YSEALI Summit 2026

YSEALI Summit 2026 is sponsored by U.S. Department of State. The U. S.

Department of State’s Embassy Manila announces an open competition to implement a program to hold the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The in-person program advances U.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) U.S. Embassy Singapore, Department of State Opportunity number: PDS-SINGAPORE-FY26-001 Application deadline: August 5, 2026 **C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION** **D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT** **E.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES** **F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION** **H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION** **U.

S Department of State** **U.S. Embassy Singapore,****Public Diplomacy Section** **Notice of Funding Opportunity** ### **A. BASIC INFORMATION** **Funding Opportunity Title**YSEALI Summit 2027 **Funding Opportunity Number**PDS-SINGAPORE-FY26-001 **Announcement Type**Initial Announcement **Deadline for Applications**August 5, 2026, 23:59 **Assistance Listing Number**19.

452 (International Exchange Alumni Programs) **Length of performance period**12 to 15 months **Number of awards anticipated**1 award **Award amounts**$400,000 – $500,000 **Total available funding**$500,000 pending availability of funds **Type of Funding**FY25/26 Fulbright-Hays Funding **Anticipated project start date**September 1, 2026 **Funding Instrument Type:** Cooperative Agreement **Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should be completed in 15 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 Singapore announces an open competition to implement a program to hold the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2027 in Singapore. The in-person program advances U.S. strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific by promoting shared prosperity and growth. YSEALI is the flagship U.S. government initiative in Southeast Asia.

Nearly 8,000 individuals have participated in YSEALI academic or professional fellowship exchanges, attended regional workshops, or implemented a small grant. Since 2016, the Department of State has convened competitively selected YSEALI alumni for an annual summit to spur action around U.S. foreign policy priorities.

The successful applicant will provide a realistic, compliant plan for facilitating the substance of a six-day hackathon-based workshop (including two travel days) supporting 100 participants from the 11 ASEAN countries and potential additional self-funded participants.

* ##### **_Eligible Applicants_** The following organizations are eligible to apply _:_ * _Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations_ * _Public and private educational institutions_ * _Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions_ 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_** _There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this program. _ * ##### **_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 E. 3 for more information.

_Organizations may only submit one proposal as the primary applicant. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all primary proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity. Secondary members applying as part of a consortium may participate in multiple application packages, including as a primary applicant on one package.

_ * **_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; ### **C.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION** * ##### **_Project Background, Goals, and Objectives_** The YSEALI Summit 2027 in Singapore will accelerate adoption of the American AI tech stack in Southeast Asia and strengthen networks of pro-innovation leaders by pairing rising leaders from ASEAN countries with the access to U.S.-origin tools and U.S. AI firms operating in Singapore, addressing problem sets these leaders bring to solve through the several days of the Summit.

YSEALI Summit 2027 will bring together exchange alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to: * Leadership and innovative thinking. * Using technology to develop tangible solutions to problem sets in their country or region. * At least 100 competitively selected early to mid-career professionals who are YSEALI alumni from the 11 ASEAN member states.

* The expected 8-15 mentors and resource speakers, including U.S. and ASEAN government officials, private sector leaders, and experts, who will both inform and be informed by YSEALI alumni perspectives.

* ASEAN nation government leaders in attendance at the ASEAN summit * ASEAN nation government officials responsible for pro-innovation policy formulation * Peers and colleagues of the YSEALI alumni to whom the alumni will recommend U.S. AI tech products * Traditional and non-traditional media to reach the above-mentioned audiences.

The project should result in 100 YSEALI alumni using U.S. tech to create solutions to challenges faced in ASEAN countries. The project should also result in adoption of the U.S. tech stack among YSEALI alumni and increased comprehension of how the U.S. and ASEAN countries can align their pro-innovation policies for shared prosperity.

**Objective 1: Accelerate adoption of the U.S. tech stack by demonstrating how it maximizes freedoms and prosperity in the ASEAN region. ** **Activity 1. 1.

Strategic Discussions on the Advantages of the U.S. Tech Stack:**Speakers and discussions will emphasize the advantages and value proposition of the U.S. tech stack.

Success will look like: * * At least 70% of participants demonstrate understanding of the advantages of the U.S. tech stack compared to competitor offerings at the conclusion of the summit * At least 60% of participants rank U.S. tech stack products as their preferred AI product, when given an opportunity to compare and choose, six months after the summit.

* At least 60% of participants report continued use of U.S. AI six months after the summit. * At least 40% of participants report recommending U.S. AI products to peers and colleagues six months after the summit. * At least 30% of participants report integrating U.S. AI products into their professional portfolio six months after the summit **Activity 1.

2. Strategic Discussion on Pro-Innovation Frameworks:**Speakers and discussions will examine how pro-innovation policy will foster U.S.-ASEAN tech alignment and shared prosperity. A training will equip participants on how to advocate for pro-innovation policy to their governments and legislators.

Success will look like: * At least 70% of participants demonstrate understanding of pro-innovation policy and regulatory frameworks at the conclusion of the summit * 100% of participants develop an action plan to advocate for pro-innovation policy in their home countries at the conclusion of the summit * At least 50% of participants report advocating for pro-innovation policy in their home countries six months after the summit **Activity 1.

3. ASEAN Ignite:****_Fueling the Future with U.S. Tech_**_,_ a hackathon-style event in which cross-national participant teams harness U.S. AI to develop solutions to shared ASEAN challenges. Success will look like: * 100% of participant teams produce a working framework to harness U.S. AI and address an ASEAN challenge such as energy security, space innovation, and secure supply chains.

* At least three participant teams develop cutting-edge solutions that meet a set of pre-defined criteria that are implementable with a small grant, as measured by a standardized rubric. * At least three participant teams implement their projects funded with small grants within six months, including turning in reports and briefing Embassy staff on how their projects harness AI and address ASEAN challenges.

**Objective 2: Present the United States as ASEAN’s Comprehensive Strategic Partner to the Next Generation of Leaders:** **Activity 2. 1:**Show the depth and breadth of U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia as ASEAN’s Comprehensive Strategic Partner by collaborating with at least **five U.S. companies**in key industries that demonstrate U.S. tech leadership. **Activity 2.

2:** Commemorate the 50 th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations with remarks from U.S. Government officials and a “50 Under 50” celebration. Success will look like: * At least 70% of summit participants believe that the U.S.-ASEAN relationship is a force for shared prosperity and a free and open Indo-Pacific at the conclusion of the summit.

* At least 70% of surveyed fair attendees report the closing ceremony energized them to continue working with the U.S. Department of State at the conclusion of the summit. * ##### **_Program Specific Guidelines_** The proposal should fully integrate program goals and objectives throughout its design and implementation. It should also demonstrate relevant regional and thematic expertise.

Award recipients must coordinate closely with U.S. Embassy Singapore to ensure program design and implementation advance American foreign policy objectives, including the recruitment and selection of participating YSEALI Alumni.

The YSEALI Summit will bring together 100 YSEALI exchange alumni, which includes alumni from the U.S.-based YSEALI Professional and Academic Fellowship programs, YSEALI regional workshops, YSEALI Women’s Leadership Academy, and the YSEALI Seeds for the Future competition winners. There is no age minimum or maximum, but the expectation is that most participants will be working professionals.

Program participants are YSEALI exchange alumni who travel from their ASEAN member state of residence (Brunei, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam) to or from within Singapore under cooperative agreement funding. The award recipient will coordinate with the U.S. Department of State to recruit YSEALI exchange alumni as participants of the YSEALI Summit.

The application to participate in the YSEALI Summit will be open on a competitive, merit basis to all categories of exchange alumni. Competitive applicants will demonstrate their substantial involvement in projects that have had a considerable impact in their communities, countries, or the region based on their YSEALI experience.

Projects that demonstrate active regional engagement or strengthen partnerships between the United States and ASEAN will receive special consideration. Each U.S. Embassy will review and approve applicant shortlists for their countries.

Employees of the U.S. Department of State, the recipient, subaward recipients, and/or contractors are not eligible to benefit from the program as participants but may contribute to the program as facilitators or resource speakers. Proposals must support approximately 100 participants and 8-15 resource speakers from ASEAN member countries and/or the United States.

Nationals from other countries may be considered on a case-by-case basis to serve as resource speakers. **2c. Overview of key program components** All proposals should contain detailed information related to the following key program components.

_Recruitment and Selection_**–**The recipient will create and disseminate recruitment materials, develop and manage an online, mobile-friendly application system, and create an application scoring system to ensure a fair and open competition. The applicant must demonstrate that it has the internal capacity and expertise to carry out recruitment and related activities directly, without reliance on an in-country partner.

_Virtual Program Launch / Pre-Departure Orientations (PDOs)_**–**The recipient will develop and host at least one virtual pre-departure orientation for summit participants. The PDO(s) should prepare the participants for their summit experience and include elements related to program goals, expectations, and health and safety information.

PDO planning and execution should take place in collaboration with the Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Embassy Singapore. The recipient may compensate resource speakers and delivery of thematic content with a reasonable honorarium, but this is not a requirement.

_Safety –_ The recipient will develop and implement a plan to monitor the health, safety, and welfare of summit participants, including identifying adequate resources to respond to potential emergencies. The recipient is responsible for promptly informing U.S. Embassy Singapore regarding any program or participant issues or emergencies and any actions the recipient takes to address these.

_Post Summit Support –_ The recipient will provide adequate mentorship support for the alumni groups as they implement their summit action plans. The recipient will monitor their progress.

The recipient will design and produce media and communication materials that highlight summit outcomes and success stories featuring the participants – including short impact videos and related digital content – to showcase achievements, demonstrate results, and communicate the summit’s contribution to U.S. foreign policy objectives and compliance with Department of State branding and communication standards.

_Monitoring and Evaluation –_ The recipient will develop and implement a comprehensive plan to monitor and evaluate the program’s effectiveness in reaching the stated objectives. The recipient will provide reports before the Summit and after the activity to document the monitoring and evaluation and inform future public engagement efforts in this area.

* ##### **_Substantial Involvement_** The U.S. Embassy anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement and will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. _U. S.

Embassy Roles and Responsibilities_ Examples of substantial involvement include but are not limited to: * **Government Approvals –**The Embassy will coordinate the participation of and necessary approvals by U.S. government agencies, the Government of Singapore (aside from routine permitting), and diplomatic missions in Southeast Asia.

The Embassy’s role includes coordinating on matters related to the security of the summit and its attendees, as well as site visits with partner government agencies.

U.S. Embassy Singapore will coordinate with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN and other U.S. missions on Summit follow-on activities; * **Approval of Summit Participants, Mentors, Speakers, Agenda, Implementation Partners, and U.S. Corporate Involvement –**The Embassy will review and approve the final selection of participants, site visits, mentors and resource speakers, agenda in coordination with other U.S. Embassies and the Department of State, as needed.

The Embassy will coordinate with the Government of Singapore and other Diplomatic missions on the chosen implementer’s behalf; * **Sub-Awards and Action Plans –**The Embassy will review and approve any sub-awards not included in the original proposal, including but not limited to the selection of both action plans whether they do or do not receive further U.S. Government funding; * **Lodging –**The Embassy will review and approve proposed lodging based on single occupancy for safety and suitability; and * **Venue –**The Embassy will review and approve all summit and workshop venues and locations in addition to transportation plans.

_Recipient Roles and Responsibilities_ * **Participant Recruitment** – develop and implement a recruitment strategy for YSEALI alumni from across the region, including outreach materials, application management, and selection criteria. * **Mentor Engagement and Oversight –**Identify, vet, and manage —including travel arrangements — at least 10 mentors.

Mentors must be alumni of U.S. international exchange programs with a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience. They are expected to participate for at least two (2) days to join panel discussions and facilitate consultation sessions with participants on their action plans.

* **Curriculum Development** – design a comprehensive curriculum for the plenary and relevant thematic working groups, including learning objectives, session sequencing, and expected outputs. Develop a comprehensive calendar of milestones before, during, and after the summit.

* **Field Exposure Activity** – design and coordinate relevant institutional visits (e.g., policy institute, energy facility, maritime operations center, cybersecurity center) to reinforce workshop themes. * **Participant Support** – provide pre‑departure information, orientation materials, safeguarding protocols, and on‑site support throughout the workshop.

* **Expert/Speaker Engagement** – identify, vet, and manage speakers, facilitators, and resource personnel for all thematic areas. Support selected experts with travel, visas (as applicable), honoraria, accommodations, and required program-related rentals or services, including transportation. * **Event Management** – Manage all event logistics including securing venues and procuring items and rentals necessary for program events.

* **Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)** – design and implement an M&E plan that includes pre‑ and post‑event assessments, participant feedback tools, outcome tracking, and analysis of material learning and retention. The recipient must devote at least 5 percent to M&E.

* **Final Reporting** – produce a comprehensive final report summarizing activities, outputs, participant demographics, M&E findings, challenges, and recommendations for future programming. ### **D. 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 * A complete application including authorized signatures where indicated on the forms.

The following documents are **required**: * ##### **_Mandatory application forms_** * SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at grants. gov * SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants. gov * ##### **_Proposal (20 pages maximum)_** Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of their choice, or they may use the attached proposal template if they like (Attachment XXX).

The proposal should contain enough information for anyone not familiar with it to be able to 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.

* **Applicant Introduction**: 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 other U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those in the NOFO.

While it is not a requirement, Applicants may use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information (Attachment XXX). If the applicant chooses not to use the attached form, the applicant must still provide all the information on the form in some other part of the application package.

* **Problem Statement:**Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem and why the proposed program is necessary. * **Program 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 (if applicable). * **Future Funding for or Sustainability**of 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).

The M&E plan should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Applicants should devote at least five and no more than ten percent of the program budget to monitoring and evaluation costs. Applicants should adopt and explain how they would apply the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) framework to the Summit.

MODE resources are available here: https://www. state. gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/ The key components to the PMP are as follows: * **Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative**: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award.

In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget.

If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal discusses how the grantee has adapted, improved, or otherwise modified their approach based on their previous experience. This narrative may not exceed two pages. * **Theory of Change Diagram:** Applicants must submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes.

* **Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet:** Applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives in accordance with the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PD objective.

* The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before issuance of any award under this NOFO. The selected applicant may need to work with U.S. Department of State Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists as a condition for receiving the award to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PD objectives.

* Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are allowable and limited to no more than 10 percent of the total award. 1. ##### **_Budget Justification Narrative_** * **Detailed Budget** – Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget.

Applicants should utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but it is not a requirement. Line-item expenditures should include as much detail as possible. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent on 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 to include 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 to 2CFR§200.

1)). **Budgets must be in U.S. dollars** and final grant agreements will also be denominated 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 related to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal. * Audit Requirements:Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://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.

* ##### **_Attachments_** * **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. Organizations based in Singapore or another ASEAN member state 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: 1.

Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years 2. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies 3. 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 4.

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 5.

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 6. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

### **E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES** * ##### **_Address to Request Application Package_** Application forms required above are available on the website of the U.S. Embassy Singapore, grants. gov, and MyGrants, etc. * ##### **_Department of State Contacts_** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: SingaporePDSCultural@state.

gov. * ##### **_Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM. gov)_** **Required Registration:**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 also 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 to SAM. gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.

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

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. **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_** **Submission Deadline:**All applications must be received by Month, Day, Year at specific time and time zone. For 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 A**: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address:SingaporePDSCultural@state.

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

**Submission Method B**: Submitting all application materials through Grants. gov. For those opting to apply through Grants. gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.

grants. gov. For questions relating to Grants. gov, please call the Grants.

gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or go to https://www. grants. gov/support.

html. Please note that SingaporePDSCultural@state. gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.

gov. * ##### **_Funding Restrictions_** 1. 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). 2.

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