NOFO EL Fellows 2026-002.docx

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

English Language Fellows Program U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Cairo, Public Diplomacy Section Opportunity number: PDS-CAIRO-002-FY26 Application deadline: August 7, 2026

Table of Contents

U.S Department of State U.S. Embassy Cairo, Public Diplomacy Section The Regional English Language Office

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Overview

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 28 months or less.

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

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

2. Executive Summary The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Cairo announces an open competition to identify a qualified provider organization to support the placement and administration of two English Language Fellows (ELFs) in Egypt for a 28-month program period. This program addresses a critical operational need: the successful implementation of the English Language Fellows program requires an international or local partner with expertise in human resources management, visa facilitation, financial administration, and logistical support to ensure Fellows can focus on their educational mission while receiving comprehensive administrative support throughout their assignment.

The English Language Fellows program brings American English language teaching professionals to Egypt to work with local institutions, train Egyptian English teachers, develop curriculum, and strengthen English language education capacity. These Fellows serve as cultural ambassadors while providing technical expertise in modern TESOL methodologies, educational technology, and professional development. The success of this program depends on seamless administrative support that allows Fellows to maximize their impact on Egyptian educators and students.

The selected provider organization will serve as the primary administrative partner responsible for: (1) recruiting, vetting, and selecting two qualified American English Language Fellows in coordination with U.S. Embassy Cairo; (2) managing all financial aspects including monthly salary disbursement, housing allowance payments, and reimbursement for approved expenses; (3) facilitating visa issuance and work permit processes in coordination with Egyptian authorities and Embassy staff; (4) providing ongoing logistical support including housing arrangements, local orientation, and problem-solving assistance; (5) ensuring compliance with U.S. government regulations, Egyptian labor laws, and program requirements; and (6) maintaining regular communication with Embassy staff and Fellows to address issues promptly and ensure program success.

This program directly advances the Trump Administration's core foreign policy objectives by making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous through strategic educational partnerships. By building English language capacity in Egypt through American expertise, the program creates lasting partnerships that facilitate trade, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding—all essential components of a prosperous and secure bilateral relationship in a strategically vital region. The Fellows program represents a cost-effective model for projecting American values and expertise while building sustainable institutional capacity in partner nations.

Eligible applicants include educational organizations, non-governmental organizations, human resources firms, and institutions with demonstrated experience in personnel management, visa facilitation, financial administration, and support services for international professionals. The selected organization must have the knowledge of local regulatory requirements, and capacity to provide responsive support to American professionals working in the Egyptian context.

Success will be measured through: timely recruitment and placement of two qualified Fellows (both Fellows in-country and working within 60 days of program start), effective financial management (100% on-time salary and allowance payments with accurate expense reimbursement), successful visa facilitation (all required permits obtained within regulatory timeframes), responsive logistical support (housing secured, orientation provided, issues resolved within 48 hours), and overall Fellow satisfaction (90% of Fellows rating provider support as "good" or "excellent" in end-of-program evaluations).

This strategic partnership will enable the English Language Fellows program to achieve maximum impact on Egypt's English language education sector while ensuring American professionals receive the administrative support necessary to succeed in their educational mission. The provider organization will serve as a critical bridge between U.S. government priorities, American Fellows' needs, and Egyptian institutional requirements.

Please follow all instructions below.

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply:

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

· Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

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

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

3. Other Eligibility Requirements All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov.

4. This opportunity will not support:

· Projects relating to partisan political activity;

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

· Construction projects;

· Projects that support specific religious activities;

· Fund-raising campaigns;

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

· Scientific research or surveys;

· Commercial projects;

· Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

· Projects that duplicate existing projects;

· Illegal activities

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives English language proficiency serves as a critical gateway to educational opportunity, economic advancement, and cross-cultural understanding. In Egypt, a nation of over 100 million people with deep historical ties to the United States, the demand for quality English language instruction far exceeds current capacity. The U.S. Department of State's English Language Fellows program addresses this need by placing experienced American English language teaching professionals in strategic locations worldwide to build local capacity, train teachers, and strengthen educational institutions.

The English Language Fellows program brings highly qualified American educators to Egypt for 12-month (renewable) assignments to work directly with Egyptian educational institutions, train English teachers, develop curriculum, provide professional development workshops, and serve as cultural ambassadors. These Fellows possess advanced degrees in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or related fields, along with substantial teaching experience and expertise in modern pedagogical approaches. Their presence creates opportunities for Egyptian educators to learn directly from American professionals, gain exposure to contemporary teaching methodologies, and develop lasting professional relationships that continue beyond the program period.

However, the success of the English Language Fellows program depends critically on comprehensive administrative support that allows Fellows to focus on their educational mission rather than logistical challenges. Fellows require support in multiple areas: recruitment and vetting to ensure qualified candidates are selected; visa facilitation to navigate Egyptian immigration requirements; financial management including regular salary disbursement and expense reimbursement; housing arrangements that provide safe, comfortable accommodations; local orientation to Egyptian cultural norms and practical considerations; and ongoing problem-solving assistance when issues arise. Without a reliable local partner to provide these services, Fellows face unnecessary obstacles that diminish their effectiveness and impact.

This NOFO seeks to identify a qualified provider organization to serve as the primary administrative partner for two English Language Fellows who will be placed in Egypt for the 2027-2029 program years. The provider will handle all aspects of Fellow recruitment, financial management, visa facilitation, and logistical support, working in close coordination with U.S. Embassy Cairo's Regional English Language Office (RELO) to ensure program success.

This program directly advances the Trump Administration's core foreign policy objectives by making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous through strategic educational partnerships. The program supports the Administration's emphasis on international education initiatives that leverage the State Department's global expertise to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities. As Secretary Rubio has emphasized, foreign assistance programs must have measurable outcomes that enhance U.S. safety, strength, or prosperity—the English Language Fellows program delivers concrete returns through enhanced English proficiency that strengthens Egypt's workforce, creates opportunities for American businesses, and builds people-to-people ties that counter extremist narratives and promote stability in a strategically vital region.

The State Department's broader experience with English Language Fellows programming demonstrates that successful placements require strong local partnerships. Effective provider organizations combine expertise in human resources management with deep knowledge of local regulatory environments and cultural contexts. They maintain responsive communication channels, anticipate potential challenges, and resolve issues quickly to minimize disruption to Fellows' work. The most successful providers view their role as enabling Fellows to achieve maximum impact rather than simply processing administrative transactions.

Project Audience(s):

Primary Audience: Two American English Language Fellows The primary beneficiaries of provider services are two American English language teaching professionals who will serve as English Language Fellows in Egypt. Key characteristics include:

1. Professional Background: Master's degree or higher in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, or related field; minimum 5-15 years of English language teaching experience; demonstrated expertise in teacher training, curriculum development, or educational program management

2. Assignment Duration: 24-month placement in Egypt (approximately September 2026 - August 2028)

3. Professional Responsibilities: Working with Egyptian educational institutions to train teachers, develop curriculum, provide professional development workshops, and serve as cultural ambassadors

4. Support Needs: Visa facilitation, monthly salary disbursement, housing arrangements, local orientation, ongoing logistical assistance, and responsive problem-solving support

5. Cultural Context: American professionals who may have limited prior experience in Egypt and require support navigating local administrative systems, cultural norms, and practical considerations

Secondary Audience: U.S. Embassy Cairo Regional English Language Office (RELO) RELO Cairo staff will work closely with the provider organization to ensure program alignment with U.S. government priorities and effective Fellow support:

1. Coordination Needs: Regular communication regarding Fellow recruitment, placement, performance, and any issues requiring attention

2. Oversight Requirements: Monitoring provider performance, reviewing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with program requirements

3. Strategic Direction: Providing guidance on program priorities, Fellow assignments, and alignment with broader Public Diplomacy objectives Tertiary Audience: Egyptian Educational Institutions and English Teachers Ultimately, Egyptian educators and institutions benefit from Fellows' expertise when Fellows receive effective administrative support that allows them to focus on their educational mission:

1. Institutional Partners: Universities, teacher training centers, Ministry of Education institutions, and language institutes that host Fellows and benefit from their expertise

2. English Teachers: Egyptian English language instructors who receive training, mentorship, and professional development from Fellows

3. Students: Egyptian learners who benefit indirectly from improved teacher quality and institutional capacity

Project Goal:

To ensure the successful placement and support of two American English Language Fellows in Egypt by providing comprehensive administrative services—including recruitment, financial management, visa facilitation, and logistical support—that enable Fellows to focus on their educational mission of strengthening English language instruction capacity, thereby advancing U.S.-Egypt educational partnerships and cross-cultural understanding in alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Project Objectives:

· Objective 1: Recruitment and Selection Recruit, vet, and facilitate the selection of two qualified American English Language Fellows in coordination with U.S. Embassy Cairo, ensuring both Fellows meet program requirements (Master's degree in relevant field, minimum 5-15 years teaching experience, cultural adaptability) and are ready to begin their assignments within 60 days of program start date.

· Objective 2: Financial Management Establish and maintain efficient financial management systems to disburse monthly salaries, housing allowances, and approved expense reimbursements to both Fellows with 100% on-time payment accuracy throughout the 10-month program period, in compliance with U.S. government regulations and Egyptian financial requirements.

· Objective 3: Visa and Work Permit Facilitation Coordinate with Egyptian authorities and U.S. Embassy Cairo to secure all required visas, work permits, and legal documentation for both Fellows within regulatory timeframes, ensuring full compliance with Egyptian immigration laws and enabling Fellows to work legally throughout their assignment period.

· Objective 4: Housing and Logistical Support Arrange safe, comfortable, and appropriately located housing for both Fellows; provide comprehensive local orientation covering cultural norms, practical considerations, and emergency procedures; and maintain responsive support systems to address logistical issues within 48 hours throughout the program period.

· Objective 5: Program Compliance and Reporting Maintain accurate records of all recruitment activities, financial transactions, visa processes, and support services; submit timely monthly reports to U.S. Embassy Cairo; ensure compliance with all U.S. government regulations, Egyptian laws, and program requirements; and achieve a minimum 90% satisfaction rating from Fellows in end-of-program evaluations.

2. Substantial Involvement

· Under this Cooperative Agreement, RELO Cairo will maintain substantial involvement in all phases of the English Language Fellows Provider Program, extending beyond routine monitoring to ensure strategic alignment with U.S. government priorities, programmatic integrity, and maximum support for Fellows throughout their assignments. The involvement includes close coordination with the recipient on recruitment, placement, ongoing support, and adaptation of services to evolving Fellow needs and local contexts.

· RELO Cairo Substantial Involvement:

· RELO Cairo will play a central role in the oversight and strategic direction of provider services. This includes but is not limited to:

· Provide overall programmatic guidance and strategic direction, including Fellow assignment priorities, institutional placement decisions, and alignment with U.S. Embassy Cairo's Public Diplomacy objectives

· Participate in Fellow recruitment and selection processes, including reviewing candidate qualifications, conducting interviews, and making final selection decisions in coordination with the provider organization

· Approve key personnel assigned to support Fellows, especially those involved in orientation, ongoing support, and problem-solving assistance

· Review and approve housing arrangements to ensure they meet safety, comfort, and location requirements appropriate for American professionals

· Monitor Fellow satisfaction and performance through regular check-ins, site visits (subject to security conditions), and feedback mechanisms

· Review and approve all programmatic and financial reports submitted by the provider organization, providing feedback for improvement and ensuring results-based management

· Provide guidance on visa and work permit processes, leveraging Embassy relationships with Egyptian authorities to facilitate timely approvals

· Coordinate Fellow work assignments with Egyptian institutional partners, ensuring alignment between Fellow expertise and institutional needs

· Support problem-solving efforts when Fellows encounter challenges, providing Embassy resources and guidance as appropriate

· Conduct program evaluation including Fellow feedback, institutional partner input, and provider performance assessment to inform future programming

· Approve any significant changes to program implementation, including housing relocations, assignment modifications, or adjustments to support services

· Recipient Responsibilities with Ongoing Guidance

· Implement provider services according to approved frameworks, ensuring high-quality support for Fellows throughout their assignments.

· Conduct outreach and recruitment for English Language Fellow positions through appropriate channels (professional networks, TESOL organizations, university career centers), ensuring diverse and qualified candidate pools

· Manage selection processes in close consultation with RELO Cairo, including application review, initial screening, interview coordination, and reference checks

· Establish financial management systems capable of processing monthly salary payments, housing allowances, and expense reimbursements in compliance with U.S. government regulations and Egyptian financial requirements

· Coordinate visa and work permit applications with Egyptian authorities, maintaining regular communication with relevant ministries and ensuring timely submission of all required documentation

· Secure appropriate housing for Fellows that meets safety, comfort, and location requirements, conducting site inspections and negotiating lease agreements

· Provide comprehensive orientation for newly arrived Fellows covering Egyptian cultural norms, practical considerations (banking, transportation, communication), emergency procedures, and program expectations

· Maintain responsive support systems with dedicated staff available to address Fellow questions, concerns, and logistical issues within 48 hours

· Track and document all activities including recruitment timelines, financial transactions, visa processes, housing arrangements, and support interactions

· Submit timely and complete monthly reports to RELO Cairo covering all aspects of provider services, Fellow status, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented

· Ensure compliance with all U.S. government regulations, Egyptian laws, labor requirements, and program policies

· Respond to guidance and feedback from RELO Cairo, adapting services as needed to reflect Fellow needs, policy changes, or contextual developments

· Maintain dedicated staff for managing communications with U.S. Embassy staff, providing timely responses to donor queries with a maximum turnaround time of one to two business days

· Conduct end-of-program evaluations with Fellows to assess satisfaction with provider services and identify areas for improvement

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

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

Content of Application Please ensure:

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

· All documents are in English

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars

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

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov or Embassy website.

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

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or Embassy website. (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

2. Proposal (20 pages maximum) Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of their choice. The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. The proposal must include all the items below:

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

· Introduction to the Organization applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant may be asked to work with U.S. Department of State Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives.

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

3. Budget Justification Narrative

· Detailed Budget - Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.1.

· Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

· Budget Justification Narrative – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

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

4. Attachments

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

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

· Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

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

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

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

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

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

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas

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

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

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

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

1. Address to Request Application Package SoudanHE@state.gov

2. Department of State Contacts If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: SoudanHE@state.gov.

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

4. Submission Dates and Times All application materials must be submitted by email to: SoudanHE@state.gov Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by August 7, 2026, 11:59 PM Cairo Time. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

5. Funding Restrictions

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

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

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

b. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

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

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

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

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

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

iv. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are generally not allowable under this NOFO unless approved in advance by the Grants Officer and justified in the proposal.

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

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

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

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Egypt. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and Egypt.

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

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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

· Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives that align directly with the priorities and requirements of the NOFO. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following:

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

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

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

· The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive Orders:

· Executive Order 14173: "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

· Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens”

· Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

· Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points:

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

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

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

· Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions.

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

· Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

· Budget – 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

· Monitoring and Evaluation - 10 points: The project proposal includes an M&E plan. The applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals and objectives outlined in the proposal. The proposal includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

· Sustainability – 10 points: The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.

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

3. Review and Selection Process

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

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

c. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

2. Risk Review

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

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement project requirements

ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

iii. High Risk Designation

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

iv. Risk Analysis Management

To qualify for final consideration, certain applicants may be required to undertake the Risk Analysis Management (RAM) vetting process by providing Risk Analysis Information (RAI) about their “key individuals” (i.e., individuals with the ability to control applicant organizations’ funds), including “key individuals” from selected sub-recipients. Please note: these individuals could be different from the key personnel listed in the section 4 of required documents. The purpose of vetting potential contractors and grantees is to reduce the risk that federal assistance funding is provided to terrorists or their supporters. Potential grantees will be notified separately if RAI is required. Applicants submit key individuals’ RAI by completing the Risk Analysis Information Form, DS-4184, through the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov. The DS-4184 requests the following RAI for each key individual: Full Name; Aliases; Gender; Birth Place; Birthdate; Home/Work Addresses; Phone Numbers; Employer; Professional Title; Email Addresses; Skype ID (if included, email address is also required); Numbers from All Official IDs (e.g., passports, ID cards, etc.); Nationalities; and Social Security Number (if U.S. person). Questions about the DS-4184 form may be emailed to RAM@state.gov. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal.

G. AWARD NOTICES

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method:

Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part…