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Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) — MODE Framework (ECA)

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 Monitoring Plan (PMP) 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) \nWhat is your home country? \n[Drop Down: List of program countries] – See Appendix C in the Indicator Book	Post-Program
Home State (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Home State disaggregation. (American participants only)	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data) \nWhat is your home state? \n[Drop Down: List of U.S. States] – See Appendix D in the Indicator Book	Post-Program
Age (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Age disaggregation.	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data) \nWhat is your age? Fill in the blank ________ \n[Validate answer numeric, with accepted answers ranging from 15 to 100] \n-- OR -- \nAre you between the ages of 15 and 35? \n• Yes \n• No	Post-Program
Sex (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Sex disaggregation.	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data) \nPlease select your biological sex classification: \n• Female \n• Male	Post-Program
Race (Demographic)	Used to identify subgroups for Race disaggregation. (American participants only)	N/A	N/A	Survey (self-reported data) \nWhat is your race or ethnicity? Select all that apply. \n• American Indian or Alaskan Native \n• Asian \n• Black or African American \n• Hispanic or Latino \n• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander \n• White \n• Some Other Race \n• I do not wish to respond	Post-Program
Participant Type (Demographic)	Used to identify the subgroup “Reciprocal” for Participant Type disaggregation. (American participants only) \nAward 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	Survey (self-reported data) \nDid you participate in a reciprocal exchange? \nA reciprocal participant is an American who travels to an exchange participant's home country to assist the participant with their individual project \n• Yes \n• No	Post-Program

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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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
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	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nDo you agree with the following statement? \nMy program offered opportunities for making cultural connections and sharing. For example: Conversations about each others’ countries, attending cultural events, etc. \n• Yes \n• No	Post-Program
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nDid your views of the United States government change as a result of your program participation? \n• Yes \n• No \nIf YES: \nHow did your views of the United States government change? Are your views: \n• Much less favorable \n• Somewhat less favorable \n• Somewhat more favorable \n• Much more favorable	Post-Program
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 \nAbroad – A country outside of one’s home country \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nBefore this exchange program, had you traveled outside of your home country? \n• Yes \n• No \nIf YES: \nWhy did you travel outside of your home country? Select all that apply. \n• Tourism \n• Visit friends/family \n• Participation in another U.S. Department of State exchange program (including U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchanges) \n• Participation in a non-U.S. Department of State exchange \n• Study \n• Work \n• Other: ______ [write-in]	Post-Program
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once per reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nBefore this exchange program, had you traveled to the United States? \n• Yes \n• No \nIf YES: \nWhy did you travel to the United States? Select all that apply. \n• Tourism \n• Visit friends/family \n• Participation in another U.S. Department of State exchange program (including U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchanges) \n• Participation in a non-U.S. Department of State exchange \n• Study \n• Work \n• Other: ______ [write-in]	Post-Program
E1.1.11: Percent of American participants indicating a change in their understanding of their host country's culture and values	Host country - The country in which the participant traveled to for their exchange program. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nResponses to each item should be scored in the following manner: \nNo Change – 1 \nMinimal Change – 2 \nModerate Change – 3 \nSubstantial Change – 4 \nThe 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. \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nHow much did participation in the exchange program change your understanding or knowledge of the following topics? \n• Host country political system \n• Host country economy \n• Foreign affairs of my host country \n• Domestic affairs in my host country \n• Host country values and culture \n• Daily life in my host country \n• Freedom of speech and press in my host country \n• Voluntary community service in my host country \n[Scale: No Change, Minimal Change, Moderate Change, Substantial Change]	Post-Program
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 \nThird-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. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nResponses to each item should be scored in the following manner: \nNo Change – 1 \nMinimal Change – 2 \nModerate Change – 3 \nSubstantial Change – 4 \nThe 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. \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nThinking 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? \n• Political system \n• Economy \n• Foreign affairs \n• Domestic affairs \n• Values and culture \n• Daily life \n• Freedom of speech and press \n• Voluntary community service \n[Scale: No Change, Minimal Change, Moderate Change, Substantial Change]	Post-Program
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nCompared to before your program participation, how likely are you now to recommend the United States as a good place to study? \n• Much more unlikely \n• Somewhat more unlikely \n• Somewhat more likely \nMuch more likely	Post-Program
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 \nVirtual exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms \nVirtual element - See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once per reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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. \nThis 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nIn the future, are virtual exchanges likely to be your only way to interact with citizens from other countries? \n• Yes \n• No \n• I don’t know	Post-Program
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nDid your views of the American people change as a result of your program participation? \n• Yes \nPost-Program \nLast Updated: February 2025 \nPerformance \nIndicator \nDefinition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* \nSurvey Question When to Collect \n• No \nIf YES: \nHow did your views of the American people change? Are your views: \n• Much less favorable \n• Somewhat less favorable \n• Somewhat more favorable \n• Much more favorable	Post-Program
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nResponses to each item should be scored in the following manner: \nNo Change – 1 \nMinimal Change – 2 \nModerate Change – 3 \nSubstantial Change – 4 \nThe 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. \nTo 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. \n[Scale: No Change, Minimal Change, Moderate Change, Substantial Change]	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nHow much did participation in the program change your understanding or knowledge of each of the following topics? \n• United States democracy \n• United States economy \n• Foreign affairs of the United States \n• Domestic affairs in the United States \n• United States values and culture \n• Daily life in the United States \n• Freedom of speech and press in the United States \n• Voluntary community service in the United States	Post-Program
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 \nDemocratic values - The ideas or beliefs that make a society fair, including: democratic decision-making, freedom of speech, and equality before the law. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nResponses to each item should be scored in the following manner: \nStrongly disagree – 1 \nDisagree – 2 \nNeither disagree nor agree – 3 \nAgree – 4 \nStrongly agree – 5 \nDon’t know/can’t ascertain – 0 \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nTo what extent do you agree or disagree with the statements below? \n• Voting is important because real decisions are made in elections \n• Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy \n• An independent media is important to the free flow of information \n• All citizens in a country should have equal rights and protections under the law, regardless of circumstances \n• The rule of law is fundamental to a functioning democracy \n• Individuals have the right to free speech and to voice opposition \n• Organizations have the right to free speech and to voice opposition \n• Democratic principles enhance the workplace. Supervisors should incorporate democratic principles into their management practices \n[Scale: Strongly disagree, Disagree, Neither disagree nor agree, Agree, Strongly agree, Don’t know/can’t ascertain]	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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
E2.0.01: Percent of foreign participants that volunteer in their host communities	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nVolunteer - 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. \nHost community - See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nDid you volunteer your time during your exchange? \n• Yes \n• No \n• My program did not offer the opportunity to volunteer	Post-Program

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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in their host communities	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nVolunteer - 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. \nHost community - See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in a reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nParticipants will complete a survey question that will request the number of hours of time spent volunteering during their exchange program. \nThe total number of hours for all participants should be reported.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nHow 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.) \nFill in the blank: __________ \n[validate as numeric]	Post-Program

ECA Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
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 \nHome community - The community that the program participant originates from and will return to at the conclusion of the program. \nHome country - The country in which the program participant resides prior to their program participation. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculation \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nAs a result of your program participation, how has your confidence in each of the following changed? \n• I have the ability to make a difference in the community where I live \n• I have the ability to make a difference in the country where I live \n• I have the ability to make a difference in the global community \n[Scale: I am less confident; No change in confidence, I am more confident]	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)

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
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 \nNetwork - 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. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nAre you still in contact with any Americans you met during your program? \n• Yes \n• No \nIf YES: \nAre the contacts you maintain with Americans personal, professional, or both? \n• Personal \n• Professional \n• Both personal and professional	Post-Program

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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
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 \nNetwork- An interconnected or interrelated group or system intentionally convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA programming. \nThird-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. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nAre you still in contact with any individual not from the U.S. and not from your own country that you met during your program? \n•Yes \n• No \nIf YES: \nAre the contacts you maintain with these individuals personal, professional, or both? \n•Personal \n•Professional \n•Both personal and professional	Post-Program

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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nDo you consider yourself a participant of a U.S. Department of State program? \n• Yes \n• No	Post-Program

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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
E3.1.02: Percent of participants who learned about new resources	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nResource – 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). \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nThrough your program experience, did you learn about any of the following Department of State-managed resources? Select all that apply. \n• Small grants applications from the U.S. Government [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) applications [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund applications [ask of American alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• Project Development toolkits [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• Supplies or equipment [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• 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] \n• Embassy network of experts and leaders [ask of Foreign Alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• American Spaces (either American Centers, American Corners, or Bi-National Centers) [ask of Foreign Alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• Career Connections [ask of American alumni only] [Carry forward selection to next question] \n• None \nFor each category the respondent selects, ask: Was this the first time you heard about this resource? \n• Yes \n• No	Post-Program
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 \nDigital platform - A digital place, opportunity, or event for public discussion or interpersonal engagement intentionally convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA programming. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nAre you connected with the Department of State International Exchange Alumni Network on the following digital platforms? \n• Registered on the alumni.state.gov website (https://alumni.state.gov) \n• Follow @Exchangealumni on Twitter, \n• Connected with Alumni Affairs on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alumni-affairs-9b871b103) \n[Scale: Yes/No/I don’t know]	Post-Program

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ECA Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported) \n[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.] \nDid you increase your personal and/or professional skills as a result of your participation in this program? \n• Yes \n• No	Post-Program
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. \nParticipant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach participant should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported) \nNOTE: 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. \nDid you increase your personal and/or professional skills as a result of your participation in this program? \n• Yes \n• No \nIf YES: \nPlease select the personal skills you increased. Select all that apply. \n• Leadership skills \n• Communication skills \n• Listening skills \n• Self-awareness \n• Self-initiative \n• Self-confidence \n• Resourcefulness \n• Decision-making skills \n• Problem-solving skills \n• Other: ______ [write-in] \n• None of the above skills	Post-Program
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. \nParticipant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nNOTE: 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. \nDid you increase your personal and/or professional skills as a result of your participation in this program? \n• Yes \n• No \nIf YES: \nPlease select the professional skills you increased. Select all that apply. \n• Project management skills \n• Business management skills \n• Entrepreneurship skills \n• Journalism skills \n• Teaching skills \n• Science competence \n• Technology competence \n• Engineering competence \n• Mathematics competence \n• Other: ______ [write-in] \n• None of the above skills	Post-Program
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 \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported) \n1. Did you improve your language skills in a foreign language as a result of the program? \n• Yes \n• No \nIf YES to question 1, ask questions 2 and 3: \n2. Which of the following best described your ability to speak in that foreign language before your participation in the program? \n• No ability at all \n• Able to communicate only in a very limited capacity \n• Able to satisfy basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements \n• Able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements \n• Able to speak with sufficient grammatical accuracy and vocabulary to discuss relevant professional areas \n• Able to speak fluently and accurately in all situations \n• Proficiency equivalent to that of a native speaker \n[Use display logic to show those choices with abilities greater than the selection in question 2.] \n3. Which of the following best describes your ability to speak in that foreign language after the program? \n• Able to communicate only in a very limited capacity \n• Able to satisfy basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements \n• Able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements \n• Able to speak with sufficient grammatical accuracy and vocabulary to discuss relevant professional areas \n• Able to speak fluently and accurately in all situations \n• Proficiency equivalent to that of a native speaker	Post-Program
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 \nDigital 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. \nVirtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms \nVirtual Elements - See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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. \nThis indicator counts participants involved in virtual exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT count participants ONLY engaging with virtual program elements.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported) \nAs a result of your participation in the program, did you gain new digital skills/competencies? \n• Yes \n• No	Post-Program

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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator)	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion. \nAdministrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Annually
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. \nCounting Frequency • Cohort type: inbound, outbound, virtual \nAdministrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys \nEach cohort should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following its completion.	• Cohort type: inbound, outbound, virtual	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Annually
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. \nCounting Frequency \nAll 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.	• Amount: $0-5000; $5001- $10,000; $10,001+ \n• Participant type: American, foreign	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Semi-Annually
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. \nHost 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. \nProfessional 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. \nCounting Frequency \nEach 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.	• Host type: family, business/professional organization, academic institution, government agency	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Semi-Annually
E4.1.05: Number of participants in programs with a media literacy component	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nMedia 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. \nCounting Frequency \nEach participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Semi-Annually
E4.1.06: Number of participants in programs with formal, dedicated language learning activities	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Semi-Annually
E4.1.07: Number of instruction methodology Training	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 trainings implemented capacity means that recipients of training gain increased knowledge, skills, and/or competencies. \nThis indicator specifically measures “instruction methodology” related trainings. \nInstruction methodology trainings – Those trainings related to furthering skills in teaching. \nCounting Frequency \nEach training should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle.	N/A	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Semi-Annually
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. \nLanguage 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. \nCounting Frequency \nThe 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Home state \n• Race	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Semi-Annually
E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants	Reciprocal Exchange Participant - An American who travels to an exchange participant’s home country to assist the participant with their individual project. \nCounting Frequency \nEach participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion	• Race	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Annually
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. \nLanguage 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. \nCounting Frequency \nThe 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Home state \n• Race	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Semi-Annually
E4.1.14: Number of virtual exchange (VE) programs	Virtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms \nProgram - 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 \nProgram components - The individual program activities that cohorts participate in. \nN/A \nCounting frequency \nEach program should only be counted once in the annual reporting cycle (by tasker	N/A	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Annually
E4.1.15: Number of participants in virtual exchange (VE) programs	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nVirtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms \nVirtual elements - See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nThis indicator counts participants involved in virtual exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT count participants engaging with virtual program elements. \nEach participant should only be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle following their program completion	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Annually
E4.1.16: Number of audience members attending cultural events	Audience member - A person who attends an event and is not a program participant. \nCultural 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. \nCounting Frequency \nAudience members should be counted following each event.	N/A	To be completed by the applicant	Administrative data from award recipients - not collected from the participant surveys	Following each event

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

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
E4.2.01: Percent of participants that report increased ability to counter disinformation	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nDisinformation - 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. \nCounting Frequency \nEach respondent should only be counted once in the reporting year following their program completion. \nCalculations \nTo 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.	• Sex \n• Age \n• Country of origin \n• Home state \n• Race \n• Participant type: American, foreign, reciprocal	To be completed by the applicant	Survey (self-reported data) \nHow 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. \n• Validate information I see in the media \n• Identify accurate information \n• Think critically about information I see online \n• Evaluate everyday information I receive from multiple sources \n• Identify false information \n[Scale: Decreased, Stayed the same, Increased]	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)

Performance Indicator	Definition	Disagg.	Target	Data Source and Required* Survey Question	When to Collect
E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)	Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key Terms \nCounting Frequency \nResponse 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. \nCalculations \nThe 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). \nNote 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.	N/A	60%	Survey Records	Post-Program

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

FY2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017987

Application Deadline: June 5, 2026

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A. Basic Information

Funding Opportunity Title: FY26 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017987
Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement

Deadline for Applications: June 5, 24, 2026 11:59pm Eastern (Washington DC time)

Assistance Listing Number: 19.415
Length of Performance Period: 18 to 24 months

Number of Awards Anticipated: 1 award
Award Amount: Approximately $7,875,000
Total Available Funding: $23,625,000, pending availability of funds
Type of Funding: FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE) Funds
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement
Anticipated Award Date: September 1, 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 Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks proposals for a cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. YLAI advances U.S. economic interests and leadership by fostering business partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies. The program combines in-person and technology-driven engagement, an active alumni network, and ongoing collaboration with U.S. embassies to promote U.S. commercial priorities, create new opportunities for American companies in key markets, and increase public awareness of American business leadership. YLAI directly supports U.S. national security and the Administration’s foreign policy objectives by strengthening commercial ties, expanding U.S. exports, and promoting American values of entrepreneurship, free enterprise, and innovation throughout the Western Hemisphere.

The FY 2026 program will bring approximately 250 participants from the Caribbean and Latin America for a five to six-week fellowship, including orientation, tailored U.S. business placements, entrepreneurial training, a closing event, and post-program alumni activities. Approximately 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas to support Fellows’ action plans and develop networks that support American economic growth.

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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. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions

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

2. Cost Sharing

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

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

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

b. 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 $7,875,000. 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.

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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 YLAI Fellowship Program advances U.S. economic interests and global leadership by fostering strategic business partnerships between entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. Through in-person exchanges, technology-driven engagement, and an active alumni network, the program prepares business leaders to scale ventures, adopt American business practices, and contribute to economic growth in their home countries and the United States.

3. Program Specific Guidelines

Definitions
“Program participants” are defined as those individuals who travel under award funding from their country of origin to a designated exchange country. For this NOFO, program participants are also referred to as “YLAI Fellows” or “Fellows.” Americans participating in follow-on outbound exchanges are referred to as “U.S. Participants.” Employees and family members of employees of the award recipient or of any sub-award recipients are not eligible to participate in the YLAI Fellowship Program and cannot be included as program participants.

Employees and family members of employees of the award recipient or of any sub-award recipients are not eligible to participate in the YLAI Fellowship Program and cannot be included as program participants.

A. Eligible Countries

Fellows will be emerging entrepreneurs, age 25-35, recruited and selected from eligible countries in the Western Hemisphere. ECA reserves the right to modify the final list of participating countries.

B. Recruitment and Selection

Proposals must demonstrate the capacity to recruit and select Fellows and American participants through an open, merit-based process, in consultation with ECA and U.S. embassies. Recruitment should target entrepreneurs with strong potential for commercial engagement with U.S. companies and alignment with U.S. economic priorities.

Fellows:

• Selected through a competitive process in consultation with ECA, WHA, and PAS at U.S. embassies/consulates.
• Must be for-profit business entrepreneurs, 25-35 years old, with at least two years of experience, and demonstrate potential for commercial engagement with U.S. companies.
• Must submit an action plan for business growth or market expansion.
• Must have working-level English proficiency.

U.S. Participants:

• Approximately 100, selected through an open, merit-based process, primarily from those who served as hosts for Fellows.
• Must have relevant expertise to support Fellows’ business action plans and facilitate the development of strategic partnerships and advance commercial initiatives that align with U.S. economic interests and priorities in the region.

C. Outreach and Promotion

Proposals must outline a comprehensive outreach plan to publicize the program to qualified applicants and U.S. businesses, leveraging media campaigns, public events, and digital storytelling. All materials must adhere to ECA communication guidelines and be submitted for approval. Technology should be used to facilitate communication, strengthen group identity, and support alumni activities.

Additionally, the proposal should address the recipient’s ability to support maintenance of the YLAI Fellowship Program website and all its components and social media sites. ECA may request that website content be added or removed in a timely manner. ECA may request that the recipient assist in promoting and coordinating opportunities for Fellowship Alumni with the YLAI Network.

D. Program Components

The proposal should include these key components of the YLAI Fellowship Program:

• Pre-departure orientation (PDO) for Fellows and U.S. participants
• An online community for networking and resource sharing
• Arrival orientation in the U.S.
• Four to five-week tailored U.S. business placements and mentorship
• Action plan development and implementation support
• Supplemental entrepreneurship and leadership training
• YLAI Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
• Reciprocal exchange for U.S. participants
• Ongoing alumni engagement and follow-on activities, including at least one in-person alumni networking conference per year, to be held in the United States or in a YLAI country

Proposals must also demonstrate subject matter expertise on the Western Hemisphere and the thematic business areas listed below. ECA and participating Public Affairs Sections at U.S. embassies and consulates reserve the right to approve in-country partners.

D.1 Pre-Departure Orientation

PDOs and arrival orientations must cover program goals, expectations, logistics, health and safety including the overview of Accident and Sickness Program for exchanges (ASPE), J-1 Visa regulations, U.S. State Department role, professional standards of conduct, opportunities for alumni engagement and other topics as determined by ECA and the recipient. Content should be tailored to both Fellows and U.S. participants and may be delivered virtually or in person.

In coordination with ECA, the award recipient is responsible for developing and administering all PDOs. PDOs should be interactive and, when possible, involve U.S. embassy staff, ECA, in-country partners, and program alumni.

D.2 Online Community

Proposals must demonstrate the ability to develop a robust, mobile-responsive online platform to support application, training, networking, and alumni engagement, including virtual training, resource sharing, and real-time tracking of outcomes.

D.3 Arrival Orientation

All Fellows must participate in an arrival orientation in the United States. The award recipient will develop standardized orientation materials, in coordination with ECA, to ensure consistent delivery of key program information. The orientation will provide Fellows with detailed information about the U.S.-based program, expectations, logistics, and opportunities for business engagement.

D.4 U.S. Fellowship Placements

Proposals much demonstrate the ability to secure placements at least two months in advance, tailored to each Fellow’s professional goals, and provide direct experience in a U.S. business or organization. Each host must designate a primary contact. Fellows should be grouped by industry and placed in cities with relevant sector strengths. Proposals should include a clear plan for recruiting and selecting host organizations, with letters of commitment from potential hosts. The award recipient must receive final approval for the Fellowship Placement Organization (FPO) from ECA before final selection of placement organizations.

D.5 Action Plans

U.S. placement hosts should assist Fellows in developing concrete action plans focused on scaling their businesses and expanding commercial engagement with U.S. partners. Proposals should describe how the award recipient will support Fellows and hosts in action plan development and implementation, including sharing action plans at the program’s closing event. The award recipient is responsible for providing a standardized action plan template and ensuring a consistent timeline for plan development and refinement.

D.6 Supplemental Entrepreneurship Training

City teams will participate in workshops, panel discussions, and site visits focused on advanced business and leadership skills, practical business training, compliance with U.S. regulations, and strategies for increasing U.S. exports. Sessions should provide mentorship and networking with American business leaders.

D.7 YLAI Closing Forum

The award recipient will organize a Closing Forum in Washington, D.C., including workshops, networking, and opportunities for Fellows to present their action plans and business achievements. The event will include engagement with U.S. government, business leaders and the diplomatic community. The award recipient should coordinate with ECA program staff on the program closing.

D.8 Reciprocal Exchange for Americans

The award recipient will coordinate one- to two-week reciprocal exchanges for U.S. participants to support Fellows’ business initiatives. Exchanges should be substantive, support action plan implementation, and promote U.S. economic priorities. U.S. participants will be selected from among those who served as hosts during the U.S. fellowship and have relevant expertise to advance Fellows’ action plans.

Proposals should include a sample application, a detailed timeline, and a description of the selection process for the U.S. outbound exchange components. The award recipient will submit to ECA and the relevant U.S. embassies/consulates a proposed slate of American participants, including summary biographical information, proposed destination cities, a draft agenda, and a clear project timeline. The selection process should be structured to provide sufficient time for ECA and U.S. embassies/consulates to review and approve U.S. participants, ensuring alignment with program goals and U.S. strategic interests.

D.9 YLAI Alumni Programming/Host Placement Continued Engagement

The award recipient must maintain a mobile-friendly online platform for ongoing communication, collaboration, and tracking of alumni and host engagement. Alumni programming should support professional development, business partnerships, and U.S. economic and foreign policy interests.

The award recipient should also incorporate ECA alumni initiatives into their plans and communications for alumni programming, including, but not limited to, the online community on the International Exchange Alumni website (alumni.state.gov) and other exchange alumni opportunities offered by the U.S. Department of State such as small grants and professional development seminars. All alumni programs must strengthen participants' identification with the U.S. government.

D.10 Indicators

The award recipient should develop and track key outcomes that highlight the achievement of program goals and objectives as part of their Performance Monitoring Plan in addition to required MODE Framework objectives and indicators (See section 6). Key metrics that support program goals could include:

1. Number of business partnerships or joint ventures established between YLAI Fellows and U.S. companies.
2. Percentage of Host Organizations implementing new business practices learned from YLAI Fellows.
3. Number of jobs created or supported in the U.S. because of program-facilitated business activities.

The award recipient will submit success stories on a regular basis that highlight both the accomplishments of the fellows and hosts resulting from program participation, demonstrating tangible contributions to U.S. commercial engagement, business partnership development, and American economic competitiveness in the region.

Projected Program Timeline (2026):

• August – September 2026: Application period
• October 2026: Applications review
• November 2026: Interviews
• December 2026: Selection Announcement
• January – May 2027: DS-2019s issued, visa process
• March to May 2027: Virtual programming
• June 2027: Fellows arrive in the United States
• July 2027: Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
• September 2027: U.S. outbound exchanges begin

4. Recipient Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows:

• Collaborate with ECA to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate the program;
• Ensure compliance with all administrative, financial, and reporting requirements; and,
• Develop and maintain all program components, including recruitment, orientiations, placements, training, alumni engagement, and performance monitoring.
• Issue DS-2019 forms and send to relevant embassies/consulates for all international participants.

5. Goals and Objectives

The YLAI Fellowship Program supports the following broad goals:

1. Advance U.S. economic interests and global leadership by fostering business partnerships between entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States.
2. Strengthen Fellows’ business and leadership skills for commercial engagement with U.S. companies.
3. Increase public awareness of U.S. business leadership and program impact.
4. Build a network of entrepreneurs and U.S. business partners committed to supporting American economic growth, job creation, and commercial leadership in the region.
5. Leverage technology for seamless collaboration and measurable outcomes.

The YLAI Fellowship Program achieves program goals by:

• Objective 1: Advance U.S. Economic Interests and Global Leadership
  By July 2028, facilitate the creation of new business partnerships or joint ventures between YLAI Fellows and American companies, resulting in measurable increases in U.S. exports, investment, or market access in the Western Hemisphere.

• Objective 2: Strengthen Fellows’ Business and Leadership Skills
  Ensure that at least 80% of YLAI Fellows demonstrate measurable improvement in business, leadership, and technical skills relevant to U.S. business practices, as evidenced by pre- and post-program assessments and successful implementation of action plans focused on commercial engagement with American companies.

• Objective 3: Increase Public Awareness of U.S. Business Leadership
  By the end of the program cycle, achieve at least 100 media features through targeted media campaigns, public events, and digital storytelling that highlight U.S. business leadership and the YLAI program’s impact.

• Objective 4: Build a Sustainable Network for U.S. Economic Growth
  Expand YLAI alumni engagement by 10% annually, and facilitate cross-border collaborations, mentorships, or business projects among network members each year, with a focus on supporting American economic growth and job creation.

• Objective 5: Leverage Technology for Program Delivery and Impact
  Deliver at least 75% of program activities—including application, training, networking, and alumni engagement—through a secure, mobile-responsive online platform, achieving a user satisfaction rate of 90% or higher and enabling real-time tracking of business outcomes and network engagement.

• Objective 6: Support U.S. National Security and Foreign Policy Priorities
  Ensure that all program activities, participant selection, and alumni engagement are aligned with U.S. national security and the foreign policy objectives of the current Administration, as evidenced by regular consultation with ECA, U.S. embassies in the region, and the integration of program outcomes into U.S. government reporting and strategic planning.

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

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

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

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

• Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide – https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our website https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/)
• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective
  • Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities
    • E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures
    • E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the United States Government (core indicator)
    • E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time because of their program (core indicator)
    • E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the United States for the first time during their program (core indicator)
    • E1.1.11: Percent of American participants indicating a change in their understanding of their host country's culture and values
    • E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the American people (core indicator)
    • E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in understanding of United States culture and values (core indicator)
    • E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements in support of democratic values (core indicator)
• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions
  • E3.0.02: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of Americans (core indicator)
  • E3.0.07: 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
  • E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft skills as a result of their program participation
  • E4.0.05: Percent of participants who report an increase in technical skills as a result of their program participation
  • Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional, and cultural exchange programs
    • E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator)
    • E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator)
    • E4.1.04: Number of professional placements
    • E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants
• Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships
  • E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)

Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs)

ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document; there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. While ECA recommends the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:

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

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

  • If you do not use the PMP format provided, note that any performance monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include the information in the column headers (Indicator Name, Definition, Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the PMP attachment at a minimum.
  • In addition to those indicators outlined in above, the applicant may propose additional custom, program-specific indicators in the PMP (ECA recommends the proposed PMPs include a minimum of one indicator for each custom programmatic objective).
  • During the period of performance of the award, the ECA program office may further revise, add, or remove indicators. Therefore, the applicant’s PMP and data collection instruments should be flexible enough to incorporate those once established.

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 NOFO and/or POGI. In this instance, the recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.

Regardless of the survey platform used, all MODE Framework survey questions outlined above are required (i.e., should be forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for more information on how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.

Program Performance M&E Narrative

Proposals should include information within the program narrative section(s) that outlines how the applicant intends to measure the indicators listed above. This will be separate from the PMP and should include but not be limited to:

• An overview of resources available to the applicant that outline the team structure and responsibilities surrounding performance monitoring.
• The mechanism(s) through which surveys and other data collection tools (if applicable) will be administered, including which platform will be used, and when and how surveys will be advertised to participants – detailing strategies to ensure adequate survey response rates (https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a), and to reduce selection and non-response bias.
• A brief explanation of data analysis and reporting procedures.
• An overview of a proposed learning plan and feedback loops to ensure that the Grant Officer (GO)/Grant Officer Representative (GOR) are informed on performance monitoring issues at regular intervals.

Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection System

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

MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements

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

7. Allowable Costs

a. Travel: International and domestic airfare; airline baggage and seat fees; visas for U.S. travelers; transit costs; ground transportation costs. Please note that all air travel must be in compliance with the Fly America Act. There is no charge for J-1 visas for foreign participants in Bureau-sponsored projects.

b. Per Diem: For U.S.-based programming, organizations should use the published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. Domestic per diem rates may be accessed at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287. ECA requests applicants to budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy and do not exceed Federal per diem rates. Foreign per diem rates can be accessed at: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

c. Book and Cultural Allowances: Participants are entitled to a one-time cultural allowance of $150 per person, plus a book allowance of $50. Interpreters should be reimbursed up to $150 for expenses when they escort participants to cultural events. U.S. project staff, trainers or participants are not eligible to receive these benefits.

d. Consultants: Consultants may be used to provide specialized expertise or to make presentations. Honoraria rates should not exceed $250 per day per session. Organizations are encouraged to cost-share rates that would exceed that figure. Sub-award recipient organizations may also be employed, in which case the written agreement between the prospective award recipient and sub-award recipient should be included in the proposal. Such sub-awards should detail the division of responsibilities and proposed costs, and subcontracts should be itemized in the budget. Contractors/contracting organizations may also be employed in which case the written agreement between the award recipient and the contractors/contracting organizations should be included in the proposal.

e. Overhead Costs: Costs necessary for the effective administration of the project may include salaries for employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs per detailed instructions in the PSI. Proposals should show strong cost sharing contributions from the applicant, the in-country partner and other sources. Travel of primary award recipient staff or sub-award recipient staff should NOT be included in the exchange participant numbers.

f. Reasonable Accommodations: Organizations should budget for the reasonable accommodations of participating individuals with disabilities. Proposals may allocate up to 5 - 7% of the total requested ECA award funds for this purpose.

g. Pre-departure Orientation: Travel to the Pre-departure location(s); ground transportation to and from the airport to the orientation(s) site; food and lodging for all Fellows, adequate meeting space; travel from orientation to fellowship sites.

h. Arrival Orientation: International travel to the U.S.-based orientation location; ground transportation to and from the airport to the orientation site; food and lodging for Fellows, adequate conference meeting space for participants (Fellows, grantee staff, speakers, facilitators, DOS staff, other invited guests); travel from orientation to fellowship sites.

i. Fellowships: Lodging, per diem, transportation, and other necessary program-related expenses the Fellows may incur while at their fellowship sites.

j. Entrepreneurial training sessions: Training materials, trainers, meeting space/equipment rental, etc.

k. YLAI Closing Forum: Travel to Washington, D.C; ground transportation to and from the airport to the conference hotel; food and lodging for Fellows for a three to four-day conference, adequate conference space for approximately 350 participants (Fellows, grantee staff, speakers, facilitators, DOS staff, other invited guests); international travel from forum to home country.

l. U.S. Participant follow-on travel: Travel, ground transportation, lodging, per diem, for approximately 70 U.S. participants for 10 to 15 days in relevant Western Hemisphere countries.

m. Room Rental: The rental of meeting space should not exceed $250 per day per activity. Any rates that exceed this amount should be cost shared.

n. Materials: Proposals may contain costs to purchase, develop, and translate materials. Costs for high quality translation of materials should be anticipated and included in the budget.

o. Supplies: Applicants may propose to use award funds to purchase supplies, such as computers and printers; supply costs should be justified in the budget narrative. Costs for furniture are not allowed.

p. Working Meal: One working meal may be provided during each U.S.-based and foreign-based component. Per capita costs for working meals may not exceed $45/person, excluding room rental and other overhead charges. The number of invited guests may not exceed Fellows by more than a factor of two-to-one.

q. Return Travel Allowance: A return travel allowance of $70 for each Fellow may be included in the budget. This allowance would cover incidental expenses incurred during international travel.

r. Health and Travel Insurance: The award recipient will be responsible for working with ECA to ensure that both foreign Fellows and American participants traveling overseas for outbound projects are enrolled in the ECA-sponsored Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). The premium is paid by ECA and should not be included in the proposal budget. Applicants may include costs for travel insurance for both Fellows and U.S. Participants in the budget.

s. Wire Transfer Fees: When necessary, award recipients may include costs to transfer funds to foreign-based partner organizations. The primary award recipient is urged to research applicable taxes that may be imposed on these transfers by host governments.

t. In-Country Travel Costs for Visa Processing Purposes: U.S. visas for Fellows are provided by DOS and should not be included in the budget. Given the requirements associated with obtaining J-1 visas for ECA-supported participants, applicants should include costs for any travel associated with procuring visas, including travel for interviews, delivering or picking up passports, etc.

u. Alumni Activities: Reasonable costs related to alumni activities may be included. The proposal must include an outline of any proposed follow-on activities. Proposals should also demonstrate how the recipient organization will creatively use technology and online networking sites to enhance and amplify alumni programming. Organizations can propose small grants or a small grant competition for the Fellows to compete for to encourage their continued work on and implementation of their individual Action Plans.

v. Database Management: Reasonable costs for purchasing, developing, or expanding a database management system to track applicants, participants, host organizations, and alumni may be included. The system must protect personally identifiable information (PII) both at rest and during routine data transmission.

Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and formatting instructions.

8. Cost Share

ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, the recipient must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as their contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event the applicant does not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution may be reduced in like proportion.

9. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines

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

10. Virtual Exchange Component

When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar circumstances require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges. Proposals should demonstrate the organization’s capacity to provide innovative options for virtual activities to substitute for in-person engagement for program participants. Organizations should consider how they will implement virtual exchange activities, given the potential limits to internet access from participants in some locations and while continuing to advance foreign policy objectives and achieve lasting benefits for U.S. citizens and international participants.

In addition to planning for virtual exchange activities if in-person programming is prohibited, ECA welcomes innovative ideas on how organizations can leverage virtual programming technologies during or in addition to in-person programming. ECA encourages organizations submitting proposals in response to this solicitation to suggest one or more virtual exchange components to complement the in-person exchange. The virtual exchange component(s) could come before, during and/or after the physical exchange. The objective for the virtual exchange component(s) is to augment the impact of the in-person exchange described in this solicitation. ECA encourages organizations to propose virtual exchange ideas that take advantage of ECA’s existing web and social networking platforms. Virtual exchange components would be coordinated with and approved by the ECA program office and U.S. missions abroad on a project-by-project basis.

11. Communications Guidance for ECA Recipients

All ECA Recipients must adhere to the requirements in ECA’s Communications Guidance on the creation of program branding and attribution, websites, social media, and press.

12. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial

Required if expected period of performance includes any time during calendar year 2026 ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly known as “Freedom 250” – a truly global celebration. As the period of performance for this award is scheduled to cover part or all of calendar year (CY) 2026, the applicant may wish to consider ways the program can celebrate Freedom 250. Any Freedom 250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and 19 direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided Freedom 250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.

13. Substantial Involvement

In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine monitoring, as follows:

a. Participate and provide strategic guidance in the design, direction, and execution of all program components and activities to ensure alignment with U.S. economic interests, commercial priorities, and foreign policy objectives.
b. Approve key personnel and any changes to dedicated YLAI staff, ensuring the team possesses the expertise to advance program goals and U.S. leadership.
c. Review and approve recruitment materials, applications, program timelines, and agendas to maximize visibility, attract high-potential participants, and promote U.S. business leadership.
d. Approve sub-award recipients, partner organizations, and fellowship placements to ensure strategic partnerships and placements in regions with robust business ecosystems and opportunities for commercial engagement.
e. Approve the final selection of all Fellows and U.S. Participants to ensure participants are positioned to contribute to U.S. economic growth and global leadership.
f. Approve decisions related to special circumstances or problems throughout the program, including assisting with participant emergencies and ensuring program continuity.
g. Liaise with WHA, Public Affairs Section staff at U.S. embassies and consulates, country desk officers, and other State Department offices to coordinate recruitment, selection, digital outreach, and the execution of opening and closing events, ensuring program activities support U.S. strategic interests.
h. Collaborate with the award recipient to publicize the program through targeted media campaigns, digital storytelling, and public events, including approving all program publicity, outreach efforts, and materials in accordance with ECA Communications Guidance.
i. Assist in the coordination of the YLAI Closing Forum in Washington, D.C., including arranging meetings with key stakeholders, U.S. business leaders, and government officials to showcase program impact and foster lasting partnerships.
j. Monitor and evaluate the program through regular communication, meetings, site visits, and debriefing sessions; and liaise with ECA’s MELI Unit and the award recipient to ensure measurable outcomes and continuous improvement in advancing U.S. economic and foreign policy objectives.

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D. Application Contents and Format

Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.

Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the Proposal Submission Instruction (PSI) document, which contains guidelines for proposal preparation.

1. Budget Format

Applicants must submit a budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and a budget narrative. Budget requests may not exceed $6,600,000, pending the availability of funds. There must be a summary budget, a detailed budget, and a budget narrative. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.

2. Content of Application

Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for information about the application and formatting guidelines.

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E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov or from the ECA website at https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/.

2. Department of State Contacts

For questions about this announcement, contact: Susannah Wood, U.S. Department of State, Global Leaders Division, ECA/PE/C/GL, (771) 205-9501, Woodst@state.gov.

All correspondence with ECA concerning this solicitation 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 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 solicitation are binding and may not be modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be binding.

3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov.

A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

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

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

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

All federal award recipients must maintain a current registration in the SAM database. Recipients must maintain accurate and up-to-date information in www.SAM.gov until all program and financial activity and reporting is completed on any issued award. Recipients must review and update the information at least annually after the initial registration and more frequently if required information changes or another award is granted. There is no cost associated with registering or updating SAM.gov accounts.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

Exemptions

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

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

4. Required Registration with MyGrants

All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be registered with the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants system by accessing https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and clicking the “create an account” link. MyGrants is the U.S. Department of State’s grants management system and is supported by the Department’s Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS). Recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories that have previously used MyGrants as a U.S. Department of State award recipient do not need to register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact the ILMS Help Desk for help in gaining access.

Support for Recipient Organizations and recipient contacts and signatories is available 24 hours, 7 days a week (except federal holidays), and can be reached at 1-888-313-ILMS (4567) or through the ILMS Self Service Portal at https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/.

5. Submission Instructions

Method of Submission

Applications may only be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov in the “Search Grants” portion of the system.

Grants.gov Registration, Application Submission, and Receipt Procedures

Eligible organizations should follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’ portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

Applicants should read instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Applicants should check with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this NOFO to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov. Organization applicants can find complete instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

How to Submit an Application to ECA via Grants.gov

For access to complete instruction on how to apply for Notice of Funding Opportunities on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

Grants.gov Support and Submission Issues

Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission issues to:

Grants.gov Customer Support
Contact Center Phone: 800 -518-4726
Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; closed on federal holidays.
Email: support@grants.gov

6. Submission Dates and Times

Application Deadline Date: Friday, June 5, 2026

Applicants have until 11:59 p.m., Washington, DC time of the closing date to ensure that their entire application has been uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after the application deadline date and time will be automatically rejected by the Grants.gov system and will be found technically ineligible.

Therefore, we strongly recommend that you begin the submission process through Grants.gov well in advance of the application deadline.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant Grants.gov Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When ECA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgement of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Please also be mindful of any Grants.gov generated error messages that may appear during the application process as they may result in some documents not transmitting correctly.

Applicants using slow internet should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

The Grants.gov website includes extensive information on all phases/aspects of the Grants.gov process, including an extensive section on frequently asked questions, located under the “Applicant FAQs” section of the website. ECA strongly recommends that all potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov website, well in advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA will not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications.

PLEASE NOTE: ECA bears no responsibility for applicant timeliness of submission or data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes for proposals submitted via Grants.gov. Prior to submitting applications through Grants.gov, please ensure you meet all Grants.gov system and software requirements, including Adobe software compatibility. You can verify if your version of the Adobe software is compatible with Grants.gov, by visiting https://grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via the Grants.gov web portal (https://www.grants.gov) to ensure that proposals have been received by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

7. Funding Restrictions for this Announcement

a. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

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

b. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal or representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

c. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

1. Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;
2. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

d. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.

Applicants are advised that institutions of higher education (IHEs) must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

• Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

e. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan

Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000:

• To the best of the recipient’s knowledge, neither the recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175(a);
• The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with it; and compliance plan must be consistent with the requirements of 2 CFR 175(b)(4) and (5).
• That the recipient has procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in them.

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

f. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

(a) Definitions.

American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

(b) Prohibition.

Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

1. delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
2. Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and
3. Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system .

c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.

The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 (41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

8. Other Submission Requirements

a. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.

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

c. Key Personnel

ECA recommends that the applicant identify intended key personnel positions via an asterisk (*) or other marking in the proposal budget, budget narrative, or a separate appendix. If not provided in the application, recipients must submit the names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program to the Grants Officer and GOR within 30 days of an award being issued. Applicants should also identify what proportion of their time will be used in support of the program. Additional information regarding key personnel requirements can be found in the State Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions.

d. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

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F. Application Review Information

1. Review Process

ECA will check that all proposals meet the technical requirements in this solicitation. Proposals that do not meet the guidelines, including those under the eligibility section above or in the PSI, will be ineligible for further review.

All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the program office before being reviewed by an ECA grant panel. Applications may also be reviewed by Public Diplomacy sections overseas, State Department regional bureaus, or other State Department offices, as appropriate. All reviewers, including the ECA grant panels, will review any eligible proposals based on the criteria below.

Proposals recommended by an ECA grant panel will be reviewed for compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines, and assessed for risk. Final funding decisions are made by the ECA’s Assistant Secretary. Only an ECA Grant Officer has the final authority to issue assistance awards.

2. Review Criteria

An ECA grants panel will competitively evaluate all technically eligible applications according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank ordered, and all carry equal weight in the proposal review.

a. Quality of the program idea and planning: Proposals should be original, well-defined, and relevant to ECA's mission. Proposals should have a detailed agenda and work plan that demonstrates the institution's ability to carry out the program. The plan should follow the program guidelines described in this solicitation and should be likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

b. Institutional Capacity to achieve program aims and purpose: Proposals should clearly state the program’s aims and purpose and demonstrate how the institution will meet them. Proposals should include the necessary personnel and institutional resources to achieve the program results. The organization’s expertise in exchange programs and the demonstrated internal controls in place to manage federal funds.

c. Institution's Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful exchange programs and responsible fiscal management. ECA will consider the past performance of prior ECA recipients, including the timely submission of reports, and the demonstrated potential of new applicants.

d. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-on activity after the ECA supported program ends, ensuring that programs are not isolated events.

e. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Proposals should have a fully developed M&E plan that includes goals, objectives, and indicators. The plan should be feasible and aligned with the M&E section of this solicitation. Proposals should include a realistic learning plan that outlines how the applicant plans to review, understand, and incorporate M&E data into programmatic decisions and practices. All submitted M&E plans will be reviewed to ensure the applicant has provided at least the required information outlined in the M&E section of this solicitation and demonstrated the applicant’s capacity to carry out the M&E plan.

f. Cost-effectiveness and Cost Share: Proposals should keep the overhead components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, as low as possible. All costs should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost share through other private sector support and institutional direct funding contributions.

3. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii).

This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

4. Risk Review

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

• Financial stability
• Management systems and standards
• History of performance
• Audit reports and findings
• Ability to effectively implement requirements

5. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov.

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

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

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

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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. Successful applicants will receive a Federal Assistance Award (FAA) from an authorized Grants Officer in ECA’s Grants Division. The FAA and the original proposal with subsequent modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding authorizing document between the recipient and the U.S. Government. The FAA will be signed by a Grants Officer 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

a. 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.

The Department of State will review and consider proposals for funding pursuant to this NOFO in accordance with OMB guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, including 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).

• 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/

b. Reporting

Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The FAA will specify 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. Performance Progress Reports (PPRs) shall be required at a minimum annually and no more frequently than quarterly. Annual, 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.

g. 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.

h. Required 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 ECA/P/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.

i. 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.

j. Program Data Requirements: Award recipients will be required to maintain specific data on program participants and activities in an electronically accessible database format that can be shared with ECA as required. At a minimum, the data must include the following:

1. Name, address, contact information and biographic sketch of all persons who travel internationally on funds provided by the agreement or who benefit from the award funding but do not travel.
2. Itineraries of international and domestic travel, providing dates of travel and cities in which any exchange experiences take place. Final schedules for in-country and U.S. activities must be received by the ECA Program Officer at least three workdays prior to the official opening of the activity.

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I. Other Information

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. Therefore, proposals should demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening and selection of program participants, provision of pre-arrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements.

The award recipient will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to participants in this program.

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

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