DFOP0018712_-_Regional_APS_FAQ_Final.pdf

DFOP0018712

Regional Annual Program Statement

Frequently Asked Questions

(Posted July 23, 2026)

Question 1:

Application Guidelines: Could you please provide the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) package or any supplementary guidance documents if available?

Answer 1:

All documents, including the Annual Program Statement are available via Grants.gov and MyGrants.

Question 2:

Can you provide an outline the step-by-step process for applying, including how to register on MyGrants and submit the Statement of Interest?

Answer 2:

Job aides on how to register in MyGrants and submit a Statement of Interest are included in the Document section of the Grants.gov announcement.

Question 3:

Am I or my organization eligible to apply?

Answer 3:

Eligible applicant types can be found under Section B.1 of the funding opportunity. We encourage applications to review the definitions of the eligible applicant types in the 2 CFR 200 to determine if your organization is eligible to apply. Note that U.S. and non-U.S. entities, that fall under the eligible applicant types in the funding opportunity, are eligible to apply.

Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Question 4:

Can a for-profit company apply independently, or is a formal partnership with a U.S.-registered organization (business, university, or nonprofit) required or strongly preferred?

https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/4b467319-d103-4f0b-a7e7-a31e30565d85

Answer 4:

For-profit organizations are eligible to apply independently and are not required to have a formal relationship with a U.S. registered business.

Partnerships are welcomed and can strengthen a proposal (e.g., through added capacity, local expertise, or cost-share), but they are not a requirement at either the SOI or full-application stage.

Question 5:

Our company is currently "under formation" and transitioning into a legal entity. Can we submit our initial SOI under this status, and proceed with the official registration (SAM.gov / UEI number) once the concept receives initial clear alignment or pre-approval for the full proposal stage?

Answer 5:

Organizations are not required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) in order to submit an SOI in phase 1.

However, all organizations must have a UEI issued via SAM.gov, as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov before they submit a full application in phase 2.

Question 6:

Is an active SAM.gov registration and UEI required at the Statement of Interest stage, or only if invited to submit a full application?

Answer 6:

See response above.

Question 7:

Are entities registered fully eligible to apply for this funding?

Answer 7:

Yes, registered entities that also fall under the eligible applicant types noted in Section B.1 are eligible to apply.

Question 8:

Could you confirm how program income generated during the award period would be treated under this opportunity, and whether a revenue-generating sustainability model is compatible with the award terms?

Answer 8:

Any revenue generated under the award must be treated as program income under one of the three options indicated in the 2 CFR 200.307, rather than distributed as profit. The method used to apply program income can be discussed with the Grants Officer prior to issuance of the award. Applicants can build a revenue-generating sustainability model into their project design and having a plan for sustainability beyond the award period of performance is encouraged.

Question 9:

Are there any required templates, headings, or formatting specifications for the 1–3 page Statement of Interest beyond what is stated in the announcement on MyGrants?

Answer 9:

There are no additional required templates, headings, or formatting specifications for the 1-3 page Statement of Interest beyond what is stated in the APS.

Question 10:

Is there a minimum organizational track record (e.g., years of prior programming experience) expected of applicants, and if so, what documentation is typically required to demonstrate it?

Answer 10:

There is no minimum organizational track record expected or required of applicants, however, the SOI should briefly demonstrate the organization’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs.

Question 11:

Budget and Cost-Sharing: Is there a recommended minimum or maximum budget per project? Additionally, is cost-sharing or cost-matching required?

If cost share is provided, may cost share consist of private capital investments, equipment, facilities, personnel time, or other in-kind contributions?

Answer 11:

Estimated award ceilings and award floors are provided under each eligible country included in the APS under Section C.1. Total federal share requested should align with proposed solution/activities to the identified issue(s)/challenge(s)/opportunity(ies).

Cost share or matching is favorably considered, but not required, as part of the merit review process.

Opportunities for cost sharing and matching may be discussed during negotiation and/or consultative program design (aka “co-design”), if applicable.

Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E— Costs Principles.

Question 12:

What evaluation criteria will be used to assess Statements of Interest at this stage?

Answer 12:

Application review information can be found under Section F.1 of the APS.

Question 13:

Are there any upcoming information sessions or webinars for prospective applicants?

Answer 13:

Information sessions or webinars are not planned at this time.

Question 14:

May the same entity may file multiple SOIs as a prime applicant in different projects and ideas and within the same cycle?

Answer 14:

Yes, the same entity may submit multiple SOIs as a prime applicant for different projects and ideas within the submission period. Applicants should review country-specific guidance in Section C of the APS and tailor the SOI(s) to address identified priorities.

Question 15:

May the same entity may apply as prime applicant under one SOI, and concurrently as a sub-awardee under another SOI, also within the same cycle.

Answer 15:

Yes, the same entity may apply as prime applicant under one SOI, and concurrently as a sub-awardee under another SOI, also within the same cycle.

Question 16:

Are SF-424 forms required for the first stage of the Statement of Interest?

Answer 16:

No. SF-424 forms are not required for the first stage of the Statement of Interest. If invited to submit a full proposal, SF-424 forms will then be required.

Question 17:

Where should the SOI narrative document be uploaded in MyGrants?

Answer 17:

Please upload the SOI proposal under the “Application Uploaded Docs” tab in MyGrants.

Question 18:

I am having issues establishing a MyGrants account – AND/OR - having other issues with MyGrants. Who should I contact?

Answer 18:

Given that NEA/AC does not have technical oversight of MyGrants, please submit a ticket via the ILMS helpdesk. Please also send a screenshot of the helpdesk ticket submission and ticket number to nea-grants@state.gov.

Question 19:

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants (Section F.1, 35 points): The review criteria state that "the proposal should demonstrate the organization's expertise and previous experience in administering programs." Could you please clarify whether this criterion is limited to prior experience with U.S. Government (USG) grants and cooperative agreements specifically, or whether it may also encompass an organization's broader track record administering programs funded by other sources (e.g., other bilateral or multilateral donors, foundations, or self-funded/commercial program delivery)?

Answer 19:

This criterion is not solely limited to prior experience with USG grants and cooperative agreements.

Applicants should indicate relevant program administration experience regardless of funding source — including programs funded by other bilateral or multilateral donors, private foundations, or self-funded/commercial program delivery — provided that experience genuinely demonstrates the organization's capacity to design, manage, and deliver programs successfully.

Question 20:

https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms mailto:nea-grants@state.gov mailto:nea-grants@state.gov

Project Manager Level of Effort Across Two Concurrent SOIs: If an organization proposes the same individual as Project Manager on two separate SOI submissions (from two distinct organizations), each at a proposed level of effort (LOE) of 50%, is this considered acceptable under this APS? We want to confirm whether NEA/AC has any specific guidance, limitation, or concern regarding an individual serving as Project Manager across multiple concurrent awards or applications under this opportunity, and whether a combined LOE of 100% (50% + 50%) across two separate projects would be viewed as feasible during merit review or risk review (2 CFR 200.206).

Answer 20:

NEA/AC does not have any specific guidance or limitation regarding a Project Manager serving across multiple concurrent awards or applications under this opportunity. However, it may lead to concerns regarding feasibility and management capacity during a risk review if the applicant is selected for multiple awards.

Question 21:

Could you please clarify whether an organization may submit multiple SOIs under this APS for different countries? If not, may a single SOI propose activities in more than one eligible country under a unified program concept? We noted the reference to "Target Country/Countries" in the SOI template and would appreciate any guidance on how NEA intends applicants to approach multi-country concepts.

Answer 21:

Yes. Organizations may submit multiple SOIs under this APS for different countries that align to the country-specific priorities included in Section C of the APS. Organizations may also submit a SOI that includes more than one country that aligns with the Regional priorities listed on page 13 of the APS. Eligible countries are limited to the following:

• Algeria

• Bahrain

• Iraq

• Lebanon

• Libya

• Morocco

• Oman

• Tunisia

• West Bank

Question 22:

Does NEA/AC plan on making only up to 1 award per country (for a maximum of 9 total awards), or will NEA/AC consider making more than one award in a country?

Answer 22:

There is not an indicative number of awards to be made in any eligible country listed. Although the number of awards anticipated for the APS is one to nine, NEA/AC may decide to grant multiple awards, one award, or no awards, subject to funding availability and proposal viability.

Question 23:

On page 13, in Section C: Program Description, there is a section for “Regional” assistance. Please kindly clarify:

a. Which award ceiling would apply to a multi-country or regional SOI;

b. Whether such an SOI would be reviewed by a single Merit Review Panel or multiple country-specific panels;

c. Whether dedicated funding is available for regional concepts under this APS, or whether regional programming would draw on Washington-held or country-allocated funds; and

d. Whether all beneficiary countries should be among the APS-listed countries, or may regional projects include additional Near East countries where regional economic integration objectives would be strengthened?

Answer 23:

a. A Regional SOI award ceiling should not exceed the respective eligible country/countries award ceiling indicated in Section C.1 of the APS. For example, if a Regional project focused on Bahrain and Oman, the collective award ceiling would be $40,000,000 (Bahrain award ceiling: $20,000,000;

Oman award ceiling: $20,000,000).

b. All minimally responsive SOI will be reviewed against the criteria listed in Section F of the APS by a merit review panel. All merit review panels will comply with 2 CFR 200 requirements, Department of State requirements, and NEA/AC policies and procedures.

c. Awards will be made on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability.

d. All countries included in a Regional SOI must be among the APS-listed countries

• Algeria

• Bahrain

• Iraq

• Lebanon

• Libya

• Morocco

• Oman

Question 24:

On page 14, Section D: Application Contents and Format states that “outcomes and results should clearly demonstrate advancement towards the Department of State's America First priorities as outlined in…the NEA Regional Strategic Brief (RSB) executive summary and framework (goals and objectives).” However, the RSB does not appear to be publicly available. Will NEA/AC post the RSB executive summary and framework to the grants.gov opportunity, or otherwise make it available to applicants so SOIs can be aligned with its goals and objectives?

Answer 24:

The RSB is not yet publicly available. If/when it becomes available NEA/AC will share as part of the additional documents associated with this funding opportunity

Question 25:

If a SOI is not recommended for continued review, may the applicant submit a revised version in a later review cycle, given that individual feedback will not be provided?

Answer 25:

Yes. Applicants may submit a revised version in a later review cycle. Revised SOI must have substantive changes. Non-substantive re-submissions will not be re-reviewed.

Question 26:

NEA/AC has indicated on page 4 of the Regional APS that funding instruments will include grant, fixed amount award (FAA) or cooperative agreement. Could DOS please elaborate on how and when they will determine the type of contracting mechanisms for the various country activities identified in the APS?

Answer 26:

NEA/AC will determine whether to use a grant, cooperative agreement, or fixed amount award based on factors such as the level of federal involvement anticipated in carrying out the activity, the nature of deliverables (cooperative agreements involve "substantial involvement" from the federal agency, while grants do not), and whether the FAA's fixed milestone/fixed-price structure suits the nature of the proposed activity.

Typically, this determination is finalized during the review and award stage, after understanding the specifics of each applicant's proposed activity.

Question 27:

Does a US based company need to be included in the concept at the SOI stage and do they need to already be present and registered to operate in the country?

Answer 27:

No, a U.S.-based company does not need to be formally included or already registered/operating in the country at the SOI stage.

Question 28:

Are U.S.-based for-profit companies eligible to apply directly as the lead applicant?

Answer 28:

Yes, U.S. based for-profit companies are eligible to apply as the lead applicant.

Question 29:

May a foreign for-profit company serve as a subrecipient or implementation partner?

Answer 29:

Yes, a foreign for-profit company serve as a subrecipient or implementation partner.

Question 30:

Does NEA/AC have a preference for projects focused on a single country, or are regional/multi-country projects encouraged?

Would a project involving Bahrain and Oman be considered responsive to the APS objectives?

Answer 30:

Projects involving Bahrain and Oman may be considered responsive. Consult the APS for more information.

Question 31:

Can grant funds support equipment, facility upgrades, or processing infrastructure when such investments directly advance U.S. commercial diplomacy, trade expansion, workforce development, and private-sector growth?

If so, are there limitations on the percentage of the budget that may be allocated to equipment purchases?

Answer 31:

Yes. Equipment, facility upgrades, and processing infrastructure may be funded when directly tied to program outcomes such as commercial diplomacy, trade expansion, workforce development, and private-sector growth.

These costs must support the project's broader goals rather than serve an exclusively commercial or profit-making purpose.

There is no fixed percentage cap on equipment costs. Budgets are evaluated holistically for reasonableness and alignment with program objectives as part of the merit review process.

Question 32:

Are partnerships between U.S. companies and private-sector firms in partner countries eligible and encouraged?

Would a project led by a U.S. company with implementation support from regional industry partners be considered competitive?

Answer 32:

Partnerships between U.S. companies and private-sector firms in partner countries are eligible.

Priority will be given to projects that champion and position U.S. businesses and products as the preferred choice for regional partners, that help U.S. businesses secure foreign government contracts and tenders for key projects, and that promote the export of U.S. technology that will lock in alignment with U.S. technological standards and frameworks.

Question 33:

Does workforce training focused on food processing, manufacturing, quality assurance, food safety, and export readiness fall within the APS’s workforce development objectives?

Answer 33:

Priority will be given to projects that champion and position U.S. businesses and products as the preferred choice for regional partners, that help U.S. businesses secure foreign government contracts and tenders for key projects, and that promote the export of U.S. technology that will lock in alignment with U.S. technological

Question 34:

Would activities related to obtaining internationally recognized food safety certifications (e.g., BRCGS, SQF, IFS) and implementing digital traceability systems be considered eligible under trade facilitation and advanced manufacturing objectives?

Answer 34:

Priority will be given to projects that champion and position U.S. businesses and products as the preferred choice for regional partners, that help U.S. businesses secure foreign government contracts and tenders for key projects, and that promote the export of U.S. technology that will lock in alignment with U.S. technological

Question 35:

How does NEA/AC evaluate projects that leverage significant private investment alongside federal funding?

Are applicants expected to quantify anticipated private capital mobilization in the SOI?

Answer 35:

The Department will evaluate proposals according to the review criteria listed under Section F.

Quantification is not mandatory, but a well-substantiated, even preliminary, estimate of anticipated private capital mobilization will help demonstrate feasibility and alignment with NEA/AC's priorities.

Question 36:

For the initial SOI, should applicants include preliminary budget estimates and quantified economic impacts, or should those details be reserved for Phase 2 applications?

Answer 36:

At this stage, only the total federal share requested is required. Should the SOI be invited to apply for the second stage, a detailed budget and budget narrative will be required.

Question 37:

Could you confirm whether Bahrain and Oman are both eligible partner countries under this APS?

Answer 37:

Bahrain and Oman are eligible partner countries. Consult Section C of the APS for more information.

Question 38:

Will regional programs be considered that include any Countries and Areas beyond what's listed for the country specific SOI, namely some or all countries in which NEA works as listed online? If there are limitations on country focus, what countries will be considered eligible for regional programs, especially when considering ''cross-border'' interventions?

Answer 38:

Eligible countries are limited to the following:

• Algeria

• Bahrain

• Iraq

• Lebanon

• Libya

• Morocco

• Oman

Question 39:

The APS notes that applications will be reviewed no less than monthly during the application submission window. What timing during each month will applications be reviewed?

Answer 39:

Applications will be reviewed no less than monthly and will include all applications submitted since the prior review. Please note that the review process may take several weeks. Individual responses will not be provided to applicants for SOI that are not recommended to proceed to Phase 2.

Question 40:

Must an SOI address all of the priorities identified for the applicable country, or may it focus on one or more selected priorities?

Answer 40:

The APS does not require an SOI to address every listed country priority. Applicants may focus on one or more priorities that align with their organizational expertise and proposed approach.

Question 41:

For the recently released NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement Opportunity Number DFOP0018712, the APS states that “Out of Scope Program Activities” include “U.S.-based activities, study tours, scholarships, or exchange projects.” Is bringing U.S. experts to a country or beneficiaries from that country to the U.S. included in “exchange projects,” or does this term refer to projects whose sole purpose is to do exchange visits?

Answer 41:

The exclusion applies to projects whose primary purpose or core activity is a study tour, exchange visit, or similar people-to-people travel program, in either direction. It is not intended to exclude the deployment of U.S. technical experts to the host country (or vice versa) as a supporting component of a broader, substantive in-country project — for example, technical assistance or advisory support tied to specific project deliverables. The determining factor is whether the travel component is incidental to and in service of a larger in-country activity (in scope) versus being the primary purpose of the project itself (out of scope). Applicants should clearly describe the role and scope of any such travel component in their SOI narrative so reviewers can assess it in context.

Question 42:

Are submissions involving local partners encouraged?

Answer 42:

Applicants may list proposed partners as subrecipients under the SOI's "Partner Roles and Responsibilities" section (if applicable), and local partner experience is specifically weighed under the "Organizational Capacity" review criterion. Some countries (e.g., Tunisia, West Bank) also list local presence or partnership as a specific qualification.

Question 43:

Thematic Priorities: Does this specific call prioritize certain economic sectors or target specific geographic regions?

Answer 43:

This can be found in Section C of the APS.

Question 44:

For the Statement of Interest (SOI), should all consortium members be fully identified and formally committed at the time of submission, or is it acceptable to identify only the core consortium and indicate that additional strategic partners will be confirmed during the full proposal development phase?

Answer 44:

It is acceptable and encouraged to provide a proposed list of partners to be considered as subrecipients, but no formal commitment from the proposed subrecipients is required during the first stage of the SOI process. If able, identify the organization name, point of contact, point of contact information (phone and email), federal share to be awarded by the pass-through entity, cost-share (if applicable), and a summary of proposed roles and responsibilities. This should be a brief, preliminary characterization of roles and responsibilities that may evolve significantly during the subsequent phase.

Question 45:

Can you clarify whether projects grounded in science, health, or innovation are within scope when tied to trade or broader economic objectives, or whether the program is intended more narrowly for direct trade and commercial activity?

Answer 45:

The scope of projects must align with overarching objectives and requirements, and regional or country-specific project priority areas as outlined in Section C of the APS.

Question 46:

What degree of U.S. partner involvement (companies, investors, or universities) is expected under the program?

Answer 46:

There is no defined expectation. However, the degree of U.S. partner involvement is left to the applicant to propose.

Priority will be given to projects that champion and position U.S. businesses and products as the preferred choice for regional partners, that help U.S. businesses secure foreign government contracts and tenders for key projects, and that promote the export of U.S. technology that will lock in alignment with U.S. technological

Question 47:

Iraq: Are concepts that are more development focused in nature (access to water for HH and productive purposes) but also include market creation for US businesses eligible?

Answer 47:

The means and methods of achieving the APS goals and objectives are left to the applicant to propose. Any proposal must focus on accomplishing the goals and objectives outlined in the APS. The applicant is best placed to describe how the activity proposed achieves the objectives and goals outlined in the APS. The success of the proposal will be based on the review criteria detailed in the APS.

Question 48:

Lebanon: Is there an indicative number of awards to be made in Lebanon? Based on the expected number of awards under the APS, it looks like one award per country/region.

Answer 48:

There is not an indicative number of awards to be made in Lebanon. Although the number of awards anticipated for the APS is one to nine, NEA/AC may decide to grant multiple awards, one award, or no awards, subject to funding availability and proposal viability.

Question 49:

Lebanon: Is work with the Lebanese army allowable for purely civilian work, or given that these are ESF funding, the Local counterpart must be civilian not military?

Answer 49:

ESF and NSIP funding must be implemented by civilian entities.

Question 50:

Lebanon: Given that the floor is around $250k for Lebanon, are ideation projects allowable and within scope, such as full feasibility study with a US partner for a strategic investment to implement a project, while this project is not actually implemented through the initial NEA/AC funds?

Answer 50:

Ideation projects and feasibility studies would be within scope.

Question 51:

Lebanon: Are US counterparts and partners expected to be identified at the SOI stage? And is there any role for the local US Embassy’s commercial section in pointing towards any potential US partners already looking for engagement in Lebanon?

Answer 51:

Identifying specific U.S. partners is not required at the SOI stage. NEA/AC will not broker introductions to U.S. companies or coordinate Embassy commercial engagement during the SOI review stage.

Question 52:

Lebanon: Is the telecom focus in the Lebanon part restricted only to addressing strategic projects solely with the ministry of telecommunications in Lebanon, or can partners propose other ideas and at different stakeholder engagement levels than the ministry?

Answer 52:

Lebanon’s telecom sector is run through state-owned enterprises (SOEs) overseen by the Ministry of Telecoms. We anticipate any relevant opportunities will need to be coordinated with either the Ministry or one of these SOEs.

Question 53:

Syria: We note that Syria is not listed in the APS as an eligible country. Would NEA/AC review SOIs submitted for Syria? May Syria be included within a regional SOI?

Answer 53:

Proposals submitted for Syria will not be considered under this opportunity. NEA/AC has posted a separate Syria Annual Program Statement Opportunity via Grants.gov.

Question 54:

Tunisia: What are the fields covered by this fund? Can SOI focus on the cultural exchange between Americans and Tunisians to create trade opportunities?

Answer 54:

Please refer to Section C. Program Description and Section F: Application Review Criteria of the APS.

Question 55:

Tunisia: Is a project that is still in the conceptual phase, but supported by a clear vision and a detailed plan, eligible for the funding program announced by the U.S. Embassy in Tunis?

Answer 55:

This APS is managed through NEA/AC and unrelated to other funding opportunities. Please refer to Section C for criteria for submission.

Question 56:

Tunisia: Within the priority hubs mentioned (Greater Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte), are there specific sectors (e.g., digital trade, manufacturing, electronics/export facilitation) that are considered higher priority for this funding cycle?

Answer 56:

This fund's priority sectors are energy (grid modernization and efficiency), ICT and digital infrastructure, agribusiness and food technology, port and transport logistics, and financial services/fintech. For further information, consult the APS.

Question 57:

Tunisia: Are there thematic priorities that Embassy Tunis intends to emphasize under this APS?

Answer 57:

This fund's priority sectors are energy (grid modernization and efficiency), ICT and digital infrastructure, agribusiness and food technology, port and transport logistics, and financial services/fintech. For further https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/363190

Question 58:

Tunisia: Is there an expected geographic scope and level of intervention (national, regional, sector-specific, etc.)?

Answer 58:

Tunisia-specific programming should focus on key commercial hubs—Greater Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, and Bizerte—with a sector-specific approach targeting energy, ICT/digital infrastructure, agribusiness, port/transport logistics, and financial services. If an SOI has a genuine cross-border dimension, it could also draw on the APS's separate Regional track, which supports energy integration, trade corridors like I2U2, and cross-border economic cooperation. Consult the APS for more information.

Question 59:

Tunisia: Is there any guidance regarding the preferred size and duration of proposed projects within the stated range of 12–36 months.

Answer 59:

There is not necessarily a preferred project size or duration beyond the general program parameters— Tunisia's award range is $250,000 to $20,000,000, within the overall 12–36 month performance period that applies across all countries in this APS.

Question 60:

Tunisia: Are there specific economic sectors or trade-related areas that are particularly encouraged?

Answer 60:

This fund's priority sectors are energy (grid modernization and efficiency), ICT and digital infrastructure, agribusiness and food technology, port and transport logistics, and financial services/fintech. For further

Question 61:

Tunisia: What are the specific priority areas and how is the relevance of a project to these priorities assessed?

Do you favor small-scale pilot projects at the national level or initiatives with an international reach?

Answer 61:

Tunisia's priorities focus on reducing reliance on strategic adversaries, removing regulatory/commercial barriers to U.S. market entry, and developing high-opportunity sectors (energy, ICT, agribusiness, port/logistics, and fintech), with relevance assessed via the standard NEA/AC criteria: Quality of Program

Idea, Organizational Capacity, and Program Planning. There is not necessarily a preferred project size or duration beyond the general program parameters—Tunisia's award range is $250,000 to $20,000,000, within the overall 12–36 month performance period that applies across all countries in this APS. If an SOI has a genuine cross-border dimension, it could also draw on the APS's separate Regional track, which supports energy integration, trade corridors like I2U2, and cross-border economic cooperation. Consult the APS for more information.

Question 62:

Tunisia: Is collaboration with foreign entities (outside the United States) encouraged or seen as a potential obstacle to funding?

Answer 62:

Collaboration with foreign entities is welcomed, not seen as an obstacle—international organizations and non- U.S.-based organizations are explicitly eligible to apply, though all partners must comply with standard safeguards like Leahy Law vetting and restrictions on supporting designated terrorist organizations. Consult the APS for more information.

Question 63:

Tunisia: What are the embassy's expectations regarding co-financing or in-kind contributions (field input, expertise, equipment) from the project leader?

Answer 63:

Cost share or matching is favorably considered, but not required, as part of the merit review process.

Opportunities for cost sharing and matching may be discussed during negotiation and/or consultative program design (aka “co-design”), if applicable. Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Costs Principles.

Question 64:

Tunisia: How does the program support initiatives aimed at increasing Tunisian agricultural exports to the U.S. market?

Answer 64:

The APS includes agribusiness development in Tunisia, including in key hubs like Sfax, as part of broader efforts to strengthen commercial ties between the U.S. and Tunisia.

Question 65:

Tunisia: What about power plant projects intended for the TOTAL sale of electricity to STEG (20-25 year authorization scheme)? Indeed, every year STEG issues a call for projects for 200 to 300 MWp to accelerate its energy transition. If the program includes them, can the bidder still not have a dedicated company, knowing that a 10-year exemption is planned for any new SPV company?

Answer 65:

Opportunity Number DFOP0018712 is separate from other funding opportunities. For this APS, Tunisia's priorities focus on reducing reliance on strategic adversaries, removing regulatory/commercial barriers to U.S. market entry, and developing high-opportunity sectors (energy, ICT, agribusiness, port/logistics, and fintech), with relevance assessed via the standard NEA/AC criteria: Quality of Program Idea, Organizational Capacity, and Program Planning. Tunisia's award range is $250,000 to $20,000,000, within the overall 12– 36 month performance period that applies across all countries in this APS.

Eligible applicant types can be found under Section B.1 of the funding opportunity. We encourage applications to review the definitions of the eligible applicant types in the 2 CFR 200 to determine if your organization is eligible to apply. Note that U.S. and non-U.S. entities, that fall under the eligible applicant types in the funding opportunity, are eligible to apply.

Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Question 66:

Tunisia: Would a project focused on upgrading and expanding an existing manufacturing facility be eligible under your current funding opportunity?

Answer 66:

Yes. Facility upgrades and expansion may be funded when directly tied to program outcomes such as commercial diplomacy, trade expansion, workforce development, and private-sector growth. These costs must support the project's broader goals rather than serve an exclusively commercial or profit-making purpose.

Question 67:

Tunisia: Would a concept that connects youth skills, English learning, AI readiness, language inclusion, and potential cooperation with U.S. AI and education partner be relevant under DFOP0018712?

Should I submit a Statement of Interest through MyGrants as an individual project lead or through a registered Tunisian partner organization?

Answer 67:

AI readiness connects to the ICT/digital economy priority, but youth skills training, English learning, and language inclusion aren't explicitly identified as Tunisia focus areas which center on infrastructure, logistics, regulatory reform, and specific high-opportunity sectors (energy, ICT, agribusiness, port/logistics, and financial services). Consult the APS for more information.

Individuals are not eligible to apply under this opportunity. Please review Section B.1 in the APS for the list of eligible applicant types.

Question 68:

Tunisia: Is Gafsa is an eligible location for project implementation?

Answer 68:

Gafsa isn't specifically named among the priority hubs (Greater Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, and Bizerte), but the announcement states programming should prioritize these areas "but is not limited to" them, so Gafsa-based activities could still be eligible if well-justified.

Question 69:

Tunisia: Would a project connecting Gafsa to one of the named economic hubs (e.g., a supply chain or export linkage) strengthen or be sufficient for eligibility?

Answer 69:

Gafsa isn't specifically named among the priority hubs (Greater Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, and Bizerte), but the announcement states programming should prioritize these areas "but is not limited to" them, so Gafsa-based activities are still eligible if well-justified.

Question 70:

Tunisia: Would a project focused on upgrading and expanding an existing manufacturing facility be eligible under your current funding opportunity?

Answer 70:

Manufacturing-related activities may be considered within the scope of this opportunity, provided the project reflects the program's broader goals rather than benefiting a single commercial operation.

Question 71:

Tunisia: Are there any illustrative project concepts, examples of previously funded work, an information session, or a Tunisia-specific FAQ are available to help calibrate a Statement of Interest?

Answer 71:

There are no additional examples or specific FAQs available. Additionally, NEA/AC does not plan to host an information session at this time.

Question 72:

Tunisia: Does a structural and ecological project align with your economic growth priorities?

• Building a resilient construction supply chain.

• Introducing circular economy through demolition waste recycling.

Answer 72:

Structural and ecological projects may be considered within the scope of this opportunity, provided the project reflects the program's broader goals rather than benefiting a single commercial operation.