FY26 AMMP - NOFO.pdf

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) FY2026 American Music Mentorship Program Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017971

Application Deadline: May 29, 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

J. Basic Information

1. Overview.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE FY 2026 AMERICAN MUSIC MENTORSHIP

PROGRAM (AMMP)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

NUMBER

DFOP0017971

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE New Cooperative Agreement DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 29 May, 2026 11:59pm Eastern (Washington

DC time)

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER

19.415

LENGTH OF PERFORMANCE

PERIOD

18 months

NUMBER OF AWARDS

ANTICIPATED

1 award

AWARD AMOUNT approximately $700,000

TOTAL AVAILABLE FUNDING $700,000, pending availability of funds

TYPE OF FUNDING FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE) Funds

FUNDING INSTRUMENT TYPE Cooperative Agreement

ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE September 1, 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 FY 2026 American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) cooperative agreement will implement a mentorship exchange pairing international mid-career music industry professionals who manage, produce, distribute, and promote music - with U.S. music industry mentors. Rather than focusing solely on performers, AMMP aims to strengthen music industry infrastructure and create pathways that expand global market access for American music.

AMMP’s FY 2026 theme, Made in America: Influence and Innovation of the American Music Industry, emphasizes commercial and creative development through residencies and training to strengthen participants’ capacity to effectively partner with American creative industries. The program fosters professional development, knowledge sharing, and new industry pathways such as licensing, co-production, and distribution to position the American music sector as a platform for innovation and cross-border collaboration, underscoring its role as a driver of American economic growth and cultural influence.

Mentees from three to five countries will participate in a two-week U.S. residency followed by monthly virtual sessions with American music industry mentors over approximately 10 to 12 months to sustain collaboration. Through curated mentorships these professionals will gain access to the U.S. music industry, enhance technical and business skills, and build lasting networks. Mentees will engage with experts from small companies, independent labels, and larger businesses during the residency, participating in workshops, forums, collaborations, and site visits.

An outbound component will send approximately 10 U.S. mentors and instructors overseas for approximately one week to engage with local music industries, expand networks, and share best practices.

AMMP is implemented through a public-private partnership between the U.S.

Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and a leading private sector organization in the U.S. music industry. This collaboration combines U.S. government leadership in cultural diplomacy with industry expertise to advance innovation and global engagement in the U.S. creative industries. The private sector partner leads recruitment and selection of U.S. mentors from its membership and provides access to creative, business, and technical leaders, while ECA provides strategic oversight and ensures alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The FY 2026 award recipient will serve as the implementing partner, managing program logistics, coordinating activities, and facilitating mentorship exchanges in close collaboration with both partners.

The award recipient must manage complex logistics, strict timelines, private sector partner and participant needs, program promotion, and share updates with all stakeholders.

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 $700,000. 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 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. Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should make sure the application details one or more award 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

2. 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.

3. Purpose.

The American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) advances U.S. strategic interests by showcasing American creativity and strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. music professionals. Through peer-to-peer mentorship, the program equips mid-career international music professionals with technical and business skills while promoting U.S. industry standards and values. AMMP uses cultural exchange as a form of commercial diplomacy—expanding access to foreign markets for U.S.

creative sectors, fostering partnerships that benefit American professionals, and reinforcing the United States as a premier destination for cultural investment and innovation. By drawing international attention to the U.S. music industry, the program strengthens the global presence of American music enterprises and affirms U.S. leadership in music strategy and cultural innovation.

The program also advances U.S. foreign policy priorities by leveraging the strength of the American music industry—one of the nation’s most competitive and globally influential creative sectors—to build durable, industry focused partnerships. By pairing international professionals with experienced U.S. mentors in areas such as artist development, production, leadership, business strategy, rights management, legal practice, and live event operations, AMMP highlights American excellence in entrepreneurship, intellectual property protection, and creative enterprise. This exchange model promotes transparent business practices, supports the expansion of legitimate markets for U.S. music and services, and strengthens relationships with partners committed to growth, innovation, and creative freedom. Through targeted, skills-based engagement, the program reinforces the global leadership of the U.S.

music sector while advancing economic opportunity and mutually beneficial cultural exchange.

4. Program Specific Guidelines.

Program Structure The FY 2026 cooperative agreement will support a professional mentorship exchange pairing up to 20 international mid-career music industry professionals (mentees) with American music industry professionals (mentors). The program consists of three interconnected components: a two-week U.S. residency for mentees, approximately one year of monthly virtual mentoring sessions, and a one-week outbound exchange sending up to 10 U.S. mentors and instructors overseas.

The Department of State will select participating countries (three to five) in consultation with regional bureaus and in coordination with the private sector partner.

Program Design The applicant will propose a mentoring and hands-on training program that leverages the full spectrum of talent, technical skills, and business expertise across the U.S. music industry—from individual experts to small and mid-sized companies to larger organizations. The program should advance commercial diplomacy and promote American cultural capital by supporting U.S. music industry professionals and strengthening the global presence of the U.S. music industry.

Proposals should include:

• A program concept that aligns with AMMP's goals and structure

• A clear rationale for proposed activities, professional tracks, and the sequencing of residency, virtual mentoring, and outbound components

• An explanation of how the program will build practical skills, professional networks, and sustained collaboration

Inbound U.S. Residency

Timeline: For proposal purposes, applicants should plan for the first U.S.-based exchange to occur in October 2027. The timeline must accommodate the needs of ECA and the private sector partner.

Location: ECA and the private sector partner will determine the residency site location with input from the selected award recipient. The location may include more than one city depending on budget and the needs of mentees and mentors. For proposal purposes, applicants should consider Los Angeles or New York as the sole residency location. The applicant may suggest other cities, but final determination will be made by ECA and the private sector partner, focusing on locations where the private sector partner has a robust existing presence to minimize mentor travel and maximize opportunities for professional site visits.

Program Design Requirements The two-week inbound residency will bring international participants to the United States for professional and technical support through tailored peer mentorships, expert fora, workshops, and other engagement opportunities. These activities should immerse mentees in the U.S. music marketplace, providing direct access to industry leaders, innovative business models, and best practices that drive the American music sector's global success.

The residency program will be developed in consultation with ECA and the private sector partner to ensure program objectives are met and should:

• Allow for full group and small group interactions to encourage a community of cross-sector industry professionals

• Provide a common workspace or hub where professionals can congregate daily to work or hold meetings and consultations with experts

• Offer peer mentoring and hands-on training that takes full advantage of the professional range, technical skills, and business expertise found throughout the music industry

• Include site visits to music industry facilities, businesses, and organizations that provide mentees with firsthand exposure to how the U.S. music industry operates. Site visits are essential to the program because they allow mentees to observe best practices in action, understand the infrastructure and business models that support the American music sector, and build direct connections with industry professionals in their work environments. These visits should be tailored to professional tracks and may include recording studios, performance venues, music publishing houses, artist management firms, record labels, streaming platforms, performing rights organizations, and other relevant industry locations

• Include facilitators to lead workshops and discussions and create activities that provide networking opportunities and enhancement activities leveraging the educational, cultural, and professional opportunities in the host city. Facilitators will complement mentor expertise and address mentee needs

• Include a reverse mentorship component in which mentees share their knowledge and expertise about the music industry with mentors and other U.S. music industry experts

• Include other virtual components designed by the applicant

Proposals should include:

• The applicant's detailed plan for the U.S. residency should include workshops, site visits, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities.

The proposal should describe how the applicant will:

• Begin with orientation covering expectations, program guidelines, cultural considerations, conduct standards, and safety

• Prepare participants through a program plan that readies mentors and mentees for their roles and optimizes virtual engagements

• Conclude with a closing session that brings together mentees, mentors, and industry leaders to review outcomes, identify opportunities for continued collaboration, and present mentees' action plans

• Recognize achievements through a closing event proposed by the applicant

• The closing session should include mentees sharing and receiving feedback on action plans that establish specific ways for continued engagement with mentor networks during the year-long virtual sessions.

Mentees should also discuss how they plan to share acquired skills with emerging music industry professionals and local creative communities in their home cities, countries, and regions. The closing ceremony may include an award presentation and/or other activities.

Mentor Participation Mentors will participate onsite for four days during the two-week residency program and will be available to meet with mentees during that time. Following the in-person program, mentors will meet virtually monthly with mentees for up to one year.

Mentors will provide behind-the-scenes access, bolster mentees' technical skills, and build foundations for lasting professional networks.

Virtual Mentoring To reinforce program impact, the in-person residency will be followed by monthly virtual mentor-mentee meetings for approximately one year. Proposals should describe how these sessions will be scheduled, supported, and tracked, including regular check-ins to ensure progress toward program goals.

Applicants may also consider virtual pre-departure orientations for mentees prior to U.S. travel and for mentors and instructors prior to overseas travel.

Outbound Overseas Exchange

Timeline: For proposal purposes, applicants should plan for the first outbound exchange to take place in April 2028. The timeline must reflect the needs of ECA, the private sector partner, and participating U.S. Embassies.

Program Design In collaboration with ECA, U.S. missions, and the private sector partner, the applicant will develop a one-week outbound program that sends up to 10 American mentors and instructors overseas to engage with international counterparts. The outbound component is developed in coordination with the participating U.S. embassy or consulate.

The applicant should present a concept that reflects local industry conditions and Embassy priorities. Activities may include workshops, consultations, networking events, media engagements, follow-on sessions, and other professional activities designed to:

• Promote collaboration

• Share U.S. industry expertise

• Support creative and technical development

• Strengthen professional relationships

The outbound exchange should expand international networks, create opportunities for American music professionals, and reinforce the United States' role as a leader in the global music industry.

We encourage creative approaches that demonstrate the applicant's understanding of music industry dynamics, cross-cultural exchange, and the coordination required among multiple stakeholders. Proposals should show how the applicant will design a cohesive program that builds meaningful relationships, develops practical skills, and creates lasting impact for participants and the broader music industry.

Participant Profile and Selection This program connects mid-career music industry professionals from participating countries with experienced mentors from the U.S. music industry. As the award recipient, you will manage a comprehensive selection process in coordination with ECA, U.S. Embassies and Consulates, and our private sector partner.

Participant Profiles

Mentees should be mid-career music industry professionals, typically ages 21 to 45, with demonstrated experience building creative talent and music industry infrastructure in their home countries. All mentees must demonstrate English language proficiency and identify a specific professional goal or challenge at the program's outset to guide their mentorship experience.

Mentors will be U.S. music industry professionals recruited by the private sector partner. They will participate in four days of onsite residency and conduct monthly virtual sessions for one year, both before and after the in-person exchange.

Professional Tracks ECA and the private sector partner will establish annual professional tracks based on country and regional needs. Mentees will be paired with mentors working in corresponding fields. Professional tracks may include:

• Audio production and engineering

• Artist development and A&R (Artists & Repertoire)

• Talent management and booking

• Publishing and performing rights organizations

• Business strategy and leadership

• Legal and intellectual property

• Live events and festival production

• Public relations and marketing

Needs Assessment and Recruitment Profile The awardee will conduct a needs assessment of local and regional music industries in countries selected by the Department of State. This assessment must be developed in coordination with ECA, the private sector partner, and participating U.S. embassies and consulates. Based on this assessment, you will create a recruitment profile that U.S. embassies and consulates will use to nominate mentee candidates.

Mentee Selection Process Your proposal should describe how you will design and manage the mentee recruitment, review, and selection process. This process must center on U.S.

embassies and consulates' recommendations and approval, requiring close coordination with U.S. embassies, ECA, and the private sector partner. The awardee will draft justifications recommending mentees for the Department of State's final determination and selection.

The selection criteria should address professional experience, leadership potential, and alignment with program tracks. Where feasible, the recruitment strategy should aim to bring multiple mentees from a single country who bring complementary skills to strengthen collaboration and post-program knowledge sharing.

Supporting Mentor Recruitment While the private sector partner will lead mentor recruitment and selection, you will play a supporting role. Your proposal should describe how you will coordinate with the private sector partner by sharing mentee profiles and other relevant details to assist in recruiting appropriate mentors.

Matching Process The mentor-mentee matching process will be conducted jointly by ECA, the private sector partner, and you, with the private sector partner taking the lead. Matches will be based on the interests, skills, and experience of mentees and mentors. Your proposal should demonstrate your aptitude and strategy for supporting this critical matching process to prepare all participants for success.

Required Timeline:

Mentees and mentors must be matched at least two months prior to the program opening, with mentor commitments confirmed at least three months in advance.

Logistical Coordination Your proposal should describe how you will make logistical arrangements for mentors, including travel, scheduling, and virtual engagement coordination. You will facilitate the year-long virtual mentorship sessions and coordinate travel for mentors visiting mentees' home countries every other year.

Proposals should include:

• A comprehensive recruitment and selection plan for mentees that demonstrates coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates

• A clear methodology for conducting the needs assessment that will inform professional tracks and participant selection

• A strategy for supporting the private sector partner's mentor recruitment efforts, including how you will share participant information effectively

• Clear selection criteria addressing professional experience, leadership potential, and alignment with program tracks

• A detailed approach to the matching process that shows how you will collaborate with ECA and the private sector partner while preparing participants for success

• Logistical coordination plans covering travel, scheduling, virtual engagements, and support for the year-long mentorship relationship

• ECA encourages creative approaches that demonstrate your understanding of the music industry, cross-cultural mentorship dynamics, and the coordination required among multiple partners. Your proposal should show how you will balance embassy input, participant needs, program objectives, and logistical realities to create meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.

Staffing and Facilitating the Program Staffing Plan The applicant should propose a sample schedule and staffing plan that demonstrates the applicant's network of professional contacts. Proposals should include suggestions for U.S.-based individuals or organizations to staff the program and describe the roles and responsibilities of all staff, facilitators, or collaborators in terms of project logistics, management, and oversight.

The applicant will recommend and recruit staff to coordinate and lead the program as well as coordinate with ECA and the private sector partner to select music industry technical experts to facilitate workshops. Like the participants, staff and facilitators should be mid-career professionals, creating peer-to-peer relationships.

The proposal should outline how staff and facilitators will be recruited in coordination with ECA and the private sector partner and approved by both.

Communications and Program Materials The production and publication of print and online program materials should be designed and developed in collaboration with ECA, the relevant U.S. embassies and consulates, and, as needed, the private sector partner. Relevant materials (digital and print) may include promotional materials (for use in the United States and abroad) and programmatic materials (such as program books, orientation or mentoring guidelines).

Materials and designs must be approved by ECA, and where relevant the private sector partner, prior to publication and/or distribution. The applicant must allow ECA a minimum of three weeks for this review process.

The applicant must coordinate all public announcements regarding AMMP (including press releases, website updates, etc.) with ECA's Office of Public Affairs and Strategic

Communications (PASC). Printed materials and websites must adhere to the guidelines referred to in C.12. Communications Guidance for ECA Grant Recipients.

Program Tracking The applicant should create and provide ECA with a tracking system, such as on Google or Airtable, to communicate and track all program components, follow-on programs, and other related activities. This tracking system should provide up-to-date program details, such as, but not limited to, dates, progress, status, and outcomes.

5. Recipient Responsibilities.

The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows:

Phase 1: Program Planning and Design

a. Conduct a needs assessment of local and regional music industries in selected countries, in coordination with ECA, the private sector partner, and U.S. Embassies. Use this to inform professional track selection and mentee recruitment profiles.

b. Work with ECA and the private sector partner to establish annual professional tracks based on identified needs.

c. Design a comprehensive selection process for mentees, obtain ECA approval, and ensure nominations and vetting by U.S. embassies.

d. Provide mentee profiles to the private sector partner to assist with mentor recruitment and selection.

e. Develop a detailed program timeline covering all phases.

f. Recruit staff and facilitators (with ECA and private sector approval) ensuring mid-career professionals for peer-to-peer engagement.

g. Design a responsive program structure for mentees and mentors

(mentoring sessions, workshops, networking, cultural excursions).

h. Develop orientation and closing session plans for mentees and mentors.

i. Design and facilitate a reverse mentorship component for mentees to share expertise with U.S. mentors.

j. Develop a comprehensive media and public relations strategy (with ECA approval) and follow ECA guidance for digital content.

k. Ensure branding compliance (credit language, U.S. flag, Department of

State Seal on all materials).

Phase 2: Pre-Program Preparations

a. Designate a project manager(s) to oversee all activities, serve as primary ECA contact, and coordinate stakeholder communications.

b. Maintain ongoing coordination with ECA and private sector partner throughout all phases.

c. Ensure mentors are matched with mentees at least two months prior and confirm mentor commitments three months in advance.

d. Provide mentors with background briefs on music industry landscapes and challenges.

e. Conduct virtual introductions and orientations for mentors and mentees;

clarify expectations.

f. Conduct pre-travel orientations (virtual and in-person) covering program expectations, logistics, safety, cultural awareness, and codes of conduct.

g. Provide U.S. embassy public diplomacy staff with program materials before pre-departure orientation.

h. Enroll participants in ECA’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges

(ASPE).

i. Manage and arrange all travel, immunizations, and pre-travel preparations for participants and facilitators.

j. Identify and secure accessible, safe facilities for in-person activities.

k. Secure and manage a common workspace or hub for daily program activities.

Phase 3: Program Implementation

a. Implement mentorship exchange activities (U.S.-based and international), including logistical arrangements for up to 20 participants inbound and up to 10 participants outbound.

b. Coordinate and host meetings with ECA and private sector partner to review progress and finalize decisions.

c. Coordinate site visits to music industry facilities tailored to professional tracks.

d. Facilitate cultural excursions for participants to engage with local communities and institutions.

e. Support mentor-mentee relationships through virtual sessions, provision of program materials, and ongoing communication.

f. Schedule, support, and track monthly virtual mentor-mentee meetings for one-year post-residency.

g. Facilitate development of mentee action plans for continued engagement and knowledge sharing.

h. Develop and implement a one-week outbound program sending U.S.

mentors overseas for workshops and networking.

i. Design and implement a closing event to recognize achievements.

Phase 4: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

a. Provide day-to-day monitoring to prevent or manage issues during the program.

b. Maintain a tracking system for real-time visibility into progress and outcomes.

c. Conduct a post-program survey of mentors and mentees per ECA’s M&E guidelines.

d. Provide ECA with regular program highlights and summaries during and after program completion.

e. Comply with all financial and program reporting requirements, including stipend/honorarium disbursements and sub-award management.

6. Goals and Objectives.

Goals Advance U.S. Leadership and Global Competitiveness in the Music

Industry Elevate the visibility and influence of the American music industry by showcasing the breadth of U.S. creative talent, business expertise, and industry innovation. Strengthen the United States’ position as a global leader in music, creative entrepreneurship, and commercial diplomacy.

Promote American Cultural Capital Share the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and high artistic merit of American music with international audiences. Use music as a platform to foster relationships, highlight America First priorities, and build positive narratives about the United States.

Empower American Music Professionals and Expand Global Market Access Provide U.S. music industry professionals with opportunities to develop new skills, build international networks, and access emerging markets.

Support American professionals in identifying new commercial opportunities and expanding their global reach.

Foster Cross-Border Collaboration and Innovation Encourage creative partnerships, co-production, and knowledge exchange between American and international music professionals. Build enduing relationships that drive innovation and support the growth of the global music ecosystem.

Support the America First Foreign Policy and Public Diplomacy Objectives

Align program activities with America First priorities, using music as a tool to advance the Administration’s foreign policy goals, strengthen people-to-people ties, and support the development of creative industries worldwide.

Objectives

• Showcase American music industry leadership through residencies, workshops, and mentorships that connect U.S. professionals with international counterparts.

• Facilitate professional exchanges that enable American mentors to share expertise, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and promote best practices in music production, management, and distribution.

• Bring international mid-career music professionals to the United States for a two-week immersive, hands-on training and networking with American industry leaders.

• Send American music professionals overseas to engage in a week of workshops, consultations, and collaborative projects that expand their international networks and market opportunities.

• Support the development of action plans and ongoing collaborations that extend beyond the program, enabling participants to apply new skills, share knowledge, and contribute to their local music communities.

• Create opportunities for educational outreach, community engagement, and public performances that highlight the impact of American music and foster mutual understanding.

• Build the capacity of creative leaders and institutions to develop new skills, partnerships, and business models that promote entrepreneurship and industry growth.

• Strengthen the global presence of American music enterprises by facilitating connections with international partners, industry stakeholders, and audiences.

• Encourage participants to serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing their experiences and insights with peers, communities, and the broader creative sector.

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://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 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 ο 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)

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

E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the American people (core indicator) https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/

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 ο Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in their ability to have an impact in their home country (core indicator) Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions

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

E3.0.04: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of third country nationals

E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State program participant (core indicator) ο 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 E4.0.05: Percent of participants who report an increase in technical skills as a result of their program participation ο 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) E4.1.11: 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 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.

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI 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 https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a 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 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.

a. All proposed costs must be reasonable, allowable, , and allocable.

b. Cover the cost of and arrange for all international and domestic travel

(complying with the Fly America Act) and lodging for U.S. and foreign participants, including travel for visa interviews when necessary, transit costs, ground transportation costs, airline baggage, and seat fees. There is no charge for J-1 visas for participants in ECA-sponsored programs.

c. In-Country Travel Costs for Visa Processing Purposes. Given the requirements associated with obtaining J-1 visas for ECA-supported participants, applicants should include costs for any travel associated with visa interviews or DS-2019 pick-up.

d. Accident and Sickness Coverage. Enroll participants in a health insurance plan for the period of the exchange. Participants can be enrolled in ECA’s ASPE with no charge to the cooperative agreement. Alternatively, you may use your own plan if it offers the same or better coverage- and costs no more https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM than $50 per person per month; premiums may be included in the agreement request. Please see section E. Healthcare Coverage of the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) document for more information. The Bureau’s coverage may cover medical costs, such as, but not limited to, vaccinations and medications as necessary when traveling overseas.

e. Manage all financial aspects of the program, including stipend/honorarium disbursements to the participants and management of sub-award relationships with partner organizations. There must be a summary budget, as well as breakdowns reflecting both non-participant and participant support budgets. The applicant may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.

f. All budget guidelines must be followed. The budget should indicate any cost sharing in the form of in-kind or cash contributions to the program from sources other than the Department of State. See the PSI in the Solicitation Package for information on cost sharing and the cost of audits.

g. Include a Summary and Detailed Budget on a separate page before the line-item budget. Following the line-item budget, please include a Budget Narrative that concisely explains how costs were calculated and the rationale for including them in the budget.

h. Housing in the United States and overseas. The award recipient will be responsible for providing clean, safe, and reasonably located housing for participants, and as needed for the program leaders, workshop facilitators, mentors, and recipient organization staff, during their stay in the host cities.

Hotel stays should not exceed government per diem rates for lodging.

i. Transportation. The award recipient will be responsible for providing methods of transportation for all non-local participants during their stay in the host cities.

j. Orientation Costs. The award recipient will provide participants informational materials about AMMP and the logistics involved in traveling to the United States and overseas. This information will be included in virtual pre-departure orientations for the AMMP participants led by the applicant in coordination with the Department of State. The award recipient will also conduct a comprehensive orientation for all of the AMMP participants upon their arrival in the program location.

k. Closing Session Costs. The award recipient will be responsible for organizing and paying for a closing session at the end of the residency for mentees and mentors.

l. Consultants. Consultants may be used to provide specialized expertise or to make presentations. Daily honoraria amount for consultants can be up to

$300. These honoraria amount limit can be higher to accommodate special circumstances. However, ECA review and approval will be needed in those special circumstances. NOTE: While in the United States, the mentors are selected by the private sector partner and are providing their services pro-bono with the expectation of only four days onsite during the residency. The virtual mentoring session is also pro-bono. When traveling abroad, mentors will receive stipends and per diem like other program participants.

m. Subcontracting organizations may also be used, in which case the written agreement between the prospective applicant and the subcontractor should be included in the proposal. Subcontracts should be itemized in the budget.

n. Venue/Conference Room Rental. Venue and room rental rates will need to be reviewed and approved by ECA.

o. Sound Equipment, Videography, and Photography. Rates will need to be reviewed and approved by ECA.

p. Materials Development. Proposals should contain costs to purchase, develop, and print brochures, and other promotional materials.

q. The proposed budget should include but not be limited to the following program expenses:

a. Maximum limits on cooperative agreement funding for specific expenses are as follows (if costs for these expenses exceed these limits, organizations are encouraged to cost share any rates that exceed the amounts listed below:

books and educational materials allowance-$100 per participant consultant/interpreters/program leaders/workshop facilitators/escorts/performers fees and honoraria-$300/day cultural allowance -$150/participant stipend for mentees should be between $500-$1500, unless applicant is able to cost-share this expense to exceed $1500.

The stipend is inclusive of all virtual components of the program.

per diem-standard government rates for participants. Mentors are volunteering their time while in the U.S., but mentors who are selected to travel for AMMPs should receive the standard envoy rate of $300/day honorarium and government per diem rates and lodging. Refer to the published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities, which can be found at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287. ECA requests applicants to budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy and do not exceed Federal per diem rates.

Performance monitoring and evaluation costs up to 3% of the http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287 cooperative agreement beyond what is described in Section D.10 Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

b. Domestic and international travel for participants, domestic travel for…