FY 24 YA Regional NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2024 Youth Ambassadors Programs Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreements Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0010305 Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 19.415 Deadline for Applications: May 20, 2024

Executive Summary: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an FY 2024 open competition for three distinct regional Youth Ambassadors programs (previously called Youth Leadership Programs) with select countries in East Asia and Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), and the Middle East and North Africa (NEA). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide participants with four-week exchanges in the United States focused on the primary themes of civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement and to support the implementation of service projects in their home communities.

The EAP and NEA programs also will engage approximately 3-5 adult mentors in programming alongside youth participants. Competitively selected U.S. secondary students will join participants in U.S.-based activities on the NEA exchanges.

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

It is ECA’s intent to award three separate cooperative agreements (one per region) of one base year plus one non-competitive continuation (NCC) per region, pending the availability of funding. Please see section B.) Federal Award Information and section D.16. NCCs, below for additional details.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A.1. Authority Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright- Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is “to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.” The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.

A.2. Purpose Youth Ambassadors programs provide youth (typically between the ages of 15-17, with the exception of the EUR program) and adult educators/community leaders (select programs) the opportunity to examine civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement through month long exchanges in the United States. Participants engage in a variety of activities such as workshops on leadership and service, community site visits related to the program themes and subthemes, interactive training, presentations, visits to high schools and universities, local cultural activities, homestays with American families, and other activities designed to achieve the program’s stated goals. Upon their return home, the participants apply what they have learned to implement projects that serve their communities.

Multiple opportunities for participants to interact meaningfully with their host country peers are included.

A.3. Program Specific Guidelines ECA is supporting three distinct, regional Youth Ambassadors programs to engage the countries of Algeria and Iraq (NEA), Russia (EUR), and Burma, the Philippines, and select Pacific Island countries (EAP). Previously called Youth Leadership Programs (YLP), the Youth Ambassadors programs will each feature one or two substantive four-week exchanges in the United States (depending on the program option) for students (ages 15-17) that focus on the four primary themes outlined below. Please note: The Youth Ambassadors Program - EUR includes a slightly older participant age range (ages 18-22). Specific details of each regional program option can be found below.

The program goals are to:

1) Prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities;

2) Empower participants to be actively engaged in addressing issues of concern in their schools and communities upon their return home;

3) Build mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect through shared culture and values;

and

4) Foster lasting relationships among youth from different ethnic, racial, religious, and national groups.

The objectives of the program are for participants to:

1) Demonstrate a better understanding of community engagement as practiced in the

United States;

2) Deepen critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills; and

3) Develop program planning and implementation skills to bring community project ideas to fruition.

The primary themes of the programs are:

1) Civic Education (such as citizen participation, grassroots democracy, rule of law, anti-bullying, and/or other mission priorities);

2) Youth Leadership Development (such as team building, public speaking, negotiation, goal setting, and project planning);

3) Respect for Diversity (including ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and disabilities); and

4) Community Engagement (social/corporate responsibility, volunteerism, and philanthropy).

For each regional program option, applicant organizations must focus on the primary themes.

In addition, applicants should identify specific sub-themes of their own choosing, such as social inclusion, entrepreneurship, innovation, environmental awareness, media literacy, or health, among others, and describe how these topics will serve to illustrate the primary themes. The applicant should plan on creating participant groups around selected sub-themes based on student interest and host community capacity. For example, the sub-theme of environmental awareness can be used to examine how a group of individuals demonstrate leadership and service by initiating a recycling campaign in their community. The sub-theme should be integrated into most aspects of the program, including workshops, presentations, and community service.

The exchange format should be age-appropriate and interactive, allowing participants to thoroughly explore the themes in a creative, memorable, and practical way. Participants should engage in a variety of activities such as workshops, teambuilding exercises, community site visits, interactive discussion groups, small group work, presentations, local cultural activities, and other activities designed to achieve the program’s stated goals. Exchanges must feature a substantive community service project and leadership training components that prepare participants for community involvement. Participants will live with American host families for most of the exchange period.

Follow-on activities with the program participants are an integral part of the program, as the participants apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired by planning service projects in their home communities. Exchange activities should therefore prepare participants to conduct projects at home that serve a community need. A successful proposal will include a detailed plan for alumni activity, engagement with the wider Youth Ambassadors (and previous YLP) alumni network, and follow-on project development.

Regional Program Options The Bureau anticipates awarding three separate cooperative agreements, one each for the management of the FY 2024 Youth Ambassadors programs for the regions of EAP, EUR, and

NEA.

The Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal project configurations, budgets, participant numbers, and countries within a region in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.

Applicants may apply for one or more of the regional program options outlined below, but they must submit only one proposal per program/region option under this competition. Multiple submissions to any one program option will be declared technically ineligible and will not be considered further in the review process. ECA strongly urges applicants to focus their applications on country(ies) and regions where they have the strongest organizational capacity and to consider staffing capacity if applying to multiple programs. Additionally, the content of each proposal submission should be tailored to the region-specific program option to which the organization is applying. Organizational and staffing capacity must be thoroughly described in the proposal. Please note the total approximate funding for each option.

Applicants are required to have their own overseas partner organization, branch office, or other affiliates/consultants for all options listed below. For each proposed region(s), applicants should detail how they will work with the embassies to recruit participants and specify who will do the recruiting (applicant or embassy) for a given program. Award recipients and their overseas partners will manage alumni follow-on activities, in consultation and coordination with the ECA Program Officer and the relevant participating U.S. embassies.

For the NEA and EAP regional program options, the proposed overseas partner organizations should be located in those countries. For the EUR program, the partners may be located in another country in the region.

All exchanges will take place in calendar year 2025 (timing specified by program option) and should be conducted entirely in English.

Program Option One: Youth Ambassadors – EAP One cooperative agreement that supports one exchange for participants from multiple EAP countries. See current eligible country list below. Funding for this award is approximately $440,000.

• Applicants should propose to implement a four-week, U.S.-based exchange to be held in spring 2025 for approximately 44 English-speaking secondary school students and adult mentors. Countries and participant numbers for FY 2024 are as follows:

o Approximately 12 participants from Burma [10 students and two adult mentors].

Note: The U.S. Embassy Rangoon is responsible for participant recruitment and nomination, with ECA making final participant selection.

o Approximately 24 participants from the Philippines [21 students and three adult mentors], specifically from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and surrounding areas. Note: The specific geographic area for recruitment should be confirmed annually with U.S. Embassy Manila, as priorities may shift.

o Approximately eight participants from Pacific Island countries [seven students and one adult mentor]. Approximately five participants should be selected from countries overseen by post in Fiji (Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Nauru) and three participants should be selected from countries overseen by post in Papua New Guinea (Papua New Guinea, Solomons, and Vanuatu). Note: Exact participant distribution across the countries will be decided by the posts. As Youth Ambassadors is a new program in the Pacific Islands, the awardee should work closely with posts on the recruitment and selection of candidates.

Program Option Two: Youth Ambassadors – EUR One cooperative agreement that supports one exchange for participants in one EUR country.

Funding for this award is approximately $360,000.

Applicants should propose to implement a four-week, U.S.-based exchange for approximately 30 English-speaking Russian youth in summer 2025. Please note: The Youth Ambassadors – EUR program is the only option that will engage participants from a slightly older age range (ages 18-22).

As this program does not include adult mentors, the award recipient, in consultation with ECA, will identify and provide flight chaperones to accompany the students to and from the host site in the United States to ensure their safety and assist them in navigating airports. Please note:

Flight chaperones are not expected to have any additional role in the exchange program.

The program theme for this exchange must be environmentally focused.

Program Option Three: Youth Ambassadors – NEA One cooperative agreement that supports two separate exchanges, detailed below; both exchanges include competitively selected American participants. Funding for this award is approximately $650,000. Note: The award recipient should lead participant recruitment for both programs in NEA. Applicants can apply to manage both exchanges under the Youth

Ambassadors – NEA program or to manage one exchange and one sub-award (for implementation of the second exchange).

Youth Ambassadors – NEA (Algeria exchange) Applicants should propose to implement a four-week, U.S.-based exchange for approximately 28 English-speaking Algerian secondary school students and adult participants in summer 2025. The cohort should comprise approximately 25 youth and three adult mentors. Applicants also should competitively recruit and select approximately eight American secondary school students to join Algerian participants in their U.S.-based activities. ECA encourages including as many American participants as possible.

Youth Ambassadors – NEA (Iraq exchange) Applicants should propose to implement a four-week, U.S.-based exchange for approximately 30 English-speaking Iraqi secondary school students and adult participants in summer 2025. Approximately four adult mentors and 26 Iraqi youth should be selected for participation. Applicants also should competitively recruit and select approximately 10-15 American secondary school students to join Iraqi participants in their U.S.-based activities. ECA strongly encourages the inclusion of as many American participants as possible. The award recipient must brand the exchange the “Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP)” in all program materials for public distribution.

Participants: For Youth Ambassadors - EAP and NEA programs, international youth participants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1) Be secondary school students between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the U.S.-based exchange;

2) Be citizens and current residents of the country from which they are applying;

3) Be selected through a merit-based competition;

4) Represent the diversity of their home country; and

5) Have at least one year of secondary school remaining after the exchange.

For the Youth Ambassadors – EUR program, the award recipient will recruit and select participants who meet the following eligibility requirements:

1) Be secondary or post-secondary school students between the ages of 18 and 22 at the start of the U.S.-based exchange;

2) Be citizens and current residents of Russia;

3) Be selected through a merit-based competition; and

4) Represent the diversity of their home country.

Criteria for selection of the participants will include leadership skills, an interest in community service, strong academic and social skills, and openness and flexibility. To reach beyond the elite, proposals must show plans to recruit participants from underserved or disadvantaged populations in eligible countries and the United States for American participants on the NEA exchanges.

The Youth Ambassadors – EAP and NEA programs will include adult participants who work with youth and have demonstrated an interest in promoting youth leadership and development.

The adult participants may be teachers, trainers, school administrators, and/or community leaders who work with youth. They will have the role of chaperone, exchange participant, and post-exchange mentor. Adult participants must be recruited and selected through a merit-based competition.

Exchange activities must include some programming for adult participants, separate from activities with the youth, specifically geared toward their professional development skills.

Proposals must include a detailed description of the proposed programming for adults.

Organizational Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate their capacity for implementing programs of this nature, focusing on three areas of competency: (1) provision of leadership and civic education programming; (2) age-appropriate programming for youth; and (3) demonstrated understanding of and experience working with the relevant partner country and/or geographic region.

Applicants of all program options must identify an overseas partner organization, branch office, or other affiliates/consultants that will facilitate the in-country aspects of the program including participant recruitment and selection (where applicable), pre-departure orientations, and follow-on activities. Applicants for the Youth Ambassadors - EUR program may propose a partner located in another country in the region, as necessary. Applicants must detail within their proposals the capacity and experience of the overseas partner(s) to conduct the above activities and indicate how partner(s) will be monitored.

Please note: For the Youth Ambassadors - NEA Iraq exchange, U.S. Embassy Baghdad and ECA may ask the award recipient to work cooperatively with other potential organization(s) that are implementing the embassy-funded IYLEP to streamline certain program procedures. [The ECA funded exchange shares the same program name with a larger embassy led and funded IYLEP initiative.]

U.S. Embassy Involvement: It is important that the proposal narrative clearly state the applicant's commitment to consult closely with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S.

embassy in the partner country (in addition to the ECA Program Office) to develop plans for project implementation, including recruitment, selection and orientation of participants, publicity events, and follow-on activities. All program promotional and application forms are subject to ECA and U.S. embassy approval before dissemination. Embassy staff should be invited to participate in semi-finalist interviews. Final participants and alternates must be approved by ECA and PAS staff. No invitations may be issued without ECA and PAS clearance.

Program Guidelines: The awards will begin on or about September 1, 2024. The base year award period will be approximately 15 months in duration and will cover all aspects of project planning, participant recruitment and selection (for international and American participants, where relevant), in-country pre-departure orientations, exchange activities in the United States, and follow-on activities in the participants’ home communities.

Applicants should propose specific exchange dates within their proposals, but the exact timing may be altered, if necessary, through the mutual agreement of the U.S. Department of State and the award recipient.

Applicants may propose a plan to divide the delegation of participants into smaller cohorts for most of the exchange activities to ensure that all participants actively take part in the exchange and that program staff can adequately monitor the safety and well-being of the participants.

Applicants are encouraged to hold the welcome and closing orientations with the entire delegation for group cohesion and bonding.

A.4. Recipient Responsibilities The activities and the roles and responsibilities of the recipient for this program are outlined in the Project, Objectives, Goals, and Implementation document (POGI).

A.5. Substantial Involvement In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine monitoring. These activities are outlined in the POGI.

A.6. Non-Competitive Continuations (NCCs) Proposal narratives should include a commitment to implement the program for the base year, plus one NCC, pending successful performance and the availability of funds. The narrative should focus on details specific to the implementation of the base year program, with the understanding that the program design, duration, and participant numbers would be similar when/if the NCC is exercised. ECA will perform an annual performance evaluation/review to determine if the NCC will be exercised. Satisfactory performance and the availability of funds is a condition of continued administration of the program and execution of NCCs.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreements. ECA’s level of involvement in this program is listed under Substantial Involvement in the POGI.

Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024 – base year funding amount for all three awards, $1,450,000;

pending the availability of funds; FY2025 – Non-Competitive Continuation total $1,450,000, pending successful performance and the availability of funds.

Approximate Total Funding: $2,900,000, pending the availability of funds. The figures below represent the base year plus one NCC (of an equal amount), pending successful performance and the availability of funds.

Youth Ambassadors - EAP $880,000 (FY 24 base year - $440,000, pending the availability of funds)

Youth Ambassadors - EUR $720,000 (FY 24 base year - $360,000, pending the availability of funds)

Youth Ambassadors - NEA $1,300,000 (FY 24 base year - $650,000, pending the availability of funds)

Approximate Number of Awards: Three Approximate Average Award: $483,334 Minimum “Floor” of Award: $360,000 Maximum “Ceiling” of Award: $650,000 Anticipated Award Date: September 1, 2024, pending the availability of funds.

Anticipated Award Completion Date: December 31, 2026. This date reflects the anticipated duration of the award – one base year plus one NCC year.

Additional Information: Cooperative agreements will be awarded for a period of 15 months (base year) with one NCC for one additional 12 month period. ECA will notify the recipient of its intention to exercise or not to exercise the NCC at least 90 days in advance of expiration of the base year after an internal evaluation of the recipient’s performance. The decision to exercise the NCC will depend both on the satisfactory performance of the recipient and the availability of funds.

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

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1. Eligible Applicants U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, exchange-of-persons, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition. Applicants must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.

C.2. Other Eligibility Requirements The following additional eligibility requirements apply to this NOFO announcement:

1) ECA’s grant guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in section B above, ECA anticipates issuing cooperative agreements over $130,000. Therefore, organizations that do not demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal are ineligible to apply under this competition.

2) All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, POGI, and the PSI;

non-compliance will result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

3) In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 & D.5. for more information.

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

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

C.3. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this competition.

However, ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution may be reduced in like proportion.

http://www.sam.gov/

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

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

Once the NOFO deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.

D.1. Solicitation Package Location The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov or from ECA website at https://eca.state.gov/organizational-funding.

D.2. Content and Form of Submission Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the PSI, which consists of required application forms and standard guidelines for proposal preparation. The application should be submitted per the instructions under D.17. “Application Deadline and Method of Submission” section below.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier Number All organizations are required to have a UEI number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the U.S. Government. 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. Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications. A UEI is issued as part of the required SAM.gov registration below in section D.5.

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 an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

D.4. Required Proposal Elements All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF 424A), detailed budget, and budget narrative.

D.5. Required Registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) All organizations must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database in order to submit a proposal in response to an open competition on Grants.gov. 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. Failure to register in SAM.gov will render applicants ineligible to receive funding.

All federal award recipients must maintain a current registration in the SAM database.

Recipients must maintain accurate and up-to-date information in www.SAM.gov until all program and financial activity and reporting is completed on any issued award. Recipients must https://www.grants.gov/ https://eca.state.gov/organizational-funding review and update the information at least annually after the initial registration and more frequently if required information changes or another award is granted. There is no cost associated with registering or updating SAM.gov accounts.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

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

D.6. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

1) The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

2) An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

3) The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

D.7. Required Registration with MyGrants All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be registered with the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants by accessing https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and clicking the “create an account” link. MyGrants is the U.S. Department of State’s grants management system and is supported by the Department’s Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS). Recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories that have previously used MyGrants as a U.S. Department of State award recipient do not need to register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact the ILMS Help Desk for help in gaining access.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/

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

Please take into consideration the following information when preparing your proposal narrative:

D.8. Adherence To All Regulations Governing the J Visa ECA places critically important emphasis on the security and proper administration of the Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by award recipients and sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening and selection of program participants, provision of pre-arrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements.

The award recipient will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to participants.

A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at http://j1visa.state.gov or from:

Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation U.S. Department of State SA-5, Floor C2, Room C2L13 2200 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20522

Please refer to Solicitation Package for further information.

D.9. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and Freedom and Democracy Guidelines Pursuant to ECA's authorizing legislation, “diversity” should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences including race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, geographic location, education, income, socio-economic status, and other diversity dimensions that may hinder inclusion. Proposals should demonstrate how diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility will enhance the program’s goals and objectives and the participants’ exchange experience.

Proposals should demonstrate how the program will further engage diverse and underserved communities. Programs must maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and representative of the diversity of political, social and cultural life in the United States and abroad. Please refer to the “Support of DEIA” review criterion of this document for more https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/ http://j1visa.state.gov/ information on how this will be reviewed as a part of any application. Please also refer to the “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility” section in the PSI for specific suggestions on incorporating DEIA into the proposal.

Public Law 104-319 provides that “in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,” ECA “shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such countries.” Public Law 106 - 113 requires that the governments of the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process. Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.

D.10. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA programs.

ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework are available online at:

https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and.

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

• Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page vi, and Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and)

• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective o Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities.

▪ E1.1.04: Percent of participants with more favorable opinions of the United States Government (core indicator) https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and

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

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

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

▪ E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the American people (core indicator)

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

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

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

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

▪ E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in their host communities o Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries

▪ E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in their ability to have an impact in their home country (core indicator)

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

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

▪ E3.0.04: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of third country nationals (EAP only)

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

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

▪ E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft skills as a result of their program participation o Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional, and cultural exchange programs

▪ E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator)

▪ E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator)

▪ E4.1.05: Number of participants in programs with a media literacy component (If applicable to programming) o Sub-Objective 4.2: Increase ability of participants to recognize and counter disinformation (if applicable to programming)

▪ E4.2.01: Percent of participants that report increased ability to counter disinformation

• Objective 6: Increase Capacity of ECA partner institutions to achieve program strategic goals o Sub-Objective 6.1: Increase capacity of implementing partners and educational institutions for the internationalization of programs

▪ E6.1.02: Number of exchange participants from or hosted by Minority- Serving Institutions participating in ECA (both funded and private sector) exchanges (core indicator)

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

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

Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs) ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document. While ECA recommends the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. A training on how to complete a PMP is available here:

https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and . Successful PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:

• Objectives. Programmatic objectives are statements of the condition(s) that state what the program is designed to achieve. Objectives are therefore bound by the resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART; see the ECA Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Innovation (MELI) Unit’s pages on the ECA website for more information:

https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-evaluation-division/capacity-building). In addition to those outlined above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the MODE Framework, the Functional Bureau Strategy (https://eca.state.gov/about-bureau), or other applicant-designed program-specific objectives.

• Indicators. Performance indicators are measures used to gauge progress toward programmatic objectives and sub-objectives. Indicators should be as specific as possible https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-evaluation-division/capacity-building https://eca.state.gov/about-bureau https://eca.state.gov/about-bureau

(following the SMART principles) and include any proposed disaggregations (meaning, breakdowns of the data by subgroups, such as gender or country; the PMP lists the demographic questions required to obtain the information necessary to report the disaggregations). Each indicator should also include a target number to be achieved. A target is a planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe.

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

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

o During the period of performance of the award, the ECA program office may further revise, add, or remove indicators. Therefore, the applicant’s PMP and data collection instruments should be flexible enough to incorporate those once established.

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

Award recipients will be required to submit an upload of the raw data (in CSV format) along with the MyGrants RPM reporting (see below). Regardless of the survey platform used, all MODE Framework survey questions outlined above are required (i.e., should be forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for more information on how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.

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

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

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

• A brief explanation of data analysis and reporting procedures.

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

MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements MyGrants is a database solution that serves as the official system of record for all U.S.

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

D.11. Virtual Exchange Component When changing political, health, environmental, or other circumstances require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges.

In addition to planning for virtual exchange activities if in-person programming is prohibited, ECA welcomes innovative ideas on how organizations can leverage virtual programming technologies during or in addition to in-person programming. ECA encourages organizations submitting proposals in response to this solicitation to suggest one or more virtual exchange components to complement the in-person exchange. The virtual exchange component(s) could come before, during and/or after the physical exchange. The objective for the virtual exchange component(s) is to augment the impact of the in-person exchange described in this solicitation.

ECA encourages organizations to propose virtual exchange ideas that take advantage of ECA’s existing web and social networking platforms. Virtual exchange components would be coordinated with and approved by the ECA program office and U.S. missions abroad on a project-by-project basis.

D.12. Communications Guidance for ECA Recipients All ECA Recipients must adhere to the requirements in ECA’s Communications Guidance on the creation of program branding and attribution, websites, social media, and press.

D. 13. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial https://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/eca_eval_division_survey_response_rates.pdf https://eca.state.gov/comms-guidance

ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – known as “America250” – a truly global celebration. As the period of performance for this award is scheduled to cover part or all of calendar year (CY) 2026, the applicant may wish to consider ways the program can celebrate America250. Any America250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided America250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.

D.14. Budget Format Applicants must submit SF-424A (Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs) along with a detailed, line-item budget for the entire program and a budget narrative. Budget requests may not exceed total award amounts noted for each program option as outlined under section B. Federal Award Information. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.

D.14.a. Allowable costs for the program are outlined in the POGI.

Please refer to the PSI for additional budget guidelines and formatting instructions. Please note that with the move to standard OMB Budget categories there is no definition for “administrative costs” or “administrative funds” – please adjust those listings to refer to “overhead” or “staff salaries and benefits” or other appropriate phrasing.

D.15. Key Personnel ECA recommends that the applicant identify intended key personnel positions via an asterisk (*) or other marking in the proposal budget, budget narrative, or a separate appendix. If not provided in the application, recipients must submit the names, titles, and brief biographical sketches of key personnel to the Grants Officer and GOR within 30 days of an award being issued.