English Language Exchange Programs AI and Educational Technology Integration - March 2027.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

English Language Exchange Programs:

AI and Educational Technology

Integration

U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, Public Diplomacy Section

Opportunity number: OFOP0003244

Application deadline: August 15, 2026

Contents

A. BASIC INFORMATION

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

G. AWARD NOTICES

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

A. OTHER INFORMATION

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title English Language Exchange Programs: AI and Educational

Technology Integration Funding Opportunity Number OFOP0003244 Announcement Type Initial announcement Deadline for Applications August 15, 2026 11:59 PM (EST) Assistance Listing Number 19.022 ECA Length of performance period 12 months Number of awards anticipated One award Award amounts maximum of $250,000 Total available funding $250,000 pending availability of funds Type of Funding Funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

(ECA) under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act)

Anticipated project start date October 1, 2026

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperating Agreement

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under this award beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Regional English Language Office (RELO) reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

2. Executive Summary

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announces a professional exchange program centered on a two-week U.S. visit in March 2027. To support necessary preparation and policy implementation, the grant period spans up to 12 months. The program brings at least twelve senior policymakers from the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Brunei to the United States. During the intensive March exchange, participants will engage directly with U.S. EdTech companies and observe technology policies in action at academic institutions. They will also study institutional guardrails before attending SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will produce a concrete policy blueprint for immediate application at their home institution or ministry.

The timing aligns with critical regional economic initiatives. The Philippines is establishing an AI-native industrial acceleration hub in the Luzon Economic Corridor, creating immediate demand for technology partnerships. Japan and Taiwan serve as Pax Silica partners seeking U.S.

collaboration on AI governance. South Korea's high technology adoption rate creates institutional demand for trusted AI frameworks. Brunei benefits directly from exposure to U.S.

best practices aligned with its Wawasan Brunei 2035 vision. As these five allied nations navigate the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, they face imminent educational technology decisions.

This project positions American institutions and companies as preferred partners for digital policy. Expanding market access for U.S. educational technology requires reaching the decision-makers who determine which technology standards take root in their ministries, departments, and institutions. By engaging this cohort directly, the project ensures American standards and trusted ecosystems form the foundation of the region's digital education infrastructure.

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Cost Sharing or Matching. Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

2. Other Eligibility Requirements A. The applicant organization must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via

SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov.

B. Prior experience administering U.S. government grants, including financial management systems capable of maintaining auditable records, disbursing participant allowances, and meeting federal reporting requirements under 2 CFR 200.

C. Operational capacity for international participant logistics, including the ability to coordinate international and domestic travel itineraries and administer participant allowances across multiple countries. Organizations that do not have in-house capacity for J-1 visa processing, DS-2019 issuance, or Fly America Act compliance are encouraged to identify a qualified sub-recipient partner with that capacity and describe that arrangement clearly in their proposal.

The following are not required but will be viewed favorably during review:

A. Experience managing professional exchange programs involving participants from the Indo-Pacific region

B. Established relationships with U.S. educational institutions, AI or EdTech companies, or civil society organizations working on responsible AI governance

C. Familiarity with the educational or policy landscapes of one or more of the five participating countries (Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei)

D. Prior experience with J-1 visa administration and DS-2019 issuance handled in-house

3. This opportunity will not support:

• Projects relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support

• Construction projects;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

• Scientific research or surveys;

• Commercial projects;

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

• Projects that duplicate existing projects; or

• Illegal activities

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Regional English Language Office, in coordination with Public Diplomacy sections across the region, announces a professional exchange program anchored by a two-week U.S. visit in March 2027. The project grant lasts up to 12 months to accommodate pre-exchange planning and post-program follow-up. Public Diplomacy sections will select at least twelve senior leaders from the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Brunei. Participants must hold the authority to drive systemic change. This exchange should serve as their first professional visit to the United States.

The program focuses on building practical policies for AI integration across the education sector.

It consists of two main components during the core two-week period:

Phase I: Policy Planning and Site Visits

Participants will gather in a major U.S. city for working sessions focused on the mechanics of AI policy. The agenda centers on integrating AI into course curriculum at institutional and national levels. Sessions cover creating rules for AI in coursework, establishing tool procurement criteria, and defining learning goals. A major focus involves designing assessments requiring students to demonstrate knowledge while applying AI as a preparation tool. This ensures the AI assists the process rather than replacing the student's work. The instruction emphasizes that best practices for English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and AI-proof assessment models share critical structural overlaps.

Alongside these working sessions, participants will visit U.S. companies working in AI and educational technology. The itinerary also requires meeting with at least one organization actively advocating for technology guardrails. These visits offer direct observation of how American institutions balance industry innovation with institutional oversight.

Phase II: Industry Engagement at SXSW EDU

The exchange culminates in March 2027 at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas. This component provides a direct look at the current state of American educational technology.

Participants will network with industry leaders and observe how U.S. institutions adapt their policies to manage new tools.

By the conclusion of the exchange, each participant must complete a concrete plan to implement these changes at their home institution or ministry. The expanded 12-month award timeline ensures the implementing partner can facilitate the pre-departure groundwork and the long-term follow-up required to translate these blueprints into reality.

Project Audiences

The program targets professionals with demonstrated leadership capacity and institutional influence. Individuals will be selected on the basis of professional merit and their ability to implement program learnings and advance U.S.-aligned approaches within their home institutions:

• University professors and English language instructors with curriculum authority

• Academic administrative leaders and curriculum planners with institutional decision-making responsibility

• Vocational and professional training coordinators and teacher trainers with multiplier reach across educator networks

• Local education and ministry officials and regional academic network representatives with policy influence at the national or regional level

Project Goal:

Advance U.S. technological and commercial leadership in the Indo-Pacific by equipping approximately twelve high-merit English language education leaders from the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Brunei with direct, immersive exposure to American AI and EdTech innovation. This program positions U.S. institutions and companies as the preferred partners for educational transformation across the region, aligns Indo-Pacific educational technology decisions with American standards, and generates durable professional networks that support long-term U.S. commercial access, bilateral trade opportunities, and regional economic stability.

This program operates at a moment of acute strategic relevance: as Indo-Pacific governments restrict competing AI models and seek trusted alternatives, the educators and administrators in this cohort are precisely the decision-makers who will determine which technology standards are adopted in their institutions and national systems.

Project Objectives

Recipient Operational Objectives

As the organizer, the Recipient is responsible for the full operational planning and execution of the exchange. The applicant should propose its own approach to meeting these objectives. At a minimum, the Recipient's responsibilities include:

• Objective 1.1 (Participant Processing): Guide the approximately twelve selected participants through the full application process by providing clear instructions and required forms, collecting required documentation through the Online Participant Portal, and providing responsive support to ensure timely and complete submissions.

• Objective 1.2 (Compliant International Travel Logistics, Visa Support, and Pre- Departure Orientation): Coordinate comprehensive international and domestic travel itineraries for approximately twelve participants from the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Brunei, ensuring that all air travel bookings strictly adhere to the Fly America Act and applicable Open Skies Agreements. Distribute emergency medical insurance documentation and a detailed exchange program book to all participants prior to departure. The program book shall include the daily schedule, full itinerary, activity descriptions, logistics, and participant reminders. Prepare and distribute DS-2019 Forms to posts for J-1 visa applications, and send pre-departure orientation packets to posts and

RELO.

• Objective 1.3 (Operational Management): Arrange all ground transportation for participant arrivals, departures, and program itinerary movements across all U.S. program cities. Monitor and document participant attendance at all program activities throughout the exchange.

• Objective 1.4 (Comprehensive Financial Administration): Manage secure, auditable fiscal systems to accurately calculate, track, and disburse all program financial allocations, including participants' meals and incidental expenses and all applicable allowances for travel, materials, and cultural activities. Maintain complete financial records in compliance with federal award requirements.

• Objective 1.5 (Program Activities and American Network Building): Facilitate structured academic sessions and action planning and reflection sessions for participants to develop and present policy recommendations for their home institutions, with an emphasis on adopting American frameworks for AI governance, data stewardship, and EdTech integration. Prepare and distribute official completion certificates to all participants, participating posts, and RELO upon conclusion of the exchange program.

Create and actively manage a dedicated online professional network to sustain engagement among participants and their American counterparts following the exchange.

• Objective 1.6 (Post-Program Follow-Up and Impact Documentation): Following the exchange, maintain structured engagement with participants through the close of the award in August 2027. This engagement shall include at minimum one virtual reconvening of the full cohort, individual or group check-ins on the implementation of participant action plans, and collection of brief progress reports documenting concrete steps taken at participants' home institutions to adopt American-aligned AI and EdTech approaches. Compile and provide a summary of follow-up results and institutional impact to RELO.

Programmatic Objectives

• Objective 2.1 (American Innovation Exposure and Capacity Building): Expose approximately twelve participants to U.S. best practices in AI-powered personalized learning, responsible EdTech implementation, and high-quality, outcomes-focused site visits, academic sessions, professional networking, and roundtable discussions across at least two U.S. cities. Site visits shall include U.S. AI and EdTech companies working at the frontier of educational technology as well as civil society and policy organizations focused on responsible AI governance and human-centered technology frameworks, equipping participants to evaluate tools and frameworks against both commercial and ethical standards. Program activities shall foreground American institutional approaches, American technology solutions, and American pedagogical leadership as the standard of excellence for the region.

• Objective 2.2 (U.S. Policy Framework Exposure and Technology Standards Alignment): Enable 100% of participants to examine U.S. policy frameworks that balance educational innovation with student protection, transparent data governance, and broad access to high-quality technology through targeted sessions with at least 3 to 5 U.S.

educational institutions or policy organizations. Sessions shall place particular emphasis on U.S. governance standards that allied nations can adopt as credible, high-quality alternatives to competing technology models, including models that participating countries' own governments have already moved to restrict on data security and sovereignty grounds. This approach equips participants to make informed procurement and policy decisions that align with American and allied norms.

Illustrative AI Policy Topics: The exchange should equip participants to draft and advance institutional AI policies for English language education that reflect American standards and values. Applicants are encouraged to design sessions, site visits, and discussions around topics such as the following. This list is illustrative rather than prescriptive, and applicants may propose additional themes:

o Preserving cognitive effort and academic integrity, including how to distinguish appropriate AI assistance from over-reliance that undermines language acquisition, and how to design assessments that remain valid and rigorous in an AI-enabled classroom o Student data stewardship and governance, including consent frameworks, data minimization, retention limits, and the responsible handling of student work by third-party AI tools, with reference to U.S. standards as a benchmark for institutional policy o Transparency and disclosure, including when and how students and teachers should disclose AI use, and how institutions communicate AI policies clearly and consistently to learners and families o Performance, accuracy, and quality standards in AI tools, including how AI tools perform across English varieties and with non-native speakers, and how institutions can rigorously evaluate tools before adoption to ensure they meet American-standard quality benchmarks o Procurement, vendor evaluation, and technology partnership, including criteria for selecting AI tools, comparing American and allied products against competing alternatives, and avoiding institutional lock-in to providers whose standards diverge from U.S. and allied norms o Faculty and teacher development, including building staff capacity to use AI responsibly, to teach AI literacy to students, and to serve as institutional advocates for high-quality, American-informed approaches to EdTech integration o Translating policy into practice, including governance structures, implementation timelines, and review cycles for keeping institutional AI policies current and aligned with evolving American standards as the technology landscape develops

• Objective 2.3 (Professional Networking and U.S. Industry Engagement): Facilitate direct participant engagement with cutting-edge American educational technology innovations, U.S. educators, and EdTech industry leaders at SXSW EDU 2027, held March 13 through 16, 2027, in Austin, Texas. SXSW EDU is selected as the culminating venue because three of its core tracks align directly with this program's objectives: the Future of Tech track, which centers on AI in education and connects participants with the companies setting commercial and technical standards globally; the Global Initiatives track, which covers international education partnerships and English language instruction and provides a venue for projecting American practice as the standard worth exporting;

and the Policy and Advocacy track, which exposes the administrators and ministry officials in this cohort to how U.S. policymakers approach AI oversight and governance.

Each participant shall make at least 8 to 10 substantive professional connections with American EdTech leaders and industry professionals. These connections shall generate lasting commercial relationship pathways between U.S. EdTech companies and Indo- Pacific institutional decision-makers, advancing American market access and technology leadership in the region.

• Objective 2.4 (Institutional Impact and Action Planning): Support 100% of participants in developing and presenting actionable, context-appropriate policy recommendations for responsible AI integration in their home institutions through structured reflection sessions. Each participant shall produce at least one concrete action plan that reflects American frameworks and approaches. Participants will present these plans to the cohort and carry them back to their institutions and ministries as a foundation for lasting, U.S.-aligned institutional change.

• Objective 2.5 (Sustained Regional Network and Long-Term U.S. Influence): Build and sustain a professional network among approximately twelve Indo-Pacific educators through a dedicated online platform maintained actively through the close of the award.

This network shall serve as a lasting platform for continued engagement with American approaches, peer accountability for action plan implementation, and ongoing connection between Indo-Pacific educational leaders and their U.S. counterparts, extending the program's influence and America's regional presence well beyond the life of the award.

Theory of Change (If-Then Statement):

(a) If the Recipient manages participant nomination and processing on a merit basis, coordinates compliant international travel logistics, provides visa support, and executes all operational and program management functions, then the U.S. government benefits by ensuring professional, compliant execution of complex multi-country coordination, maintaining adherence to J-1 visa requirements and federal regulations, and allowing Embassy staff to focus on strategic oversight and high-value relationship-building rather than administrative details.

(b) If participants are selected on the basis of professional merit and institutional influence, and engage in intensive, immersive study of U.S. approaches to AI and EdTech integration in English language education through site visits, workshops, and SXSW EDU 2027 attendance, then the U.S. government benefits by positioning itself as the global leader in educational technology innovation, demonstrating the practical superiority of American approaches to responsible AI implementation, and creating multiplier effects through participants who return as high-credibility advocates for U.S. approaches within their home institutions and national policy environments.

(c) If participants build substantive professional relationships with U.S. educators, EdTech innovators, and fellow Indo-Pacific colleagues through structured networking opportunities and collaborative program activities, then the U.S. government benefits by fostering regional networks that position the United States as the central hub for educational innovation in the Indo- Pacific, facilitating future commercial partnerships between U.S. EdTech companies and key institutional decision-makers, and generating durable American influence that extends well beyond the program period.

(d) If participants develop concrete, context-appropriate action plans during the exchange that reflect American frameworks and receive structured support for implementation upon return, then the U.S. government benefits by ensuring that American approaches to responsible AI and EdTech integration are institutionalized in key Indo-Pacific educational systems. This creates measurable, sustainable impact that demonstrates the practical value of U.S. partnership and generates visible success stories that strengthen America's reputation as an effective, results-oriented partner.

(e) If participants include educators with direct policy influence, such as ministry officials, university administrators, and teacher trainers, who gain firsthand exposure to U.S. frameworks for AI governance, data stewardship, and educational technology procurement, then the U.S.

government benefits by shaping national and institutional policies in key Indo-Pacific countries to align with American standards and values. This creates high-level advocates capable of influencing large-scale adoption of American approaches and positions the United States to offer a compelling, proven alternative to divergent governance models.

(f) And if the Recipient sustains structured engagement with participants after the exchange and the cohort implements its action plans within home institutions and ministries, then the project directly and measurably advances U.S. strategic interests in preserving economic security, expanding commercial access for American technology, and sustaining long-term stability and American leadership in the Indo-Pacific region.

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Please follow all instructions below carefully.

Content of Application Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

• All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms (please see attached documents)

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs).

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

2. Proposal (10 pages maximum) You may use you own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

• Introduction of the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the call for grant proposal.

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

• Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of the project team and partner organization.

• Future Funding or Sustainability. The applicant’s continuing program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

• Monitoring & Evaluation Plan: The proposal must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The key components to the PMP are as follows:

a. Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: In narrative form, describe how you intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award. In addition, you should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget. This narrative is limited to two pages.

b. Theory of Change Diagram: Include either a Theory of Change diagram or an If- Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes.

c. Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: Included in the proposal are the proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the call for grant proposal. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a project objective.

Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable. You may include a portion of the total budget for monitoring and evaluation activities.

3. Budget Justification Narrative

• Detailed Budget – Submit a detailed a detailed line-item budget. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment;

supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.1. Budgets shall be submitted in Philippine pesos, with corresponding conversions into U.S. dollars.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC))

• Budget Justification Narrative –Provide a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

4. Attachments

• Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Manager and Coordinators, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, you may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

• Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

• Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

• Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate your non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity).

• Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. The Philippine-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

• Security package: The safety and security of all participants and activities under this project are your sole responsibility.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years

b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas

d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information

e. Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities

f. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available as attachments to this notice of funding opportunity.

2. Department of State Contacts If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact the Regional English Language Office, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines through his email:

RELOManila@state.gov

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this notice of funding opportunity.

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

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

mailto:RELOManila@state.gov

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

● Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

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

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

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the call for proposal at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the notice of funding opportunity, providing 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.

Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) 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.”

4. Submission Dates and Times

The application should be submitted via email to RELOManila@state.gov.

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None of the funds awarded resulting from this notice of funding opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws:

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this notice of funding https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 opportunity will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

a. Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

b. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iii. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

a. (a) Definitions.

i. American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

ii. FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

iii. Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

iv. Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

b. (b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this notice of funding opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

i. delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements

ii. Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and

iii. Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

c. c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.)

for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

iv. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

v. Construction: Any award made as a result of this notice of funding opportunity will not allow for construction activities or costs.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0

vi. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed.

6. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and the Philippines. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and the Philippines

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and the Philippines requirements described above.

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review Criteria Criteria: The proposal will not be compared against other proposals. However, it will be reviewed to ensure that it is sufficiently strong in the following areas to merit funding:

∉ Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 30 points: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives that align directly with the priorities and requirements of the notice of funding opportunity. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following:

ο The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities, including American economic prosperity, U.S. technological and commercial leadership, and fair and reciprocal partnerships with allies and partners that share the burden of regional security.

ο The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners.

ο The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign publics.

ο The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive

Orders:

� Executive Order 14173: "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring

Merit-Based Opportunity � Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from

Criminal Aliens” https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens/

� Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

∉ Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points:

o The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project, including internal controls in place to manage federal funds.

o The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address.

o The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.

o Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions.

o Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate.

• Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

• Budget – 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

• Monitoring and Evaluation - 10 points: There is a complete and thorough draft submission of a M&E Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information.

The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

• Sustainability – 5 points: The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/

2. Indirect Costs

The indirect costs must be consistent with the United States’ Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii).

3. Review and Selection Process

a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Your proposal will receive an acknowledgment of receipt.

b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D. Application Contents and Format, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c. Follow up notification. You will be notified within 120 days after submission deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

4. Risk Review

i. Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement project requirements

ii. High Risk Designation

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports.