Egypt Annual Program Statement

The Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs seeks applicants for cooperative agreements to fund projects in Egypt that advance U.S. commercial diplomacy, with applications due August 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. The program totals $100 million across approximately seven anticipated awards, with typical individual awards ranging from $2 million to $3.75 million and an award ceiling floor of under $250 thousand to $5 million depending on program area.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign nonprofits, for-profit organizations, higher education institutions, public international organizations, and small businesses with functional and regional experience that are legally authorized to operate in Egypt. Cost share is not required; leveraged resources such as existing personnel, facilities, and partnerships are distinct from formal matching obligations. Higher education participants must hold accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or by NAQAAE for Egyptian institutions.

The program prioritizes seven specific sectors with estimated award ceilings: AI Tools for Water Usage Optimization ($18 million), Building an AI Workforce and EdTech in K-12 Schools ($25 million), U.S.-Egypt High-Performance Computing Partnership for AI and Advanced Analytics ($20 million), Water Innovation Partnership ($15 million), Resource Management for Agriculture ($12 million), Accelerate Egyptian Tech Startups Using U.S. Platforms ($10 million), and unspecified additional areas. Projects must demonstrate how assistance leverages U.S. technology exports, standards, and commercial engagement while advancing U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives. All proposals must orient implementing partners toward the American business community and show how they support U.S. businesses securing foreign contracts and tenders. The period of performance spans 12 to 36 months with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026.

Evaluation uses a 100-point rubric: program idea quality (30 points), organizational capacity (20 points), program planning ability (15 points), budget (10 points), monitoring and evaluation plan (15 points), and sustainability (10 points). Applicants must register with SAM.gov and submit required federal forms, a 10-page maximum proposal, detailed budget with narrative, Results Monitoring Plan, Logic Model, and Security Plan (3-page maximum). Pre-award coordination with NEA program officers is required. All project and financial records must be retained for three years. CFDA 19.600 funds this opportunity.