highly competitive selection model to identify top-tier talent with the foreign policy expertise, academic rigor, and leadership required to represent American interests and protect national sovereignty abroad.

A.2. Problem Statement HR/OFI seeks an experienced partner to execute the comprehensive administrative, logistical, and technical operations governing the selection process for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program. Sourcing high-caliber diplomatic talent requires a rigorous, objective, and multi-stage evaluation mechanism to assess candidates who are top-tier graduate applicants nationwide demonstrating outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and financial need. Without a dedicated administrative partner to execute this complex selection infrastructure, the Department risks operational delays, inconsistent evaluation practices, and logistical bottlenecks that can compromise candidate assessment and impede the timely identification of future Foreign Service Officers.

Operating on a condensed timeline from December 2026 through March 2027, the Recipient must execute a multi-phase evaluation cycle across a national and virtual footprint, culminating in centralized final evaluations in Washington, D.C. The scope of work encompasses managing initial eligibility screening for hundreds of applicants, providing secure electronic application platforms for review panels, coordinating travel and per diem compliance for candidate interviews, processing panelist honoraria, and organizing mandatory briefing sessions with the Board of Examiners (BEX). Navigating large-scale applicant pools, maintaining strict scoring integrity, and managing tight logistical windows demand specialized administrative expertise to ensure an efficient, standardized, and legally compliant evaluation process.

Ineffective selection administration directly threatens institutional readiness and stewardship of federal resources, as operational missteps or delayed notifications can cause top candidates to pursue alternative opportunities before final cohort selection. By delivering a seamless, cost-effective, and highly structured evaluation framework, the Recipient ensures that selection committees evaluate candidates against rigorous standardized criteria, including written command and oral assessment performance. This operational framework directly advances Department of State strategic objectives and presidential mandates to modernize talent acquisition, uphold strict merit-based competition, and secure high-caliber personnel equipped to protect American sovereignty and advance national security interests globally.

A.3. Project Goal

The primary goal of this cooperative agreement is to execute a fair, standardized, and cost-effective selection process to identify top-tier talent for the Department of State’s Foreign Service. By providing robust operational, logistical, and technical management throughout the candidate evaluation cycle, the project aims to identify outstanding graduate-bound individuals with demonstrated leadership, financial need, and foreign policy expertise who are prepared to pursue long-term Foreign Service careers and represent American interests abroad.

This project seeks to establish a rigorous, highly secure evaluation infrastructure that maintains the highest standards of program integrity, standardized merit-based scoring, and fiscal stewardship of taxpayer resources. Through precise coordination of application screening, panel review logistics, user guide development, and panelist honoraria processing, the award recipient will deliver a seamless candidate assessment model that minimizes operational friction and ensures full compliance with Department policies and federal financial regulations.

Ultimately, the project aims to deliver a fully vetted cohort of 10 Pickering Fellows and qualified alternates ready to enter the Foreign Service pipeline. By systematically guiding candidates through initial application review, written evaluations, and structured interviews in close collaboration with the Department’s Board of Examiners (BEX), the project fulfills statutory mandates under Section 47 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2719) and Section 105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.) to build a resilient, highly qualified diplomatic corps dedicated to advancing U.S. national security priorities.

A.4. Objectives

The award recipient will manage all administrative, logistical, and operational functions for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Selection Process over a defined project period from December 2026 through March 2027. By January 2027, the Recipient will execute a comprehensive initial screening of 100% of submitted applications to verify completeness and strict adherence to eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship, a minimum 3.2 cumulative undergraduate GPA, financial need documentation, and enrollment plans for an eligible two-year master’s degree program. Following initial screening, the Recipient will establish secure electronic portal access for 18 designated selection panelists (comprising 12 interview panelists and six writing panelists selected in collaboration with HR/OFI) to facilitate standardized scoring and identify precisely 90 semi-finalists by February 2027.

During February and March 2027, the Recipient will coordinate and execute the final evaluation phase in Washington, D.C., managing all administrative logistics for a 3.5-day interview panel meeting and a 2-day writing assessment panel meeting. The Recipient will schedule, organize, and facilitate mandatory briefing and training sessions conducted in collaboration with the Department of State Board of Examiners (BEX) for 100% of selection panelists prior to applicant scoring. Additionally, the Recipient will manage all candidate briefing sessions regarding fellowship obligations, ensure panelists receive standardized user guides and rubric scoring sheets, and process per diem-compliant honoraria ($500 per day) for all non-federal and Reemployed Annuitant (REA) panelists without administrative delay.

Upon conclusion of the evaluation panels in March 2027, the Recipient will tabulate combined interview and essay scores to compile a final rank-ordered list of 10 primary Fellow selectees, designated alternates, and non-selected candidates for HR/OFI review and approval. Within two working days of final HR/OFI approval, the Recipient will issue formal written notifications to all 10 selected finalists and secure written acceptances within three working days. Finally, the Recipient will deliver a complete selection data package and database of non-selected applicants to HR/OFI within two weeks of selection completion, maintaining 100% fiscal compliance with government per diem guidelines and federal financial regulations.

A.5. Expected Outcomes

The execution of this selection process project is expected to result in enhanced operational rigor, objective merit-based candidate evaluation, and complete fiscal accountability across all selection phases. A primary outcome is the selection of a highly qualified, fully vetted cohort of 10 primary Pickering Graduate Fellows and designated alternates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership capability, financial need, and a strong commitment to long-term Foreign Service careers. Through standardized application screening and BEX-aligned panel evaluation frameworks, the project ensures that candidate assessment is conducted with absolute consistency, legal compliance, and alignment with critical Department of State skill requirements.

Operationally, the project will achieve full administrative efficiency and seamless candidate management, resulting in zero operational delays between application closing, panel scoring, candidate interviewing, and final notification. By managing per diem-compliant panelist honoraria, travel arrangements, and secure electronic scoring systems within established federal budget guidelines and 2 CFR 200 standards, the Recipient demonstrates exemplary stewardship of taxpayer resources. Ultimately, the successful execution of this selection process directly leads to the high-level strategic outcome of strengthening the Foreign Service pipeline with top-tier graduate talent equipped to advance American foreign policy, protect national sovereignty, and deliver diplomatic results globally.

A.6. Performance Indicators

To evaluate project performance, track operational milestones, and measure overall selection efficiency, the Recipient will establish and report on a comprehensive set of quantitative and qualitative performance indicators. Quantitative indicators will track application review volume, timeline adherence, and cohort yield metrics. Specifically, these include the total number and percentage of submitted applications screened for eligibility within two weeks of the application deadline, the percentage of eligible applications successfully distributed to review panels via secure electronic portals, and the exact count of semi-finalists (90) identified for interviews. Additional quantitative metrics include the percentage of selection panelists completing mandatory Board of Examiners (BEX) training prior to scoring, the percentage of candidates interviewed and scored using standardized rubrics, the number of primary Fellow acceptances secured within three working days of notification (targeting 10 primary selectees), and the execution of all selection activities within approved per diem limits ($500 per day panelist honoraria) and federal budget parameters.

Qualitative indicators will evaluate the integrity, objectivity, and administrative quality of the selection process through post-selection survey instruments administered to selection committee members and candidates. These metrics will assess panelist satisfaction with the clarity of rubric guidelines, the utility of panelist user guides, the functionality of the electronic scoring portal, and the organization of interview schedules. Qualitative evaluation will also measure candidate feedback regarding the professionalism, clarity, and efficiency of communication surrounding selection expectations, interview logistics, and fellowship obligations. Furthermore, the Recipient will measure administrative efficiency through the timely submission of comprehensive post-selection data packages to HR/OFI, including rank-ordered scores, alternate lists, and non-selected candidate files within established milestone deadlines.

A.7. Key Considerations

Applicants evaluating this funding opportunity must account for key structural, operational, and data management parameters governing the execution of the selection process. This award will be administered under a Cooperative Agreement, requiring substantial involvement and continuous collaboration between the Recipient and HR/OFI. HR/OFI retains final approval authority over all selection criteria, interview and essay questions, panelist designations, selection schedules, candidate notification lists, and policy decisions. Applicants must demonstrate dedicated, experienced personnel who possess direct familiarity with the Department of State’s Foreign Service career structure and examination protocols to effectively liaise with BEX, manage panel deliberations, and guide candidates through selection milestones.

Additionally, consideration will be given to organizations demonstrating robust organizational capacity and logistics networks, particularly within the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, capable of securing per diem-compliant lodging, interview venues near BEX facilities, and seamless administrative support for selection panels. Applicants must also recognize that HR/OFI retains exclusive proprietary rights to all candidate databases, applicant files, panelist scores, and statistical reports generated during the selection process. The Recipient must establish secure, compliant data management systems to handle sensitive applicant information in accordance with federal privacy standards and must transfer all selection datasets to HR/OFI immediately upon conclusion of the selection cycle.

A.8. Substantial Involvement (if applicable) HR/OFI anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater federal government participation in the project. HR/OFI will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Substantial involvement areas can include, but are not limited to:

· Active participation or collaboration with the recipient on certain aspects of award implementation.

· Reviewal and approval of one stage of work before another can begin.

· Collaboration on selection and/or review of project beneficiaries.

Specific areas of substantial involvement will be dependent upon the objectives of the proposal and outlined in the final Agreement. The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer.

Section B: Federal Award Information B.1. Available Funding This notice is subject to the availability of funding. The primary authority for this funding opportunity is found in Section 47 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2719), as enacted by Public Law 101-246, which explicitly authorizes the Secretary of State to award grants and cooperative agreements to post-secondary educational institutions or partner organizations to foster knowledge of and interest in employment with the Foreign Service. Programmatic execution and workforce recruitment are further authorized pursuant to Section 105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended (22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.), relevant executive orders governing federal workforce modernizations, and statutory authorities incorporated across applicable annual authorization frameworks, including the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60).

Applicants can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received, and time stamped by either grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants will be reviewed for eligibility.

Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant, with the remaining organizations designated as sub-awardees. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section C.

The Department of State reserves the right to (a) fund any or none of the applications received; (b) reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with bureau proprieties and the availability of funds; (c) accept other than the lowest cost application.

The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (though it is under no obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

B.2. Award Management The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with HR/OFI through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc. The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See D.5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1 Eligible Applicants HR/OFI welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; \ U.S.-based private, public, or State institutions of higher education; and U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses.

Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions. These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

Providing cost-sharing, matching, or cost participation is a mandatory eligibility requirement for this NOFO. Per 2 CFR §200.306, items proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Cost Principles. Applications that fail to meet the required cost-sharing baseline or propose unallowable cost-share contributions will be deemed ineligible and will not be advanced to the merit review panel.

To ensure compliance with federal standards, proposed cost-sharing must adhere to the following core principles:

· Verifiability and Documentation: All contributed matching funds—whether direct cash contributions or third-party in-kind contributions—must be verifiable from the Recipient's accounting records. The Recipient must maintain detailed time-and-effort logs, receipt records, and valuation documentation for all cost-share contributions subject to audit under 2 CFR §200.

· Allowability and Federal Matching Restrictions: Proposed cost-sharing contributions must be necessary and reasonable for accomplishing project objectives and must be allowable under 2 CFR §200 Subpart E. Cost share cannot be paid by the Federal Government under another award, except where authorized by federal statute, nor may it be included as a contribution for any other federally assisted project or program.

· Valuation of In-Kind Contributions:

· Personnel & Volunteer Services: Rates for third-party volunteer services or pro bono professional support (e.g., non-federal application reviewers or expert panelists) must be consistent with rates paid for similar work within the Recipient’s organization or local labor market.

· Facilities & Space: Contributions of virtual meeting infrastructure, secure server hosting for electronic review portals, or physical meeting facilities must be valued at fair market rental rates for comparable space and utilities in the surrounding area.

· Equipment & Supplies: Donated equipment or software licenses allocated to selection operations must not exceed fair market value at the time of donation.

· Direct Administrative Integration: Unrecovered indirect costs may be included as part of cost sharing only with prior written approval from the Grants Officer and in accordance with the Recipient’s approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). All cost-sharing amounts must be explicitly detailed in the SF-424A, the line-item budget, and the budget narrative accompanying the application.

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships, local partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects.

Any applicant with an exclusion in the Exclusions section of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity or person listed in the Exclusions section of SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Exclusions section in Sam.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

Section D: Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to request Application Package Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on grants.gov and SAMS/MyGrants under the announcement title “2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program Selection Grant,” funding opportunity number “Funding Opportunity Number.” Please contact the HR/OFI point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the review panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further. For all application documents, please ensure:

· All documents are in English, and all costs are in U.S. dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version;

· All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;

· All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,

· All documents are single-spaced, 14-point New Times Roman font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point New Times Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

Complete applications must include the following, where applicable:

1) Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms. (OPTIONAL but strongly encouraged for FPEs/PIOs)

2) Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (only if applicable).

3) Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word document) that includes a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact, and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes.

4) Proposal Narrative (not to exceed fifteen (15) pages, preferably as a Word document). Please note the fifteen-page limit does not include the Cover Page/Executive Summary, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Logic Model, Key Personnel, Timeline or Attachments. Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word document or PDF (i.e. Cover Page/Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative into one file). The Narrative must include the following:

· Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on relevant or similar type projects from previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

· Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

· Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

· Program Goal: The goal describes the broader, long-range outcome or concept intended. Goals do not include timelines or methods for achievement. Rather, goals are general statements of a desired result. Programs generally have one goal that is only one sentence.

· Program Objective(s): Objectives unlike goals, are brief, clear statements that describe what will be done within a specific timeframe to help achieve or advance a goal. Objectives are applicant focused, and should be SMART:

· Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained given the available resources

· Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience

· Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program

· Program Activities: Describe how the activities or actions under objective(s) will be carried out. Should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resources and time requirements identified (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Where appropriate, identify target areas, or where actions are happening, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by consultants, sub-recipients or vendors as appropriate/relevant. Demonstrate how the activity will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

· Outcomes: The results or effects of the objective(s). What are the detailed, measurable statements that outline the end results? Outcomes are target-audience focused. What will the benefitting individuals, countries or audiences have learned, accomplished or be able to do after the project has been completed? Collectively, outcomes advance or further the program goal.

· Risk Analysis - Identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

· Future Funding or Sustainability – Applicants’ plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

5) Budget Documents: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

· (1) Detailed Line-Item Budget: Entities and organizations not recognized as FPEs or PIOs are required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories (see SF-424A as an example). Budget expenses should be submitted preferably as one Excel workbook and include three (3) columns describing the request to HR/OFI, any required or voluntary cost sharing, and the total budget. Costs must be in whole U.S. dollars. The attached “Budget Guidance Template for Multi-Year Awards (FY26)” is the preferred format for submission. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Note: Applicants are welcome to delete columns associated with multiple years if submitting a proposal that will only extend to one year. Alternatively, applicants are welcome to add columns for additional years.

· (2) Budget Narrative: Entities and organizations not recognized as FPEs or PIOs are required to submit narrative information, preferably as a Word document, that explain the methodology considerations for each specific line identified in the Excel document. The budget narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the detailed line-item budget. Do not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. If the detailed budget includes sub-awards, please include a separate budget narrative for each sub-award budget. Provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, allocation methodology, explain any yearly variances in unit prices, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Information should describe prices used when costs have been averaged for the purposes of the calculation; when or if there is a reduction in a typical cost due to leveraging other resources; when costs are inflated due to specific considerations; or when untypical costs are included due to special circumstances. Provide information on considerations such as translations, multi-media approaches as also described in the proposal narrative, procurement by local vendors or the need to import due to unavailability, specific needs of different audiences, costs related to country limitations, etc.

· Budget Documents for Foreign Public Entities/Public International Organizations: Entities and organizations recognized as FPEs or PIOs are not required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories. (1) A detailed budget, preferably as an excel document broken down by activity may be provided instead. Costs must be in U.S. dollars. (2) A budget narrative, preferably as an Excel workbook, an activity based detailed budget with information identifying lines associated with labor (inclusive of contractual or consultancy staff), participant support costs, travel, and other activity related expenses as appropriate for each activity identified. While 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Costs Principles does not apply to FPEs and PIOs, it should be used as a guide to assist in determining reasonableness. Budget narrative information, preferably as a Word document, should explain the methodology considerations for each activity and other cost considerations or special circumstances that are helpful in determining reasonableness.

6) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan/Tracker: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

· (1) Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Preferably a one-page Word document, the narrative outlines how a project’s M&E system will be carried out and by whom. It details how you will track your project’s performance toward its objectives over time and provides a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how M&E efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations.

· (2) Monitoring and Evaluation Plan/Tracker - Preferably as an Excel workbook, the tracker contains the M&E plan that should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the logic model, and link those areas to indicators. The M&E plan is generally structured as a table with output- and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and quarterly targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator. Please see “Sample Monitoring Indicator Tracker” included as an attachment to the NOFO.

Note: If recommended for funding, the panel and/or bureau may negotiate the inclusion of additional Department of State Foreign Assistance indicators. These indicators assist the bureau in tying projects to larger bureau program objectives for Department’s Managing for Results framework. More information on this policy framework and access to the foreign assistance master indicator list is on the Foreign Assistance Resource Library. After award issuance, the M&E plan will accompany performance reports to document progress on indicators.

7) Key Personnel (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word document): Represents staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), carrying out administrative and/or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Includes short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Given the limited space, inserting CVs are not recommended but may be submitted in as an attachment. Generally limited to 3-5 individuals.

8) Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word document or Excel sheet): The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout. Sufficient time should be included to conduct and finalize internal/external evaluations and allow any sub-recipients time for final reporting, as applicable. Please see “Sample Timeline” included as an attachment to the NOFO.

9) Attachments (if applicable):

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

· CVs or resumes D.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov) The Unique Entity Identifier (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. The federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements is www.sam.gov . OMB designated www.sam.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in sam.gov before submitting an application. HR/OFI may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final registration. If the application is not corrected within 90 calendar days of original registration/or renewal submission, it will be automatically deleted and the organization will need to re-start the process.

· 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). Also, a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and UEI number is required and issued through SAM.gov. Once received continue with the remainder of the SAM.gov registration.

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· NCAGE/CAGE code (if applicable)

· www.SAM.gov UEI and registration

If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and DO NOT plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the registration. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE number NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423 For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE/CAGE Code, proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI an complete registration.

All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or application under consideration by a federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination will be used as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations: Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change and currently being updated. Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

D.3.1 Exemptions An exemption from the requirements listed above may be permitted under the following circumstances:

· For any applicant or recipient: if the federal awarding agency determines that it must protect information about the entity from disclosure if it is in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, or to avoid jeopardizing the personal safety of the applicant or recipient's staff or clients.

· For a foreign organization or foreign public entity applying for or receiving a federal award or subaward for a project or program performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000: if the federal awarding agency deems it to be impractical for the entity to comply with the requirement(s). This exemption must be determined by the federal awarding agency on a case-by-case basis while utilizing a risk-based approach and does not apply if subawards are anticipated.

· For an applicant, if the federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award. In these instances, federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the federal award date.

· Foreign organizations or foreign public entities receiving an award less than $500,000 that will be performed outside the United States may be exempted from completing full SAM.gov registration; however, the organization or foreign public entity must still obtain a UEI.

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 and provide a 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.

D.4. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), on 20 November 2026 on grants.gov or MyGrants under the announcement title “2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program Selection Grant,” funding opportunity number “DFOP0019974.”

Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in grants.gov or MyGrants and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. Application submissions are automatically logged by date and time when made in Grants.gov and MyGrants, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Applicants should not expect a notification upon HR/OFI receiving their application.

HR/OFI bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registration errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations HR/OFI will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer to the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/. Consistent with Department guidance on State Funding and the Risks of Terrorist Financing for all State Department funded programs and requirements, Department bureaus must assess the likelihood that the funds or Department funded activities, goods, services, training, expert advice or assistance, or other benefits to be provided, could inadvertently or incidentally benefit terrorist organizations or their members or supporters, and must put in place appropriate risk mitigation measures to mitigate such risk. In accordance with 14 FAM 247, and consistent with 2 FAM 050, Counterterrorism (CT) name-check vetting may be performed in countries and programs designated by the Department.

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement (this list is NOT exhaustive):

· Construction or renovations is not an allowable activity under this award;

· Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the applicant organization;

· Projects seeking funds for personal use;

· Administration of a project that will make a profit;

· Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance (unless prior written approval is received);

· Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction;

· Alcoholic beverages;

· Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities, and any associated costs, are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the federal award or with prior written approval of the Grants Officer.

Representation by Organization Regarding a Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Criminal Conviction: In accordance with section 7073 of Division K of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76) none of the funds made available by that Act may be used to enter into an assistance award with any organization that –

(1) Was “convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency has direct knowledge of the conviction, unless the agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government”; or

(2) Has any “unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless the Federal agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.”

For the purposes of Section 7073, it is the Department of State’s policy that no award may be made to any organization covered by (1) or (2) above, unless the Procurement Executive has made a written determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the U.S. Government.

Organizations should be cognizant of the restrictions above when developing project proposals. Funding restrictions require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with HR/OFI to ensure compliance. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support. Due diligence vetting will include a review of open-source materials.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements Since SAMS/MyGrants interface with sam.gov, it is required that applicants obtain a UEI and complete the registration process in sam.gov before proceeding with the application process. The sam.gov registration process can take 4-8 weeks. START EARLY.

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)). If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate helpdesk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g. if you have not received a response within 48 hours of contacting the helpdesk), you may contact the BUREAU point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section G. The point of contact may assist in contacting the appropriate helpdesk.

Note: The Grants Officer will determine technical eligibility of all applications.

MyGrants Applications:

Applicants using MyGrants for the first time will need their “New Organization Registration.” To register with MyGrants, navigate to https://MyGrants.servicenowservices.com and click “Create an Account” under “New User?” On the pop-up select “Create a MyGrants Applicant/Grantee Account” and complete all required fields. Once completed, an email will be sent to verify the account creation followed by an Okta Account set-up which will require the use of a smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of account creation, please contact the helpdesk.

MyGrants Help Desk:

For assistance with MyGrants accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online…