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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) FY 2026 Community Solutions Program

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0018816 Application Deadline: July 23, 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 Community Solutions Program Funding Opportunity Number

DFOP0018816

Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement Deadline for Applications July 23, 2026 11:59pm Eastern (Washington

DC time) Assistance Listing Number 19.415 Length of Performance Period

28 months

Number of Awards Anticipated

One award

Award Amount Approximately $3,000,000 Total Available Funding $3,000,000, pending availability of funds Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange

Programs (ECE) Funds Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement Anticipated Award Date September 4, 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 Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks proposals for a cooperative agreement to design and implement the FY 2026 Community Solutions Program (CSP). The United States has a strong tradition of hard work, entrepreneurship, and local leadership that has powered economic growth. American communities succeed by building on what they do best — innovating, strengthening key industries, and coordinating business, workforce, and community leadership to deliver results. CSP invests in American and international community leaders interested in learning from proven U.S.

approaches to regional economic growth. It will engage leaders, ages 27–39, who will work alongside American partners to understand how regional industry clusters and locally driven strategies expand opportunities that benefit the American people.

During a three- to four-month exchange in the United States, approximately 50–60 participants will work directly with American counterparts on real-world economic growth initiatives across key sectors such as: culinary industries/farm-to-table;

business and entrepreneurship; hospitality and tourism; technology and innovation, and others as proposed. Placements will demonstrate how U.S. communities organize around regional industry clusters to attract talent, secure investment, grow businesses, and strengthen local economies.

Participants will return home with practical, results-oriented approaches they can apply to support community growth and stability, while opening new markets for Americans. Approximately 20–25 Americans will take part in reciprocal exchanges to advance joint projects, strengthen partnerships, and deliver clear economic benefits to U.S. communities. CSP develops results-oriented leaders who drive results, strengthen alliances and business networks, bolster global stability, and deepen relationships that advance U.S. economic interests and security.

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 $3,000,000. 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 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. Proposals must include the geographic regions listed in the NOFO; not doing so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

g. Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should make sure the application discusses 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 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 FY 2026 CSP brings together experienced community leaders, from select countries and the United States, to support practical, results-driven approaches to regional economic growth and community prosperity. The program strengthens American communities while building reliable international partnerships that expand opportunities for U.S. workers, businesses, and local leaders.

2. Program Specific Guidelines.

CSP builds on America’s leadership in industry clusters and proven regional growth strategies. CSP equips participants with the skills, relationships, and hands-on experience needed to lead cross-sector efforts that strengthen local economies.

Through placements with U.S. host organizations, participants engage directly with American communities applying practical, regional- and/or local economic models that drive regional growth. Participants are organized in regional cohorts and work with local leaders, businesses, and workforce partners to advance real-world economic development initiatives. Participants return to their home communities with practical, action-oriented projects designed to apply U.S. regional-based approaches that help local communities prosper. A reciprocal exchange component enables American participants to collaborate on joint projects that expand resources and opportunities for U.S. communities.

Participants from selected countries travel to the United States for an approximately three to four-month exchange that includes a tailored professional placement in an American business, cultural institution, government office, nonprofit organization, public institution, or social incubator. Working alongside U.S.

counterparts, participants will contribute to practical, place-based economic development efforts. Participants should be organized in regional cohorts that accelerate resource sharing, impact, and cross-sector coordination related to clustered economic initiatives. Activities should expose participants to strategies that can be adapted in their home communities.

The U.S.-based exchange program, including tailored placements, will focus on hands-on leadership and practical skills needed to support regional growth.

Participants will engage in real-world, cross-sector work with local partners, gaining direct experience in efforts that strengthen regional economies and local communities.

Regional Coordinators - drawn from local business, community, or tech leaders -will support program implementation by ensuring participants are actively sharing insights, resources, and lessons learned across host organizations within each regional cluster. Coordinators will convene regional meetings, virtual or in-person, bringing together participants and host organizations to share practical solutions, expertise, and ideas. The meetings should be designed to encourage participants to learn from and contribute to American innovations in regional development.

Following the U.S.-based exchange, selected American counterparts will participate in reciprocal overseas visits to share U.S. approaches to cluster-based regional economic development, advance joint projects, and identify new opportunities for regional growth. These reciprocal exchanges are designed to expand opportunities and markets for Americans while strengthening the relationships between CSP alumni and U.S. host communities. CSP develops a cadre of future-focused leaders committed to local development to attract talent, strengthen local industries, and drive sustainable growth.

The proposal should integrate CSP goals into all aspects of program design and implementation, with special attention to maximizing concrete, measurable impact in the United States and participating countries.

3a. Program Tracks.

The CSP should provide applied leadership and skill training through a training component. Proposed activities should equip participants to work with U.S.

community and business leaders across sectors to develop practical, results-driven solutions that strengthen regional economies and support long-term community growth. Every effort should be made to provide participants with practical models of regional economic development that can be adapted in their home countries. The program should develop a cadre of trusted partners who strengthen international collaboration and expand markets and opportunities for American businesses and communities working in key sectors such as: culinary industries/farm-to-table;

business and entrepreneurship; hospitality and tourism; technology and innovation, and others as suggested.

Participants should have the opportunity to focus on specific skill building and leadership tracks during this training component. The track-based trainings should extend the duration of the program and should include, but are not limited to:

• Coalition building and Public-Private Partnerships

• E-Commerce and Digital Tools

• Project Development and Management

• Resource Mobilization and Development

• Transportation and Infrastructure

• Workforce Development and Transformation

• Youth Engagement and Retention

The applicant may propose alternative tracks provided the suggestions advance a regional economic development framework, align with program and Administration goals, and include a strong justification for inclusion in the FY 2026 CSP.

3b. Partner Countries.

To the extent possible, program participants should be recruited and selected from strategic countries in Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. It is anticipated that approximately 30-40 countries will be selected, in partnership with the Department of State regional bureaus, for inclusion in the FY26 CSP award. A final list of countries will be provided to the award recipient following the issuance of the FY26 CSP award. No guarantee is made or implied that every country will have participants. ECA reserves the right to adjust and/or add eligible countries should conditions change in a country and/or if other countries are identified as viable alternatives and/or based on Department of State priorities.

3c. Participant Recruitment.

Proposals should include a strategy to implement an open merit-based recruitment campaign designed to reach the targeted demographics in participating countries. Outreach efforts should be appropriately tailored to the country or region, account for applicant safety and well-being, and have the broadest possible reach. It is anticipated that the participants’ backgrounds will be varied and could include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, technology, and other professional fields, but with a unifying commitment to the community-based initiatives and growth. Successful candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of leading or supporting initiatives with measurable benefits to local communities. Proposals should include sample recruitment and selection materials that demonstrate organizational capacity and expertise in global outreach efforts.

3d. Participant eligibility:

Competition for CSP is merit-based and open to community leaders who submit a completed application and meet the following criteria, at the time of application:

• Age 27-39;

• Living and working in their country;

• Has a minimum of five years of experience working on community issues;

• Able to begin the CSP program in the United States in 2027;

• Able to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;

• Committed to returning to their home country for a minimum of two-years after completion of the program and implementing a community-based project; and,

• Proficient in spoken and written English.

Individuals in the following circumstances are NOT eligible to apply:

• U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents of the United States;

• Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years;

• Individuals residing or working outside their home countries at the time of application. This includes individuals participating in academic, training, or research programs in the United States or other countries at the time of application. In consultation with ECA, special consideration may be given to individuals completing school courses or non-USG programming outside of their home countries at the time of application but have returned home six months prior to the start of program; and,

• Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government (e.g., U.S. Department of State, Public Affairs Sections of U.S. embassies, or other U.S. government agencies) who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of application.

Other criteria may be determined in consultation with ECA, including public-health related status based on guidance from federal agencies and/or updated national security policies.

3e. Participant Selection.

Proposals should address how participant applications will be screened for completeness and eligibility. Applicant organizations should convene a selection committee with expertise in relevant fields to read and evaluate each application using an evaluative form and scoring matrix reviewed and approved by ECA. A percentage of individuals receiving top scores on their applications (approximately three candidates for every placement available), should be invited for an English language interview, either in person or virtual. Each member of the interview team will complete an evaluation form designed by applicant, and approved by ECA, to evaluate and rank-order candidates based on the anticipated number of finalists and alternate candidates.

The award recipient should administer an Institutional TOEFL or comparable English-language proficiency exam to each semi-finalist who does not already possess a valid TOEFL score of 520 (or 213 on the computer-Based Test) or higher.

The recruitment and selection of candidates for CSP program is the responsibility of the award recipient in consultation with ECA and participating U.S.

embassies. Proposals should include plans for maintaining a close working relationship with ECA and embassy counterparts. The award recipient should maintain ongoing communication with the Public Diplomacy Sections (PDS) of relevant embassies and coordinate PDS’ involvement, as possible, during the recruitment, interview, selection, and pre-departure orientation phases of the program. PDSs should be invited to read applications, participate in interviews, and provide comments on semi-finalists. Based on the written applications, English-language interviews, language proficiency scores, and PDS’ comments, the award recipient will select a final slate of recommended CSP finalists and alternates to ECA, and then PDS, for approval. The applicant must inform, in writing, all finalists, alternate candidates, and unsuccessful applicants of their status in the competition

3f. Selection of U.S.-based Placements.

Placement sites should provide hands-on experience where participants apply leadership skills, build professional expertise, and work alongside American counterparts to support local growth that benefits U.S. communities. Placements should expose participants to best practices in cross-sector, regional development that can be adapted to strengthen the participant’s home communities. U.S.-based exchanges serve as learning labs where participants can:

• Apply leadership and management theory;

• Experience American innovation and expertise in regional cluster strategies;

• Engage in substantive organizational initiatives and projects;

• Strengthen skills in local community-driven economic development;

• Learn how public, private, and nonprofit sectors collaborate to drive cross-sector growth and prosperity in regions; and,

• Positively contribute to American organizations and communities.

The proposal must address how applicants will recruit, select, and secure host organizations that advance program goals. Host institutions should be proposed for ECA review based on their demonstrated track record of success in community-based initiatives, organizational culture, ability to provide participant support, and capacity to engage in cross-sector collaboration.

The proposal should address how the program will ensure participants meet with a wide-cross section of Americans during their time in the United States and access to immersive experiences with U.S. host communities. Placements should group participants into regional cohorts, embedded across multiple organizations within a defined region to demonstrate how coordinated, cross-sector collaboration drives economic growth and local innovation.

The proposal must clearly specify the level of support required from U.S.

organizations and institutions hosting CSP participants. Each participant should be paired with both an organizational mentor and a regional coordinator.

Organizational mentors—professionals within the host organization—will guide participants through onboarding, help them acclimate, connect them to professional resources, and assign substantive projects that advance the program goals.

Regional Coordinators, selected from host organizations and local communities, will manage regional cohorts of participants placed across multiple host sites within the same cluster. Coordinators will ensure participants regularly share insights, resources, and lessons learned across organizations and projects, strengthening coordination and reinforcing a cluster-based approach to regional economic and community development. Placements should be in-person to maximize engagement and exposure to American organizations and communities.

3g. Pre-Departure Orientation.

A pre-departure orientation (PDO), virtual, in-person or blended, should be conducted for CSP finalists before they depart their home countries. The pre-departure orientation should be the entry point for participants’ exchange experience. Pre-departure orientations should:

• prepare participants for travel to the United States;

• prepare them for a successful exchange in the United States;

• clarify program’s goals and regulations, including each participant’s mandatory compliance with the J-1 visa two-year physical home residency requirement; and,

• review the program’s CSP Terms and Conditions document.

The Terms and Conditions document will be developed by the award recipient and approved by ECA. Each participant must receive and sign a copy of the CSP Terms and Conditions prior to his or her departure to the United States.

3h. U.S.-based Orientation.

The U.S.-based orientation acts as an introduction to the program. The proposal should exercise creativity in designing a U.S.-based orientation and related activities that is impactful, interactive, and advances program goals. The proposal should include an agenda for a U.S.-based orientation.

3i. Host Organization and Regional Coordinators Orientation.

U.S. Host Organizations, and Regional Coordinators, should also receive a thorough orientation that provides resources to successfully collaborate with CSP participants. The host orientation should reinforce program goals and review respective roles and responsibilities. Host organizations and regional coordinators should be informed of resources available to support CSP participants and exchange activities. Proposals should include a draft agenda and associated materials that demonstrate organizational capacity and expertise.

3j. Innovation and Applied Skills Labs.

Innovation and applied skill labs provide structured, hands-on skill building that enable participants to develop and apply leadership and management tools to support cross-sector regional growth. Labs should equip participants with practical tools to turn ideas into action and deliver results that strengthen and accelerates regional growth. Leadership and skills training - delivered in-person and/or virtually - should emphasize real-world application and strengthening skills that support local initiatives. Proposals should include activities that support committed community leaders in driving growth and prosperity at the local and regional level.

Program activities should highlight how emerging technologies, including AI, can strengthen key industries, support business growth, and create new opportunities for workers and communities. Technology should be integrated throughout the program to support practical learning, improve collaboration, and encourage innovation.

The proposal may include leadership experts, instructors, and facilitators from outside the applicant’s organization. Participants should be exposed to a variety of leaders, innovators, advocates, and policy experts representing a range of backgrounds, viewpoints, and occupations on the topics and issues explored as part of CSP. Proposals should also describe how materials and activities will be adapted for different learning styles, with a focus on hands-on, applied learning.

3k. Regional Coordination.

Regional Coordinators, selected from U.S. host institutions and local partners, will convene regular in-person and virtual meetings that bring together a cohort of CSP participants placed across different host organizations in a regional cluster. These sessions will ensure participants actively share insights, resources, and lessons learned from their respective placements, strengthening collaboration across the cohort. Coordinators will apply a cluster-based approach that reflects U.S. regional economic development models by reviewing structured cross-sector collaboration in a particular regional cluster. This structure will help align efforts across host sites, reinforce shared learning, and support practical solutions that advance regional growth.

3l. End-of-Program Workshop.

The proposal should include a capstone workshop in Washington, D.C. at the conclusion of the U.S.-based program. This final event should highlight the achievements of participants and host organizations, clearly demonstrate the program’s positive impact on American communities, and offer practical activities that help turn innovative ideas into real-world results. Proposals should present a creative and compelling design for the capstone event. Proposals should articulate the overarching goals for the final event and include a draft agenda that celebrates the program’s impact and contributions to local and regional prosperity, in the U.S.

and overseas.

While the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will arrange meetings with key Department stakeholders, the award recipient is responsible for planning and implementing all other aspects of the workshop.

Award recipients are expected to work closely with ECA to ensure the capstone event is well-coordinated, impactful, and aligned with program goals.

3m. Program Safety and Welfare Monitoring.

The proposal should include a plan to monitor the safety and welfare of CSP and U.S. participants. The award recipient should be prepared to troubleshoot and resolve issues in real-time as they emerge. At a minimum, the proposal should:

• cite the intended frequency of communication with the participants, representatives of the U.S. host institutions, and regional coordinators;

• outline performance goals or benchmarks for the participants’ exchange in the United States, regional prosperity councils, as well as U.S. participants’ reciprocal visits; and,

• include a plan for monitoring U.S. participants while they are working on collaborative projects with the CSP participants.

The proposal should address how the quality of the participants’ experience, both in the United States and overseas, will be evaluated and impact to the American people measured.

3n. Performance Monitoring.

In addition to reporting for Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE), see Section 6, Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), it is critical that the applicant monitor CSP participants’ progress in achieving program goals and objectives while they are at their U.S. host institutions (e.g., through surveys, interviews, work plans, email, etc.) and while implementing follow-on projects.

The proposal must present a comprehensive plan to measure program success.

Proposals should define clear objectives and outcomes aligned with CSP goals and include a strategy to collect data from participants and U.S. community members alike. Performance monitoring tools must complement, rather than duplicate, ECA’s MODE activities. The award recipient is expected to track participants and partners, and provide data responsive to key indicators, including:

• Effectiveness of the program model and core components in advancing stated goals and objectives;

• Delivery and impact of leadership and professional development training;

• Scope and impact of the program on the American people, institutions, and communities;

• Program’s success in supporting the community leaders; and,

• Effects of the program on participants’ home communities or institutions.

The performance monitoring plan should include indicators that assess the impact of the program here in the United States.

3o. Follow-on Country Projects.

Proposals should present a creative and clearly defined plan for participants to utilize their U.S.-based experience to strengthen their home communities. It is anticipated that U.S. participants, and potentially regional coordinators, will play an active role in the development and implementation of follow-on projects, including participation in international travel and in-country programming. Proposals should address how reciprocal visits, from select U.S. host representatives, will support the implementation of participant projects and strengthen collaboration between CSP and U.S. participants. Applicants are invited to propose an innovative name and design for the follow-on component that reflects U.S. leadership in cluster-based economic development and local community growth. Applicants may also include follow-on activities that engage alumni from U.S. government programs and other local organizations, leveraging expertise to advance American interests and community needs.

3p. U.S. Fellow Reciprocal Exchange.

The proposal should include opportunities for Americans to participate in reciprocal visits, one- to two-week international exchanges, to support CSP participants’ follow-on projects and expand opportunities for Americans. These exchanges should be substantive, advance practical collaboration, and deliver clear benefits to both U.S. and overseas communities. U.S. participants are expected to be selected primarily from those who served as Host Supervisors, or other American colleagues who worked directly with the Fellow, during the U.S.-based exchange.

Reciprocal visits should sustain collaboration, strengthen ongoing relationships, and support shared cross-sector problem-solving that reflects American leadership and innovation. The proposal should also describe how technology and social media will be used to support coordination, strengthen communication, and amplify the impact of joint projects.

Proposals should include a sample application, a detailed timeline, a description of the selection process for the U.S. reciprocal exchange components, and outline program support before, during, and after the reciprocal visit. The selection process should be structured to provide sufficient time for ECA and U.S. embassies to review and approve U.S. participants, ensuring alignment with program goals and U.S. strategic interests.

3q. Alumni Programming.

Proposals must include a clear, results-oriented strategy for alumni engagement that advances CSP’s goals and builds on the America’s leadership in enterprise, innovation, and economic growth. Alumni programming should support ongoing skill development, strengthen leadership capacity, and contribute to measurable impact in the United States and partner countries. Applicants are strongly encouraged to leverage existing U.S. government alumni networks to maximize resources, expand connections, and extend program reach.

Proposals should demonstrate creativity in designing alumni programming and must include an outline of proposed follow-on alumni activities. Proposals should also address how proposed alumni activities will be coordinated with, and integrated into, existing ECA initiatives in the United States and abroad. Applicants should creatively leverage technology to engage individuals before, during, and after their exchange, amplifying the program’s impact and supporting continued leadership and community engagement.

3r. Participant Tracking and Database Management The tracking of program participants, host organizations, community partners, and alumni is crucial to evaluating program goals, highlighting successes, and adjusting program components in real-time. The proposal must provide a clear plan for participant tracking and database management and sharing data with ECA, as well as PDs in participating countries. Award recipients should be prepared to transfer all information gathered and compiled by applicant to ECA. Additionally, award recipients may be asked to provide regular data submissions, via electronic upload or data transfer, to an ECA database, or to enter data directly into an ECA provided spreadsheet and/or platform. Data fields should include but are not limited to the following: first name; middle name; last name; sex; date of birth;

country of citizenship; country of residence; field of study/research topic;

home/host institution or affiliation; program category; fiscal and calendar year of participation; and U.S. city and state where the practicum takes place. The award recipient will be expected to assist with the submission of all data for the Bureau’s annual statistical report.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows for the overseas administration of the program:

1. Coordinate with ECA on all aspects of recruitment and selection including development of review criteria, outreach strategies, and the final selection of applicants;

2. Develop a merit-based recruitment campaign for individuals meeting the eligibility criteria for the program;

3. Design, launch, and support a digital application platform that supports the real-time tracking and monitoring of application data;

4. Develop a transparent review process to evaluate applicants for CSP that provides opportunities to involve PDS at participating U.S. embassies.

5. Arrange English language interviews (virtual or in-person) for semi-finalists as part of the selection process;

6. Administer an Institutional TOEFL or an equivalent language-based assessment to evaluate semi-finalists’ English language abilities;

7. Develop a digital platform to assist finalists in preparing for their U.S.-based exchange program, answer questions on programmatic issues, including but not limited to leadership development, professional skill development, service-learning opportunities, U.S. cultural norms, program responsibilities and expectations, travel, health and safety issues, accident and sickness benefits, housing, etc.; this platform should also provide resources and answer questions for U.S participants, or other leadership professionals traveling under this program;

8. Conduct pre-departure orientations (virtual or in-person) for CSP finalists and U.S. participants before they depart their home countries;

9. Facilitate communication between finalists and host organizations and communities prior to participants departing to the United States, including but not limited to communication about program and community resources, any pre-program leadership assignments, and leadership development activities;

10. Monitor and support U.S. participants activity overseas, including the implementation of follow-on and community-based projects;

11. Design and support alumni programming. Recipient organizations should collaborate with ECA’s Alumni Affairs Office to support alumni activities;

and,

12. Report on program impact on participants, institutions, and the areas they serve.

The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows for the U.S.

administration of CSP:

1. Recruit and maintain a cadre of U.S. public, private, and non-profit institutions and organizations able to support a professionally tailored placement for CSP participants;

2. Develop and communicate program guidelines, and other relevant materials, to U.S. host organization. Recipients should host a virtual orientation for U.S. host organization representatives to review program goals, policies, available resources, and responsibilities:

3. Develop and maintain a digital platform to post resources and facilitate communication among host organizations and CSP participants;

4. Develop and support concrete strategies to facilitate host engagement in, and support for, the CSP and related activities;

5. Create opportunities for CSP participants, and American colleagues, to develop professional relationships in U.S. communities;

6. Conduct a comprehensive orientation in the United States for CSP participants prior to the start of their U.S.-based exchange program;

7. Develop and integrate a strong leadership and professional skill-building component into CSP program activities;

8. Recruit and support regional coordinator;

9. Facilitate community-based activities and professional enrichment activities that support the program goals;

9. Monitor and support CSP participants and host organizations throughout the U.S.-based exchange;

10. Conduct an End-of-Program workshop in Washington, D.C.

for CSP participants, and select hosts, following the completion of the U.S.-based practicum;

11. Promote and support projects in the U.S. communities and CSP participants’ home communities;

12. Arrange and cover the cost of all appropriate program-related travel for CSP and U.S. Participants, and alumni participating in collaborative projects, including but not limited to transportation, lodging, and meals and incidental expenses;

13. Develop a merit-based recruitment campaign for Americans meeting the eligibility criteria for the program’s reciprocal component;

14. Conduct pre-departure orientations (virtual or in-person) and end-of-program debriefs for American participants before and after participating in reciprocal exchanges;

15. Develop program materials that amplifies CSP goals, supports host engagement, and highlights participant and alumni achievements, demonstrates impact, and showcases effective innovative community-led initiatives;

16. Develop resources to assist participants with the development and implementation of community-based in their home communities;

17. Collect monitoring data for the program and its impact on program participants, host organizations, host communities, and participants’ home communities;

18. Work in collaboration with ECA’s Alumni Affairs Office to support American alumni and domestic alumni activities;

20. Manage financial aspects of the program including timely disbursement of participant stipends, housing allowances, etc. and promptly report any irregularities in the budget or spending to ECA;

21. Enroll participants in the Bureau’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) for the duration of the program, issue health benefits identifications cards, and provide instructions on submitting claim forms.

More information on ASPE is available at www.usdos.sevencorners.com;

22. Issue and ship DS-2019 forms for international participants and alternates.

All international participants will travel on a U.S. government designation for the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor program;

23. Participate in regular program reviews with ECA (in person or by telephone) that provide general updates on program implementation and matters of concern, including but not limited to a review of the effectiveness of past http://www.usdos.sevencorners.com/ activities, progress on anticipated programmatic activities, and issues that may impede the implementation of planned programming;

24. Respond fully and promptly to requests for program or data from ECA; and,

25. Ensure compliance with the terms of the Cooperative Agreement with ECA, including but not limited to submitting timely financial and program reports and providing proper budget oversight.

5. Goals and Objectives.

The Community Solutions Program:

• Provide participants with targeted training and practical resources to improve leadership and technical skills that allow for cross-sector collaboration and cluster-based strategic economic growth.

• Strengthen participants’ collaborative leadership skills and ability to take on expanded responsibility in delivering real-world economic and community development outcomes.

• Facilitate the creation of lasting professional connections between participants, U.S. citizens, and American institutions.

• Develop and sustain a multisector network of professionals and community leaders able and ready to support innovative problem-solving and community initiatives.

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), https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ 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 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 E1.1.12: 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) 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 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 E4.0.05: Percent of participants who report an increase in technical skills as a result of their program participation E4.0.09: Percent of participants reporting an increase in language 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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI 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.

• 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 solicitation. 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…