ACY Small Grants Competition 2026

ACY Small Grants Competition 2026 is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Embassy Rangoon. The U. S.

Embassy Rangoon announces an open competition for programs that advance U. S. foreign policy priorities in Burma, including promoting American democratic governance and interests.

## U.S. Embassy Rangoon, American Center Yangon Small Grants Competition **Funding Opportunity Title**U.S. Embassy Rangoon American Center Yangon (ACY)Small Grants Competition **Funding Opportunity Number**26-MMR-NOFO-002 **Announcement Type**Initial announcement **Deadline for Applications**July 31, 2026, 11:59 p. m. (GMT+6:30) **Assistance Listing Number**19.

022– ECA/American Spaces Programs/American Center Yangon **Length of performance period**1 to 12 months **Number of awards anticipated**5 awards(subject to confirmation of availability of funds) **Award amounts**Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of$20,000.

**Total available funding**$100,000;pending availability of funds **Type of Funding**FY26 ECA/American Spaces Support Funds **Anticipated project start date**November 30, 2026 **Funding Instrument Type:**Grant **Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

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

** The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated Grants Officer.

#### **_Executive Summary_** The U.S.Department of State’s Embassy Rangoon announces an open competition for organizations and individuals to submit proposals for programs that advance current U.S. foreign policy priorities in Burma. Projects should clearly support America First objectives by advancing U.S. strategic and economic interests while promoting reciprocal engagement with Burma in the Indo-Pacific.

All programs must include a concrete American element—such as U.S. experts, institutions, content, or policy perspectives—that builds understanding of U.S. interests, policies, and approaches. Applicants are encouraged to use the American Center in Yangon and the Jefferson Center in Mandalay as venues, where feasible and safe. Please carefully follow all instructions below when preparing your application.

#### **_Eligible Applicants_** * The following organizations are eligible to apply: * Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations * Alumni of USG Exchanges * Private Educational institutions * Public International Organizations For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are **not** eligible to apply for this NOFO.

Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.

331. #### **_Cost Sharing or Matching_** Cost sharing or matching is encouraged, but not required for this funding opportunity. #### **_Other Eligibility Requirements_** All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.

gov as well as a valid registration in SAM. gov. Please see Section D. 3 for more information.

Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM. gov. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

#### **_This opportunity will not support:_** * Projects relating to partisan political activity; * Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support * Projects that support specific religious activities; * Fund-raising campaigns; * Lobbying for specific legislation or programs * Scientific research or surveys; * Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; * Projects that duplicate existing projects; #### **_Project Background,Goals and Objectives_** American Center Yangon Small Grants’projects must clearly advance America First foreign policy principles by demonstrating how the proposed activities make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while celebratingFreedom250 and American excellence.

Priority will be given to projects that deliver tangible, measurable benefits to U.S. interests;elevate U.S. leadership and credibility;promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial engagement with Burma and focus on one of the priority areas outlined below.

**AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA SAFER**– Programs that directly advance the security and resilience of the United States by promoting American democratic governance and interests in Burma.

This includes initiatives that reinforce the rule of law, counter trafficking, digital freedom, anti-scam awareness and corruption that threaten U.S. interests, uphold American-defined human rights, and empower civil society to create an environment that aligns with U.S. peace and security priorities in the region.

**AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA STRONGER**– Programs that advance America First priorities by equipping Burma’s students and young adults with skill‑based and vocational training that strengthens U.S.–relevant economic competitiveness.

Proposals should promote accurate understanding of U.S. education, institutions, and culture; prepare potential qualified candidates for lawful study and exchange opportunities related to the United States; and build durable linkages with American academic, vocational, and cultural institutions.

These may also include activities that strengthen the United States’ global leadership by promoting American values, and civic engagement rooted in U.S. principles. These programs should deepen U.S. influence in Burma, reinforce American cultural and educational standards, and build enduring partnerships that serve American diplomatic and strategic interests.

**AMERICA FIRST: MAKING AMERICA MORE PROSPEROUS**– Projects that advance U.S.–Burma economic ties and U.S. prosperity by strengthening entrepreneurs and businesses that align with U.S. commercial and strategic interests. Activities that expand economic opportunities for the United States by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development that benefit American businesses and industries.

Priority will be given to programs that promote U.S.-led STEM education, vocational training aligned with American economic priorities, or trade capacity building that directly supports U.S. economic growth and reduces reliance on adversarial actors. **AMERICA FIRST: AMERICAN EXCELLENCE**– Projects that showcase the superiority of American leadership, innovation, arts, and community service.

These initiatives should highlight U.S. achievements and role models, inspire admiration for American values, and promote collaboration that advances U.S. interests in technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts, ensuring America’s continued prominence on the global stage.

Activities may include programs that feature U.S. experts or content on Indo‑Pacific strategy, maritime and economic security, or resilient supply chains, and that clearly communicate U.S. strengths, values, and strategic objectives to Burma‑based audiences _.

_ **ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING**– Programs that advance America First priorities by providing Business English and English for Entrepreneurship essential to U.S.–linked trade, investment, and regional stability. Proposals should build high‑level English skills needed to work with American companies, navigate U.S. standards and contracts,participate in regional supply chains, and engage in lawful, rules‑based economic activity.

Activities may include targeted English training for professionals, entrepreneurs, and future business leaders that uses U.S. materials, terminology, and case studies and clearly supports U.S. economic and strategic interests in the Indo‑Pacific.

* **Youth and Young Adults:** Including students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals in both urban centers and rural regions of Burma, with a focus on those from underserved or marginalized communities in Yangon. * **Civil Society Organizations:** Local NGOs, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations in Yangon, engaged in promoting democratic governance, human rights, anti-corruption, and rule of law reforms.

* **Commercial Advancement:**Individuals and entities involved in innovation, trade, and workforce development that align with U.S.-Burma economic ties and regional supply chains. * **Educational and Cultural Institutions:**Schools, vocational training centers, universities, and cultural organizations that facilitate bilateral exchanges and promote American cultural and educational standards.

* Advance democratic governance and the rule of law in Burma by empowering civil society organizations to promote human rights, anti-corruption, and digital freedoms aligned with U.S. peace and security priorities.

* Enhance the skills and employability of Burmese youth and young adults through vocational training and English language programs that prepare them for lawful educational exchanges and economic participation linked to the United States. * Strengthen U.S.-Burma economic ties by supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development programs that foster trade capacity building and reduce reliance on adversarial actors.

* Promote American cultural excellence and leadership by facilitating educational, artistic, and community service initiatives that highlight U.S. values and strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. * Support sustainable, measurable outcomes by encouraging projects that incorporate robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate progress toward U.S. foreign policy goals.

* **Objective 1: Promote American Democratic Governance** Enhance the institutional and operational capacity of at least 10 civil society organizations over a 12-month period to effectively advocate for rule of law, anti-trafficking measures, digital freedoms, and anti-corruption reforms.

Success will be measured by the adoption and implementation of key organizational policies (e.g.,financial management, transparency protocols), increased advocacy activities, and demonstrable influence on public policy aligned with U.S. peace and security priorities.

* **Objective 2: Empower Youth through Vocational and English Language Training** Provide vocational skills development and high-level English language instruction to a minimum of 1,500 youth and young adults, improving their readiness for lawful educational exchanges, workforce participation, and engagement with U.S.-linked economic opportunities.

Progress will be assessed via standardized skill assessments, participant retention rates, and post-training employment or education placement data. * **Objective 3:Commercial Advancement and Economic Competitiveness** Support at least 200 entrepreneurs and small businesses through training, mentorship, and capacity-building activities that promote innovation, STEM education, and trade capacity building.

Programs should align with American economic priorities by enhancing workforce skills,facilitating access to U.S. markets, and reducing reliance on adversarial actors. Indicators of success include business growth metrics, increased participation in regional supply chains, and measurable expansion of U.S.-Burma commercial ties.

* **Objective 4: Showcase American Excellence and Values** Develop and implement cultural, educational, and leadership programs that highlight American innovation, arts, community service, and strategic expertise in areas such as Indo-Pacific security, maritime resilience, and economic policy. These initiatives should engage local audiences, promote admiration for American values, and strengthen bilateral cultural ties.

Success will be measured by audience reach, participant feedback, and enhanced understanding of U.S. strategic objectives. #### **_Substantial Involvement_** The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon will not have substantial involvement in the implementation of this award.

The recipient will be responsible for the implementation of the program as proposed and approved, with the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon providing standard oversight and monitoring in accordance with federal grant regulations. ## Application Contents and Format Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

**Content of Application** * The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity * All documents are in English * All budgets are in U.S. dollars * All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various,required forms.

All pages are numbered * All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and * All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced,12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are**required:** #### **_Mandatory application forms_** * SF-424(Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) orSF-424-I(Application for Federal Assistance –individuals)atgrants. govhttps://www.

grants. gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family. * SF-424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)athttps://www.

grants. gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family. * SF-424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs)athttps://www.

grants. gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family. (note: theSF-424Bis only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration,and for organizations not required to fully register inSAM.

gov) #### **_Proposal (2-4_****_pages maximum)_** Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of their choice. The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. The proposal must include all the items below.

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

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

* **Problem Statement:**Clear,concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed * **Project Methods,Design,Activities, and Deliverables**:The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. * **Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline:**The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

* **Key Personnel:**Names, titles,roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? * **Project Partners:**List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

* **Future Funding or Sustainability** Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. * **Monitoring & Evaluation Plan:**Proposals must include a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) that explains how the applicant plans to track project performance and measure progress toward the project’s goals and objectives.

The PMP should include “If-Then” statements to illustrate how the project activities will lead to the intended results, along with a short datasheet outlining proposed project activities and the indicators that will be used to measure success. #### **_Budget Justification Narrative_** **Detailed Budget**–Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail.

The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category.

Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities.

If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to2CFR)&McasCSRF=60c97762b792106bb1c9de1d0810603b8d7633e58720841ce8bba02047c8ecf9)§)&McasCSRF=60c97762b792106bb1c9de1d0810603b8d7633e58720841ce8bba02047c8ecf9)200. 1)&McasCSRF=60c97762b792106bb1c9de1d0810603b8d7633e58720841ce8bba02047c8ecf9).

**Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars**and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars. * **Budget Justification Narrative**– Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget.

The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals.

The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template.

Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

* Additional Budget Notes: * Awards to Individuals:Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual Award: * Salary/Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive salary/honoraria from this funding mechanism. The Recipient must be the primary point of contact and manage all programmatic activities. * Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics, catering, etc. are allowable.

* Audit Requirements:Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditionshttps://www. state. gov/m/a/ope/index.

htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget. * Visa Fees:Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable.

Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to:https://j1visa.

state. gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/ * **Key Personnel Resumes**: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable).

If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description,identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé. * **Letters of support from program partners:**Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners.

The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into(formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

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

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

U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Burma-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which _may_ be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include: * Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years * Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies * Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas * Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries.

It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting,maintaining,using and disseminating such information * Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities * The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

## Submission Requirements and Deadlines #### **_Address to Request Application Package_** Application forms required above are available atGRANTS. GOV #### **_Department of State Contacts_** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:RangoonPDGrants@state. gov. #### **_Unique entity identifier 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 inSAM. 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. * Organizations**based outside of the United States**and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM. gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions: Step 1: Proceed toSAM. govto obtain a UEI and complete theSAM.

govregistration process. SAM. gov registration must be renewed annually.

An exemption from the UEI andsam. govregistration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See2 CFR 25.

110for a full list of exemptions. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI orSAM. govrequirements 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 aSAM. govexemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. **Please note**: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp.

, p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp. , p.

235), “Debarment and Suspension. ” #### **_Submission Dates and Times_** Applications are due no later than July 31,2026 at 11:59 p. m.

(GMT+6:30). For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the timestamp provided by Grants. gov.This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline.

If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding. **Submission Method**: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address:RangoonPDGrants@state. gov..

Applicants opting to submit applications via email toRangoonPDGrants@state. gov**must**include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email. #### **_Funding Restrictions_** * 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).

* 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: * 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; * 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.

* 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.

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

105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities. * Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace.

Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

* Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities * _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) athttps://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. * _Prohibition.

_ Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from: * delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements * Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and * Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

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

* Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs. * Direct Social Services:Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable.

Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed. **American Spaces(American Center Yangon)Funded Awards**:Assistance awards executed under the statutory authorities of the Fulbright-Hays Act cannot be issued to for-profit entities.

The program statute contains no affirmative authority for an assistance award to a for-profit entity. This restriction applies to for-profit education institutions as well. #### **_Other Submission Requirements_** All application materials must be submitted by email toRangoonPDGrants@state.

gov. ## Application Review Information #### **_Review Criteria_** Each application and proposal will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. * **Embassy priorities**: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Rangoon’s priority areas as described in Section A. Applicant has also clearly identified the American component to be included in the program.

* **Organizational capacity and record on previous grants**: The organization has expertise in its stated field and demonstrated ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. * **Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea**: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out.

The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. * **Goals and objectives**: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, specific, and outcomes measurable. The program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

* **Budget**: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

* **Monitoring and evaluation plan**: Applicant demonstrates it can measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. * **Sustainability**: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

#### **_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.

#### **_Review and Selection Process_** * Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal. * Review.

All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. **If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in****Section D. Application Contents and Format****, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee.

**A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO. A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. All eligible applications will be reviewed against the criteria listed above.

Applications are reviewed individually against the criteria and not against competing applications. The panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations on applications and proposals to enhance the proposed program. Conditions must be addressed, and recommendations should be addressed in a full proposal application.

* Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel. 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: * Management systems and standards * Audit reports and findings * Ability to effectively implement requirements * **Country and programmatic risk considerations,**including operational and security risks associated with project implementation in Burma.

Certain geographic areas may present elevated risks due to ongoing conflict, civil unrest, restricted access, infrastructure limitations, or disruptions to transportation, communications, or financial services. Applicants proposing activities in high-risk locations should demonstrate appropriate risk mitigation measures, including contingency planning, participant safety considerations, and flexible implementation approaches.

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports.

Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets,