FY 25 YA EUR NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

FY 2025 Youth Ambassadors Europe (YA-EUR) Program

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017058 Application Deadline: January 20, 2025

A. Basic Information B. Eligibility 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 I. Other Information

A. Basic Information

Funding Opportunity Title FY25 Youth Ambassadors Europe (YA-EUR) Program

Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0017058

Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement

Deadline for Applications January 20, 2025 11:59pm Eastern (Washington DC time)

Assistance Listing Number 19.415

Length of Performance Period 24 months

Number of Awards Anticipated One (1) award

Award Amount approximately $720,000

Total Available Funding $720,000, pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY25 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE) Funds

Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement

Anticipated Award Date February 17, 2025

This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of the NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.

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

1. Executive Summary.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an FY 2025 open competition for the Youth Ambassadors Europe (YA-EUR) Program. 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 two cohorts of participants with a four-week exchange in the United States focused on the primary themes of civic engagement, leadership development, and pluralism through a lens of environmental sustainability, as well as supporting participant follow-on projects to be completed in their home communities.

It is ECA’s intent to award one cooperative agreement for programming in Summer 2025 and Summer 2026.

2. Agency Contact Information.

For questions about this announcement, contact ECA Program Officer Gretchen Wietmarschen, U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division (ECA/PE/C/PY), 202-826-4284, WietmarschenGM@state.gov.

All correspondence with ECA concerning this NOFO should reference the title and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. 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.

The terms and conditions published in this NOFO are binding and may not be modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be binding.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

• U.S. Public and private educational institutions

Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.

2. Cost Sharing.

There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this program.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements.

a. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more information.

b. 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 A. Basic Information above, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $720,000, pending the availability of funds.

Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be eligible to apply under this competition.

c. All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, POGI, and the PSI;

not doing so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

d. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF 424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.

e. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission 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.

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

C. Program Description

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.

2. Purpose.

YA-EUR will provide Russian youth (approximately between the ages of 18 – 22) the opportunity to participate in a month-long exchange in the United States to examine civic engagement, leadership development, and pluralism through a lens of environmental sustainability. The program should offer participants the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities. Upon their return home, the participants should apply what they have learned to implement projects that serve their communities. Multiple opportunities for participants to interact meaningfully with their U.S. peers should be included.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

The YA-EUR program should comprise of two exchange cohorts, one to take place in the summer of 2025 and one in the summer of 2026. Each exchange should take place in the United States and be approximately four-weeks in length. Programming should focus on the four primary themes outlined below through a lens of environmental sustainability.

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, empathetic leadership skills, and problem-solving; and

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

The primary themes of the program are:

1) Civic Engagement (such as citizen participation, grassroots democracy, rule of law, anti-bullying, etc.);

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

3) Pluralism (including ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and disabilities).

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 should live with American host families for most of the exchange period.

Applicants should have their own overseas partner organization, branch office, or other affiliates/consultants in the region. Applicants should detail how they will work to recruit participants.

The award recipient should provide airport assistance as participants travel to and from the host site in the United States to ensure their safety and assist them in navigating travel.

Preparing participants for follow-on community engagement projects should be an integral part of the program, multiplying the effects of the exchange. A successful proposal will also include a detailed plan for alumni activities, engagement with the wider Youth Ambassadors (and previous YLP) alumni network (in collaboration with alumni coordinators at posts and ECA), and follow-on project development.

ECA anticipates that this program will be conducted with participants from Russia. However, if programming with Russians becomes untenable, programing may be shifted to other countries in the region. ECA 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.

ECA plans to issue one cooperative agreement that supports two four-week, U.S.-based exchange for approximately 30 English-speaking youth from Russia each (one in summer 2025 and one in summer 2026). While ECA retains the right to make changes to the number and composition of the program, your proposal should demonstrate your capacity and plans for both exchanges. Applications should also briefly provide information on what European countries they would shift to, should a program with Russia not be possible. Note that any country shifts after the award is issued would require additional ECA approval, and an amendment to the award, but for the review of the proposal, you should outline your initial plans for this possibility.

Participants: Applicants should design and explain implementation plans for a recruitment process that represents the diversity of the country. The recruitment plans should reach beyond the elite and demonstrate how underserved and disadvantaged populations will be specifically informed of the opportunity. The applicant should also propose a merit-based, diversity sensitive selection process with clear criteria such as leadership experience, interest in community service, strong academic and social skills, openness to new ideas, and flexibility. The selected applicant will work with ECA to finalize the eligibility requirements.

Organizational Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate their capacity for implementing programs of this nature, focusing on three areas of competency: (1) provision of educational programming that address the goals, objectives, and themes outlined in this document; (2) age-appropriate programming for youth; and (3) demonstrated understanding of and experience working in Russia.

Organizations must demonstrate their capacity to manage a complex, multi-phase program.

Applicants must describe the program staffing (individuals by name and responsibilities), qualifications, structure, and resources. If applicable, applicants should identify critical partner organizations (and/or consultants) and explain their role(s) and their relevant expertise and experience. Applicants must also describe their working relationship with any partner(s), detail the division of program responsibilities between the award recipient and the partner(s), and indicate how they will monitor the performance of any partner(s).

U.S. Embassy Involvement: It is important that the proposal narrative clearly states the applicant's commitment to consult closely with ECA and the relevant U.S. embassy 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 U.S. embassy staff. No invitations may be issued without ECA and U.S.

embassy clearance.

Program Guidelines: The period of performance will be approximately 24 months in duration and will cover all aspects of project planning, participant recruitment and selection, 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 opening and closing sessions with the entire delegation for group cohesion and bonding.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

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

5. Goals and Objectives.

The goals and objectives for this program are outlined in the attached POGI document.

6. 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.

The proposal must 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)

▪ 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)

▪ E1.1.17: 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 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

▪ E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in their host communities o Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participant’s 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)

▪ E3.0.07: 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) o Sub-Objective 4.2: Increase ability of participants to recognize and counter disinformation

▪ 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. 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.

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

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. 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 (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 outcomes 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.

https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-evaluation-division/capacity-building https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-evaluation-division/capacity-building https://eca.state.gov/about-bureau

Program Performance M&E Narrative Proposals should include information within the program narrative section(s) 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.

7. Allowable Costs.

Please refer to the PSI for additional budget guidelines and formatting instructions.

8. Cost Share.

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.

https://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/eca_eval_division_survey_response_rates.pdf

9. Program Information and History.

The YA-EUR program was previously called the Youth Leadership Program with Russia, which was started in 2015.

10. 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 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.

11. Virtual Exchange Component.

When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar 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. Proposals should demonstrate the organization’s capacity to provide innovative options for virtual activities to substitute for in-person engagement for program participants. Organizations should consider how they will implement virtual exchange activities, given the potential limits to internet access from participants in some locations and while continuing to advance foreign policy objectives and achieve lasting benefits for U.S. citizens and international participants.

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.

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.

13. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.

ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly 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.

14. Substantial Involvement.

In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine monitoring, as follows:

a. Approve the final and alternate candidates.

b. Make recommendations for changes to the program activities or replacement of sub-award partners when program goals are not being sufficiently met.

D. Application Contents and Format

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

Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the Proposal Submission Instruction (PSI) document, which contains guidelines for proposal preparation.

1. Budget Format.

Applicants must submit a budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and a budget narrative.

Budget requests may not exceed $720,000. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.

2. Content of Application.

Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for information about the application and formatting guidelines.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines https://eca.state.gov/comms-guidance

1. Address to Request Application Package.

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.

2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Required Registrations 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 NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 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.

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.

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 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://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

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 NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a https://www.grants.gov/ https://eca.state.gov/organizational-funding http://www.sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 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.

3. 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 system 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.

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/.

4. Submission Instructions.

Method of Submission Applications may only be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).

Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov in the “Search Grants” portion of the system.

Grants.gov Registration, Application Submission, and Receipt Procedures Eligible organizations should follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’ portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov Applicants should read instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Applicants should check with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this NOFO to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov. Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

How to Submit an Application to ECA via Grants.gov For access to complete instruction on how to apply for Notice of Funding Opportunities on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

Grants.gov Support and Submission Issues Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission issues to:

Grants.gov Customer Support Contact Center Phone: 800 -518-4726 Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; closed on federal holidays.

Email: support@grants.gov

5. Submission Dates and Times.

Application Deadline Date January 20, 2025

Applicants have until 11:59 p.m., Washington, DC time of the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after the application deadline date and time will be automatically rejected by the Grants.gov system and will be found technically ineligible.

Therefore, we strongly recommend that you not wait until the application deadline to begin the submission process through Grants.gov.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant Grants.gov Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When ECA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgement of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Please also be mindful of any Grants.gov generated error messages that may appear during the application process as they may result in some documents not transmitting correctly.

Applicants using slow internet should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

mailto:support@grants.gov

The Grants.gov website includes extensive information on all phases/aspects of the Grants.gov process, including an extensive section on frequently asked questions, located under the “Applicant FAQs” section of the website. ECA strongly recommends that all potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov website, well in advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA will not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications.

PLEASE NOTE: ECA bears no responsibility for applicant timeliness of submission or data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes for proposals submitted via Grants.gov.

Prior to submitting applications through Grants.gov, please ensure you meet all Grants.gov system and software requirements, including Adobe software compatibility. You can verify if your version of the Adobe software is compatible with Grants.gov, by visiting https://grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via the Grants.gov web portal (https://www.grants.gov) to ensure that proposals have been received by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

6. Funding Restrictions for this Announcement.

a. 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).

b. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal or representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

7. Other Submission Requirements.

a. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.

b. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF

424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.

c. Key Personnel https://www.grants.gov/

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, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program to the Grants Officer and GOR within 30 days of an award being issued. Applicants should also identify what proportion of their time will be used in support of the program. Additional information regarding key personnel requirements can be found in the State Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions, E. Recipient Responsibilities and Compliance with Federal Requirements.

d. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

F. Application Review Information

1. Review Process.

ECA will check that all proposals meet the technical requirements in this solicitation. Proposals that do not meet the guidelines, including those under the eligibility section above or in the PSI, will be ineligible for further review.

All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the program office before being reviewed by an ECA grant panel. Applications may also be reviewed by Public Diplomacy sections overseas, State Department regional bureaus, or other State Department offices, as appropriate. All reviewers, including the ECA grant panels, will review any eligible proposals based on the criteria below.

Proposals recommended by an ECA grant panel will be reviewed for compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines, and assessed for risk. Final funding decisions are made by the ECA’s Assistant Secretary. Only an ECA Grant Officer has the final authority to issue assistance awards.

2. Review Criteria.

An ECA grants panel will competitively evaluate all technically eligible applications according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank ordered, and all carry equal weight in the proposal review.

a. Quality of the Program Idea: Proposals should be original, well-defined, and relevant to ECA's mission. Proposals also should describe a plan for continued follow-on activity after the ECA supported program ends, including how to incorporate participants into the wider Youth Ambassadors alumni network, ensuring that programs are not isolated events.

b. Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Program Objectives: Proposals should have a detailed agenda and work plan that demonstrates your institution's ability to carry out the program. The plan should follow the program guidelines described in this solicitation and should demonstrate how your institution will meet the program's objectives and plan, including the possibility of needing participants to travel to third party countries for visa interviews, orientations, and/or onward travel. The objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible.

c. Support of DEIA: Proposals should show how the program and your institution supports ECA's policy on diversity. Proposals should have a clear DEIA plan that is integrated into all aspects of program administration, design, content, and implementation. Proposals should demonstrate how DEIA will enhance the program’s goals, objectives, and the participants’ exchange experience. Proposals should demonstrate how the program will further engage diverse and underserved communities. Diversity should be defined broadly to include geographic, urban/rural, ethnic, racial, socio-economic, sexual orientation, and religious diversity. It is important that proposals have a clearly articulated DEIA plan and not simply express general support for the concept of DEIA.

d. Institutional Capacity/Track Record: Proposals should include the necessary personnel and institutional resources to achieve the program results and should demonstrate an institutional record of successful exchange programs and responsible fiscal management.

ECA will consider the past performance of prior recipients, including the timely submission of reports, and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.

e. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Proposals should have a fully developed M&E plan that includes goals, objectives, and indicators. The plan should be feasible and aligned with the M&E section of this solicitation. Proposals should include a realistic learning plan that outlines how your organization plans to review, understand, and incorporate M&E data into programmatic decisions and practices. All submitted M&E plans will be reviewed to ensure the applicant has provided at least the required information outlined in the M&E section of this solicitation and demonstrated the applicant’s capacity to carry out the M&E plan.

f. Cost-effectiveness and Cost share: Proposals should keep the overhead components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, as low as possible. All costs should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost share through other private sector support and institutional direct funding contributions.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov.

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 (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

G. Award Notices

Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal ECA procedures. Successful applicants will receive a Federal Assistance Award (FAA) from an authorized Grants Officer in ECA’s Grants Division. The FAA and the original proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S. Government. The FAA will be signed by a Grants Officer and transmitted to the recipient’s responsible officer (as identified in the application) for review and countersignature.