FY26 YSEALI Professional Fellows NOFO Amended.pdf

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Amendment to the FY2026 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative

(YSEALI) Professional Fellowship Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017815

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 Young Southeast Asian Leaders

Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship Funding Opportunity Number

DFOP0017815

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

30 months

Number of Awards Anticipated

One award.

Award Amount Approximately $8,000,000 Total Available Funding Approximately $8,000,000 Type of Funding FY 2026 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.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, through its Office of Citizen Exchanges, invites proposals to design and implement the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship. The program advances U.S.

strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific by developing a network of emerging leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states who share America’s founding principles of liberty, opportunity, and self-reliance. By promoting free enterprise, open markets, and innovation, the program fosters shared prosperity and supports a secure, free, and open Indo-Pacific.

Through professional fellowships and reciprocal exchanges, YSEALI Professional Fellowship advances U.S. leadership by strengthening commercial ties, promoting regional stability, and supporting peace and security across the Indo-Pacific. Each year two cohorts of approximately 220 participants from Southeast Asia will travel to the United States for five to six weeks of professional and leadership development.

Participants, ages 25 to 35, will be placed with U.S. public, private, and nonprofit institutions for customized placements aligned with four strategic themes central to U.S. foreign policy: Economic Prosperity, Strategic Energy and Minerals, Liberty and Freedom, and Peace and Security.

The exchange will culminate in a YSEALI Professional Fellowship Forum in Washington, D.C., where participants will share lessons learned and explore future collaboration. Following each U.S. fellowship, approximately 100 American professionals will travel to Southeast Asia on Reciprocal Exchanges to extend engagement, transfer expertise, and strengthen bilateral partnerships.

To strengthen engagement with YSEALI Professional Fellowship alumni, the program will support up to five in-person regional alumni accelerator workshops across the ASEAN region. These workshops will focus on U.S. priority policy areas, including countering transnational crime, expanding trade and commerce, advancing AI and emerging technologies, strengthening strategic energy and critical mineral supply chains, supporting regional and maritime security, and more. Alumni seed grants will then support participants in applying these ideas to local solutions across the region.

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

• Increases the total estimated funding from $4,467,000 to $8,000,000

• Changes all references in the NOFO from “YSEALI Professional Fellow” to

“Participant.”

• Changes all references in the NOFO from “U.S. Fellow” to “U.S. Participant.”

Changes references from “Professional Fellow Institute Themes” to “the Professional Fellowship program theme”

• Revised the Liberty and Freedom theme description for the YSEALI Professional Fellowship program to reflect updated proposed activities.

• Increases the total number of participants from approximately 216 (144 ASEAN and 72 U.S.) to approximately 320 (220 ASEAN and 100 U.S.).

• Expands the YSEALI closing forum to include educational engagement opportunities with the U.S. Congress and the participation of at least 10 U.S.

Fellowship hosts to deepen collaboration between U.S. hosts and ASEAN participants.

• Revised Recipient Responsibilities, point #13, to reflect expanded action plan and alumni activities in line with enhanced alumni programming.

• Strengthens the YSEALI Professional Fellowship alumni component through up to five in-person regional alumni accelerator “solutions” workshops across the ASEAN region.

• Changes references from “YSEALI Fellows Forum (YFF)” to “YSEALI Professional Fellowship Forum.”

• Removed inapplicable J visa language following the correct J visa language, which remains included.

• Extends the program implementation period from 24 months to 30 months.

• Extends the due date so proposals are now due May 29, 2026, due to the nature of these changes.

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.

Applicants may administer the program directly or propose to implement specific components through sub-award partnerships, as appropriate to achieve program objectives.

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. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

C. Program Description

1. Authority.

Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is "to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world."

The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.

2. Purpose.

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is the Department of State’s flagship initiative to advance America’s interests in a region that will drive two-thirds of global growth in the coming decades. YSEALI cultivates young leaders across ASEAN, mobilizing them around U.S. priorities such as:

• strengthening trade and economic ties to advance shared prosperity

• maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific

• enhancing cooperation around resilient supply chains for energy and natural resources

The YSEALI Professional Fellowship develops emerging professionals from ASEAN member states to strengthen U.S. engagement and advance American interests in the Indo-Pacific. Through tailored four-week fellowships with U.S. public, private, and nonprofit institutions, participants gain firsthand experience across key pillars of U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific—advancing economic prosperity, promoting strategic energy and mineral cooperation, strengthening liberty and democratic governance, and supporting peace and security. Participants are exposed to American models of innovation, free enterprise, responsible resource management, and rule of law that reinforce U.S. leadership and expand mutually beneficial partnerships throughout Southeast Asia.

The YSEALI Professional Fellowship advances U.S. foreign policy and economic goals by:

1. Advancing Economic Prosperity: Building stronger U.S.–ASEAN business and trade relationships through innovation, aligned business practices, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.

2. Securing Strategic Energy and Minerals: Advancing U.S. energy security and supply chain resilience by engaging leaders in energy innovation, resilient infrastructure, and critical minerals management.

3. Promoting Liberty and Freedom: Highlighting America’s founding principles of self-government, freedom of speech, and rule of law.

4. Strengthening Peace and Security: Expanding cooperation with U.S.

partners to address transnational crime, cyber threats, and adversarial influence.

5. Cultivating Future U.S. Allies: Transforming emerging leaders into enduring partners who strengthen U.S. leadership and advance peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

The proposal should fully integrate program goals throughout its design and implementation. It should also demonstrate relevant regional and thematic expertise and clearly describe the applicant’s and any subrecipients’ capacity to recruit U.S. public- and private-sector placement hosts aligned with the program’s themes. The recipient will manage and support all international program activities and serve as the primary point of contact for participating U.S. embassies. Award recipients must coordinate closely with U.S. embassies to ensure program design and implementation advance American foreign policy objectives, including the recruitment and selection of non-U.S. participants, pre-departure orientations (PDOs), and in-country engagements. All proposed reciprocal program schedules involving American participants must be reviewed by the Global Leaders Division and the respective Public Diplomacy Section at least one month before any international activities begin. U.S. participants, recognized as experts in areas vital to advancing U.S. foreign policy and economic objectives, are encouraged to engage in public diplomacy efforts that highlight American excellence, innovation, and values. Their participation will strengthen the impact of reciprocal exchanges and reinforce U.S. influence and partnerships abroad.

3a. Participating Countries Participating countries will be ASEAN Member States, which may include all or a selected subset, depending on J-1 visa eligibility and other operational considerations. ECA reserves the right to modify the list of participating countries prior to award.

3b. Participants Program participants are those individuals who travel under cooperative agreement funding from their country of origin to a designated exchange country. In this NOFO, non-U.S. participants are referred to as YSEALI participants and Americans traveling on reciprocal exchanges are referred to as U.S. participants. Employees of the U.S. Department of State, the recipient, subaward recipients, and/or contractors are not eligible to participate in the YSEALI Professional Fellowship and cannot be included as program participants.

Proposals must support approximately 320 participants, including about 220 YSEALI ASEAN participants and 100 U.S. participants.

YSEALI Professional Fellowship participants are emerging leaders, ages 25 to 35, with strong English proficiency and the potential to advance U.S.–ASEAN relations through their professional achievements. They demonstrate leadership promise in their countries’ political, economic, private and public sectors and are committed to implementing projects that foster collaboration with the United States and promote freedom, innovation, and good governance.

U.S. participants must be American citizens who are established working professionals and have either hosted or engaged substantively with YSEALI participants during the U.S.-based exchange program.

3c. The Professional Fellows Program Themes

Eight Professional Fellowship themes will take place in 2027 and 2028. There will be two themes in each category listed below. Approximately four themes will run in Fall 2027, and approximately four will run in Spring 2028.

The Professional Fellow Program themes for this award are:

(a) The YSEALI Professional Fellowship program theme: Economic Prosperity -

This program theme will strengthen U.S.–ASEAN business and trade relationships by providing participants with direct experience in American business practices, innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies. Fellowships should highlight how U.S. small businesses, sports industries, and technology sectors expand commercial partnerships, attract investment, and create jobs. Activities should build entrepreneurial capacity, increase market access, and advance collaboration between U.S. and ASEAN small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Priority areas include technology for prosperity, digital commerce, sustainable business models, and sports-based economic initiatives that promote growth, youth engagement, and community development—especially as the nation prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

(b) The YSEALI Professional Fellowship program theme: Strategic Energy and

Minerals - This program theme will focus on advancing U.S. energy security and critical mineral supply chain resilience vital to economic growth and strategic stability. The participants will study U.S. practices in energy innovation, resilient infrastructure, resource governance, and supply chain transparency that secure reliable access to essential materials. Programs should promote responsible resource management, strategic investment, and partnerships that protect U.S.

economic and security interests across the Indo-Pacific.

(c) The YSEALI Professional Fellowship program theme: Liberty and Freedom -

This program theme will advance America’s founding principles of self-government, freedom of speech, rule of law to demonstrate the strength and accountability of the U.S. system of governance. Programs should highlight how constitutional checks and balances, transparent institutions, and protection of individual rights foster public trust and civic participation. The YSEALI Professional Exchange participants should examine accountability and transparency in government, anti-corruption practices, and freedom of speech and expression as essential foundations for responsive leadership, stable societies, and long-term regional prosperity.

(d) The YSEALI Professional Fellowship program theme: Peace and Security -

This program theme will promote U.S. leadership in strengthening peace and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific. The participants will engage with American experts and institutions to address transnational crime, cyber threats, and adversarial influence through cooperation in security, law enforcement, and technology. Programs should emphasize peace through strength, regional coordination, and practical approaches to preventing online fraud, trafficking, and criminal exploitation. Efforts should strengthen partnerships with U.S.

government agencies, the private sector, and civil society to protect communities and reinforce shared security interests.

3d. Overview of key program components All proposals should contain detailed information related to the following key program components.

Program Promotion and Outreach – The recipient will develop and manage a program website, create informational documents, and develop and manage official program social media accounts.

Recruitment and Selection – The recipient will create and disseminate recruitment materials, develop and manage an online application system, organize and participate in candidate interviews, and create an application scoring system to ensure a fair and open competition. The primary award recipient should identify and collaborate with at least one in-country partner in each ASEAN nation, if available, to support program recruitment efforts. If an in-country partner is not available, the applicant must demonstrate that it has the internal capacity and expertise to carry out recruitment and related activities directly, without reliance on an in-country partner.

Leadership and Professional Development Curriculum – The recipient will design and implement a leadership and professional development curriculum that strengthens participants’ skills in leadership, management, community engagement, and strategic communication. The curriculum should foster practical competencies that prepare participants to lead effectively, promote U.S.–ASEAN collaboration, and advance shared democratic and economic values.

Virtual Program Launch/ Pre-Departure Orientations (PDOs) – The recipient will develop and host a series of virtual pre-departure orientations for YSEALI and U.S.

participants. The PDOs should prepare the participants for their program experience and include elements related to program goals and expectations, and health and safety information. The PDOs should be conducted in collaboration with Public Diplomacy Sections at involved U.S. embassies and/or consulates (“Posts”), and subaward recipients (if applicable).

Professional Fellowships Themes - The U.S.-based exchange program will comprise of eight professional fellowship program themes (approximately four in fall 2027 and approximately four in spring 2028) organized by each of the four themes referenced in section “3c. Professional Themes.” Each theme should support a minimum of 25 YSEALI Professional participants and should be comprised of YSEALI participants from all eligible Southeast Asian countries.

Each program must include the following two components:

Integrated Arrival Orientation and Professional Study Tour – The award recipient, in coordination with all subaward recipients (if applicable), will organize a single, integrated Arrival Orientation for all YSEALI participants. This orientation will outline the goals and expectations of the U.S.-based exchange program and provide guidance on developing action plans that advance mutual interests and reinforce U.S. leadership in the Indo-Pacific. The Arrival Orientation will be integrated into a Professional Study Tour designed to deepen participants understanding of American principles, institutions, and policy approaches related to the program’s themes. The tour should showcase U.S. innovation, governance, and enterprise, connecting participants with leading American experts and organizations that exemplify U.S.

values and strategic priorities.

Fellowship Placement – The award recipient, in coordination with all subaward recipients (if applicable), will identify and support individually tailored fellowship placements that advance U.S. foreign policy and economic priorities while aligning with each YSEALI participants' professional background and interests. These placements should provide participants with direct, hands-on experience in the daily operations of leading U.S. public, private, and nonprofit institutions; foster professional relationships and networks with American counterparts that strengthen long-term U.S.–ASEAN partnerships; and guide participants in developing action plans that extend U.S. influence, promote open markets, and reinforce American leadership in their home countries. The recipient and, if applicable, its partners, must have and demonstrate the capacity to provide and support professional placements nationwide. Placement clustering within a single community or metropolitan area is encouraged to promote shared learning and collaboration across program themes. However, each community or metropolitan area should host no fewer than two and no more than ten YSEALI participants during any given Spring or Fall cohort.

YSEALI Professional Fellowship forum – The U.S.-based exchange program will conclude with the YSEALI Fellowship forum, a two- to three-day program-wide conference held in Washington, D.C., at the end of each Spring and Fall cohorts. The primary award recipient, and any subrecipients if applicable, will plan, implement, and manage the forum in close coordination with ECA. The forum will bring together all participants to share insights from their experiences, participate in advanced leadership and professional development sessions, and engage directly with U.S. officials, experts, and organizations. The forum will include educational engagement with the U.S. Congress through a visit that introduces participants to the founding principles and structure of the U.S. government. It will also include the participation of at least 10 U.S. Hosts to strengthen exchange and collaboration between U.S. hosts and ASEAN exchange participants. The forum should reinforce American leadership, highlight U.S. values, and strengthen the participants’ understanding of the United States as a trusted and preferred partner in the Indo- Pacific region.

Reciprocal Exchange for Americans – The award recipient, in collaboration with subaward recipients (if applicable), will manage and support reciprocal exchanges of at least one week, enabling U.S. participants to travel to Southeast Asia to assist participants in implementing their follow-on projects. These exchanges should advance U.S. strategic interests by strengthening professional and institutional ties, promoting American innovation, and showcasing U.S. leadership in the region. The recipient will develop and maintain an online application system for participants and their U.S. counterparts to propose reciprocal projects, coordinate schedules in consultation with participants, and work closely with U.S. embassies to identify post-driven programming opportunities that further U.S. diplomatic and economic priorities.

Alumni Engagement and Alumni Accelerator “Solutions” Workshops – The recipient will develop and implement plans to sustain alumni engagement that advance U.S.

foreign policy objectives and strengthen long-term connections with emerging regional leaders. Alumni engagement activities should foster continued collaboration with the United States, promote U.S. foreign and economic priorities, and encourage participants to apply American models of leadership, innovation, and civic participation in their home countries. Plans must include up to five alumni accelerator “solutions” workshops with a mini-grants program to support YSEALI participants follow-on projects, an alumni impact award recognizing outstanding achievements, a professional development award program, and regional alumni capacity building events.

Mentoring – The recipient will establish participants mentoring program designed to strengthen leadership and professional development while promoting continued engagement with U.S. contacts. The program should connect alumni with American and regional mentors to foster collaboration on shared challenges and advance U.S.

strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. The recipient will also administer mentor– mentee collaboration awards to support in-person engagement that enhances professional growth and reinforces the program’s long-term impact.

Logistical and Administrative Support – The recipient will arrange and participate in participants selection interviews, issue program notifications to participants and/or hosts, prepare, issue and send DS-2019 forms to posts, enroll all program participants traveling outside their home countries in the U.S. Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), and coordinate and support exchange participant housing, meal and transportation arrangements.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

These responsibilities include program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and full financial and administrative oversight in accordance with all applicable federal regulations and ECA guidelines. The recipient is responsible for carrying out all program activities referenced above and below.

1. Develop and implement a mobile-friendly online application system and a targeted recruitment campaign that reaches eligible candidates, supports a merit-based open competition, and includes semi-finalist interviews (virtual and/or in-person) in coordination with Posts as part of the participant selection process.

2. Develop and implement a mobile-friendly program website (independent of the recipient’s organizational website) to convey program information and highlights;

3. Develop and implement a comprehensive outreach and social media strategy that promotes U.S. investment in the YSEALI Professional Fellowship strengthens America’s leadership in fostering global partnerships, and highlights U.S. host institutions, participants, and alumni whose work advances American values, innovation, and mutual prosperity;

4. Create and distribute comprehensive program materials (electronic and print), conduct virtual pre-departure orientations in close coordination with U.S. Embassies, and use mobile-friendly online and social media tools to prepare finalists for their programs, address questions, and facilitate early communication with host organizations and communities, including sharing key resources, assignments, and leadership and professional development activities prior to departure.

5. Manage and monitor sub-award recipients (if applicable);

6. Create program guidelines and other relevant materials for U.S. placement host organizations. The recipient organization should host a virtual orientation for U.S. placement host organizations that clearly outlines hosting roles and responsibilities;

7. Develop and implement communication platforms and systems to share resources and facilitate communication among U.S. placement organizations, participants, and the greater YSEALI Professional Fellowship participants network of alumni;

8. Conduct a comprehensive arrival orientation at the start of each Fellowship program theme and design and implement professional study tours that showcase U.S. excellence by connecting YSEALI participants with leading American professionals and organizations aligned with each thematic focus.

9. Identify and secure four-week fellowship placements with leading U.S. non-profit, public, and private sector organizations that exemplify American excellence and innovation. Ensure each placement aligns with the YSEALI participants areas of interest and supports their follow-on projects and action plan development.

10. Develop and implement a U.S.-led and U.S.-inspired YSEALI participants mentoring program for the FY 2026 that promotes American leadership in mentorship and professional excellence, fosters collaboration, addresses shared challenges, and strengthens the leadership and professional development skills of participants and alumni.

11. Develop and implement a plan to monitor the health, safety, and welfare of participants, and promptly inform and consult with ECA and relevant U.S.

embassies and consulates regarding any program or participant issues, emergencies, or actions taken to address them.

12. Develop and implement an integrated leadership and professional development curriculum for YSEALI participants, and administer a closing community engagement award program that enables U.S. hosts and interlocutors to participate in closing events.

13. In coordination with ECA and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, develop and implement up to five in-person regional YSEALI Professional Fellowship Alumni Accelerator “Solutions” Workshops across the ASEAN region that highlight U.S. expertise in areas aligned with Administration priorities— including (1) countering transnational crime, including online scams; (2) business and commerce that expand trade and commercial ties; (3) artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies; (4) strategic energy and minerals, including supply chains that support AI, advanced technologies, and critical minerals; (5) regional security, including maritime security; and (6) technologies that drive economic growth and opportunity—during which alumni will develop and present concrete solutions to these priority issues, and administer follow-on alumni grants for selected alumni to implement their proposed solutions after the workshops, in consultation with ECA and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN as appropriate.

14. Provide reasonable accommodations for participants, including disability-related needs when required, to ensure participation in all program activities;

15. Conduct performance monitoring that incorporates the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, links outcomes to stated program goals and objectives, ensures consistent and high-quality implementation across all fellowship themes, and, in consultation with ECA, collects additional non- MODE data as needed to strengthen evaluation and inform program improvements.

16. Cover the cost of all appropriate program-related expenses for YSEALI Professional Fellowship participants, U.S. participants, and alumni participating in collaborative projects, including but not limited to transportation, lodging, and meals and incidental expenses, etc.

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

18. Facilitate and coordinate the planning of the Reciprocal Exchange for Americans. Posts must receive the draft project schedule no later than four weeks before the program start date.

19. Enroll participants in the Bureau’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) for the duration of the program, issue health benefits identification cards, provide guidance on claims procedures, and incorporate an ASPE presentation into pre-departure and/or arrival orientations, including participation from ECA’s ASPE Coordinator when possible.

20. Issue DS-2019 forms for international participants and alternates. All international participants will travel on a U.S. government designation for the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor program.

21. Participate in regular program reviews with ECA (in person, video conference, or by telephone) that provide general updates on program implementation and matters of concern including but not limited to a review of the effectiveness of past activities, progress on anticipated programmatic activities, and issues that may impede the implementation of planned programming.

22. Develop and support innovative plans for virtual activities to augment, or substitute for, in-person engagement with all program stakeholders when changing political and/or environmental situations result in restrictions on international travel. The plans must address how the organization will conduct virtual activities for participants who have limited access to internet and/or limited access to a computer or mobile device.

23. Respond fully and promptly to requests for program or statistical information from ECA, including but not limited to providing information through ECA-supplied spreadsheets and databases.

24. Respond fully and promptly to ad hoc requests for program information from

ECA.

25. Design and implement a fellowship placement vetting and selection process, in consultation with ECA, to ensure all proposed placements align with Administration priorities, with ECA reviewing and approving each placement prior to finalization.

26. Design and produce media and communication materials that highlight program outcomes and success stories featuring both U.S. and overseas participants—including short impact videos and related digital content—to showcase achievements, demonstrate results, and communicate the program’s contribution to U.S. foreign policy objectives, while aligning with ECA branding and communication standards, and design and maintain an internal online YSEALI Professional Fellowship website to share these highlights, stories, and updates with the recipient, ECA, and Posts.

27. Be able to pivot and implement alternative or online programming if in-person activities become infeasible for all or a subset of eligible countries.

5. Goals and Objectives.

The goals and objectives of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship are to provide ASEAN emerging leaders with a U.S.-based understanding of economic prosperity, liberty and freedom, peace and security, and strategic resource management. The program achieves this by facilitating professional fellowships, leadership development, and engagement with U.S. public, private, and nonprofit institutions. Through these experiences, participants gain practical exposure to American models of innovation, entrepreneurship, rule of law, and responsible resource management. These fellowships equip emerging leaders to apply learned practices in their home countries, strengthen regional collaboration, and build lasting partnerships that advance shared U.S.–ASEAN goals of freedom, prosperity, and stability.

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 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/ o Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures

E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the United States Government (core indicator)

E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time because of their program (core indicator)

E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the United States for the first time during their program (core indicator)

E1.1.11: Percent of American participants indicating a change in their understanding of their host country's culture and values

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

E1.1.16: 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 o 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 E4.0.14: 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) E4.1.04: Number of professional placements E4.1.14: Number of virtual exchange (VE) programs E4.1.15: Number of participants in virtual exchange (VE) programs o Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)

Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs) ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document;

there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. While ECA recommends the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:

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

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

• 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.

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

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-https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements.

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

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

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

7. Allowable Costs.

a. Travel: All international air travel must comply with the Fly America Act. The

U.S. Department of State provides J-1 visas for non-U.S. participants, and visa processing fees should not be included in the budget. The proposal should include costs for travel related to obtaining visas, such as interviews, delivering or picking up passports, etc. A travel allowance of $100 per foreign participant may be included in the budget for incidental expenses during international travel.

b. Per Diem: For U.S.-based programming, use the federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities, which can be found at GSA Per Diem Rates. Budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy and do not exceed federal per diem rates. For foreign programming, use the rates available at State Department Per Diem Rates.

https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

c. Book and Cultural Allowance: Foreign participants may receive a one-time cultural allowance of $200 per person and a book allowance of $50. U.S.

program staff are not eligible for these allowances.

d. Consultants: Consultants may be hired to provide specialized expertise or presentations. Honoraria rates should not exceed $250 per session.

Subaward and subcontracting organizations may also be used. Include a letter of support detailing responsibilities and costs for subawards and itemize subcontract costs in the budget. Contractors or contracting organizations may also be employed, with a letter outlining the agreement included in the proposal.

e. Room Rental: Room rental costs must not exceed the market rate for event space in the area of activity. If citing market value, provide justification for the requested amount. Without justification, room rentals may not exceed $250 per day per conference room or activity.

f. Materials Development: The proposal may include costs for purchasing, developing, and translating materials for participants.

g. Supplies: The proposal may include costs for equipment needed for programming, such as computers or fax machines. Furniture costs are not allowed. Equipment costs should be kept to a minimum.

h. Working Meals: No more than two working meals may be provided per project. At least one working meal should be budgeted for U.S.-based exchange briefings in Washington, DC. The cost per person for a working meal must not exceed $45. Alcoholic beverages cannot be charged to U.S.

government funds. The number of invited guests should not exceed twice the number of funded program participants (e.g., no more than 20 guests for a meal with 10 participants).

i. Health Benefits: Foreign participants will be covered under the U.S.

Department of State-sponsored Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). The State Department pays the ASPE premium directly to the administrator. The proposal may include costs for supplemental health insurance for hosting organizations requiring specialized coverage and travel insurance for participants.

j. Reasonable Accommodations: The proposal should budget for reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.