FY26 JCSVEI NOFO Amended.pdf

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Amendment to the FY 2026 J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange

Initiative (JCSVEI) Program Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017856

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

A. Basic Information B. Eligibility C. Program Description D. Application Contents and Format E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines F. Application Review Information G. Award Notices H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration I. Other Information

A. Basic Information

1. Overview.

Funding Opportunity Title FY 2026 J. Christopher Stevens Virtual

Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program Funding Opportunity Number

DFOP0017856

Announcement Type Amendment to the New Cooperative Agreement

Deadline for Applications May 29, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington DC time)

Assistance Listing Number 19.415 Length of Performance Period

36 months

Number of Awards Anticipated

Two awards.

Award Amount Each award will be approximately $5,000,000.

Total Available Funding $10,000,000, pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE) Funds

Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement

Anticipated Award Date September 15, 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.

2. Executive Summary.

As 2027 marks 15 years since the loss of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, and in honor of his enduring legacy, the Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), invites proposal submissions for two cooperative agreements to design, administer, and implement activities under the broader J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative

(JCSVEI).

ECA anticipates making two separate cooperative agreements to design, implement, and manage the FY 2026 J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) under two distinct program options: (1) J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative and (2) J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative:

Digital Leaders for Peace and Economic Opportunity. Applicants may submit applications for program option one or program option two. Organizations may submit two separate applications, one for each program option, if they wish to be considered for both. Each application will be evaluated independently. Each application must clearly state in the Executive Summary which program option is being proposed. If applying separately for each program options the applicant must clearly demonstrate the organizational capacity to implement both program options, including the ability to work in the MENA region and the United States and to deliver both online and hybrid program elements.

The JCSVEI advances U.S. foreign policy priorities by championing American scientific excellence, technological leadership, and innovation, while promoting core U.S. principles—freedom of speech, individual liberty, and the rule of law—as foundations of peace and prosperity. The program achieves these goals through American-led virtual exchanges that connects young leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with peers across the United States.

Through interactive digital programming, participants will explore U.S. global leadership in science, technology, business, and civic life, while demonstrating how American freedom of speech, rule of law, and individual liberty underpin prosperity and opportunity. They will collaborate virtually with peers overseas to develop digital storytelling projects, podcasts, vlogs, and other media that illustrate the strength of American communities and the nation’s commitment to open exchange, innovation, and collaboration. The initiative will also challenge participants to apply American ingenuity to practical solutions that promote economic opportunity, job creation, and digital connectivity—contributing to shared prosperity and regional stability. By reinforcing the spirit of the Abraham Accords and advancing U.S. engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, the program will strengthen ties between the United States and key partners in the Middle East while advancing America’s vision of a secure, prosperous, and interconnected region.

Organizations applying for either awards must demonstrate the capacity to either:

(1) recruit, select, and manage up to eight partner organizations as subaward recipients to implement virtual exchange components under the JCSVEI umbrella;

or (2) implement the virtual exchange components directly, if they have the capacity and infrastructure to do so.

If the primary award recipient elects to engage subaward recipients, it will maintain full oversight of those sub-awards, ensuring compliance, accountability, and alignment with ECA’s goals, performance measures, and branding standards.

The JCSVEI will use a range of virtual exchange formats live dialogues, collaborative digital projects, online trainings, and virtual workshops, to reach approximately 9,000 participants annually. Programming should promote mutual collaboration grounded in U.S. leadership, encouraging youth to view the United States as a trusted partner in science, entrepreneurship, and global problem-solving.

An Alumni Leadership Academy will provide continued engagement for participants who demonstrate strong leadership potential, equipping them to serve as ambassadors of U.S. values and connectors between American and Middle Eastern communities. Follow-on activities should reinforce long-term networks that advance America’s economic, security, and diplomatic priorities.

Organizations applying for this award must demonstrate the capacity to recruit, select, and manage up to eight partner organizations as sub-award recipients to implement virtual exchange components under the JCSVEI umbrella. If subawards are used, the primary recipient will maintain full oversight, ensuring compliance, accountability, and alignment with Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs goals, performance measures, and branding standards.

ECA will consider only one proposal per applicant organization for each program option. Organizations may submit one application for program option one and one application for program option two. Applicants must clearly identify in the Executive Summary which program option their proposal addresses. If multiple proposals for the same program option are submitted through grants.gov, only the most recent submission prior to the deadline will be reviewed.

By connecting rising leaders through cutting-edge virtual platforms, the J.

Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative will project American excellence, expand U.S. influence, and strengthen networks that promote stability, opportunity, and peace—furthering the United States’ enduring leadership and engagement across the Middle East.

This Amendment to the NOFO makes the following changes to the original NOFO:

• Increases the total estimated available funding from $4,000,000 to $10,000,000

• Increases the number of anticipated awards from one award to two awards, each funded at approximately $5 million.

• Extends the anticipated period of performance from 24 to 36 months for each award.

• Clarifies that ECA will consider only one proposal per applicant organization for each program option, allowing organizations to submit one application for program option one and one application for program option two.

• Revises the Executive Summary to reflect a second program option, the J.

Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative: Digital Leaders for Peace and Economic Opportunity, and to clarify the language on the use of subawards, if applicable

• Revises the Executive Summary to update subaward requirement language, providing flexibility for both program options. Organizations may choose to implement through subawards (managing up to eight subrecipients) or through direct implementation if they have sufficient capacity and infrastructure.

• Revises the Program Specific Guidelines to clarify the two program options:

Option 1, the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative, and Option 2, the Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative: Digital Leaders for Peace and Economic Opportunity.

• Changes Section 3b to clarify participant age ranges for each program option.

• Changes under 3d. Partner Organization Selection to clarify that recipients have the flexibility to identify and work with up to eight subaward recipients or to implement the program independently.

• Changes to Section 3e. Projected Timeline: the program period has been extended from 24 months to 36 months.

• Changes to Section 5. Goals and Objectives: the participant age range has been expanded to include individuals up to 30 years old.

• Some portions of the NOFO have been moved to more appropriate locations within the document.

• The description of the Alumni Leadership Academy has been moved to the Program Specific Guidelines section to reflect that it applies only to Option 1, the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative.

• Deleted redundant J visa text in section I.

• Extends the due date; proposals are now due May 29th 2026.

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. Grants or Cooperative Agreements awarded to organizations which do not demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchange programs will be limited to $130,000.

c. All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, and the PSI; not doing so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

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

e. Applicants may submit applications for program option one or program option two. Organizations may submit two separate applications, one for each program option, if they wish to be considered for both. Applicants must clearly identify in the Executive Summary which program option their proposal addresses.

f. ECA will consider only one proposal per applicant organization for each program option. If multiple proposals for the same program option are submitted through 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 for each program option.

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.

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.

Established in 2015, the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) honors the legacy of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, whose career reflected the best of American diplomacy—curiosity, optimism, and a belief in the power of open dialogue. His example embodies America’s founding values of liberty, opportunity, and engagement with the world.

The JCSVEI advances U.S. foreign policy priorities by championing American scientific excellence, technological leadership, and innovation, while promoting core U.S. principles—freedom of speech, individual liberty, and the rule of law—as foundations of peace and prosperity. The program achieves these goals through American-led virtual exchanges that connects young leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with peers across the United States.

Through immersive digital platforms, participants will explore America’s leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and apply these skills to address shared global challenges. The program will integrate cutting-edge virtual exchange tools, including virtual reality (VR) environments, hackathons, and collaborative online innovation labs that simulate real-world problem-solving.

Participants will engage in projects that showcase U.S. expertise in entrepreneurship, research, and technology-driven development, reinforcing the United States as the global standard for excellence and ingenuity.

Program themes will include Science and Technology Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Prosperity, Digital Media and Storytelling, and Civic Engagement grounded in American founding principles including freedom of speech and the rule of law. These focus areas will connect American youth ages 18–25— particularly those from rural communities—with peers in the Middle East through virtual exchanges that showcase U.S. excellence in innovation, leadership, and enterprise.

A signature feature of the initiative, the JCSVEI Alumni Leadership Academy, will provide advanced learning opportunities and mentorship for high-performing alumni. Through multi-month programming and in-person engagement, participants will gain deeper exposure to American approaches to scientific innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and civic leadership—equipping them to serve as catalysts for peace, stability, and opportunity in their own communities.

The JCSVEI directly supports key U.S. strategic objectives in the MENA region by:

1. Promoting enduring partnerships between the United States and regional stakeholders that advance peace, prosperity, and security.

2. Showcasing American excellence in science and technology, demonstrating how innovation and enterprise drive growth and strengthen free societies.

3. Championing open exchange and freedom of speech through modern digital platforms that connect future leaders in shared learning and innovation.

4. Developing leadership, STEM, and professional capacity among participants to reinforce economic opportunity and regional stability.

5. By linking rising leaders with America’s scientific innovation, digital technologies, and founding values, the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative strengthens U.S. leadership, expands American influence, and promotes peace through knowledge, collaboration, and technological excellence across the Middle East and North Africa.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

Program Option One: Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative The JCSVEI will use a range of virtual exchange formats—live dialogues, collaborative digital projects, online trainings, and virtual workshops—to reach approximately 9,000 participants. Programming should promote mutual collaboration grounded in U.S. leadership, encouraging youth to view the United States as a trusted partner in science, entrepreneurship, and global problem-solving.

Through immersive digital platforms, participants will explore America’s leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and apply these skills to address shared global challenges. The program will integrate cutting-edge virtual exchange tools, including virtual reality (VR) environments, hackathons, and collaborative online innovation labs that simulate real-world problem-solving.

Participants will engage in projects that showcase U.S. expertise in entrepreneurship, research, and technology-driven development, reinforcing the United States as the global standard for excellence and ingenuity.

Program themes will include Science and Technology Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Prosperity, Digital Media and Storytelling, and Civic Engagement grounded in American founding principles such as freedom of speech and the rule of law. These focus areas will connect American youth ages 18–25—particularly those from rural communities—with peers in the Middle East through virtual exchanges that showcase U.S. excellence in innovation, leadership, and enterprise.

The recipient will design and implement a robust Alumni Leadership Academy that advances program themes such as American innovation and STEM excellence, digital media and freedom of speech, economic and career preparedness, and civic engagement rooted in America First principles.

The Academy should be a multi-month hybrid experience that includes one to two in-person components and serves approximately 40 alumni annually from the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. Each cohort should provide participants with advanced learning, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities that reinforce U.S. values of liberty, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

Proposals should define clear learning outcomes and engagement goals and include a grants component enabling alumni to apply their skills through community-based projects following completion of the program. The recipient may propose one or two Academy cohorts per year.

Program Option Two: J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative:

Digital Leaders for Peace and Economic Opportunity: Building directly on the foundation established by Program Option One, this expanded initiative represents the next phase of JCSVEI programming. Proposed in recognition of 2027 marking 15 years since the loss of Ambassador Stevens, this option deepens and extends the virtual exchange model by engaging young professionals ages 20 to 30 in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through a more intensive, multi-stage leadership development pathway.

While Program Option One introduces participants to U.S. leadership in innovation and civic engagement through virtual exchanges, Program Option Two advances these connections by providing structured opportunities for participants to apply their learning, develop professional skills, and create lasting impact. This option is designed to complement and expand the reach of the core JCSVEI model by offering a progression from initial engagement to sustained collaboration and tangible outcomes.

The program will consist of four interconnected components that build sequentially on one another. Short-term virtual exchanges will serve as the entry point, reaching approximately 4,000 participants and building foundational knowledge, leadership capacity, and professional skills—while targeting young professionals ready for deeper involvement. Virtual internships with either U.S. or MENA placement organizations, and/or project-based learning, will then advance approximately 1,000 participants from the initial virtual exchange phase into applied professional experiences, strengthening 21st-century workforce readiness skills and fostering professional linkages with U.S. and MENA-based organizations. In-person Alumni Accelerator workshops will bring together a select cohort of participants who have successfully completed the earlier phases for solution-focused convenings around themes aligned with Administration priorities, including STEM and artificial intelligence, digital media and nontraditional media, peace and conflict resolution, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Finally, alumni seed funding will support participant-led projects in the United States and MENA that emerge from the Alumni Accelerator workshops, enabling participants to apply the skills, networks, and ideas developed throughout the program to create tangible community impact.

This program option also serves as a pilot to test and compare a range of virtual, hybrid, and in-person program models and components. Lessons learned will inform the expansion and refinement of future JCSVEI offerings, strengthening the overall initiative's ability to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities through sustained engagement with emerging leaders across the MENA region.

Applicants should integrate the program’s strategic goals throughout all aspects of program design and implementation. Proposals must demonstrate a clear understanding of U.S. foreign policy priorities, including the promotion of American innovation, STEM and scientific excellence, free enterprise, and democratic principles. Applicants should highlight relevant regional and thematic expertise, as well as their capacity—and that of any subrecipients—to conduct high-quality virtual exchange programming that connects American youth with peers in the Middle East and North Africa.

Program design should emphasize the application of digital technologies, including virtual reality, collaborative platforms, and online hackathons, to foster engagement, creativity, and problem-solving. Applicants should address strategies for effectively implementing these virtual exchanges in locations with limited internet access while continuing to advance U.S. strategic interests, promote American values of freedom, opportunity, and the rule of law, and deliver lasting benefits for both U.S. citizens and international participants.

The recipient will oversee and support all virtual, domestic, and international program activities and will serve as the primary liaison with U.S. embassies engaged in program implementation. The award recipient must work closely with participating U.S. embassies to obtain approval of local partners, recruitment strategies, and in-country activities, and to coordinate the selection of alumni for the Alumni Leadership Academy. All activities should consistently reflect U.S.

leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening peace and prosperity through American excellence and engagement.

3a Participating Countries Activities must be conducted in the United States and in one or more of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

3b Participants Program Option 1 – JCSVEI: Participants must be 18 to 25 years old.

Program Option 2 – J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative: Digital Leaders for Peace and Economic Opportunity: participants must be 20 to 30 years old.

For both program options, participants in the JCSVEI should be at least 18 years of age, from the United States, and from one of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

3c Program Themes Applicants should propose a portfolio of virtual exchange programming that addresses at least three of the following themes:

• STEM and American Excellence in Science and Technology – Highlight U.S. leadership in innovation, research, and applied technology as drivers of progress and prosperity.

• America First Principles – Promote understanding of freedom of speech, rule of law, civic responsibility, and individual liberty as the foundation of democratic societies.

• Digital Media and Freedom of Expression – Encourage responsible communication, storytelling, and digital collaboration that reflect America’s commitment to openness and truth in the digital age.

• Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Career Preparedness – Showcase American approaches to workforce development, business creation, and skills that power the modern economy.

• American Excellence and Global Leadership – Demonstrate how U.S.

innovation, enterprise, and civic engagement advance peace, stability, and shared prosperity around the world.

3d. Overview of Key Program Components All proposals should include detailed information addressing the following key components of the JCSVEI:

Partner Organization Selection Applicants may choose to use subawards to partner organizations to implement virtual exchange programs under the both program options, but subawards are not required. If applicants elect to use subawards, they may select up to eight partner organizations as subaward recipients. Proposals that include subawards must describe the selection process, criteria, and rationale for selecting each partner organization. Applicants must submit information on potential subaward recipients prior to award issuance and provide a letter of intent from each proposed subaward recipient.

Selected partner organizations should implement exchanges that highlight American excellence in science and technology, entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and the rule of law. Proposals should include letters of commitment or intent from all proposed subaward partners and describe how each organization’s programming advances U.S. leadership and strengthens collaboration between the United States and the Middle East.

Partner Organization Management and Oversight The award recipient will maintain full responsibility for the management and oversight of all partner organizations and subawards under the JCSVEI. Proposals should demonstrate proven capacity to administer multiple subawards and present a detailed management and accountability plan. Applicants should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each partner, outlining expectations for program quality, fiscal compliance, and impact reporting consistent with ECA and U.S.

government standards.

Program Promotion and Outreach The recipient will develop and manage all program communication and outreach platforms, including a website, informational materials, and official social media accounts. All materials should amplify U.S. leadership, innovation, and values while maintaining compliance with ECA branding and public diplomacy guidelines.

Coordination with ECA and U.S. embassies abroad is required for the review and dissemination of all content.

Alumni Engagement Applicants must include a plan to build and sustain an active alumni network beyond the Alumni Leadership Academy. This network should reinforce U.S.

strategic and public diplomacy objectives, foster continued collaboration, and highlight American impact.

Proposals should integrate ECA-wide alumni initiatives, including the International Exchange Alumni platform (exchangealumni.gov), and connect participants to U.S.

Department of State alumni opportunities such as small grants and professional development seminars. All alumni activities must strengthen participants’ ongoing connection to the United States and adhere to ECA guidance for attribution and branding.

3e. Projected Timeline The cooperative agreement is expected to begin on or about September 15, 2026, for a total duration of approximately 36 months. Applicants should include a proposed implementation timeline outlining major program milestones. Specific exchange and activity dates will be finalized following ECA approval.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows:

a) The recipient organization will serve as the lead implementer of the JCSVEI, ensuring that all activities advance the program’s U.S.-based impact, strengthen people-to-people ties, and promote mutual understanding between the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

b) Foster meaningful connections and collaboration between participants and institutions in the United States and MENA.

c) Identify and thoroughly vet U.S. and MENA-based partner organizations to design and deliver innovative virtual exchange programs that reflect the distinctiveness within the region, in theme, and in participant backgrounds.

d) Ensure all subaward partners uphold U.S. values of fairness, respect, and equal opportunity.

e) Develop clear program guidelines, Terms & Conditions, and resource materials that highlight the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State, as the program sponsor.

f) Seek ECA and U.S. embassy approval for participant recruitment and partner engagement.

g) Submit all subaward agreements, amendments, and related documentation to ECA prior to implementation.

h) Oversee partner performance and conduct routine assessments to ensure quality, accountability, and alignment with ECA objectives.

i) Monitor participant progress, engagement, and outcomes throughout their JCSVEI experience.

j) Maintain strong safeguarding measures to protect participants’ safety and well-being.

k) Immediately inform ECA and relevant U.S. embassies of any participant or program-related issues and actions taken.

l) Coordinate with ECA and U.S. embassies on all in-person exchanges, ensuring U.S.-based activities highlight American innovation, civic engagement, and community leadership, and conduct selection activities for the Alumni Fellowship Academy in consultation with U.S. embassies, inviting embassy representatives to participate in application reviews and interview panels.

m) Manage DS-2019 issuance for international participants traveling to the United States on the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.

n) Enroll in-person participants in the Bureau’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) and provide necessary support.

o) Conduct comprehensive pre-departure orientations and assist U.S. embassies in preparing outbound participants.

p) Arrange all program-related U.S. and international travel logistics.

q) Develop a dynamic media and outreach strategy that amplifies JCSVEI’s U.S. impact and showcases American expertise and values.

r) Collaborate closely with U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Sections to promote recruitment and success stories.

s) Highlight participant and alumni achievements that demonstrate the mutual benefit of U.S.–MENA collaboration.

t) Produce narratives and data-driven stories that show how JCSVEI advances U.S. foreign policy goals and public diplomacy impact.

u) Establish an Alumni Leadership Academy that deepens connections to U.S.

mentors, institutions, and learning opportunities.

v) Implement a grants program to support alumni-led projects that sustain U.S.– MENA collaboration.

w) Expand alumni networks, activities, and engagement to enhance the long-term influence of U.S. exchange programs.

x) Incorporate the ECA Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) framework.

y) Maintain transparent communication with ECA through regular reviews, reports, and monthly updates.

z) Submit staffing plans, key personnel changes, and all external funding agreements for ECA approval.

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

5. Goals and Objectives.

1. Advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by connecting American youth with peers in the Middle East through virtual exchanges that promote U.S.

excellence in science, innovation, and leadership.

2. Empower U.S. participants ages 18–30, including those from rural areas, to share America’s story—its entrepreneurial drive, technological achievements, and democratic principles—through collaborative digital projects.

3. Promote America First principles such as freedom of expression, rule of law, and individual liberty as foundations for creativity and prosperity.

4. Build sustained networks of emerging leaders who strengthen U.S.

engagement, expand digital connectivity, and advance shared prosperity and regional stability through continued alumni and exchange activities.

6. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA programs.

ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework are available online at: https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.

The proposal must include the MODE Framework objectives and indicators listed below (note that, because not all MODE objectives and indicators are relevant for a program, the numbering below will not be sequential). In addition to the ECA-required objectives and indicators, applicants may also select additional MODE Framework indicators (see the Indicator Book on the MODE Framework website), or design custom objectives and indicators that are specific to the proposed program and this proposal.

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

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

• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective 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 https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/

E1.1.13: Percent of foreign participants who are more likely to recommend the United States as a good place to study

E1.1.16: Percent of virtual exchange (VE) participants who report VE as their only likely way to interact with citizens from other countries in the future

E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the American people (core indicator)

E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in understanding of United States culture and values (core indicator)

E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements in support of democratic values (core indicator)

• Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on their communities / countries E2.0.01: Percent of foreign participants that volunteer in their host communities E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in their host communities o Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in their ability to have an impact in their home country (core indicator)

• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions 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) o Sub-Objective 3.1: Alumni subscribe to platforms for resources and information-sharing E3.1.02: Percent of participants who learned about new resources E3.1.05: Percent of participants who are connected to ECA through a

U.S. Department of State-managed platform

• 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

E4.0.14: Percent of participants reporting new digital skills/competencies gained from virtual exchange (VE) programming 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) E4.1.03: Number of ECA-supported international scholarships provided E4.1.04: Number of professional placements E4.1.06: Number of participants in programs with formal, dedicated language learning activities E4.1.07: Number of instruction methodology trainings implemented E4.1.08: Number of language teaching fellows enrolled E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants E4.1.13: Number of fellows completing language teaching fellowships E4.1.14: Number of virtual exchange (VE) programs E4.1.15: Number of participants in virtual exchange (VE) programs E4.1.16: Number of audience members attending cultural events

• 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)

While the MODE Framework provides core measures, applicants are encouraged to propose additional, program-specific indicators that assess progress toward the objectives outlined on page five (Strategic Objectives) and page seven (Program Themes) and reflect the unique design of their proposed activities.

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI

ECA recommends the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:

• Objectives. Programmatic objectives are statements of the condition(s) that state what the program is designed to achieve. Objectives are therefore bound by the resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). In addition to those outlined above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the MODE Framework or other applicant-designed program-specific objectives.

• Indicators. Performance indicators are measures used to gauge progress toward programmatic objectives and sub-objectives. Indicators should be as specific as possible (following the SMART principles) and include any proposed disaggregations (meaning, breakdowns of the data by subgroups; the PMP lists the demographic questions required to obtain the information necessary to report the disaggregations). Each indicator should also include a target number to be achieved. A target is a planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe.

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM alternate survey tool or use the MODE Survey Builder, but if you are utilizing the MODE Survey Builder, you must indicate such in your proposal.

MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements MyGrants is a database solution that serves as the official system of record for all U.S. Department of State and ECA awards. The Results Performance Monitoring (RPM) module within MyGrants is an extension module that enables users to report performance monitoring data in the same system where they currently manage federal assistance actions. As part of ECA’s efforts to streamline data collection and management, the recipient(s) of this award will be required to input performance reporting data outlined in this solicitation into the MyGrants RPM. The data stored in the MyGrants RPM will provide ECA with a bureau-wide, uniform M&E reporting tool that is already linked with other elements of the awards familiar to existing awardees.

7. Allowable Costs.

• Staff salaries and benefits. Each staff person must be listed separately. Provide the percentage of time spent on the program.

• Other direct expenses

• Indirect costs

• Subawards

• Curriculum Development

• In-person Alumni Leadership Academy event costs including, but not limited to, honoraria for speakers, educational materials, lodging, room rental(s), welcome and farewell events, and participant admissions

• Participant travel costs including, but not limited to, round trip international airfare, visa travel, ground transportation, domestic travel, and other transit costs

• Per participant allowances for travel including baggage allowance, travel allowance, and meals and incidentals

• Alumni Programming/follow-on activities, including grants, etc.

• Tax withholding

• Wire transfer fees

• Consultant fees

• Web hosting

• Communications (i.e., participant cell phones or sim cards, internet access fees)

• Recruitment, outreach, and program materials

• Medical expenses

• Medical costs related to pandemics/ public health emergencies, including but not limited to, testing and medically required quarantine (outside of medical facilities covered under ASPE)

• Covid protection and contingency costs

• Monitoring and evaluation

• Reasonable accommodations

• Media and Digital Production Costs: Allowable expenses for creating digital and media content that highlights program outcomes and impact.

• Other cost categories as necessary

8. Cost Share.

ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit.

The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution may be reduced in like proportion.

9. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines.

Public Law 104-319 provides that "in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy," the Bureau "shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such countries." Public Law 106 - 113 requires that the governments of the countries described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process.

Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.

10. Virtual Exchange Component.

When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar circumstances require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges.

Proposals should demonstrate the organization’s capacity to provide innovative options for virtual activities to substitute for in-person engagement for program participants.