FY 26 YALI Fellowship NOFO.pdf

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) FY 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

(YALI Fellowship) Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017991

Application Deadline: May 26, 2026

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

1. Overview.

Funding Opportunity Title FY26 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI Fellowship)

Funding Opportunity Number

DFOP0017991

Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement Deadline for Applications May 26, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington, DC time) Assistance Listing Number 19.009

Length of Performance Period

18 months

Number of Awards Anticipated

1 award

Award Amount Approximately $15,000,000, pending availability of funds

Total Available Funding $15,000,000, pending availability of funds Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange

Programs (ECE) Funds Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement

Anticipated Award Date July 27, 2026

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.

Pending satisfactory implementation of this program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this award for two additional, consecutive fiscal years, before openly competing it again.

2. Executive Summary.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Study of the U.S. Branch invites proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 YALI Fellowship. Established in 2014 the YALI Fellowship has built and maintained a network of approximately 7,800 young African leaders across sectors critical to U.S. interests and foreign policy priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The award recipient will be responsible for planning and administering all components and aspects of the YALI Fellowship including short-term academic residencies (“institutes”) on U.S. college and university campuses for approximately 550 Fellows, Professional Development Experiences (PDEs) for approximately 50 Fellows, a Reciprocal Exchange component that includes approximately 80 U.S.

participants, and follow-on alumni activities. Under this award, the first group of Fellows would travel to the United States for the institutes in summer 2027. The award recipient will design the Fellowship application materials, develop an outreach and recruitment plan, receive and screen applications in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, and oversee the final Fellow selection and placement process. The recipient will recruit, select, and oversee subawards to approximately 22 U.S. educational institutions that will each implement a six-week long institute in one of three tracks: Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies, or Governance and Security.

Each institute should take place on an accredited U.S. college or university campus and provide a group of approximately 25 accomplished African innovators and professionals aged 25 to 35 with rigorous academic and practical coursework, showcasing American excellence in relevant fields. Institutes should also provide structured networking and professional opportunities for Fellows to build relationships with American businesses and industry leaders.

The PDEs are professional placements for a subset of Fellows at relevant U.S. public, private, and non-profit organizations and should take place immediately following the institutes.

The Reciprocal Exchange component should support approximately 80 U.S. citizens to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to build upon strategic partnerships and business connections developed through the YALI Fellowship.

ECA will award one cooperative agreement to administer all program components.

The anticipated total amount of funding available for this cooperative agreement will be approximately $15,000,000, pending the availability of FY 2026 funds. Of this total amount, the recipient should be prepared to transfer approximately $250,000 to each U.S. college, university, or non-governmental organization selected to administer an Institute under sub-award agreements.

ECA welcomes applications from U.S. public and private non-profit organizations, consortia of organizations, and accredited post-secondary U.S. education institutions meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3).

Please see the Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) for more information.

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. Not-for-profit 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, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $15,000,000. 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, Project Objectives, Goals, and Instructions (POGI) document, 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.

f. Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should make sure the application details one or more awards that will be open with ECA at the start of the anticipated period of performance for this NOFO.

Applicants who do not have current awards directly with ECA, please review the information in the PSI, section D, with additional information that must be provided in your application in order for it to be eligible.

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.

The YALI Fellowship is the flagship program of the broader Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which also includes the online YALI Network platform. The objective of the Fellowship is to promote a better understanding of American society, history, and culture and engagement with American innovators, educators, and institutions for emerging African thought leaders. The Fellowship also builds and maintains a prestigious network of influential professionals in critical sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through structured networking with Americans, Fellows develop a lasting connection to America and affinity for the American people. The Fellowship directly supports U.S. foreign policy goals for Sub-Saharan Africa, including strengthening U.S.-Africa relations in trade, education, and diplomacy. The Fellowship provides accomplished African innovators and professionals with six-weeks of rigorous academic and practical coursework at U.S. colleges and universities, an opportunity for approximately 50 Fellows to engage in the PDEs, and follow-on alumni programming. The Reciprocal Exchange component provides opportunities for U.S.

citizens to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa for project-based engagement.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

Overview of the Institutes The institutes should constitute a comprehensive, executive-style, six-week program that provides program content through a lens informed by American expertise and innovation that clearly demonstrates the United States’ position as the premier global partner. Institutes should take place at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions of a 501(c)3 are eligible to apply as a sub-award recipient; however, the institutes should take place on a U.S. college or university campus. Proposals should include a tentative list of approximately 25 institutions that the applicant would invite to apply for sub-awards if selected as the award recipient.

The institutes should provide non-credit programs that include practical academic content, complementary site visits, cultural exchange activities, and networking opportunities. Each institute should examine U.S. innovation and leadership in one of three tracks: Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies, or Governance and Security. Based on these tracks, institutes should provide Fellows with ample opportunities to build relationships with American experts from a variety of industries and fields, especially those related to critical minerals, energy, and health.

The recipient will be responsible for providing subaward recipients with guidelines for program content to ensure a consistent level of quality across all institutes while maintaining alignment with program goals and objectives. In addition to the academic coursework, the institutes should include practical hands-on training related to the given track and facilitated networking opportunities with established leaders from American businesses and industries. Site visits in the community should provide Fellows with opportunities to observe and participate in varied aspects of American society and business as they relate to program themes. The institutes should also incorporate opportunities for Fellows to discuss how lessons learned from site visits connect to the academic program. Institutes may also include community service activities so Fellows can explore the role of non-profit organizations and volunteering in American society. ECA encourages applicants to incorporate multi-day off-campus field experiences during the institutes for Fellows to connect with organizations and individuals connected to institute tracks in locations distinct from their institute campus and/or to convene with Fellows from other institutes.

An important objective across all institutes is to develop the Fellows’ U.S.-based networks, understanding of U.S. markets, and ability to negotiate with American associates to advance U.S. and African partnerships and investments in support of shared prosperity and security. In addition to track-specific curricula, institutes should deliver a universal curriculum across all three institute tracks to support these goals and provide a common foundation for all Fellows. The curriculum should consist of group discussions, trainings, and exercises that focus on topics that may include consensus building, networking, negotiation, collective problem solving, effective communication and public speaking, management skills, and any other related topics.

Applicants should propose implementing a total of approximately 22 institutes, with at least five institutes in each of the three tracks and should demonstrate capacity to implement up to 25 institutes. The final number of institutes will depend on the final number of Fellows supported under the award, as determined in consultation with ECA.

Institutes should integrate all aspects of the program to increase Fellows’ understanding of American society, innovation, and institutions as relevant to one of the three tracks. Institutes in all three tracks should explore intersections with topics critical to U.S. foreign policy priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Institutes for Business and Trade should provide Fellows with an overview of the dynamic landscape of American business principles, strategies, and practices that drive innovation, job creation, and competitiveness in foreign established and emerging markets. Topics may include investment;

international and regional trade; infrastructure and service delivery;

responsible business conduct; public-private partnerships; bilateral trade policies; supply chains; emerging technologies and AI use in business; and financial management, among others. The institutes should encourage Fellows to formulate innovative and practical plans to expand their engagement in business and/or entrepreneurship in their communities and to develop new U.S.-Africa business connections that contribute to shared economic prosperity. Activities and site visits should include opportunities for Fellows to engage with leading enterprises and businesses to gain practical insights into the U.S. business environment and strategic opportunities for partnering with American industries.

• Institutes for Emerging Technologies should provide Fellows with an overview of U.S. innovation and leadership in emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning, biotech, robotics, and advanced computing.

Institutes may explore the scientific development and practical application of these technologies as they relate to specific industries such as global public health, mining, cybersecurity, education, agriculture, and resource management, among others. The institutes should encourage Fellows to harness transformative technologies to drive economic growth and resilience in their communities and develop new U.S.-Africa technological partnerships.

Activities and site visits should include opportunities for Fellows to engage with American experts and tech innovators to gain practical insights into forward-thinking applications for emerging technologies and the benefits of collaborating with U.S.-based companies and investors.

• Institutes for Governance and Security should provide Fellows with an overview of U.S. policies and practices that advance peace, combat crime, and address security threats at local, regional, and international levels. Topics may include cybersecurity; international negotiation and dialogue; societal advancement; policymaking; good governance; secure borders; conflict resolution; and health security. The institutes should explore the institutions, policies, and practices that support fundamental freedoms, accountability, and security. The institutes should encourage Fellows to pursue policies and practices that foster safe, secure, and stable environments for investment and economic growth in their home regions. Activities and site visits should include opportunities for Fellows to engage with American community leaders, policymakers, and legal experts to gain practical insights into U.S. civil society and the benefits of stronger U.S.-Africa partnerships.

Overview of the Professional Development Experience (PDE) The award recipient will be responsible for arranging four to five-week PDEs in the United States for approximately 50 of the Fellows. The Fellows selected for the PDEs will have distinguished records of accomplishment in their organizations, institutions, and communities and will be well-positioned to serve as key partners for U.S. engagement in their professional fields. PDEs will take place at relevant U.S.

organizations, companies, or agencies.

The PDEs are intended to provide Fellows with substantive professional experiences within U.S. companies or organizations to enhance their understanding of U.S.

business, innovation, and leadership and establish professional relationships with U.S. industry counterparts. For U.S. companies and organizations, the PDEs afford a unique opportunity to build global networks and expand their work to, or throughout, Africa. PDEs should be designed to offer an on-site, engaging experience for Fellows within relevant agencies and/or organizations.

Each Fellow should have one placement for the full duration of the PDE (rather than shorter successive placements) to allow the Fellow to get an in-depth understanding of the PDE placement. No more than one, or in exceptional cases two, Fellows per PDE cohort may be placed in one organization. In very limited cases, up to three Fellows may be placed in distinct offices or work units of one large organization.

Proposals must discuss how the award recipient, in collaboration with ECA, will recruit and select appropriate U.S. organizations for placements. To ensure that each Fellow has a substantive professional experience, PDEs should involve the commitment of at least one designated on-site supervisor/mentor within the PDE organization who understands the goals and objectives of the YALI Fellowship. The supervisor/mentor will provide the Fellow professional insight in the appropriate field of expertise.

Please note that the award recipient must secure all placements of PDEs in advance of the Fellows’ arrival in the United States.

Overview of the Reciprocal Exchange Component The recipient will be responsible for administering the YALI Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange component for approximately 80 U.S. citizens to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa. The Reciprocal Exchange component should provide small grants for individual or small groups of American professionals from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to collaborate with Fellowship alumni on projects that tackle strategic issues, foster lasting partnerships, contribute to market or network expansion, and increase ties between the United States and countries in Sub- Saharan Africa.

Each Reciprocal Exchange project should receive up $6,000 per American participant, and no project should receive more than $24,000 total in funding, regardless of the number of American participants. ECA anticipates that Reciprocal Exchanges may occur at any time during the award’s period of performance and within each individual project’s pre-determined period of performance.

ECA will coordinate with the Bureau of African Affairs and provide guidance to the recipient on strategic topics and project themes to ensure alignment with U.S.

government priorities.

The recipient is responsible for managing the application form for both the American professionals and for Fellowship alumni from all cohorts since the initiation of the program in 2014 (as project partners). Reciprocal Exchange participants must be selected through a merit-based competition. ECA will make final selections for Reciprocal Exchange projects in coordination with the recipient, regional bureau, and relevant U.S. Embassies and consulates.

Overview of Alumni/Follow-on Activities Proposals should provide plans for continued follow-on activities to ensure that ECA-supported programs are not isolated events. Proposed follow-on activities for alumni (Fellows and Reciprocal Exchange participants) should reflect the goals and objectives of the program. The proposal should include an outline and timeline of follow-on alumni programming, information on coordination with existing alumni efforts, and a description of how proposed activities will foster and maintain long-term linkages.

Proposals should reserve funds for on-demand alumni activities and event travel that align with program goals and U.S. foreign policy priorities. ECA welcomes proposals that include plans for thematic Alumni seminars, workshops, or other events in the region. Proposals should also include a way to recognize outstanding alumni who have a strong record of leadership and partnership with the U.S. in support of YALI and its goals. Applicants may also propose additional follow-on activities that encourage alumni to leverage their exchange experiences to advance U.S.-Africa partnerships.

The award recipient is responsible for maintaining an alumni database with updated records of all Fellowship program alumni since 2014. The FY 2026 award recipient will be responsible for working with the FY 2024 award recipient to transfer previous data. Each applicant must confirm that its system for collecting and storing data on Fellows and alumni is compatible with ECA’s systems. For current and future alumni, the database must continue to include biographical information on all Fellows; track media mentions and success stories; and include functionality to easily search for notable Fellowship alumni by name, Fellowship institute name, cohort year, professional sector, keywords, and other search criteria. Applicants should designate approximately one full-time position to oversee alumni activities, assigning additional staff as needed. The award recipient will report to ECA on the outcomes and effectiveness of all alumni activities.

Overview of Recruitment and Selection Proposals must demonstrate the capacity for the recipient to conduct a recruitment and selection process for Fellows and Reciprocal Exchange participants. The recipient will be responsible for developing and executing creative and comprehensive plans for the recruitment of qualified applicants through a merit-based competition for all YALI Fellowship opportunities. The recruitment plans should clearly state the primary purpose and audiences for key messages, making sure to differentiate between recruitment and general program marketing and promotion. Successful recruitment plans will provide specific strategies for attracting well-qualified pools of applicants.

The recipient will be responsible for creating an online application form for a merit-based competition. The application form and process should align with a comprehensive plan for selection and placement of Fellows. Plans for recruitment, selection, and placement should allow for U.S. Department of State involvement.

Selection plans should explore the use and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the applicant screening and review process, as appropriate and reasonable.

The recipient will also be responsible for developing application forms for the Reciprocal Exchange and other alumni opportunities such that U.S.-based professionals and Fellowship alumni from all cohorts since 2014 can apply. U.S.

embassies and consulates (posts) throughout Sub-Saharan Africa will play a significant role in recruitment and selection. ECA anticipates that posts will interview semi-finalist candidates and submit a slate of potential finalists. Proposals should include information about how the recipient plans to collaborate with posts in recruitment and selection efforts. The recipient will be responsible for developing training materials and opportunities for embassy employees involved in these efforts. ECA will approve a final list of eligible countries and participant numbers for selection.

Overview of Outreach In addition to recruitment plans, the proposal should include an outline to describe how the recipient will promote the YALI Fellowship to various audiences and media outlets, including print, online, and broadcast, to reach the widest possible audience of qualified applicants, potential institute partners, and other relevant audiences.

The proposal must also include a community outreach plan to educate U.S. citizens on the YALI Fellowship and how it benefits America and Americans, particularly those who will interact with Fellows during their time in the United States. Outreach should include print and virtual content.

Additionally, the proposal should address the recipient’s ability to maintain the YALI Fellowship website and all its components, including a private Fellowship Portal for alumni and selected finalists and alternates to access program information and resources. Content must be current and accurate. ECA may request changes to website content as needed. On occasion, ECA may request that the recipient assist in promoting and coordinating opportunities for Fellowship alumni with other elements of YALI including the YALI Network.

The recipient must notify and consult ECA before responding to any media inquiries regarding the Fellowship. Publications, program materials, the website, and all other platforms must be in accordance with U.S. Department of State and ECA branding guidelines. The recipient must submit the outreach strategy and all publication materials, including cover designs, to ECA for approval prior to publication and dissemination.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

The activities and the roles and responsibilities of the recipient for this program are outlined in the attached POGI document.

5. 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://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.

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 https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ program and this proposal.

• Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and

Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide – https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our website https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/)

• 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 E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures E1.1.04: Percent of foreign 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) E1.1.11: Percent of American participants indicating a change in their understanding of their host country's culture and values 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 foreign 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 https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua

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

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 E4.0.01: Percent of participants reporting increases in their job skills as a result of their program participation 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) E4.1.04: Number of professional placements E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants

• 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;

there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. 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. 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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI by the resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). In addition to those outlined above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the MODE Framework 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; 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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 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://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a), 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.

Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection System ECA has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data. The MODE Survey Builder offers implementing partners a guided workflow that will generate a ready-to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements.

Use of the Qualtrics survey platform can be utilized at no cost to implementing partners. Additional information about the MODE Survey Builder can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 and here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an alternate survey tool or use the MODE Survey Builder, but if you are utilizing the MODE Survey Builder, you must indicate such in your proposal.

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 https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM 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.

6. 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.

7. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines.

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," the Bureau "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.

8. 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.

Organizations should consider how they would 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.

9. 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.

10. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.

ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly known as “Freedom 250” – 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 Freedom 250. Any Freedom 250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided Freedom 250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.

11. Substantial Involvement.

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

a. Oversee all communications with U.S. embassies and consulates, the Bureau of African Affairs, and the Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs regarding the recruitment and selection of participants and other aspects of the Fellowship;

https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/ https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/

b. Work with award recipient on a plan for notifying Congressional representatives of the participation of Fellows and Reciprocal Exchange Participants in and from their districts/states and send notification letters;

c. Collaborate on and approve recruitment and outreach plans, including corresponding materials;

d. Approve participant eligibility requirements and selection criteria;

e. Approve the final selection of Fellows and Fellow placement as well as the

PDE and Reciprocal Exchange participants and locations; the Department of State will be involved in the selection process and will approve final selection of all Fellows;

f. Review and provide input on PDE placement sites and plans; and

g. Assist with participant emergencies when necessary, including but not limited to, serious health issues and crises, evacuations, and repatriation of remains.

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. 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

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 the ECA website at https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/.

https://www.grants.gov/

2. Department of State Contacts.

For questions about this announcement, contact: Natalie Spencer, U.S. Department of State, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA/A/E/USS, 202-632-9445, SpencerNR@state.gov.

All correspondence with ECA concerning this solicitation 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 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 solicitation are binding and may not be modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be binding.

3. 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 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.

4. 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/.

5. Submission Instructions.

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 https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/

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:…