Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES)

Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) is sponsored by Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Notice of Funding Opportunity (N OFO) Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2024 J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Announcement Type: New Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP001028 8 Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number : 19.

415 Deadline for Applications : May 7, 2024 Executive Summary: The Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, administer, and implement the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program.

The JCSVEI will strengthen engagement between young people in the Middle East and North Africa (NEA) region and in the United States as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

The JCSVEI will use various virtual exchange formats, technology , and online tools to facilitate exchange programs that address the themes of: Civic Engagement ; Empowering Women and Girls; Climate Change and Sustainability; Language Learning and Practice ; and Digital Literacy Skill Development. By using a wide range of virtual exchange formats, the program should reach approximately 10 ,000 participants each ye ar.

The JCSVEI will also include an Alumni Leadership Academy , and other follow -on alumni engagement Organizations applying for this federal award are required to identify up to 12 subawards to implement virtual exchange programs as part of the JCSVEI.

The award recipient must demonstrate capacity to manage up to 12 subawards and will be responsible for all subaward 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. 1 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 in crease 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 th e 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 provide d through legislation. Established in 2015, the JCSVEI was inspired by the meaningful international exchange experiences that Ambassador J.

Christopher Stevens had as a young man. Ambassador Stevens was known for his uncommon goodwill towards others.

Always gracious, fascinated by other cultures, and constantly asking questions, he engaged in open and respectful dialogue with The JCSVEI aims to make international exchange experiences available to individuals in the Middle East and North Africa and the United States through programs that connect people virtually in sustained and meaningful ways.

The program will also include a substantial Alumni Leadership Academy program that will offer a multi -month learning experience and in -person programming for alumni of the JCSVEI virtual programs. The JCSVEI supports the following broad goals: 1. Promote mutual understanding and lasting partnerships between people from the Middle East and North Africa region and the United States.

2. Provide opportunities for participants to collaborate, and share ideas, approaches, and strategies to develop solutions to pressing local and global challenges. 3.

Equip people with the tools they need to communicate and collaborate in a digital 4. Enhance leadership and professional skills for both non -U.S. and American participants to encourage positive change in their communities . A.

3. Program Specific Guidelines The proposal should integrate the program goals into all aspects of the program design and implementation. The proposal should demonstrate any regional and thematic expertise and detail the applicant’s and subrecipients’ ability to implement virtual exchange in a variety of 2 settings.

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 .

The recipient will be responsible for managing and supporting all virtual, and domestic and international , activities and serve as the primary program contact for involved U.S. embassies. Award recipients must work closely with involved U.S. embassies to seek approval of local partners, recruitment, other in -country program activities , and the selection of alumni for the Alumni Leadership Academy . A.

3a Participating Countries Activities must be conducted in the United States and in one or more of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia , Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

ECA reserves the right to modify the list of participating countries under the FY 2024 Participants in the JCSVEI must be young people from the United States, or from one of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Ar abia, Tunisia , United Arab Emirates, Applicants should propose a portfolio of virtual exchange programming that addresses a minimum of three of the outlined themes: • Empowering Women and Girls ; • Climate Change and Sustainability ; • Language Learning and Practice ; and, • Digital Literacy Skill Development ;3 A.

3d Overview of Key Program Components All proposals should contain detailed information related to the following key program Subaward Selection – The applicant must identify up to 1 2 partner organizations as subawards to implement virtual exchange programs under the JCSVEI. The proposal must include the process used to select the subaward organizations and the reason for their inclusion.

Selection of subaward implementing partners must highlight divers e region s and participant backgrounds. The applicant’s proposal must contain letters of commitment and support from any subaward organizations with which the applicant plans to work.

Prior to the issuance of the award, the applicant will be required to share detailed information about each subaward organization and a description of the subaward’s proposed exchange program s. The selected subaward organizations’ proposed exchanges must address one or more of the above outlined Subaward Management and Oversight – The applicant will be responsible for oversight of all aspects of the subawards under the JCSVEI .

Proposals should demonstrate experience in managing multiple subawards and articulate a detailed program management plan. Applicants must clearly outline and describe the roles and responsibilities of all partner organizations in terms of project logistics, management, and oversight. Alumni Leadership Academy – The award recipient will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust Alumni Leadership Academy .

The Alumni Leadership Academy should be a multi -month hybrid experience that includes at least one, and up to two, in -person components. The Alumni Leadership Academy should serve approximately 40 JSCVEI alumni a year. The Alumni Leadership Academy should build on themes and skills developed under the JCSVEI and offer participants opportunities for deeper learning and engagement.

Clear learning and engagement goals for the Alumni Leadership Academy should be articulated in the proposal. The proposal should also include a grants component, to enable participants to implement projects upon completion of their Alumni Leadership Academy . The recipient may propose one or two Alumni Leadership Academy cohorts a year.

Each cohort should have an approximately equal number of alumni from the United States, the Middle East , and North Program Promotion and Outreach – The recipient will develop and manage a program website, accounts. The recipient will work closely with ECA and U.S. embassies abroad to d isburse this information as necessary.

4 Alumni Engagement – Proposals should include plans to create and maintain an engaged network of alumni outside of the Alumni Leadership Academy . The network should advance the goals and interest s of the JCSVEI and the Department of State’s public diplomacy objectives.

Applicants should 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 (exchangealumni. gov) and other exchange alumni opportunities offered by the U.S. Department of State such as small grants and professional development seminars.

It is important that all alumni programs continue to strengthen a sense of ident ity with the U.S. government, as such, the applicants should follow ECA communications guidance for crediting the U.S. Department of State. The cooperative agreement will begin on or about September 1, 2024. The award period will be approximately 2 8 months in duration.

The exact dates of each exchange project will not be determined until a proposed project is officially approved. Applicant organizations should include a proposed timeline in their proposal. A.

3f Performance Monitoring and Evaluation The proposal must include a plan to monitor and evaluate the success of the program as the activities unfold, at the end of the program, and once select participants return to their home communities. The award recipient should develop a set of outcomes that can be tied to the JCSVEI goals and address plans to administer post -program survey to JCSVEI participants.

ECA requests that the proposal provides a description of the methodology linking outcomes to program objectives. These performance monitoring t ools should complement ECA’s MODE activities, not duplicate them. The plan should address indicators that measure gains in mutual understanding, substantive knowledge, and the program’s significance for communities in the United States and overseas.

Collected data should be included in regular reporting and provided to ECA upon request. A. 3g Participant Tracking and Database Management The proposal must provide a clear plan for participant tracking , database management , and providing data points to ECA and Posts in participating countries.

All statistical information gathered and compiled by award recipient should be transferable to the database maintained at ECA. The recipient may be asked to provide regular data submissi ons, via electronic upload or data transfer, to an ECA database, or to enter data directly into an ECA provided spreadsheet and/or platform.

Data fields should include but are not limited to the following: first name; middle name; last name; gender; date of birth; country of citizenship; country of residence; 5 participant type; field of study/research topic; home/host institution or affiliation; program category; fiscal and calendar year of participation; and the location where the exchange takes place.

The recipient will be expected to meet all statistical requirements including the submission of all grantee data for the Bureau’s annual statistical report.

The award recipient must maintain and regularly update a participant database, always ensuring the protection of personally identifiable information , and pr ovide participant data to ECA in the form requested by ECA, which may include, but is not limited to using ECA -provided spreadsheets and ECA - A. 4 . Recipient Responsibilities The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows: 1.

Promote mutual understanding and partnerships between participants in the United States and participants in the NEA. 2. Identify and properly vet U.S. or NEA -based subaward organizations to implement virtual exchange programs as part of the JCSVEI.

The partner organizations and their proposals should represe nt a diversity of region, participant backgrounds, themes and 3. Create program guidelines and other relevant materials for subaward partners. Materials must acknowledge it as a program of ECA of the U.S. Department of State .

4. Seek approval from ECA and NEA -based U.S. embassies for the recruitment of participants or in -country partners . 5.

Provide ECA with all subaward agreements and amendments, and e nsure all subaward agreements are ratified before starting work on the subaward . 6. Provide ECA with subaward reports and outside evaluator reports .

7. Monitor the performance of subawards . Conduct regular assessments .

8. Create program guidelines, Terms & Conditions, and other relevant materials for Monitor the success and engagement of participants throughout their JCSVEI virtual exchange. Conduct regular assessments .

10. Develop and support a well -articulated plan to help ensure the safety and well -being of participants throughout the duration of the program . Promptly inform and consult with ECA and involved U.S. embassies about any program or participant problems, emergencies, or other issues as well as the progress of 12.

For in -person exchanges and conferences, coordinate with ECA and/or NEA -based U.S. embassies on timing, location, topics, speakers, and travel arrangements (if applicable) . 13. For in -person exchanges, w ork with the Program Office to i ssue participant DS -2019 forms .

All international participants will travel on the J -1 Visa Exchange Visitor program . Enroll in -person participants in the Bureau’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) for the duration of the program, issue health benefits identifications 6 cards, and assist with claims as necessary. More information on ASPE is available at https://www.

sevencorners. com/about/gov/usdos . 15.

Conduct group pre -departure orientations prior to any international travel . 16. Provide pre -departure orientation materials to the applicable U.S. embassies to conduct orientations for participants before departing their home countries and/or supplement the orientations conducted by the award recipient .

17. Arrange all appropriate program -related travel to/from and within the United States for in -person participants . 18.

Organize and implement, in consultation with ECA, a media and marketing strategy that will amplify the program in the United States and overseas. Plans can include, but are not limited to, program branding, press strategy, press/media packets, program website Diplomacy Section (PDS) staff members to ensure that foreign audiences are aware of JCSVEI recruitment opportunities and successes .

platforms to highlight participant and alumnae achievements, collaborative projects, and new initiatives. This includes collecting, updating, and making available for cons umption by the public and Department representatives the narrative stories, anecdotes, and any quantifiable data that illustrate the significance and multiplier effect of JCSVEI both overseas and in the United States . 20.

Develop and implement an Alumni Leadership Academy that builds on themes and skills developed under the JCSVEI and offers participants opportunities for deeper learning Develop and implement a grants program designed to assist JCSVEI alumni in the implementation of their action plans/follow -on projects . 22. Engage broader JCSVEI alumni.

Increase the number of alumni and alumni activities . 23. Conduct performance monitoring and evaluation (M&E) that incorporates the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework .

24. Provide ECA with formal written agreements for all outside funding sources . 25.

Participate in regular program reviews with ECA (in person or by telephone) to assess program implementation and identify matters of concern. The award recipient should report programmatic, financial, and statistical information to ECA including brief past month and anticipated programmatic activities to be conducted the following 26.

Provide a detailed staffing plan including the names, titles, and portfolio breakdown of all staff who will work on JCSVEI . Any changes to staffing plans and/or key personnel must be submitted to ECA for approval . 27.

Respond fully and promptly to requests for program information from ECA . 28. Ensure compliance with the terms of the Cooperative Agreement with ECA, including, but not limited to, submitting timely financial and program reports and proper budget A.

5. Substantial Involvement: In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine performance monitoring, as follows: 1. Collaborate on selection of partner organizations, including in -country su baward recipients , and any changes in partners made .

2. Collaborate on amendments and renewals for subawards of the JCSVEI . 3.

Review and a pprove, in advance, all travel paid for using ECA funds . 4. Approve decisions related to special circumstances or problems throughout the duration of the program and assist as needed with participant emergencies .

5. Approve all outside funding sources supporting the JCSVEI . A.

6. What to Include in Your Proposal Proposals should consist of five main electronic files in addition to the required SF -424 forms: Note: All of the documents described below that can be submitted as attachments should be submitted in one document labelled “Attachments” as opposed to submitting multiple individual attachment documents. 1.

Executive Summary – The Executive Summary should be one page in length and include: the program name (the J.

Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative ), the theme s under which the proposal is being submitted, the countries proposed to be involved in the program, the goals of the program, the names of all subaward recipient organizations responsible for program implementation, the numbers of participants (both non -U.S. and American), and the number and approximate dates of proposed 2.

Proposal Narrative – In 20, double -spaced pages, the proposal narrative should address all items specifically referenced in this NOFO, in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI), and those items noted below: a. Program Goals, Objectives, Anticipated Outcomes: Proposals should include a clear, succinct statement of program goals, objectives, and anticipated outcomes that expand upon the JCSVEI goals.

Objectives should be described in specific, measurable, and realistic terms that are achievable within the scope of the program, both in terms of time and funding. 8 b. Background information on the applicant organization including the mission, the date of establishment, relevant expertise, past programmatic work, and ongoing programmatic work should be described.

Previous awards from ECA since 201 4 should be listed by office (Citizen Exchanges, International Visitors, Academic Exchanges, etc.), project name, countries involved, year of the federal award, and dollar amount of the award. Proposals should describe previous collaboration with proposed subaward organizations, as well as clearly delineate a division of responsibilities between all organizations that will be involved in the 3.

Budget – For more budget information, please see further below at the section entitled, Allowable Costs”, as well as the PSI . 4. Budget Narrative – Proposals must include a detailed budget narrative .

5. Attachments – The items below and any other program materials should be included in a document labelled “Attachments”: a. Letters of commitment and/or letters of support from proposed subaward b.

Resumes of proposed key staff at the applicant organization and all partner organizations that will be involved in the implementation of the program ; c. Suggested programmatic timeline ; a nd, d. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) -related documents as outlined in Section D.

10 . B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.

ECA’s level of involvement in this program is listed under Substantial Involvement in section A . 5.

Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024 Approximate Total Funding: $6,000,000 pending the availability of funds Approximate Number of Awards: One Approximate Average Award: $6,000,000, pending the availability of funds Minimum “Floor” of Award: $6,000,000, pending the availability of funds Maximum “Ceiling” of Award: $6,000,000, pending the availability of funds Anticipated Award Date: September 1, 2024 , pending the availability of funds Anticipated Project Completion Date: December 30, 2026 Additional Information: Pending successful implementation of this program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this cooperative agreement for two additional , consecutive fiscal years, before openly competing it again.

The Department reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets, participant numbers, themes, format, and/or countries based on program needs and the availability of C.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, exchange -of -persons, and other not - for -profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition . Applicants must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Please see the PSI for additional information.

C. 2. Other Eligibility Requirements The following additional eligibility requirements apply to this NOFO announcement: 1.)

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 B above, ECA anticipates issuing one grant/cooperative agreement, for approximately $6,000,000 .

Therefore, organizations that do not demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal are ineligible to apply under this competition. 2.) All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO and the PSI; non - compliance will result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process .

3.) In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www. SAM.

gov as well as a valid registration on www. SAM. gov .

Please see Section D. 3 & D. 5.

for more information. 4.) 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 C.

3. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this competition. However, 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 10 indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government.

Such records are s ubject 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 you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's contribution may be reduced in like D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the NOFO deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.

D. 1. Solicitation Package Location The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.

gov website at https://www. grants. gov or from ECA website at http s://eca.

state. gov/organizational -funding . D.

2. Content and Form of Submission Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package , including the PSI document, which consists of required application forms and standard guidelines for proposal preparation . The application should be submitted per the instructions under D.

16. “Application Deadline and Method of Submission” section below. D.

3. Unique Entity Identifier Number All organizations are required to have a Unique E ntity Identifier (U EI) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the U.S. Government. 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.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications. A UEI is issued as part of the required SAM. gov registration below in section D.

5. The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub -grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub - grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub -grantee.

D. 4. Required Proposal Elements All proposals must contain a SF -424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF 424A), detailed budget, and budget narrative .

D. 5. Required Registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) 11 All organizations must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database in order to submit a proposal in response to an open competition on Grants.

gov. 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 .

Failure to register in SAM. gov will render applicants ineligible to receive funding. 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://www. grants. gov/web/grants/applicants/organization -registration/step -2-register -with - 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 number prior to registering in SAM.

gov. D. 6. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.

gov (formerly, FAPIIS) 1.) 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 desig nated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM. gov (see 41 U.S.C.

2313); 2.) An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification 3.)

The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performan ce under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200. 206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants. D.

7. Required Registration with SAMS Domestic All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be registered with the U.S. Department of State’s SAMS Domestic by accessing 12 https://mygrants. servicenowservices.

com and clicking the “create an account” link. SAMS Domestic 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 SAMS Domestic 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/ . In the event the ILMS Help Desk is unable to provide you with assistance in a timely manner, please contact ECA_SAMSDomestic@state. gov and copy the program officer associated with Please take into consideration the following information when preparing your proposal D.

8. 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 i nformation and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, record -keeping, reporting and other requirements.

ECA 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 SA -5, Floor C2, Room C2L13 Please refer to Solicitation Package for further information. 13 D. 9.

Diversity, Equity , Inclusion , and Accessibility (DEI A) and Freedom and Democracy Pursuant to ECA 's authorizing legislation, “ diversity” should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences including race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, geographic location , education, income, socio -economic status, and other diversity dimensions, that may hinder inclusion.

Proposals should demonstrate how diversity, equity, inclusion , and accessibility will enhance the program’s goals and objectives and the participants’ exchange experience. Proposals should demonstrate how the program will further engage diverse and underserved communities.

Programs must maintain a non -political character and should be balanced and representative of the diversity of political, social , and cultural life in the United States and abroad. Please refer to the “Support of DEIA ” review criterion of this document for more information on how this will be reviewed as a part of any application.

Please also refer to the “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion , and Accessibility ” section in the “Proposal Submission Instructions” document for specific suggestions on incorporating DEI A into the proposal.

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," ECA "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. D.

10 . Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Distinct from grants or