PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP)

Last Updated: February 2025

• Applicant Name: Example Organization
• Fiscal Year and Program Title: FY## Example Program
• Funding Opportunity #: SFOP000XXXX

Instructions

The Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) in this document includes ALL MODE objectives and indicators that were created to collect data from program participants. While ECA recommends the applicant use the format provided, this is not a requirement. However, 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 table below at a minimum.

To provide a PMP that will meet the solicitation review criteria, the applicant should take the following steps:

1. Fill out the Applicant Name, FY and Program Title and Funding Opportunity # fields highlighted above
2. Carefully review the solicitation document to identify the MODE indicators that were listed
3. Review the additional (those not listed in the solicitation document) MODE Framework indicators listed in the table below to determine if they are relevant (meaning the applicant proposes that data should be collected for those indicators as part of this program)
4. Those indicators that were NOT selected in steps 2 and 3 above can be deleted from the table below (to do this, click your mouse somewhere within the row you would like to delete, right-click, select “Delete Cells”, then “Delete Entire Row”. Repeat this process until the only MODE Framework indicators that remain are those identified during steps 1 and 2)
5. Applicants may also design custom objectives and/or indicators that are specific to the proposed program and the proposed MODE Framework indicators are insufficient to cover all aspects of the program. Applicants should limit the number of these custom indicators, bearing in mind collection and reporting capacity, and prioritize additional measures identified in the solicitation.

For all indicators in the PMP that remain after steps 2-5 above, insert the target into the appropriate column. A target specifies a feasible and appropriate level of an output or outcome that is hoped for, expected, or intended.

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Resources

More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework and PMP are available online (https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and). PMP-specific resources include:

• MODE Framework Indicator Book: (https://app.box.com/s/9gvvxzxlm6bmvzqengqu8uad40yz2doe)
• MODE Performance Indicator Reference Sheets: (https://app.box.com/s/r6x4elenw9pnicdtjyqv6rbyoczhp62t)
• PMP Creation Webinar: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI)

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Definitions of PMP Columns

• Performance Indicator: An observable or measurable characteristic that indicates the extent to which a program objective is being achieved.
• Definition: Clarifies all terms necessary and provides details on how to calculate the data collected to measure the change expected.
• Disaggregation (“Disagg”): Lists how the data will be broken down into subgroups (such as: sex, age, state, country, etc.)
• Target: Specific, planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Specifies how the data will be obtained (such as a survey, observation, interview, etc.) and the mandatory question linked to the data source. Note that all MODE Framework survey questions are required (i.e. should be forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for an example of how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.
• When to Collect: Specifies when the indicator will be measured, for example: post-program, end of award, etc.
  • A post-program collection should occur no later than 6 weeks after the participant has completed the program
  • Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data on participant outputs and outcomes during the period of performance of the program itself. Note: The Bureau will measure outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the program has ended to capture the long-term impact of ECA programming unless otherwise specified in the solicitation for which you are applying. 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.

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Definitions of Key Terms

Each indicator in the table below includes a list of relevant terms in the indicator column. While terms vary across indicators, there are a few key terms that apply to a high number of indicators. Those terms are listed below to save space in the table:

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - A person who has directly participated in an ECA-facilitated program (either ECA-funded or BridgeUSA) and been exposed to at least 10 hours of content or otherwise meets the requirements for entry into the Alumni Contact Engagement System (ACES). Participants do not include audiences who may watch, listen to, or otherwise interact with ECA program participants.

  • Participants of American Spaces programming include any individual who attends a program conducted by an American Space, whether that program is located at an American Space or an outside location. Individuals who attend virtual (online) or blended (partially online, partially in-person) programs are also considered participants.
  • “Exchange Visitors” on ECA’s Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC) programs are considered program participants.

• Host community - A community that sponsors, supports, or provides services for exchange programs and/or their participants. Host communities and institutions do not necessarily directly participate in a program. Benefits to this group most often occur through interaction with the participants and/or alumni during or after the program. Host community members comprise two groups:

  • Host families who welcomed exchange visitors into their homes;
  • Host institutions or businesses who provided professional or academic experiences to exchange visitors.

• Virtual exchange - A sustained, multi-way interaction, that is 100% online, used to build networks and shared knowledge around policy priorities. For a program to be considered a virtual exchange, participants must engage with all content virtually. A series of virtual components can be considered an exchange if they are (1) originated as a unit with a collective start and end date and (2) are organized around a unifying theme. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements (internships), and virtual mentorships. A series of massive open online courses (MOOCs) would be considered an exchange if they are offered as a set (of say six classes) and are centered on a specific topic (for example, media literacy). Offering MOOCs as an online resource is not considered a virtual exchange program.

• Virtual element - Single, stand-alone components offered as either add-on enrichment to an in-person program or as general outreach by ECA. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements (internships), and virtual mentorships. Offering single MOOCs to the general public or virtual pre-departure orientation webinars are both considered virtual elements. Additionally, online spaces for participants to communicate (such as a program Facebook page) are considered virtual elements.

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Performance Indicators Table

Last Updated: February 2025

Demographic Questions

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
Home Country (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Country of Origin disaggregation. (Foreign participants only)	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data)	Post-Program
				What is your home country? [Drop Down: List of program countries] – See Appendix C in the Indicator Book
Home State (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Home State disaggregation. (American participants only)	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data)	Post-Program
				What is your home state? [Drop Down: List of U.S. States] – See Appendix D in the Indicator Book
Age (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Age disaggregation.	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data)	Post-Program
				What is your age? Fill in the blank ________ [Validate answer numeric, with accepted answers ranging from 15 to 100] -- OR -- Are you between the ages of 15 and 35? • Yes • No
Sex (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Sex disaggregation.	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data)	Post-Program
				Please select your biological sex classification: • Female • Male
Race (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Race disaggregation. (American participants only)	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data)	Post-Program
				What is your race or ethnicity? Select all that apply. • American Indian or Alaskan Native • Asian • Black or African American • Hispanic or Latino • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander • White • Some Other Race • I do not wish to respond

Participant Type

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
Participant Type (Demographic)	Used to identify the subgroup “Reciprocal” for Participant Type disaggregation. (American participants only) Award recipients will need to identify whether a participant is designated as 'Foreign', 'American', or 'Reciprocal' as part of the disaggregations. The assumption is that those who answer the "Home Country" question can be designated as a 'Foreign participant', those who answer "Home State" can be designated as an 'American participant', and those who answer the associated question with a "yes" can be designated as a 'Reciprocal participant' N/A N/A	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data)	Post-Program
				Did you participate in a reciprocal exchange? A reciprocal participant is an American who travels to an exchange participant's home country to assist the participant with their individual project • Yes • No

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ECA Objectives and MODE Framework Indicators

ECA Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective

ECA 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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of respondents who answered “yes” while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Do you agree with the following statement?
    My program offered opportunities for making cultural connections and sharing. For example: Conversations about each others’ countries, attending cultural events, etc.
    • Yes • No
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of respondents who select “much more favorable” OR “somewhat more favorable” on the survey question. The denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Did your views of the United States government change as a result of your program participation? • Yes • No
  • If YES: How did your views of the United States government change? Are your views:
    • Much less favorable
    • Somewhat less favorable
    • Somewhat more favorable
    • Much more favorable
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Abroad: A country outside of one’s home country
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of respondents who answered “no” to the first question while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Before this exchange program, had you traveled outside of your home country? • Yes • No
  • If YES: Why did you travel outside of your home country? Select all that apply.
    • Tourism
    • Visit friends/family
    • Participation in another U.S. Department of State exchange program (including U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchanges)
    • Participation in a non-U.S. Department of State exchange
    • Study
    • Work
    • Other: ______ [write-in]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once per reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who reply “no” to the first question while denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Before this exchange program, had you traveled to the United States? • Yes • No
  • If YES: Why did you travel to the United States? Select all that apply.
    • Tourism
    • Visit friends/family
    • Participation in another U.S. Department of State exchange program (including U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchanges)
    • Participation in a non-U.S. Department of State exchange
    • Study
    • Work
    • Other: ______ [write-in]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Host country: The country in which the participant traveled to for their exchange program.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations:
  • Responses to each item should be scored in the following manner:
    No Change – 1
    Minimal Change – 2
    Moderate Change – 3
    Substantial Change – 4
  • The response scores for each item should be summed and divided by the number of items they responded to in order to give an average question score for each respondent.
  • To determine the percent value, the numerator is the number of respondents whose average question score is 2 or greater while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • How much did participation in the exchange program change your understanding or knowledge of the following topics?
    • Host country political system
    • Host country economy
    • Foreign affairs of my host country
    • Domestic affairs in my host country
    • Host country values and culture
    • Daily life in my host country
    • Freedom of speech and press in my host country
    • Voluntary community service in my host country
    [Scale: No Change, Minimal Change, Moderate Change, Substantial Change]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Third-party country: A country that is not the participant/alumni’s home or host country. Generally, this refers to the home countries of fellow participants.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations:
  • Responses to each item should be scored in the following manner:
    No Change – 1
    Minimal Change – 2
    Moderate Change – 3
    Substantial Change – 4
  • The response scores for each item should be summed and divided by the number of items they responded to in order to give an average question score for each respondent.
  • To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents whose average question score is 2 or greater while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Thinking about the participants you met from other countries (not your home country or the U.S.), how much did participation in the program change your understanding or knowledge of the following topics related to those countries?
    • Political system
    • Economy
    • Foreign affairs
    • Domestic affairs
    • Values and culture
    • Daily life
    • Freedom of speech and press
    • Voluntary community service
    [Scale: No Change, Minimal Change, Moderate Change, Substantial Change]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who reply “much more likely” or “somewhat more likely” while denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Compared to before your program participation, how likely are you now to recommend the United States as a good place to study?
    • Much more unlikely
    • Somewhat more unlikely
    • Somewhat more likely
    Much more likely
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Virtual exchange: See Definitions of Key Terms
• Virtual element: See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once per reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of respondents who answered “yes” while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Additional note in indicator: This indicator counts participants involved in virtual exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT count participants engaging with virtual program elements as part of a non-virtual program.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • In the future, are virtual exchanges likely to be your only way to interact with citizens from other countries?
    • Yes • No • I don’t know
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who reply “much more favorable” OR “somewhat more favorable” while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Did your views of the American people change as a result of your program participation?
    • Yes
    Post-Program
  • • No
  • If YES: How did your views of the American people change? Are your views:
    • Much less favorable
    • Somewhat less favorable
    • Somewhat more favorable
    • Much more favorable
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations:
  • Responses to each item should be scored in the following manner:
    No Change – 1
    Minimal Change – 2
    Moderate Change – 3
    Substantial Change – 4
  • The response scores for each item should be summed and divided by the number of items they responded to in order to give a total question score for each respondent.
  • To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents whose total question score is 2 or greater while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
  • [Scale: No Change, Minimal Change, Moderate Change, Substantial Change]
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • How much did participation in the program change your understanding or knowledge of each of the following topics?
    • United States democracy
    • United States economy
    • Foreign affairs of the United States
    • Domestic affairs in the United States
    • United States values and culture
    • Daily life in the United States
    • Freedom of speech and press in the United States
    • Voluntary community service in the United States
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Democratic values: The ideas or beliefs that make a society fair, including: democratic decision-making, freedom of speech, and equality before the law.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations:
  • Responses to each item should be scored in the following manner:
    Strongly disagree – 1
    Disagree – 2
    Neither disagree nor agree – 3
    Agree – 4
    Strongly agree – 5
    Don’t know/can’t ascertain – 0
  • To determine the percent value, numerator is the number of respondents whose average question score is greater than or equal to 4 on a 1-5 scale while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statements below?
    • Voting is important because real decisions are made in elections
    • Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy
    • An independent media is important to the free flow of information
    • All citizens in a country should have equal rights and protections under the law, regardless of circumstances
    • The rule of law is fundamental to a functioning democracy
    • Individuals have the right to free speech and to voice opposition
    • Organizations have the right to free speech and to voice opposition
    • Democratic principles enhance the workplace. Supervisors should incorporate democratic principles into their management practices
    [Scale: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Neither disagree nor agree, Agree, Strongly agree, Don’t know/can’t ascertain]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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ECA 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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Volunteer: To offer one’s time or services to an organization or community effort for free. Volunteering does not include time spent working as part of a professional placement.
• Host community: See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate the percentage, the numerator will be the number of respondents who answered “yes” while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Did you volunteer your time during your exchange?
    • Yes
    • No
    • My program did not offer the opportunity to volunteer
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in their host communities

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Volunteer: To offer one’s time or services to an organization or community effort for free. Volunteering does not include time spent working as part of a professional placement.
• Host community: See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in a reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: Participants will complete a survey question that will request the number of hours of time spent volunteering during their exchange program. The total number of hours for all participants should be reported.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • How many hours did you spend volunteering during your exchange program? (Please note that volunteer hours do not include time spent working as part of your professional placement.)
  • Fill in the blank: __________ [validate as numeric]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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ECA 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)

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Home community: The community that the program participant originates from and will return to at the conclusion of the program.
• Home country: The country in which the program participant resides prior to their program participation.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculation: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents that responded “more confident” to the statement about their ability to make a difference in the ‘community where I live’ and/or ‘country where I live’ while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal • I have the ability to make a difference in the community where I live • I have the ability to make a difference in the country where I live • I have the ability to make a difference in the global community [Scale: I am less confident; No change in confidence, I am more confident]
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • As a result of your program participation, how has your confidence in each of the following changed?
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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ECA 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)

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Network: An interconnected or interrelated group or system. In the context of MODE, this refers to an interconnected or interrelated group intentionally convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA programming.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who reply “yes” to the first question item while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Are you still in contact with any Americans you met during your program?
    • Yes
    • No
  • If YES: Are the contacts you maintain with Americans personal, professional, or both?
    • Personal
    • Professional
    Post-Program
  • • Both personal and professional
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E3.0.04: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of third country nationals

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Network: An interconnected or interrelated group or system intentionally convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA programming.
• Third-country national: A third country stakeholder is defined as a person or institution who does not have the same nationality and is not from the country in which the exchange took place or from the country of a participant of the exchange.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who reply “yes” to the first question item while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Are you still in contact with any individual not from the U.S. and not from your own country that you met during your program?
    •Yes
    •No
  • If YES: Are the contacts you maintain with these individuals personal, professional, or both?
    •Personal
    •Professional
    •Both personal and professional
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State program participant (core indicator)

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of participants who answered “yes” in response to the survey question. The denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Do you consider yourself a participant of a U.S. Department of State program?
    • Yes
    • No
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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ECA Sub-Objective 3.1: Alumni subscribe to platforms for resources and information-sharing

E3.1.02: Percent of participants who learned about new resources

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Resource: Information that is new and potentially useful to the participant. Can include information guidance that is either personal or professional. Does not include persons. Can be information provided during any portion of the program process (pre-program, during the program, or immediately post-program – such as a Congress or concluding event).
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of respondents who select at least one of the survey question response options EXCEPT “None of the above” to the first question, while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Through your program experience, did you learn about any of the following Department of State-managed resources? Select all that apply.
    • Small grants applications from the U.S. Government [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) applications [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund applications [ask of American alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • Project Development toolkits [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • Supplies or equipment [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • Information on workshops/events hosted by the U.S. Embassy in your home country [ask of Foreign Alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • Embassy network of experts and leaders [ask of Foreign Alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • American Spaces (either American Centers, American Corners, or Bi-National Centers) [ask of Foreign Alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • Career Connections [ask of American alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question]
    • None
  • For each category the respondent selects, ask: Was this the first time you heard about this resource?
    • Yes
    • No
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E3.1.05: Percent of participants who are connected to ECA through a U.S. Department of State-managed platform

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Digital platform: A digital place, opportunity, or event for public discussion or interpersonal engagement intentionally convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA programming.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of respondents who select “yes” to at least one of the survey question response options while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • Are you connected with the Department of State International Exchange Alumni Network on the following digital platforms?
    • Registered on the alumni.state.gov website (https://alumni.state.gov)
    • Follow @Exchangealumni on Twitter,
    • Connected with Alumni Affairs on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alumni-affairs-9b871b103)
    [Scale: Yes/No/I don’t know]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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ECA 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

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who reply “yes” while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported)
  • [NOTE: This question is also included in Indicators E4.0.03 and E4.0.05. If these are to be included in a survey, this question can be asked once, with up to two follow-up questions based on an affirmative response.]
  • Did you increase your personal and/or professional skills as a result of your participation in this program?
    • Yes
    • No
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft skills as a result of their program participation

• Soft skills: Qualities and behaviors an individual demonstrates to interact with others effectively. Examples include communication, listening, self-awareness, awareness of others, self-initiative, cognitive competence skills, self-confidence, resourcefulness/resilience, and decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each participant should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who select at least one answer option except for “none of the above skills” in the second question while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported)
  • NOTE: Question 1 is also included in Indicator 4.0.01 and 4.0.05. If at least two of those questions are to be included in a survey, question 1 can be asked once, with up to two follow-up questions based on an affirmative response.
  • Did you increase your personal and/or professional skills as a result of your participation in this program?
    • Yes • No
  • If YES:
    Please select the personal skills you increased. Select all that apply.
    • Leadership skills
    • Communication skills
    • Listening skills
    • Self-awareness
    • Self-initiative
    • Self-confidence
    • Resourcefulness
    • Decision-making skills
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Other: ______ [write-in]
    • None of the above skills
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E4.0.05: Percent of participants who report an increase in technical skills as a result of their program participation

• Technical skills: Knowledge and ability to perform specific tasks. Examples of technical skills include project management, entrepreneurship, journalism, teaching instruction, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competence.
• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who select at least one answer option EXCEPT for “none of the above skills” in the second question while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • NOTE: Question 1 is also included in Indicator 4.0.01 and 4.0.03. If at least two of these questions are to be included in a survey, question 1 can be asked once, with up to two follow-up questions based on an affirmative response.
  • Did you increase your personal and/or professional skills as a result of your participation in this program?
    • Yes • No
  • If YES:
    Please select the professional skills you increased. Select all that apply.
    • Project management skills
    • Business management skills
    • Entrepreneurship skills
    • Journalism skills
    • Teaching skills
    • Science competence
    • Technology competence
    • Engineering competence
    • Mathematics competence
    • Other: ______ [write-in]
    • None of the above skills
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E4.0.09: Percent of participants reporting an increase in language skills as a result of their program participation

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who answered yes in question 1, while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported)

  1. Did you improve your language skills in a foreign language as a result of the program?
     • Yes
     • No

  2. If YES to question 1, ask questions 2 and 3: Which of the following best described your ability to speak in that foreign language before your participation in the program?
     • No ability at all
     • Able to communicate only in a very limited capacity
     • Able to satisfy basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements
     • Able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements
     • Able to speak with sufficient grammatical accuracy and vocabulary to discuss relevant professional areas
     • Able to speak fluently and accurately in all situations
     • Proficiency equivalent to that of a native speaker

     [Use display logic to show those choices with abilities greater than the selection in question 2.]

  3. Which of the following best describes your ability to speak in that foreign language after the program?
     • Able to communicate only in a very limited capacity
     • Able to satisfy basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements
     • Able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements
     • Able to speak with sufficient grammatical accuracy and vocabulary to discuss relevant professional areas
     • Able to speak fluently and accurately in all situations
     • Proficiency equivalent to that of a native speaker

• When to Collect: Post-Program

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E4.0.14: Percent of participants reporting new digital skills/competencies gained from virtual exchange (VE) programming

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms

• Digital skill/competencies: Digital skills are defined as a range of abilities to use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to access and manage information, and to participate in a virtual program. Skills include: knowledge about various low and high-tech technologies (such as the internet, digital video, software programs, etc.), knowledge of how various technologies can be used to communicate with others, knowledge required by teachers for integrating technology into their classrooms, and/or creating content for various technologies.

• Virtual Exchange: See Definitions of Key Terms

• Virtual Elements: See Definitions of Key Terms

• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.

• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents who respond “yes” to the question, while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.

• Target: To be completed by the applicant

• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal

• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported)

  • As a result of your participation in the program, did you gain new digital skills/competencies?
    • Yes • No

• When to Collect: Post-Program

• This indicator counts participants involved in virtual exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT count participants ONLY engaging with virtual program elements.

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ECA Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional, and cultural programs

E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator)

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Annually

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E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator)

• Program cohort: A group of participants hosted separately under a program umbrella and following a set course of activities and/or study. For instance:
  • IVLP is a program – each individual IVLP project conducted in a year would be considered a separate cohort.
  • PFP is a program – the two groups of participants PFP brings to the US each year are each considered separate cohorts.
  • Arts Envoy is a program- each group of artists that travels is considered a separate cohort. A band or group of musicians would be considered a cohort but each individual should be counted separately as a participant.
• Counting Frequency:
  • Cohort should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following its completion.
• Disaggregation: Cohort type: inbound, outbound, virtual
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Annually

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E4.1.03: Number of ECA-supported international scholarships provided

• Scholarships: Monetary assistance provided by ECA for students and/or professionals to attend college or university abroad.
• Counting Frequency: All scholarships should be counted even if more than one scholarship goes to the same individual. Scholarships should be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle during which they were awarded.
• Disaggregation: • Amount: $0-5000; $5001- $10,000; $10,001+ • Participant type: American, foreign
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Semi-Annually

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E4.1.04: Number of professional placements

• Professional placement: A position placement a participant holds during their exchange program with a host institution for the purpose of professional development. These are most commonly internships, but can also include job shadowing, mentoring or a professional project as well.
• Host institution: An institution that provides support to or benefits from the participation of program participants. Benefits to this group most often occur through interaction with the participants and/or alumni during or after the program.
• Professional development: The act of learning and/or improving skills in order to better meet professional goals. Professional development activities can include formal coursework, attending conferences, and informal learning opportunities situated in practice; i.e. informal peer-to-peer interaction and learning, or opportunities through knowledge sharing.
• Counting Frequency:
  • Each placement should only be counted once the placement has been completed and only once per semi-annual reporting cycle. If a participant holds more than one placement during their exchange program, each placement should be counted.
• Disaggregation: • Host type: family, business/professional organization, academic institution, government agency
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Semi-Annually

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E4.1.05: Number of participants in programs with a media literacy component

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Media literacy component: An educational portion of a program that focuses on the ability to identify different types of media and the messages they are sending. It includes activities such as a training, a talk or seminar on media literacy or how to teach media literacy, training for journalism, connecting participants with media experts or providing resources for media literacy.
• Counting Frequency: Each participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Semi-Annually

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E4.1.06: Number of participants in programs with formal, dedicated language learning activities

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Semi-Annually

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E4.1.07: Number of instruction methodology

• Training: An organized activity that is designed and implemented to build capacity and has specific learning objectives – expected knowledge, skills and/or competencies to be gained by participants. Trainings of any length with this purpose should be counted. Building train capacity means that recipients of training gain increased knowledge, skills, and/or competencies.
• This indicator specifically measures “instruction methodology” related trainings.
• Instruction methodology trainings: Those trainings related to furthering skills in teaching.
• Counting Frequency: Each training should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle.
• Disaggregation: N/A
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Semi-Annually

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E4.1.08: Number of language teaching fellows enrolled

• Fellowship: A program that allows students and recent graduates to work with an institution on a specific project to be completed during a set period of time. Fellowships are explicitly designed to produce academic research and/or increase professional development of the fellow.
• Language teaching fellow: Through the English Language Fellow (EL Fellow) and Virtual Educator Programs, highly qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout the world.
• Counting Frequency: The number of fellows enrolled in the current reporting year should be counted. Fellows are considered enrolled if they have started their program. Fellows should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle even if they participate in multiple fellowships concurrently.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Home state • Race
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Semi-Annually

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E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Home state • Race
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Annually

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E4.1.13: Number of fellows completing language teaching fellowships

• Fellowship: A fellowship is a program that allows students and recent graduates to work with an institution on a specific project to be completed during the fellowship period. Fellowships are explicitly designed to produce academic research and/or increase professional development of the fellow.
• Language teaching fellow: Through the English Language Fellow (EL Fellow) and Virtual Educator Programs, highly qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout the world.
• Counting Frequency: The number of fellows enrolled in the current reporting year should be counted. Fellows should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle even if they participate in multiple fellowships concurrently
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Home state • Race
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Semi-Annually

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E4.1.14: Number of virtual exchange (VE) programs

• Virtual Exchange: See Definitions of Key Terms
• Program: The overarching umbrella under which all activities take place. Or alternatively, it is the official name that is listed in ACPD’s comprehensive annual report on public diplomacy and international broadcasting
• Program components: The individual program activities that cohorts participate in.
• Counting frequency: Each program should only be counted once in the annual reporting cycle (by tasker
• Disaggregation: N/A
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Annually

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E4.1.15: Number of participants in virtual exchange (VE) programs

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Virtual Exchange: See Definitions of Key Terms
• Virtual elements: See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: This indicator counts participants involved in virtual exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT count participants engaging with virtual program elements. Each participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Annually

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E4.1.16: Number of audience members attending cultural events

• Audience member: A person who attends an event and is not a program participant.
• Cultural events: Can include events such as concerts or movie screenings; these can be hosted in the United States or abroad but must be done in conjunction with an ECA program.
• Counting Frequency: Audience members should be counted following each event.
• Disaggregation: N/A
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys
• When to Collect: Following each event

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ECA Sub-Objective 4.2: Increase ability of participants to recognize and counter disinformation

E4.2.01: Percent of participants that report increased ability to counter disinformation

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Disinformation: False or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive. Disinformation can include authentic information or true facts that are used in the wrong context to make false connections, or it can be outright false information or propaganda.
• Counting Frequency: Each respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion.
• Calculations: To determine the percent value, numerator is number of respondents that replied “Increased” for at least one question item while the denominator will be the total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
• Disaggregation: • Sex • Age • Country of origin • Home state • Race • Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal
• Target: To be completed by the applicant
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Survey (self-reported data)
  • How would you rate your ability to do each of the following now compared to before program participation? For each, please indicate if your ability increased, stayed the same, or decreased.
    • Validate information I see in the media
    • Identify accurate information
    • Think critically about information I see online
    • Evaluate everyday information I receive from multiple sources
    • Identify false information
  • [Scale: Decreased, Stayed the same, Increased]
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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ECA 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)

• Participant or Exchange Visitor - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Counting Frequency: Response rates will be calculated and reported semi-annually on surveys that closed (i.e. ceased allowing respondents to respond) in that six-month period, even if the survey opened in the previous six-month period. This may be a single survey or an aggregation, if more than one survey closed in that six-month period. Each survey invitation should be counted once, and each response (if received) should be counted once.
• Calculations: The response rate will be calculated by dividing the number of survey responses received by the number of survey invitations issued (sent by email or directly invited in some other way). Note that “survey responses” will include cases in which any portion of a survey was returned (at least one piece of response data provided). It will not include cases where respondents opened the survey and opted out by selecting the option not to continue on the opening consent screen.
• Disaggregation: N/A
• Target: 60%
• Data Source and Required Survey Question:* Survey Records
• When to Collect: Post-Program

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NOFO_-_FY26_America_First_U.S._Speaker_Program

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017995
Application Deadline: May 26, 2026

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A. Basic Information

1. Overview.

• Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program
• Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017995
• Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement
• Deadline for Applications: May 26, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington DC time)
• Assistance Listing Number: 19.440

2. Length of Performance Period / Awards / Amounts / Dates

• Length of Performance Period: 12 months
• Number of Awards Anticipated: One award
• Award Amount: $2,736,259
• Total Available Funding: $2,736,259, pending availability of funds
• Type of Funding: FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE) Funds
• Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement
• Anticipated Award Date: August 3, 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.

Pending satisfactory implementation of this program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this award for two additional, consecutive fiscal years, before openly competing it again.

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2. Executive Summary.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program. Through this cooperative agreement, ECA will support approximately 580 programs, 360 in-person and 220 virtual, engaging key interlocutors from all regions of the world.

The U.S. Speaker Program is a nimble, rapid response public diplomacy tool that for more than 40 years has built lasting relationships between U.S. citizen experts and foreign decision-makers and other professional interlocutors that serve Administration priorities and the American people. Programs will focus on America First priorities such as energy security, critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and AI. The program recruits experienced American experts from across the United States for in-person and/or virtual exchanges that advance America First priorities. Through the program, American professionals establish and sustain linkages with key foreign audiences and institutions, which directly contribute to economic opportunities for Americans. The program works with U.S. embassies and consulates to produce impactful in-person programs ranging from three days to three weeks in length; and virtual programs, which can take place on a single date and time and/or may be part of a continuing series. Programmatic formats include lectures, workshops, seminars, and training series.

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3. Agency Contact Information.

For questions about this announcement, contact: Imani Pitman, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Speaker Program, ECA/PE/V/S, 202-632-9245, PitmanIE@state.gov.

All correspondence with ECA concerning this NOFO should reference the title and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the NOFO deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.

The terms and conditions published in this NOFO are binding and may not be modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be binding.

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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. Public and private educational institutions

Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.

2. Cost Sharing.

There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this program.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements.

a.

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more information.

b.

ECA’s Grant Guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in Section A. Basic Information, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $2,736,259. Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be eligible to apply under this competition.

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.

f.

Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should make sure the application discusses one or more award that will be open with ECA at the start of the anticipated period of performance for this NOFO. Applicants who do not have current awards directly with ECA, please review the information in the PSI, section D, with additional information that must be provided in your application for it to be eligible.

g.

For this program: The award recipient must have ability to access foreign embassies and consulates for visa processing and troubleshooting. The organization must have the capability to arrange and track travel, visa/passport and funding disbursement, including the disbursement of funds and the issuing of airline tickets in less than 24-hours, for each speaker and provide regular updates to the U.S. Speaker Program.

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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 America First U.S. Speaker Program recruits dynamic American experts (referred to below as U.S. speakers or program participants) to engage international audiences on topics of strategic importance to the United States. U.S. Speakers represent a broad range of expert knowledge and responsible and informed opinion. The America First U.S. Speaker Program connects with experts by contacting professional organizations, academic institutions, other Department of State and U.S. government entities, reviewing biographical information, conducting online searches or contacting former speakers for suggestions. All exchanges will directly benefit the United States.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

The America First U.S. Speaker Program conducts approximately 580 programs annually worldwide, 360 in-person and 220 virtual. Programs are conducted in-person and virtually. In-person programs generally range from three days to three weeks in length. Virtual programs usually take place on a single specified date and time and may be part of a continuing series. The U.S. Speaker Program collaborates with U.S. embassies and consulates to develop and implement customized programs that advance Administration priorities; identifies and recruits prominent U.S. experts; tailors programs to meet specific needs of international audiences through workshops, lectures, seminars, podcasts, videos, consultations, and media engagements; utilizes innovative technologies to amplify messaging; and fosters long-term relationships between U.S. speakers and overseas audiences in order to sustain dialogue on key policy issues.

The America First U.S. Speaker Program goals are to:

• Advance Administration goals by enabling U.S. citizen experts in key strategic fields to conduct in-person and/or virtual programs with professional foreign interlocutors worldwide that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous
• Identify and recruit the most appropriate experts from across the United States to undertake public diplomacy programs in response to the Administration’s strategic policies submitted by U.S. missions
• Develop policy-focused programs that enable foreign professional audiences to learn more about U.S. society, culture and institutions, thereby supporting development and growth of political, economic and social institutions in the United States
• Establish and sustain relationships between U.S. Speakers and foreign audiences and institutions to increase American global competitiveness, and encourage strong civil society institutions
• Provide timely, comprehensive, and high-quality logistical services to ensure that U.S. Speaker programs are implemented in a timely and cost-effective manner

Using these goals, applicants should identify their own specific objectives, and measurable outputs and outcomes based on the project specifications provided in this solicitation. Applicants are encouraged to include innovative ideas for program logistics implementation. Proposals should indicate how recipients will achieve the short-term program goals, and how these goals will contribute to the achievement of the stated long-term outcomes. Competitive proposals will include the following:

• Resumes of experienced staff, who have demonstrated a commitment to implementing and monitoring international exchange projects and ensure outcomes.
• A comprehensive plan to monitor, assess, and report on project outcomes in relation to the specific U.S. Speaker Program goals.
• A clear outline and description of the roles and responsibilities of all proposed partner organizations in terms of program logistics, management, and oversight. Letters of intent from partner organizations such as travel arrangers and passport/visa facilitator must be included, if applicable.
• A specific outline of the type of agreement that will be established between the recipient and the program participants in terms of funding acceptance and possible recovery.
• A specific outline of how funding and airline tickets will be disbursed to program participants, and how passports/visas will be provided.
• A specific plan for unexpected last-minute requests for itinerary and/or ticket changes with less than 24 hours of notice or on weekends

Successful implementation of the administrative components of the U.S. Speaker Program requires the full ability to comply with the following processes outlined below. These procedures and their associated timelines help ensure effective and efficient programming.

Initial Project Request:

The logistics for each program begins with an initial project request. The recipient confirms receipt of a project authorization within one working day of transmission by the U.S. Speaker Program. The recipient will work in consultation with the U.S. Speaker Program to establish a process for the initiation and acknowledgement of projects, to include the development of a project authorization form. This form will also be used as the basis for reporting on actual expenditures vis-a-vis the amounts initially requested by the U.S. Speaker Program.

Travel:

A request from the U.S. Speaker Program will initiate arrangements for flights. The recipient must arrange preliminary flight schedules with at least three viable options for program participants within two working days of receipt of the form and submit them back to the U.S. Speaker Program for review. Flight requests may include both international travel and in-country program related flights. Please note that the recipient will develop a travel request form in consultation with the U.S. Speaker Program. Scheduling of travel may involve several conversations between recipient and the U.S. Speaker Program. The U.S. Speaker Program welcomes innovative ideas to expedite travel arrangement and communication between the recipient and U.S. Speaker Program. Travel requests will be for all regions of the world, requiring the recipient to have expertise in identifying the most direct and economical flight paths.

On occasion, U.S. speakers reside in other countries or may be traveling abroad immediately prior to or after ECA programs. Therefore, travel itineraries must occasionally be booked so that they start or end in foreign locations. Furthermore, payments and provision of program information may occasionally need to be sent to a foreign location. Travel arrangements will be needed for approximately 360 in-person programs on an annual basis. Please note that all airline ticket costs default to economy class, and this amount is subsumed within an average per participant program cost amount. Rarely, the recipient will need to directly book train tickets as well. For budget purposes, a separate line item is not needed as the cost can be included under flights as a mode of transportation.

Note the following additional requirements for air travel:

• All travel must be Fly America Act compliant and conform with U.S. Government travel regulations, including the approved uses of business class travel.
• Flight routing must include the most direct and economical options within U.S. Government travel regulation requirement. Research must be done to ensure routing options consider international flight paths and conditions that allow for a logistically seamless experience.
• Business class seating should only be offered by recommendation of the Grants Officer and when the itinerary is more than fourteen hours of continuous travel (including layovers, but not official overnight stopovers) from the departure location to the final destination, or if an appropriate medical justification is provided.
• All tickets must be refundable, since there may be last minute changes to itineraries, and cancellations for various reasons.
• At least three itinerary options must be shared for consideration, if available.
• Ticket changes and issuance may only be done after approval is given by U.S. Speaker Program staff.
• Once the flight schedule is approved by participating post(s), the program participant, and the U.S. Speaker Program, the recipient will be advised that the airline ticket should be purchased and issued.
• The recipient must be able to respond to last minute requests for itinerary and/or ticket changes, and to issue tickets with less than 24 hours of notice or on weekends.
• The recipient must notify the U.S. Speaker Program Officer two-working days in advance of any anticipate flight cancellations, delays, or changes due to weather or other foreseeable air travel challenges.
• The recipient must provide the program participant and the U.S. Speaker Program with contact numbers for after-hours services, including weekends and holidays. At least one phone number must be an international toll-free number for participants to use in case of emergency.

Financial Disbursements:

Financial disbursements to U.S. Speakers are processed through a detailed project cost authorization from ECA. All financial disbursements should be processed approximately two working days of receipt of the authorization. The recipient must ensure that U.S. Speaker disbursements are provided to the program participants in an expedited manner through direct deposit. The recipient must also have to ability to issue checks as requested by U.S. Speakers through expedited mailing services. The recipient must send all U.S. Speakers a confirmation of successful financial disbursement with the relevant U.S. Speaker Program staff included once payments are disbursed. If there are any challenges with U.S. Speaker payment processing, the appropriate staff member must be notified within 48 hours. The recipient will work in consultation with the U.S. Speaker Program to establish a process and form for financial disbursements.

• In-Person Programs: Payments to in-person program participants may include per diem at standard U.S. Government (USG) rates, an honorarium of $250 for non-USG employees, a book and educational materials allowance of $150-300, and allowances for various other expenses such as taxis, ground transportation, train fares, vaccinations, airport entry and departure fees, generally at $150-300. The U.S. Speaker Program will inform the recipient of the amount to be paid to each program participant in the project cost authorization.
• Virtual Programs: Payment will include a $250 honorarium and may include a nominal miscellaneous expense allowance to cover ground transportation and parking.
• Amplification & Content Speakers: Occasionally, the recipient will issue $250 honorarium to U.S. Speakers for amplification and content. Examples include for blogs, long form content, podcasts, and videos. These program types may include a nominal miscellaneous expense allowance to cover ground transportation and parking. U.S. Speaker program staff will initiate payment for these non-traditional program types using the same financial disbursement process.

The U.S. Speaker Program reserves the right to disburse less or more than the funding amounts described above.

Passports/Visas:

The recipient must arrange, secure and disburse approximately 155 visas and passports (new, renewal or secondary), and handle up to 60 requests for extra passport pages during a period of performance. Passport/visa services must include providing program participants with instructions and necessary application forms; confirming receipt of such information and forms; providing for express mailing of completed applications and passport from the participant back to the recipient or sub-recipient; application drop-off and pickup from the appropriate foreign embassy, consulate, visa service provider or U.S. Passport Agency; and, express mailing of passports/visas back to the program participant. Processing is to be conducted at the recipient or sub-recipient’s site. Additional details and requirements for passports/visa processing are indicated below:

• The recipient must be able to respond to all passport and visa requests, regardless of the difficulty, at times on short notice. The successful completion of a project by a U.S. Speaker Program participant may require the traveler, often located outside of the Washington, DC area, to obtain a visa(s) or passport. ECA requires that the recipient provide support services (possibly through the engagement of a sub-recipient) to assist these travelers in obtaining passports and visas. Assistance includes working directly with the program participant to complete forms, answer questions about the application process, and correct erroneous or incomplete paperwork.
• The recipient should use standard processing for visas, passports and extra pages when time permits. Expedited processing must be approved in advance by the U.S. Speaker Program.
• The recipient should plan on including the costs of overnight and express mailings of applications and passports to and from program participants in the budget.
• The recipient must maintain knowledge of up-to-date visa requirements for all foreign countries, and provide this information to the U.S. Speaker Program, as necessary.
• The recipient must advise the U.S. Speaker program officer of any correspondence such as letters of invitation, forms, or any other special requirements necessary for obtaining a visa, within 48 hours of receipt of passport/visa request. Based on the requirements identified by the recipient or sub-recipient, U.S. missions or ECA would provide the recipient with any required supporting documents from in-country governments or partners, or from the U.S. government.
• The recipient should communicate directly via phone or e-mail with the U.S. Speaker Program within two working-days to confirm receipt of passport/visa request worksheet.
• The recipient should confirm completion of visa/passport process; and advise immediately the status of problems and unexpected delays in processing requests. For example, if the program participant has not completed and returned visa or passport applications in a timely manner, has not provided required materials, or foreign Mission has indicated a difficulty with processing or denial.
• The recipient or sub-recipient should send visa/passport application forms and instructions directly to the U.S. speaker via e-mail, courier or overnight delivery and confirm the U.S. speaker’s receipt of materials.
• The recipient should initiate and hold quarterly status reporting meetings with the U.S. Speaker Program to discuss successes, new procedures, problems, or suggestions for improvement.

Mailings and Payment Issuance:

U.S. Speakers should receive their payments, visas/passports, and e-tickets two weeks prior to the start of their programs. The recipient should plan on at least five express mail shipments to program participants.

Project Cost Reporting:

The recipient will submit monthly project reports. The recipient should provide ECA with Final Project Cost Reports for each discrete U.S. Speaker Project. These reports should be provided to the U.S. Speaker Program as soon as possible, but no later than 14 calendar days after project completion. The cost categories for each project are the same as those on the Project Authorization. Data such as operating, statistical, and financial information relating to the program may be requested by the U.S. Department of State to meet its reporting requirements and answer queries concerning the operation of the Program.

Surveys:

The recipient will administer two U.S. Speaker surveys per project via an online platform. The format will be determined in collaboration with the U.S. Speaker Program and in accordance with performance monitoring and evaluation guidelines. The first survey will be administered no more than two days after a project end date. The second follow-up survey will be administered after three months. On a monthly basis, the recipient will submit individual U.S. Speaker feedback from key survey questions after program completion and at the three-month mark. The recipient will develop quarterly impact reports drawn from the aggregate speaker feedback during the period. The reports should show advancement of foreign policy objectives, achievement of program goals, and long-term impact of the U.S. Speaker Program. Impact will be demonstrated through data visualization, long-term plans for engagement, and direct quotes from U.S. Speakers. The format will be determined in collaboration with the U.S. Speaker Program. Survey questions will reflect required ECA M&E reporting and additional supplemental questions developed by the U.S. Speaker Program and recipient. The recipient and U.S. Speaker Program will collaborate on action items regarding speaker feedback and responsiveness as necessary. Note, the U.S. Speaker Program administers all surveys from U.S. embassies and consulates. Please review section 5. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for additional information.

U.S. Speaker Program Database:

The recipient should indicate willingness and ability to use and integrate programmatic data in the U.S. Speaker Program database. This may include receiving or sending project cost authorizations, air travel requests, financial disbursement funds, final costs, and speaker surveys through this system instead of email in the future. Use of the system may require recipient staff members to set-up two-factor authentication, usernames, passwords, and access through a specific website. The U.S. Speaker Program would work closely with the recipient to determine viability for using the future system, tailor templates, and set-up and train the team in using the system.

Tax Requirements:

As appropriate, the recipient must comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws on tax withholding and/or reporting for all participants funded under this award.

Additional Information:

The recipient will retain the name “U.S. Speaker Program” to identify the professional exchange program. Any materials and correspondence related to the program will acknowledge this as a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.

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4. Recipient Responsibilities.

The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows:

• Managing logistical aspects of the America First U.S. Speaker Program, including booking and issuance of airline tickets, provision of visas (and passports, as necessary). The recipient may choose to engage sub-award recipients, such as a travel agency or passport/visa expediting company, to assist in program logistical arrangements
• Express mailing of passports and visas to program participants
• Disbursing participant program funding electronically or via check (including the establishment of any necessary agreements regarding funding acceptance and return)
• Monitoring/reporting on actions taken and results achieved
• Conducting speaker surveys, which should cover satisfaction with the program, learning because of the program, changes in behavior because of the program, and the effects of the program on institutions. See section 5. on Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation for additional information
• Providing travel information on vaccination requirements for in-person programs as required by U.S. Speaker destination country

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5. 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

  • 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
    • E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time because of 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

• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions

  • E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State program participant (core indicator)

• 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

• 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)

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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.

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.

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Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection System

ECA has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data. The MODE Survey Builder offers implementing partners a guided workflow that will generate a ready-to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements. Use of the Qualtrics survey platform can be utilized at no cost to implementing partners. Additional information about the MODE Survey Builder can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an 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.

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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.

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G. Award Notices

Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress, allocated and committed through internal ECA procedures. The award or cooperative agreement will be signed by an authorized Grants Officer in ECA’s Grants Division and transmitted to the recipient’s responsible officer (as identified in the application) for review and countersignature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the fully signed award document.

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. If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding.

Unsuccessful applicants:

Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the application review from the ECA program office coordinating this competition following the completion of the review process.

Payment Method:

Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS).

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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.

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider proposals for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this NOFO in accordance with the following:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:
  • Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
  • Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
  • Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
  • Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340). For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.
• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/

2. Reporting.

Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted. All reports must be submitted in a timely manner.

For planning purposes, applicants can expect to provide ECA with an electronic copy of the following required reports:

• a. The Performance Progress Reports (PPRs) shall be required at a minimum annually and no more frequently than quarterly. Annual reports shall be due 90 days after the reporting period; quarterly or semi-annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. All reports and supporting documentation must be uploaded by the recipient as a Post Award Activity under the corresponding record for this award in MyGrants.
• b. The Federal Financial Reports (FFR SF-425/SF-425a) must be submitted through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Payment Management System (PMS). The electronic version of the FFR can be accessed at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms. Once a financial report has been approved by the Department, the recipient must upload the approved report to MyGrants, in the same manner specified for the programmatic reports. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements may jeopardize the recipient's eligibility for future awards.
• c. MODE data (see Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation section) shall be required at a minimum annually and no more frequently than quarterly. MODE data reporting shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. The frequency of these reports will be determined by MELI and the Program Officer. Either a standard report template (if using the MODE Survey Builder) or aggregate data and the raw data file (if Recipient uses their own survey platform) must be uploaded by the Recipient as an RPM Performance Report under the corresponding record for this award in MyGrants.
• d. A final program and financial report no more than 120 days after the period of performance of the award ends or termination of the award.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

3. Branding and Marking

The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.

For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/

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I. Other Information

For Informational Purposes Only - Adherence to All Regulations Governing The J Visa

ECA places critically important emphasis on the security and proper administration of the Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by award recipients and sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at http://j1visa.state.gov or from:

Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation
U.S. Department of State
SA-5, Floor C2, Room C2L13
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522