U.S. Embassy Jerusalem FY2026 Annual Program Statement

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, Department of State

Opportunity number: ISR-PD-APS-26-001

Application deadline: July 22, 2026

Table of Contents

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

U.S Department of State U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program Statement for Public Diplomacy

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement

Funding Opportunity Number ISR-PD-APS-26-001 Deadline for Applications July 22, 2026; 11:59 pm Israel Daylight Time Assistance Listing Number 19.040 - Public Diplomacy Programs Length of performance period Up to 12 months Number of awards anticipated dependent on amounts Award amounts awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $250,000 (approximately) Total available funding $1,000,000 pending availability of funds Type of Funding FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated project start date Awards will begin on a rolling basis once approved, with start dates no later than September 29, 2026

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is pleased to announce the potential availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement, outlining funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreements

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

The Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. government.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

2. Executive Summary U.S. Embassy Jerusalem’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces an open competition to implement projects that advance U.S. economic, commercial, and security interests in Israel.

This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines strategic goals, expected outcomes, target audiences, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for cooperative agreements ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, with a project duration of up to 12 months. Project proposals must address at least one of the following goals:

1. Advance U.S. economic interests and technological leadership

2. Counter malign influence and promote free speech

3. Promote President Trump’s 20-point Peace Plan

4. Advance U.S. interests through American arts and culture

5. Engage alumni networks to advance U.S. interests

In addition to aligning with one of the strategic goals, applicants should clearly explain how they advance American leadership and excellence and how the projects deliver measurable results.

This APS seeks to partner with eligible entities, including not-for-profit organizations, education institutions, or individuals to achieve these goals.

Please read the entire APS package before submitting an application. Applications must be submitted by July 22, 2026, for projects beginning as early as September 1, 2026. For more information, contact TelAvivGrants@state.gov. Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria and do not contain all of the required information will not be considered.

Please follow all instructions below.

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

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

• Public and private educational institutions

• Individuals

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for funding through this APS. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements 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.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.331

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

4. This opportunity will not support:

• Projects relating to partisan political activity

• Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support

• Construction projects

• Projects that support specific religious activities

• Fund-raising campaigns

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

• Scientific research or surveys

• Commercial projects

• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization

• Projects that duplicate existing projects

• Illegal activities

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Project Background, Goals, and Objectives U.S. Embassy Jerusalem’s Public Diplomacy Section seeks to advance American interests in Israel by promoting stronger economic partnerships, countering adversarial influence and narratives, promoting peace and stabilization, and celebrating American excellence and leadership.

Priority Program Areas/Goals: Applicants may submit a proposal to address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objective.

Goal 1. Advance U.S. Economic Interests and Technological Leadership The goal is to strengthen economic partnerships and promote American innovation by building U.S.-Israel business linkages, showcasing U.S. technological achievements, fostering trade relationships, and promoting American-led AI and emerging technologies.

Project Audience(s): Who are the primary beneficiaries? Include possible audience characteristics and try to list at least three.

• Business leaders and entrepreneurs in strategic sectors

• Government economic policymakers

• Academic institutions and research centers

Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below.

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.

1. Increased U.S. business opportunities into the Israeli market

2. Strengthened partnerships in critical technology sectors (i.e., AI, cybersecurity, health-tech, energy)

3. Increased linkages between the Israeli labor market and American companies

4. Expanded networks connecting local entrepreneurs with American business resources and mentorship

5. Enhanced understanding of the U.S. innovation ecosystem and technological capabilities

Goal 2. Counter Malign Influence and Promote Free Speech

The goal is to counter foreign adversarial influence by ensuring access to accurate information and promoting free speech. Programming will target Israeli communities most susceptible to influence from adversarial, authoritarian actors that threaten U.S. interests.

Project Audience(s): Who are the primary beneficiaries? Include possible audience characteristics, such as demographics, professional background or geographic location. Aim to specify at least three.

• Journalists and media professionals

• Social media influencers and content creators

• Civil society organizations and NGOs

• University students and educators

• Communities susceptible to information manipulation (Arabic and Russian speaking) the priority program areas.

1. Increased resilience of Arabic and Russian speaking communities to adversarial narratives

2. Increased coordination among regional partners to counter adversarial narratives

3. Reduced susceptibility of key sectors to adversarial actors

4. Enhanced access to accurate, fact-based Hebrew and Arabic news

Goal 3. Promote President Trump’s 20-point Peace Plan

The goal is to support sustainable peace and stability by advancing President Trump’s vision for conflict resolution and regional security, in particular points #18 and #20 of his 20-point Peace Plan, which encourage Israelis and Palestinians to adopt mindsets and narratives that promote peace, tolerance, and prosperous co-existence.

Project Audience(s): Who are the primary beneficiaries? Include possible audience characteristics, such as demographics, professional background or geographic location. Aim to specify at least three.

• Civil society leaders

• Local and municipal leaders, especially from mixed cities

• Business and young professional communities, including from the high-tech sector

• Religious leaders and interfaith organizations

• Youth movements, university organizations, and students that demonstrate strong leadership potential

• Educators, academia, and think tanks

1. Increased awareness and support for the Peace Plan among key stakeholders

2. Enhanced dialogue and cooperation among target audiences within Israel and/or Israelis, Palestinians, and other regional partners

3. Greater understanding of U.S. diplomatic initiatives and commitment to regional stability

Goal 4. Advance U.S. Interests through American Arts and Culture

The goal is to leverage American arts and culture to strengthen bilateral ties, counter adversarial narratives, and foster cross-cultural dialogue between American and Israeli audiences that highlight shared values while supporting U.S. strategic objectives in the region.

Project Audience(s): Who are the primary beneficiaries? Include possible audience characteristics, such as demographics, professional background or geographic location. Aim to specify at least three.

• Future leaders in the creative fields

• Israeli audiences who would benefit from exposure to American artistic and cultural values

• Counterpart institutions that can partner with American arts and culture organizations

1. Strengthened bilateral ties and counter false narratives through authentic cultural exchange that showcases American artistic achievements and U.S. leadership in the arts

2. Increased cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding through arts programming that advances shared interests and builds lasting people-to-people connections

3. Engaged Israeli audiences through participatory cultural activities that emphasize shared heritage as a foundation for prosperity and peace while advancing U.S. strategic interests in the region

Goal 5. Engage Alumni Network to Advance U.S. Interests

The goal is to enhance U.S. security and promote American excellence by fostering sustained engagement with Israeli alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs working in strategic sectors and industries, leveraging their networks to advance American excellence, priorities, and leadership.

Project Audience(s): Alumni of Fulbright, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Youth Exchange and Study (YES), Global UGRAD, Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), Access, and other U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs.

Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below.

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.

1. Increased alumni engagement in activities supporting U.S. priorities

2. Measurable expansion of alumni influence in key Israeli sectors

3. Expanded reach of Embassy messaging through alumni-led initiatives

4. Strengthened alumni capacity to amplify U.S. messaging and service as advocates for bilateral cooperation

Substantial Involvement

U.S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities:

• the approval of key program personnel, subawards, or contracts

• review and approval of project work plans or schedules

• approval of significant changes to project scope, objectives, or deliverables

• review and approval of project materials, publications, media or social media content produced under the award

• monitoring and site visits

• technical guidance, training, or resources to help the recipient achieve project goals

• facilitating connections to U.S. government agencies, private sector, and alumni

Recipient Roles and Responsibilities:

• implementation and management of all project aspects, including staffing, activities implementation, events coordination, etc.

• ensure financial and contractual compliance with award

• communicate regularly with the Embassy regarding project implementation and to ensure that the Embassy can fulfil its responsibilities listed above

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for

Federal Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov or Embassy website.

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or Embassy website.

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or Embassy website.

(note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

2. Proposal (10 pages maximum) Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of their choice, or they may use the attached proposal template if they like (Attachment 1 – PD Jerusalem Application Proposal Form). The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. The proposal must include all the items below:

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO. You may use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information (Attachment 2 – Applicant Organization Information Survey).

• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed

• Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees (if applicable).

• Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

• Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (awards under $100,000.00): Proposals must include a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) that explains how the applicant plans to track project performance and measure progress toward the project’s goals and objectives. The PMP should include “If-Then” statements to illustrate how the project activities will lead to the intended results, along with a short datasheet outlining proposed project activities and the indicators that will be used to measure success.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

• Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (awards over $100,000.00): Proposals must include a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E plan should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. The key components to the PMP are as follows:

• Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award. In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget. If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal discusses how the grantee has adapted, improved or otherwise modified their approach based on learning from previous experience. This narrative is limited to two pages.

• Theory of Change Diagram: Applicants are expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes.

• Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PDS objective.

• The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant may be asked to work with U.S.

Department of State Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives.

• Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable.

3. Budget Justification Narrative

• Detailed Budget – Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so (Attachment 3 – PD Jerusalem Budget Worksheet). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies;

consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.1. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

• Budget Justification Narrative – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

Additional Budget Notes:

∉ Awards to Individuals: Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual Award:

Salary/Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive salary/honoraria from this funding mechanism. The Recipient must be the primary point of contact and manage all programmatic activities.

Contractual Costs: Additional individuals working on the award are only permissible through contracted services, as long as the services are not related to the core programmatic activities. Expenses for services such as accounting, legal support, social media management, website designer, etc., are allowable.

Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics, catering, etc. are allowable.

∉ Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

∉ Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable.

Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/

4. Attachments

• Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

• Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx

• Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

• Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity).

• Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Israel-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

• Security package: The safety and security of all participants and activities under this project are the sole responsibility of the award recipient. Due to the security climate in Israel, we require all proposals to include a security package to accompany appropriate programmatic elements within their proposal. The security package must include but is not limited to: secure transportation; lodging, and emergency accountability and evacuation for any non- Israel personnel living or working in Israel, as well as a copy of your organization’s security operational procedures for high-risk environments. Reasonable costs for necessary security are allowable expenses and should be included in the proposed budget. If a security company is engaged and funded under the award, it must be registered by the Government of Israel to operate in Israel. We require award recipients to notify the Public Diplomacy Section in advance when U.S.

citizens are traveling to Israel.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years

b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the

Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas

d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information

e. Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities

f. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available at SF-424 Family | Grants.gov.

2. Department of State Contacts Question Deadline: For questions on this solicitation, please contact telavivgrants@state.gov.

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

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

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

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Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

• Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp.,

p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

4. Submission Dates and Times Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of July 22, 2026. No applications will be accepted after that date.

Submission Method: Submit all application materials directly to the following email address:

telavivgrants@state.gov. Applicants submitting applications via email to telavivgrants@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws” If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

a. Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

b. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements: Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

a. Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

b. Applicants seeking clarification on the reporting requirement are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions resource developed by the U.S.

Department of Education.

iv. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan: Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000:

a. To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);

b. The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5).

c. That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

v. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

a. (a) Definitions.

i. American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/section-117-foreign-gift-and-contract-reporting/resources/frequently-asked-questions

Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

ii. FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

iii. Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

iv. Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

b. (b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

i. delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements

ii. Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and

iii. Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

c. c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.)

for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

vi. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

vii. Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs.

viii. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed.

6. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information

If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Israel.

All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and Israel.

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Israel requirements described above.

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review Criteria Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 30 points:

o The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives that align directly with the priorities and requirements of the NOFO. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

Finally, the proposal aligns with the following:

o The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities.

o The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners.

o The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics.

o The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive

Orders:

� Executive Order 14173: "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring

Merit-Based Opportunity � Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from

Criminal Aliens” � Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology

Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 15 points:

o The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project, including internal controls in place to manage federal funds. If sub-awards are proposed, applicant demonstrates experience managing subawards.

o The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address.

o The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/ o Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions.

o Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate.

• Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points:

o The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives and substantiates return on investment. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

• Budget – 10 points:

o The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

• Monitoring and Evaluation - 15 points:

o The project proposal includes an M&E plan. The applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals and objectives outlined in the proposal. The proposal includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

• Sustainability – 10 points:

o The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D. Application Contents and Format, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the

NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

4. Risk Review

i. Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement project requirements

ii. High Risk Designation

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO. The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer.

iii. Risk Analysis Management

To qualify for final consideration, certain applicants must undertake the Risk Analysis Management (RAM) vetting process by providing Risk Analysis Information (RAI) about their “key individuals” (i.e., individuals with the ability to control applicant organizations’ funds), including “key individuals” from selected sub-recipients. Please note: these individuals could be different from the key personnel listed in the section 4 of required documents. The purpose of vetting potential contractors and grantees is to reduce the risk that foreign assistance funding is provided to terrorists or their supporters. Potential grantees will be notified separately if RAI is required. Applicants submit key individuals’ RAI by completing the Risk Analysis Information Form, DS-4184, through the secure web https://usdos.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/SCA-PPDGrants/Shared%20Documents/General/Notice%20of%20Funding%20Opportunity-10.1.24.docx?d=wb396511fdae042679406a77f19b9cc20&csf=1&web=1&e=fMlysk&nav=eyJoIjoiNTg5NzEwMDc4In0 https://usdos.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/SCA-PPDGrants/Shared%20Documents/General/Notice%20of%20Funding%20Opportunity-10.1.24.docx?d=wb396511fdae042679406a77f19b9cc20&csf=1&web=1&e=fMlysk&nav=eyJoIjoiNTg5NzEwMDc4In0 portal at https://ramportal.state.gov. The DS-4184 requests the following RAI for each key individual: Full Name; Aliases; Gender; Birth Place; Birthdate; Home/Work Addresses;

Phone Numbers; Employer; Professional Title; Email Addresses; Skype ID (if included, email address is also required); Numbers from All Official IDs (e.g., passports, ID cards, etc.); Nationalities; and Social Security Number (if U.S. person).