FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars

ECA Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (DOCX)

# Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP)

Instructions:

The Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) in this document includes ALL MODE objectives and indicators that were created to collect data from program participants. While ECA recommends the applicant use the format provided, this is not a requirement. However, any performance monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include the information in the column headers (Indicator Name, Definition, Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the table below at a minimum.

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

• Fill out the Applicant Name, FY and Program Title and Funding Opportunity # fields highlighted above

• Carefully review the solicitation document to identify the MODE indicators that were listed

• Review the additional (those not listed in the solicitation document) MODE Framework indicators listed in the table below to determine if they are relevant (meaning the applicant proposes that data should be collected for those indicators as part of this program)

• Those indicators that were NOT selected in steps 2 and 3 above can be deleted from the table below (to do this, click your mouse somewhere within the row you would like to delete, right-click, select “Delete Cells”, then “Delete Entire Row”. Repeat this process until the only MODE Framework indicators that remain are those identified during steps 1 and 2)

• Applicants may also design custom objectives and/or indicators that are specific to the proposed program and the proposed MODE Framework indicators are insufficient to cover all aspects of the program. Applicants should limit the number of these custom indicators, bearing in mind collection and reporting capacity, and prioritize additional measures identified in the solicitation.

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

Resources

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

• MODE Framework Indicator Book (https://app.box.com/s/9gvvxzxlm6bmvzqengqu8uad40yz2doe ):

MODE Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (https://app.box.com/s/r6x4elenw9pnicdtjyqv6rbyoczhp62t )

• PMP Creation Webinar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI )

Definitions of PMP Columns

• Performance Indicator: An observable or measurable characteristic that indicates the extent to which a program objective is being achieved.

• Definition: Clarifies all terms necessary and provides details on how to calculate the data collected to measure the change expected.

• Disaggregation (“Disagg”): Lists how the data will be broken down into subgroups (such as: sex, age, state, country, etc.)

• Target: Specific, planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe

• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Specifies how the data will be obtained (such as a survey, observation, interview, etc.) and the mandatory question linked to the data source. Note that all MODE Framework survey questions are required (i.e. should be forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for an example of how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.

• When to Collect: Specifies when the indicator will be measured, for example: post-program, end of award, etc.

A post-program collection should occur no later than 6 weeks after the participant has completed the program

Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data on participant outputs and outcomes during the period of performance of the program itself. Note: The Bureau will measure outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the program has ended to capture the long-term impact of ECA programming unless otherwise specified in the solicitation for which you are applying. In this instance, the recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.

Definitions of Key Terms

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

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

Participants of American Spaces programming include any individual who attends a program conducted by an American Space, whether that program is located at an American Space or an outside location. Individuals who attend virtual (online) or blended (partially online, partially in-person) programs are also considered participants.

“Exchange Visitors” on ECA’s Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC) programs are considered program participants.

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

• Host families who welcomed exchange visitors into their homes;

• Host institutions or businesses who provided professional or academic experiences to exchange visitors.

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

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

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ECA Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (PDF)

PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP)
Applicant Name: Example Organization
Fiscal Year and Program Title: FY## Example Program
Funding Opportunity #: SFOP000XXXX
Instructions:
The Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent
measures across all ECA programs. The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) in this document includes ALL MODE objectives and indicators
that were created to collect data from program participants. While ECA recommends the applicant use the format provided, this is not a
requirement. However, any performance monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include the information in the column
headers (Indicator Name, Definition, Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the table below at a minimum.
To provide a PMP that will meet the solicitation review criteria, the applicant should take the following steps:
1. Fill out the Applicant Name, FY and Program Title and Funding Opportunity # fields highlighted above
2. Carefully review the solicitation document to identify the MODE indicators that were listed
3. Review the additional (those not listed in the solicitation document) MODE Framework indicators listed in the table below to determine if
they are relevant (meaning the applicant proposes that data should be collected for those indicators as part of this program)
4. Those indicators that were NOT selected in steps 2 and 3 above can be deleted from the table below (to do this, click your mouse
somewhere within the row you would like to delete, right-click, select “Delete Cells”, then “Delete Entire Row”. Repeat this process until
the only MODE Framework indicators that remain are those identified during steps 1 and 2)
5. Applicants may also design custom objectives and/or indicators that are specific to the proposed program and the proposed MODE
Framework indicators are insufficient to cover all aspects of the program. Applicants should limit the number of these custom indicators,
bearing in mind collection and reporting capacity, and prioritize additional measures identified in the solicitation.
For all indicators in the PMP that remain after steps 2-5 above, insert the target into the appropriate column. A target specifies a feasible and
appropriate level of an output or outcome that is hoped for, expected, or intended.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Resources
More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework and PMP are available online (https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-
evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and). PMP-specific resources include:
• MODE Framework Indicator Book (https://app.box.com/s/9gvvxzxlm6bmvzqengqu8uad40yz2doe ):
• MODE Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (https://app.box.com/s/r6x4elenw9pnicdtjyqv6rbyoczhp62t )
• PMP Creation Webinar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI )
Definitions of PMP Columns
• Performance Indicator: An observable or measurable characteristic that indicates the extent to which a program objective is being
achieved.
• Definition: Clarifies all terms necessary and provides details on how to calculate the data collected to measure the change expected.
• Disaggregation (“Disagg”): Lists how the data will be broken down into subgroups (such as: sex, age, state, country, etc.)
• Target: Specific, planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Specifies how the data will be obtained (such as a survey, observation, interview, etc.) and
the mandatory question linked to the data source. Note that all MODE Framework survey questions are required (i.e. should be
forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for an example of how to convey this
to participants/survey respondents.
• When to Collect: Specifies when the indicator will be measured, for example: post-program, end of award, etc.
o A post-program collection should occur no later than 6 weeks after the participant has completed the program
o Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data on participant outputs and outcomes during the period of
performance of the program itself. Note: The Bureau will measure outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years
after the program has ended to capture the long-term impact of ECA programming unless otherwise specified in the solicitation
for which you are applying. In this instance, the recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to
de-duplicate questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Definitions of Key Terms
Each indicator in the table below includes a list of relevant terms in the indicator column. While terms vary across indicators, there are a few key
terms that apply to a high number of indicators. Those terms are listed below to save space in the table:
• Participant or Exchange Visitor - A person who has directly participated in an ECA-facilitated program (either ECA-funded or
BridgeUSA) and been exposed to at least 10 hours of content or otherwise meets the requirements for entry into the Alumni Contact
Engagement System (ACES). Participants do not include audiences who may watch, listen to, or otherwise interact with ECA program
participants.
o Participants of American Spaces programming include any individual who attends a program conducted by an American Space,
whether that program is located at an American Space or an outside location. Individuals who attend virtual (online) or blended
(partially online, partially in-person) programs are also considered participants.
o “Exchange Visitors” on ECA’s Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC) programs are considered program participants.
• Host community - A community that sponsors, supports, or provides services for exchange programs and/or their participants. Host
communities and institutions do not necessarily directly participate in a program. Benefits to this group most often occur through
interaction with the participants and/or alumni during or after the program. Host community members comprise two groups:
o Host families who welcomed exchange visitors into their homes;
o Host institutions or businesses who provided professional or academic experiences to exchange visitors.
• Virtual exchange - A sustained, multi-way interaction, that is 100% online, used to build networks and shared knowledge around policy
priorities. For a program to be considered a virtual exchange, participants must engage with all content virtually. A series of virtual
components can be considered an exchange if they are (1) originated as a unit with a collective start and end date and (2) are organized
around a unifying theme. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements
(internships), and virtual mentorships. A series of massive open online courses (MOOCs) would be considered an exchange if they are
offered as a set (of say six classes) and are centered on a specific topic (for example, media literacy). Offering MOOCs as an online
resource is not considered a virtual exchange program.
• Virtual element - Single, stand-alone components offered as either add-on enrichment to an in-person program or as general outreach by
ECA. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements (internships), and virtual
mentorships. Offering single MOOCs to the general public or virtual pre-departure orientation webinars are both considered virtual
elements. Additionally, online spaces for participants to communicate (such as a program Facebook page) are considered virtual elements.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Demographic Questions
Home Country Used to identify subgroups for Country of Origin N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) disaggregation. (Foreign participants only) Program
What is your home country?
[Drop Down: List of program
countries] – See Appendix C in
the Indicator Book
Home State Used to identify subgroups for Home State disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) (American participants only) Program
What is your home state?
[Drop Down: List of U.S.
States] – See Appendix D in the
Indicator Book
Age Used to identify subgroups for Age disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) Program
What is your age? Fill in the
blank ________
[Validate answer numeric, with
accepted answers ranging from
15 to 100]
-- OR--
Are you between the ages of 15
and 35?
• Yes
• No
Sex Used to identify subgroups for Sex disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) Program
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Please select your biological
sex classification:
• Female
• Male
Race Used to identify subgroups for Race disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) (American participants only) Program
What is your race or ethnicity?
Select all that apply.
• American Indian or Alaskan
Native
• Asian
• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• Native Hawaiian or Other
Pacific Islander
• White
• Some Other Race
• I do not wish to respond
Participant Type Used to identify the subgroup “Reciprocal” for Participant N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) Type disaggregation. Program
(American participants only) Did you participate in a
reciprocal exchange?
Award recipients will need to identify whether a participant A reciprocal participant is an
is designated as 'Foreign', 'American', or 'Reciprocal' as American who travels to an
part of the disaggregations. The assumption is that those exchange participant's home
who answer the "Home Country" question can be country to assist the participant
designated as a 'Foreign participant', those who answer with their individual project
"Home State" can be designated as an 'American
participant', and those who answer the associated question • Yes
with a "yes" can be designated as a 'Reciprocal participant' • No
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
ECA Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective
ECA Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities
E1.1.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting that
• Country of origin
by the Do you agree with the
their program Counting Frequency applicant following statement?
• Home state
experience Each respondent should only be counted once in the
• Race
offered reporting year following their program completion. My program offered
• Participant type:
opportunities to opportunities for making
American, foreign,
engage with Calculations cultural connections and
reciprocal
other cultures To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of sharing. For example:
respondents who answered “yes” while the denominator Conversations about each
others’ countries, attending
will be the total number of question respondents. Divide
cultural events, etc.
the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100
• Yes
for the percent value.
• No
E1.1.04: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants with • Country of origin by the Did your views of the United
more favorable Counting Frequency • Home state applicant States government change as a
opinions of the Each respondent should only be counted once in the • Race result of your program
United States reporting year following their program completion. • Participant type: participation?
Government
American, foreign,
• Yes
(core indicator)
Calculations reciprocal • No
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of
respondents who select “much more favorable” OR If YES:
“somewhat more favorable” on the survey question. The
denominator will be the total number of question How did your views of the
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and United States government
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. change? Are your views:
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Much less favorable
• Somewhat less favorable
• Somewhat more favorable
• Much more favorable
E1.1.09: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants who • Country of origin by the Before this exchange program,
traveled abroad Abroad – A country outside of one’s home country • Home state applicant had you traveled outside of
for the first time
• Race
your home country?
because of their Counting Frequency • Participant type: • Yes
program
Each respondent should only be counted once in the American, foreign, • No
(core indicator)
reporting year following their program completion. reciprocal
If YES:
Calculations
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of Why did you travel outside of
respondents who answered “no” to the first question while your home country? Select all
the denominator will be the total number of question that apply.
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and • Tourism
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. • Visit friends/family
• Participation in another U.S.
Department of State
exchange program (including
U.S. Embassy-sponsored
exchanges)
• Participation in a non-U.S.
Department of State
exchange
• Study
• Work
• Other: ______ [write-in]
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
E1.1.10: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Before this exchange program,
participants who Counting Frequency applicant had you traveled to the United
traveled to the Each respondent should only be counted once per reporting States?
United States year following their program completion. • Yes
for the first time
• No
during their Calculations
program To determine the percent value, numerator is number of If YES:
(core indicator)
respondents who reply “no” to the first question while
denominator will be the total number of question Why did you travel to the
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and United States? Select all that
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. apply.
• Tourism
• Visit friends/family
• Participation in another U.S.
Department of State
exchange program (including
U.S. Embassy-sponsored
exchanges)
• Participation in a non-U.S.
Department of State
exchange
• Study
• Work
• Other: ______ [write-in]
E1.1.11: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
American
• Home state
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
participants Host country - The country in which the participant • Race by the How much did participation in
indicating a traveled to for their exchange program. • Participant type: applicant the exchange program change
change in their American, your understanding or
understanding of Counting Frequency reciprocal knowledge of the following
their host Each respondent should only be counted once in the topics?
country's culture reporting year following their program completion. • Host country political system
and values • Host country economy
Calculations • Foreign affairs of my host
Responses to each item should be scored in the following country
manner: • Domestic affairs in my host
No Change – 1 country
Minimal Change – 2 • Host country values and
culture
Moderate Change – 3
• Daily life in my host country
Substantial Change – 4
• Freedom of speech and press
in my host country
The response scores for each item should be summed and
• Voluntary community
divided by the number of items they responded to in order
service in my host country
to give an average question score for each respondent.
[Scale: No Change, Minimal
To determine the percent value, the numerator is the
Change, Moderate Change,
number of respondents whose average question score is 2
Substantial Change]
or greater while the denominator will be the total number
of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value.
E1.1.12: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Thinking about the participants
participants Third-party country - A country that is not the applicant you met from other countries
indicating a participant/alumni’s home or host country. Generally, this (not your home country or the
change in refers to the home countries of fellow participants. U.S.), how much did
understanding of participation in the program
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
third-party Counting Frequency change your understanding or
countries’ Each respondent should only be counted once in the knowledge of the following
cultures and reporting year following their program completion. topics related to those
values countries?
Calculations • Political system
Responses to each item should be scored in the following • Economy
manner: • Foreign affairs
No Change – 1 • Domestic affairs
Minimal Change – 2 • Values and culture
Moderate Change – 3 • Daily life
Substantial Change – 4 • Freedom of speech and press
• Voluntary community
The response scores for each item should be summed and service
divided by the number of items they responded to in order
to give an average question score for each respondent. [Scale: No Change, Minimal
Change, Moderate Change,
Substantial Change]
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents whose average question score is 2 or greater
while the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E1.1.13: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of foreign Terms • Age completed Program
participants who • Country of origin by the Compared to before your
are more likely Counting Frequency applicant program participation, how
to recommend Each respondent should only be counted once in the likely are you now to
the United reporting year following their program completion. recommend the United States as
States as a good a good place to study?
place to study Calculations • Much more unlikely
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Somewhat more unlikely
respondents who reply “much more likely” or “somewhat • Somewhat more likely
more likely” while denominator will be the total number of Much more likely
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
question respondents. Divide the numerator by the
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value.
E1.1.16: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
virtual exchange
• Country of origin
by the In the future, are virtual
(VE) Virtual exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms applicant exchanges likely to be your
• Home state
participants who
• Race
only way to interact with
report VE as Virtual element - See Definitions of Key Terms citizens from other countries?
• Participant type:
their only likely • Yes
American, foreign,
way to interact Counting Frequency • No
reciprocal
with citizens Each respondent should only be counted once per reporting • I don’t know
from other
year following their program completion.
countries in the
future
Calculations
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of
respondents who answered “yes” while the denominator
will be the total number of question respondents. Divide
the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100
for the percent value.
This indicator counts participants involved in virtual
exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT
count participants engaging with virtual program elements
as part of a non-virtual program.
E1.1.17: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Did your views of the American
participants with Counting Frequency applicant people change as a result of
more favorable Each respondent should only be counted once in the your program participation?
opinions of the reporting year following their program completion. • Yes
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
American • No
people Calculations
(core indicator) To determine the percent value, numerator is number of If YES:
respondents who reply “much more favorable” OR
“somewhat more favorable” while the denominator will be How did your views of the
the total number of question respondents. Divide the American people change? Are
numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for your views:
the percent value.
• Much less favorable
• Somewhat less favorable
• Somewhat more favorable
• Much more favorable
E1.1.18: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign
• Country of origin
by the How much did participation in
participants Counting Frequency applicant the program change your
indicating an Each respondent should only be counted once in the understanding or knowledge of
increase in reporting year following their program completion. each of the following topics?
understanding of • United States democracy
United States Calculations • United States economy
culture and Responses to each item should be scored in the following • Foreign affairs of the United
values
manner: States
(core indicator)
No Change – 1 • Domestic affairs in the
Minimal Change – 2 United States
Moderate Change – 3
• United States values and
Substantial Change – 4
culture
• Daily life in the United
The response scores for each item should be summed and
States
divided by the number of items they responded to in order
• Freedom of speech and press
to give a total question score for each respondent.
in the United States
• Voluntary community
service in the United States
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents whose total question score is 2 or greater while [Scale: No Change, Minimal
the denominator will be the total number of question Change, Moderate Change,
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and Substantial Change]
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E1.1.19: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants • Country of origin by the To what extent do you agree or
agreeing with Democratic values - The ideas or beliefs that make a applicant disagree with the statements
• Home state
statements in society fair, including: democratic decision-making, below?
• Race
support of freedom of speech, and equality before the law. • Voting is important because
• Participant type:
democratic real decisions are made in
American, foreign,
values Counting Frequency elections
Each respondent should only be counted once in the reciprocal
(core indicator)
• Free and fair elections are
reporting year following their program completion.
the cornerstone of
democracy
Calculations
Responses to each item should be scored in the following • An independent media is
manner: important to the free flow of
Strongly disagree – 1 information
Disagree – 2 • All citizens in a country
Neither disagree nor agree – 3 should have equal rights and
Agree – 4
protections under the law,
Strongly agree – 5
regardless of circumstances
Don’t know/can’t ascertain – 0
• The rule of law is
fundamental to a functioning
To determine the percent value, numerator is the number of
democracy
respondents whose average question score is greater than or
equal to 4 on a 1-5 scale while the denominator will be the • Individuals have the right to
total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator free speech and to voice
by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the opposition
percent value.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Organizations have the right
to free speech and to voice
opposition
• Democratic principles
enhance the workplace.
Supervisors should
incorporate democratic
principles into their
management practices
[Scale: Strongly disagree,
Disagree, Neither disagree nor
agree, Agree, Strongly agree,
Don’t know/can’t ascertain]
ECA Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on their communities / countries
E2.0.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of foreign Terms • Age completed Program
participants that • Country of origin by the Did you volunteer your time
volunteer in Volunteer - To offer one’s time or services to an applicant during your exchange?
their host organization or community effort for free. Volunteering • Yes
communities does not include time spent working as part of a • No
professional placement. • My program did not offer the
opportunity to volunteer
Host community - See Definitions of Key Terms
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
To calculate the percentage, the numerator will be the
number of respondents who answered “yes” while the
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E2.0.04: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Number of Terms • Age completed Program
hours that
• Country of origin
by the How many hours did you spend
foreign Volunteer - To offer one’s time or services to an applicant volunteering during your
participants organization or community effort for free. Volunteering exchange program? (Please
spend does not include time spent working as part of a note that volunteer hours do
volunteering in professional placement. not include time spent working
their host
as part of your professional
Host community - See Definitions of Key Terms placement.)
communities
Counting Frequency Fill in the blank: __________
Each respondent should only be counted once in a [validate as numeric]
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
Participants will complete a survey question that will
request the number of hours of time spent volunteering
during their exchange program.
The total number of hours for all participants should be
reported.
ECA Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries
E2.2.01: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants who • Country of origin by the As a result of your program
have more Home community - The community that the program applicant participation, how has your
• Home state
confidence in participant originates from and will return to at the confidence in each of the
• Race
their ability to conclusion of the program. following changed?
have an impact
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
in their home Home country - The country in which the program • Participant type: • I have the ability to make a
country participant resides prior to their program participation. American, foreign, difference in the community
(core indicator) reciprocal where I live
Counting Frequency • I have the ability to make a
Each respondent should only be counted once in the difference in the country
reporting year following their program completion. where I live
• I have the ability to make a
Calculation difference in the global
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of community
respondents that responded “more confident” to the
statement about their ability to make a difference in the
[Scale: I am less confident; No
‘community where I live’ and/or ‘country where I live’
change in confidence, I am
while the denominator will be the total number of question
more confident]
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
ECA Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions
E3.0.02: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign
• Country of origin
by the Are you still in contact with any
participants who Network - An interconnected or interrelated group or applicant Americans you met during your
report increasing system. In the context of MODE, this refers to an program?
their network of interconnected or interrelated group intentionally • Yes
Americans convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA • No
(core indicator) programming.
If YES:
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the Are the contacts you maintain
reporting year following their program completion. with Americans personal,
professional, or both?
Calculations • Personal
• Professional
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Both personal and
respondents who reply “yes” to the first question item professional
while the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E3.0.04: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Are you still in contact with any
participants who Network- An interconnected or interrelated group or applicant individual not from the U.S.
report increasing system intentionally convened, sustained, or otherwise and not from your own country
their network of facilitated through ECA programming. that you met during your
third country program?
nationals Third-country national - A third country stakeholder is •Yes
defined as a person or institution who does not have the •No
same nationality and is not from the country in which the
If YES:
exchange took place or from the country of a participant of
the exchange.
Are the contacts you maintain
with these individuals personal,
Counting Frequency
professional, or both?
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
•Personal
reporting year following their program completion.
•Professional
•Both personal and professional
Calculations
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents who reply “yes” to the first question item
while the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E3.0.07: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants who
• Country of origin
by the
identify as a Counting Frequency applicant
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Department of Each respondent should only be counted once in the • Home state Do you consider yourself a
State program reporting year following their program completion. • Race participant of a U.S.
participant • Participant type: Department of State program?
(core indicator) Calculations American, foreign, • Yes
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of reciprocal • No
participants who answered “yes” in response to the survey
question. The denominator will be the total number of
question respondents. Divide the numerator by the
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value.
ECA Sub-Objective 3.1: Alumni subscribe to platforms for resources and information-sharing
E3.1.02: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
who learned • Country of origin by the Through your program
about new Resource – Information that is new and potentially useful • Home state applicant experience, did you learn about
resources to the participant. Can include information guidance that is any of the following
• Race
either personal or professional. Does not include persons. Department of State-managed
• Participant type:
Can be information provided during any portion of the resources? Select all that apply.
American, foreign,
program process (pre-program, during the program, or • Small grants applications from
reciprocal
immediately post-program – such as a Congress or the U.S. Government [Carry
concluding event). forward selection to next
question]
• Alumni Engagement
Counting Frequency Innovation Fund (AEIF)
Each respondent should only be counted once in the applications [Carry forward
reporting year following their program completion. selection to next question]
• Citizen Diplomacy Action
Calculations Fund applications [ask of
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of American alumni only] [Carry
respondents who select at least one of the survey question forward selection to next
response options EXCEPT “None of the above” to the first question]
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
question, while the denominator will be the total number of • Project Development toolkits
question respondents. Divide the numerator by the [Carry forward selection to next
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent question]
value. • Supplies or equipment [Carry
forward selection to next
question]
• Information on
workshops/events hosted by the
U.S. Embassy in your home
country [ask of Foreign Alumni
only] [Carry forward selection
to next question]
• Embassy network of experts
and leaders [ask of Foreign
Alumni only] [Carry forward
selection to next question]
• American Spaces (either
American Centers, American
Corners, or Bi-National
Centers) [ask of Foreign
Alumni only] [Carry forward
selection to next question]
• Career Connections [ask of
American alumni only] [Carry
forward selection to next
question]
• None
For each category the
respondent selects, ask:
Was this the first time you
heard about this resource?
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Yes
• No
E3.1.05: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
who are • Country of origin by the Are you connected with the
connected to Digital platform - A digital place, opportunity, or event for applicant Department of State
• Home state
ECA through a public discussion or interpersonal engagement intentionally International Exchange Alumni
• Race
U.S. Department convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA Network on the following
• Participant type:
of State- programming. digital platforms?
American, foreign,
managed • Registered on the
reciprocal
platform Counting Frequency alumni.state.gov website
Each respondent should only be counted once in the (https://alumni.state.gov)
reporting year following their program completion. • Follow @Exchangealumni on
Twitter,
Calculations • Connected with Alumni
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of Affairs on LinkedIn
respondents who select “yes” to at least one of the survey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/al
question response options while the denominator will be umni-affairs-9b871b103)
the total number of question respondents. Divide the
numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for [Scale: Yes/No/I don’t know]
the percent value.
ECA Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries
E4.0.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting
• Country of origin
by the [NOTE: This question is also
increases in Counting Frequency applicant included in Indicators E4.0.03
• Home state
their job Each respondent should only be counted once in the and E4.0.05. If these are to be
• Race
skills as a result reporting year following their program completion. included in a survey, this
of their program
• Participant type: question can be asked once,
participation Calculations American, foreign, with up to two follow-up
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of reciprocal questions based on an
affirmative response.]
respondents who reply “yes” while the denominator will be
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
the total number of question respondents. Divide the
numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for Did you increase your personal
the percent value. and/or professional skills as a
result of your participation in
this program?
• Yes
• No
E4.0.03: Percent Soft skills - Qualities and behaviors an individual • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants demonstrates to interact with others effectively. Examples • Age completed Program
reporting an include communication, listening, self-awareness, • Country of origin by the NOTE: Question 1 is also
increase in soft awareness of others, self-initiative, cognitive competence applicant included in Indicator 4.0.01
• Home state
skills as a result skills, self-confidence, resourcefulness/resilience, and and 4.0.05. If at least two of
• Race
decision-making and problem-solving skills. those questions are to be
of their program
• Participant type: included in a survey, question 1
participation
Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key American, foreign, can be asked once, with up to
Terms reciprocal two follow-up questions based
on an affirmative response.
Counting Frequency
Each participant should only be counted once in the Did you increase your personal
reporting year following their program completion. and/or professional skills as a
result of your participation in
Calculations this program?
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Yes
respondents who select at least one answer option except • No
for “none of the above skills” in the second question while
the denominator will be the total number of question If YES:
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. Please select the personal skills
you increased. Select all that
apply.
• Leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Listening skills
• Self-awareness
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Self-initiative
• Self-confidence
• Resourcefulness
• Decision-making skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Other: ______ [write-in]
• None of the above skills
E4.0.05: Percent Technical skills - Knowledge and ability to perform • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants specific tasks. Examples of technical skills include project • Age completed Program
who report an management, entrepreneurship, journalism, teaching • Country of origin by the NOTE: Question 1 is also
increase in instruction, science, technology, engineering and applicant included in Indicator 4.0.01
• Home state
technical skills mathematics (STEM) competence. and 4.0.03. If at least two of
• Race
these questions are to be
as a result of
Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Participant type: included in a survey, question 1
their program
Terms American, foreign, can be asked once, with up to
participation
reciprocal two follow-up questions based
Counting Frequency on an affirmative response.
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
reporting year following their program completion. Did you increase your personal
and/or professional skills as a
Calculations result of your participation in
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of this program?
respondents who select at least one answer option EXCEPT • Yes
for “none of the above skills” in the second question while • No
the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and If YES:
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
Please select the professional
skills you increased. Select all
that apply.
• Project management skills
• Business management skills
• Entrepreneurship skills
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Journalism skills
• Teaching skills
• Science competence
• Technology competence
• Engineering competence
• Mathematics competence
• Other: ______ [write-in]
• None of the above skills
E4.0.09: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting an • Country of origin by the 1. Did you improve your
increase in Counting Frequency applicant language skills in a foreign
• Home state
language skills Each respondent should only be counted once in the language as a result of the
• Race
as a result of reporting year following their program completion. program?
• Participant type:
their program
• Yes
American, foreign,
participation Calculations • No
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of reciprocal
respondents who answered yes in question 1, while the If YES to question 1, ask
denominator will be the total number of question questions 2 and 3:
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and 2. Which of the following
then multiply by 100 for the percent value best described your ability
to speak in that foreign
language before your
participation in the
program?
• No ability at all
• Able to communicate only in
a very limited capacity
• Able to satisfy basic survival
needs and minimum courtesy
requirements
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Able to satisfy routine social
demands and limited work
requirements
• Able to speak with sufficient
grammatical accuracy and
vocabulary to discuss
relevant professional areas
• Able to speak fluently and
accurately in all situations
• Proficiency equivalent to
that of a native speaker
[Use display logic to show
those choices with abilities
greater than the selection in
question 2.]
3. Which of the following
best describes your ability
to speak in that foreign
language after the
program?
• Able to communicate only in
a very limited capacity
• Able to satisfy basic survival
needs and minimum courtesy
requirements
• Able to satisfy routine social
demands and limited work
requirements
• Able to speak with sufficient
grammatical accuracy and
vocabulary to discuss
relevant professional areas
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Able to speak fluently and
accurately in all situations
• Proficiency equivalent to
that of a native speaker
E4.0.14: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting new • Country of origin by the As a result of your participation
digital applicant in the program, did you gain
Digital skill/competencies – Digital skills are defined as a • Home state
skills/competenc new digital
range of abilities to use digital devices, communication • Race
skills/competencies?
ies gained from
applications, and networks to access and manage • Participant type:
• Yes
virtual exchange
information, and to participate in a virtual program. Skills American, foreign,
(VE) • No
include: knowledge about various low and high-tech reciprocal
programming
technologies (such as the internet, digital video, software
programs, etc.), knowledge of how various technologies
can be used to communicate with others, knowledge
required by teachers for integrating technology into their
classrooms, and/or creating content for various
technologies.
Virtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms
Virtual Elements - See Definitions of Key Terms
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents who respond “yes” to the question, while the
denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
This indicator counts participants involved in virtual
exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT
count participants ONLY engaging with virtual program
elements.
ECA Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional, and cultural programs
E4.1.01: Total Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Annually
number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from
participants • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
(core indicator) Counting Frequency • Home state applicant
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
• Race
annual reporting cycle following their program completion.
• Participant type:
American, foreign,
reciprocal
E4.1.02: Total Program cohort - A group of participants hosted separately • Cohort type: To be Administrative data from award Annually
number of under a program umbrella and following a set course of inbound, completed recipients - not collected from
program cohorts activities and/or study. For instance: outbound, virtual by the the participant surveys
(core indicator) • IVLP is a program – each individual IVLP project applicant
conducted in a year would be considered a separate
cohort.
• PFP is a program – the two groups of participants
PFP brings to the US each year are each considered
separate cohorts.
• Arts Envoy is a program- each group of artists that
travels is considered a separate cohort. A band or
group of musicians would be considered a cohort
but each individual should be counted separately as
a participant.
Counting Frequency
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Each cohort should only be counted once per semi-annual
reporting cycle following its completion.
E4.1.03: Scholarships - Monetary assistance provided by ECA for • Amount: $0-5000; To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of students and/or professionals to attend college or university $5001- $10,000; completed recipients - not collected from Annually
ECA-supported abroad. $10,001+ by the the participant surveys
international • Participant type: applicant
scholarships Counting Frequency
American, foreign
All scholarships should be counted even if more than one
provided
scholarship goes to the same individual. Scholarships
should be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle
during which they were awarded.
E4.1.04: Professional placement - A position placement a participant • Host type: family, To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of holds during their exchange program with a host institution business/professio completed recipients - not collected from Annually
professional for the purpose of professional development. These are nal organization, by the the participant surveys
placements most commonly internships, but can also include job academic applicant
shadowing, mentoring or a professional project as well.
institution,
government
Host institution - An institution that provides support to or
agency
benefits from the participation of program participants.
Benefits to this group most often occur through interaction
with the participants and/or alumni during or after the
program.
Professional development - The act of learning and/or
improving skills in order to better meet professional goals.
Professional development activities can include formal
coursework, attending conferences, and informal learning
opportunities situated in practice; i.e. informal peer-to-peer
interaction and learning, or opportunities through
knowledge sharing.
Counting Frequency
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Each placement should only be counted once the placement
has been completed and only once per semi-annual
reporting cycle. If a participant holds more than one
placement during their exchange program, each placement
should be counted.
E4.1.05: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
participants in • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
programs with a Media literacy component- An educational portion of a applicant
• Home state
media literacy program that focuses on the ability to identify different
• Race
component types of media and the messages they are sending. It
• Participant type:
includes activities such as a training, a talk or seminar on
American, foreign,
media literacy or how to teach media literacy, training for
journalism, connecting participants with media experts or reciprocal
providing resources for media literacy.
Counting Frequency
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
annual reporting cycle following their program completion.
E4.1.06: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
participants in • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
programs with Counting Frequency applicant
• Home state
formal, Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
• Race
dedicated annual reporting cycle following their program completion
• Participant type:
language
American, foreign,
learning
reciprocal
activities
E4.1.07: Training - An organized activity that is designed and N/A To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of implemented to build capacity and has specific learning completed recipients - not collected from Annually
instruction objectives – expected knowledge, skills and/or by the the participant surveys
methodology competencies to be gained by participants. Trainings of any applicant
length with this purpose should be counted. Building
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
trainings capacity means that recipients of training gain increased
implemented knowledge, skills, and/or competencies.
This indicator specifically measures “instruction
methodology” related trainings.
Instruction methodology trainings – Those trainings related
to furthering skills in teaching.
Counting Frequency
Each training should only be counted once per semi-annual
reporting cycle.
E4.1.08: Fellowship - A program that allows students and recent • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of graduates to work with an institution on a specific project • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
language to be completed during a set period of time. Fellowships • Home state by the the participant surveys
teaching fellows are explicitly designed to produce academic research applicant
• Race
enrolled and/or increase professional development of the fellow.
Language teaching fellow - Through the English Language
Fellow (EL Fellow) and Virtual Educator Programs, highly
qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-
month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout
the world.
Counting Frequency
The number of fellows enrolled in the current reporting
year should be counted. Fellows are considered enrolled if
they have started their program. Fellows should only be
counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle even if they
participate in multiple fellowships concurrently.
E4.1.11: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Annually
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from
American • Home state the participant surveys
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
reciprocal Reciprocal Exchange Participant - An American who • Race by the
exchange travels to an exchange participant’s home country to assist applicant
participants the participant with their individual project.
Counting Frequency
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
annual reporting cycle following their program completion
E4.1.13: Fellowship - A fellowship is a program that allows students • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of and recent graduates to work with an institution on a • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
fellows specific project to be completed during the fellowship • Home state by the the participant surveys
completing period. Fellowships are explicitly designed to produce applicant
• Race
language academic research and/or increase professional
development of the fellow.
teaching
fellowships
Language teaching fellow - Through the English Language
Fellow (EL Fellow) and Virtual Educator Programs, highly
qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-
month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout
the world.
Counting Frequency
The number of fellows enrolled in the current reporting
year should be counted. Fellows should only be counted
once per semi-annual reporting cycle even if they
participate in multiple fellowships concurrently
E4.1.14: Virtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms N/A To be Administrative data from award Annually
Number of completed recipients - not collected from
virtual exchange Program - The overarching umbrella under which all by the the participant surveys
(VE) programs activities take place. Or alternatively, it is the official name applicant
that is listed in ACPD’s comprehensive annual report on
public diplomacy and international broadcasting
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Program components - The individual program activities
that cohorts participate in.
Counting frequency
Each program should only be counted once in the annual
reporting cycle (by tasker
E4.1.15: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Annually
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from
participants in • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
virtual exchange Virtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms applicant
• Home state
(VE) programs
• Race
Virtual elements - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Participant type:
American, foreign,
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the reciprocal
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
This indicator counts participants involved in virtual
exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT
count participants engaging with virtual program elements.
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
annual reporting cycle following their program completion
E4.1.16: Audience member - A person who attends an event and is N/A To be Administrative data from award Followin
Number of not a program participant. completed recipients - not collected from g each
audience by the the participant surveys event
members Cultural events - Can include events such as concerts or applicant
attending movie screenings; these can be hosted in the United States
or abroad but must be done in conjunction with an ECA
cultural events
program.
Counting Frequency
Audience members should be counted following each
event.
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
ECA Sub-Objective 4.2: Increase ability of participants to recognize and counter disinformation
E4.2.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
that report
• Country of origin
by the How would you rate your
increased ability Disinformation - False or misleading information that is applicant ability to do each of the
• Home state
to counter spread deliberately to deceive. Disinformation can include following now compared to
• Race
disinformation authentic information or true facts that are used in the before program participation?
wrong context to make false connections, or it can be • Participant type: For each, please indicate if your
outright false information or propaganda. American, foreign, ability increased, stayed the
reciprocal same, or decreased.
Counting Frequency • Validate information I see in
Each respondent should only be counted once in the the media
reporting year following their program completion. • Identify accurate information
• Think critically about
Calculations information I see online
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Evaluate everyday
respondents that replied “Increased” for at least one information I receive from
question item while the denominator will be the total multiple sources
number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by • Identify false information
the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value. [Scale: Decreased, Stayed the
same, Increased]
ECA Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships
E8.0.03: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key N/A 60% Survey Records Post-
Response rate Terms Program
for participant
surveys Counting Frequency
(core indicator) Response rates will be calculated and reported semi-
annually on surveys that closed (i.e. ceased allowing
respondents to respond) in that six-month period, even if
the survey opened in the previous six-month period. This
may be a single survey or an aggregation, if more than one
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
survey closed in that six-month period. Each survey
invitation should be counted once, and each response (if
received) should be counted once.
Calculations
The response rate will be calculated by dividing the
number of survey responses received by the number of
survey invitations issued (sent by email or directly invited
in some other way).
Note that “survey responses” will include cases in which
any portion of a survey was returned (at least one piece of
response data provided). It will not include cases where
respondents opened the survey and opted out by selecting
the option not to continue on the opening consent screen.
Last Updated: February 2025

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FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars Budget Template

BUDGET GUIDELINES
In addition to the budget information required on the SF-424A, applicants must provide the following three elements as part of the
budget submission:
A. Summary Budget (using the OMB cost categories, see SF-425A)
B. Detailed Line Item Budget (Direct and Indirect Costs)
C. Budget Narrative
Summary Budget (TEMPLATE ON TAB 2, autofills from Tab 3 "Detailed Budget")
Detailed Line Item Budget (TEMPLATE ON TAB 3)
Applicants must provide a detailed line item budget (in Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet format) outlining specific cost
requirements within each of the summary budget categories. Please note that all items detailed in the template are examples.
 10 font or larger; must fit on 8x11 letter sized paper, not legal size.
 Any cost-sharing should be included in a separate column. See section on cost-sharing for more details.
The budget should be for the entire project period. Successful applicants may be asked to provide a year-by-year budget after the

award is signed.
All sub-award costs should be listed under Contractual, and should also be broken out and organized according to the
subcategories. All sub-awardees must be organizations with Unique Entity Identifiers (UEI) and valid SAM.gov registration

(certain exceptions apply). Sub-award budgets, if available, should be included in separate budget tabs and should be in the same
format as the approved budget according to the OMB budget categories.
All line items must be described in the budget narrative. The budget narrative should justify each cost outlined in the budget as

well as explain the unit cost calculation and methodology.
The budget template on Tab 3 is an example of the required format, but is not exhaustive: your budget might have additional items not
listed. Please edit it to reflect all planned expenditures and add lines as necessary. Please refer to the Program Objectives, Goals, and
Implementation (POGI) document for further informattion on allowable costs specific to this program.
Budget Narrative
Include a budget narrative (preferably in Microsoft Word format) to explain each line item and how the amounts were derived, as well
as the source and description of all cost share offered.
Personnel: Identify staffing requirements by each position title and brief description of duties. List annual salary of each position,
percentage of time and number of months devoted to project (e.g., Administrative Director: $30,000/year x 25% level of effort x 8.5
months; calculation: $30,000/12 = $2,500 x 25% x 8.5 months = $5,312).
Fringe Benefits: Indicate benefit costs separately from salary costs and explain how benefits are computed for each category of
employee - specify type and rate. Fringe rate should be supported by organization's policies and procedures.
Travel: Staff and participant travel, including in-country, domestic U.S., and international travel, if any, and per diem (broken out by lodging
and M&IE (meals and incidentals) for both participant and staff travel). Per diem rates may not exceed the published U.S. government
allowance rates (available from the www.gsa.gov website) without comprehensive justification; however, applicants may use per diem rates
lower than official government rates.
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100000
Explain differences in fares among travelers on the same routes: e.g., project staff member traveling for three weeks whose fare is
higher than that of staff member traveling for four months. All travel must be in compliance with the Fly America Act.
Equipment: Provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental, defined as tangible personal property having a useful life of more
than one year and an acquisition cost of $5000 or more.

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Supplies: Detail items separately using unit costs (and the percentage of each unit cost being charged to the grant) for photocopying,
postage, telephone/fax, printing, and office supplies (e.g., Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12 months).
Contractual: Provide a detailed line item breakdown for each sub-grant/contractual explaining specific services.
Other Direct Costs: These will vary depending on the nature of the project. Justify each in the budget narrative.
Indirect Charges: See 2 CFR 200.56 and 2 CFR 200.414
If your organization has an indirect cost-rate agreement (NICRA) with the U.S. Government, a copy must be included with the

application.
 If your organization does not have a NICRA, you may claim indirect charges in this field at a deminimus rate of 15%.
If Sub-Grantees are claiming indirect costs contained within a NICRA, they should have an established NICRA that is also

submitted with the proposal package.
 Do not account for indirect costs against participant expenses in the budget.
Before grants are awarded, the Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with
the Bureau’s program needs and availability of funds.
Cost Share
Cost sharing is the portion of program costs not borne by the USG. Refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to determine
whether cost-sharing is required or encouraged. In general, applications that include in-kind and/or cash contributions from non-U.S.
Government sources will be more competitive, as cost-sharing demonstrates a commitment to the activities and greater cost
effectiveness.
If cost share is included, it should be listed as a separate column in the budgets. Cost share can be either cash or in-kind (in which
case a U.S. dollar monetary value to each in-kind contribution needs to be assigned). If the proposed project is a component of a
larger program, identify other funding sources for the proposal and indicate the specific funding amount to be provided by those
sources.
Applicants should consider all types of cost sharing. Examples include the use of office space owned by other entities; donated or
borrowed supplies and equipment; (non-federal) sponsored travel costs; waived indirect costs; and program activities, translations, or
consultations. The values of offered cost share should be reported in accordance with 2 CFR 200. Other federal funding does not
constitute cost sharing.
The recipient of an assistance award must maintain written records to support all allowable costs which are claimed as its contribution
to cost share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the
value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200. In the event the recipient does not meet the amount of
cost sharing stipulated in their application, the Bureau’s contribution may be reduced in proportion to the recipient’s stated
contribution.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 600
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&SID=11bc02f059d60b385c07b4c3f6bb602a&ty=HTML&h=L&r=PART&n=pt2.1.600

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SAMPLE Summary BUDGET
Organization Name
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars
Project Duration (e.g., September 1, 2026 - December 31,
2027)
Federal Funds
1 Personnel 0.00
2 Fringe Benefits 0.00
3 Travel 0.00
4 Equipment 0.00
5 Supplies 0.00
6 Contractual 0.00
7 Construction -
8 Other Direct Costs 0.00
9 Total Direct Costs 0.00
10 Total Indirect Costs 0.00
11 Total Project Cost 0.00

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SAMPLE LINE ITEM BUDGET
Organization's Name
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars
Project Duration (e.g., September 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027)
Unit Cost Requested Federal Cost-Share by
Program Total
Unit Number Amount Rate Funds Applicant
salary
1 Personnel months # units % effort
(monthly)
1.1 U.S.-based Personnel
1.1.1 Project Manager months 0
1.1.2 Project Officer, etc. months 0
1.2 Field Personnel 0.00
1.2.1 Project Manager months 0
1.2.2 Project Officer, etc. months 0
Subtotal Personnel 0 0 0
2 Fringe Benefits amount rate
2.1 U.S.-based Project Manager months 0.00 0
2.2 U.S.-based Project Officer months 0.00
2.3 Field Project Manager months 0.00
2.4 Field Project Officer months 0.00 0
Subtotal Fringe Benefits 0 0 0
unit (trips,
3 Travel # units cost
days)
3.1 International Travel 0
Airfare/Ground Transportation (specify R/T
3.1.1 0 0
or otherwise)
3.1.2 Meals and Incidentals 0 0
3.1.3 Lodging 0 0
Local Travel
3.2
3.2.1 Airfare/Ground Transportation (specify) 0 0
3.2.2 Meals and Incidentals 0 0
3.2.3 Lodging 0 0
Subtotal Travel 0 0 0
4 Equipment (> $5,000 per unit ) # units unit cost
4.1 (description, i.e. generators) 0 0
Subtotal Equipment 0 0 0
5 Supplies (< $5,000 per unit) # units unit cost
5.1 (description, i.e. banners) 0 0
Subtotal Supplies 0 0 0
unit (sub,
6 Contractual (Consultant fees) # units unit cost
consultant)
6.1 Contractual Sub-Awardee (NAME) 0 0
6.2 (description, i.e. consultants) 0 0
Subtotal Contractual 0 0 0

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7 Construction Not Allowable
8 Other Direct Costs unit # units unit cost
8.1 Follow-on activities 1 0 0
8.2 (description, i.e. telecommunications) 0 0
Subtotal Other Direct Costs 0 0 0
9 Total Direct Costs 0 0 0
Total Indirect Costs (Indicate:
10 NICRA Provisional, Final, Pre base NICRA %
determined or 10% deminimus Rate
based on MTDC)
0 0 0
11 Total Project Cost (must match award amount) 0 0 0

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> Download XLSX file: SUSI FY 26 Scholars_Budget Template.xlsx

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FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars NOFO

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
FY26 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017918
Application Deadline: May 11, 2026
A. Basic Information
B. Eligibility
C. Program Description
D. Application Contents and Format
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
F. Application Review Information
G. Award Notices
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
I. Other Information
A. Basic Information
1. Overview.
Funding Opportunity Title FY26 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars
Funding Opportunity DFOP0017918
Number
Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement
Deadline for Applications May 11, 2026 11:59pm Eastern (Washington DC
time)
Assistance Listing Number 19.401
Length of Performance 18 to 24 months
Period

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Number of Awards 1 award
Anticipated
Award Amount approximately $1,500,000
Total Available Funding $1,500,000, pending availability of funds
Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange
Programs (ECE) Funds
Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement
Anticipated Award Date June 30, 2026
This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of the NOFO does not
constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.
ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in
accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.
Pending satisfactory implementation of this program and the availability of funds in
subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this award for two additional,
consecutive fiscal years, before openly competing it again.
2. Executive Summary.
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs (ECA), invites proposal submissions from U.S. public and private academic
and cultural institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and
public and private universities, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the
provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) (see section
B. Eligibility) for the design and implementation of three (3) programs under the
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs for Scholars). Three SUSIs for
Scholars will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. Each SUSI will focus on a
specific theme: 1) Critical Minerals, 2) Digital Transformation, and 3) Economics and
Business. See details in Section C. Program Description.
SUSIs for Scholars are post-graduate level seminars held at U.S. academic
institutions for groups of approximately 18 foreign university faculty, researchers,
and practitioners, who serve as “multipliers” for students and colleagues abroad.
The program goal is to provide influential scholars and experts with content and
resources that enhance teaching and research about the United States in other
countries. SUSIs for Scholars also promote collaboration in research, teaching, and
other activities between foreign and American scholars and practitioners.
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Each of the three SUSIs for Scholars focuses on a theme or topic in U.S. studies and
will include an approximately four-week intensive summer residency at a U.S.
educational institution and an approximately one-week integrated academic field
experience that will bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency
location. Each SUSI must highlight American success and innovation with regard to
the SUSIs for Scholars themes. The academic residency should take place on a U.S.
university or college campus and should include coursework, time for independent
research, and interaction with American peers. The SUSIs for Scholars should
include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once the participants
return home.
The award recipient will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and implementing
the program, including administering the three SUSIs for Scholars and overseeing all
subaward recipients.
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. It is
ECA’s intent to award a cooperative agreement of one base year plus two renewals.
Please see Section A. Basic Information above for additional details.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants.
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
• U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-
governmental organizations
• U.S. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions
Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.
2. Cost Sharing.
There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this
program.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements.
a. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov
as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E. Submission
Requirements and Deadlines for more information.
3

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b. ECA’s Grant Guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four
years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for
awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in Section A. Basic
Information, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $1,500,000.
Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of experience in
conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be eligible to apply
under this competition.
c. All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, Project
Objectives, Goals, and Instructions (POGI) document, and the PSI; not doing
so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given
no further consideration in the review process.
d. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative,
budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.
e. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant
organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant
appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in
time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and
only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.
Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and
EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting
documentation outlined in the PSI document.
f. Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should
make sure the application discusses one or more award that will be open with
ECA at the start of the anticipated period of performance for this NOFO.
Applicants who do not have current awards directly with ECA, please review
the information in the PSI, section D, with additional information that must be
provided in your application for it to be eligible.
C. Program Description
1. Authority.
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also
known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is "to enable the
4

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Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the
people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the
ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and
other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and
peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world."
The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.
2. Purpose.
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs for Scholars) is an intensive academic
program that provides foreign university faculty and other professionals the
opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, technological
advancements, and institutions, broadly defined. The program goal is to provide
influential scholars and experts with content and resources that enhance teaching
and research about the United States in other countries.
3. Program Specific Guidelines.
The three SUSIs for Scholars – one each on 1) Critical Minerals, 2) Digital
Transformation, and 3) Economics and Business – should be approximately five
weeks in length. Participants should spend a minimum of four weeks at an
accredited U.S. college or university campus for an intensive academic residency
and approximately one week on an academic field experience. The academic field
experience should bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency
location.
The academic program should include lectures, panels, seminar discussions,
scholarly research presentations, debates, site visits, opportunities to interact with
American scholars and peers, and experiential learning activities. Once participants
return home, the program should include opportunities for continued follow-on
engagement. Activities could include, but are not limited to, small grants, webinars,
workshops, collaborative publications, or other opportunities to continue building
on the five-week SUSI experience.
Themes
All SUSIs for Scholars should aim to increase participants’ knowledge of the United
States by enhancing their professional knowledge, scholarship, and/or curriculum at
5

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universities and other educational, training, and research institutions abroad. All
SUSIs for Scholars will take place in summer 2027, and participants will represent
priority countries and institutions from all six world regions. Participants could
include foreign university faculty, industry experts, practitioners, private sector
leaders, policy makers, and those within academic or professional settings, in
alignment with the program objectives.
a. The Study of the U.S. Institute on Critical Minerals will highlight American
leadership and innovation, and topics should include best practices for
prospecting, exploration, and production; legal frameworks; and governance,
among other topics. Academic sessions could be complemented by site visits
and/or speakers from the Colorado School of Mines, U.S. Geological Survey,
the Commercial Law Development Program at the Department of Commerce,
or private sector industry leaders. This SUSI should promote the United
States as the global commercial and diplomatic partner of first choice in
critical minerals industries when participants return home.
b. The Study of the U.S. Institute on Digital Transformation will showcase
American leadership and innovation in emerging technologies and digital
products. Topics should include artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging
technologies, cloud computing, cybersecurity and cyber-resilience, data and
digital security, digital infrastructure, satellite infrastructure,
telecommunications networks, and tech workforce development. This SUSI
should also review best practices in technology and policy development that
support free speech and open debate so participants will bring lessons back
to their classrooms and colleagues.
c. The Study of the U.S. Institute on Economics and Business will feature U.S.
business models, frameworks, and practices that contribute to economic
growth and increased investment. Using a multidisciplinary approach,
participants will explore 1) how financial institutions, investors, and
businesses interact to support growth and employment; and 2) the
infrastructure required to sustain a competitive and strong private sector,
including, but not limited to, corporate governance structures, monetary
policy, and the legal framework. Participants should have a firsthand look at
key institutions and stakeholders in the U.S. economy and the opportunity to
meet with business and corporate leaders, Wall Street executives and board
members, and small business owners, among others. An academic field
experience to New York City, including a visit to the New York Stock Exchange,
6

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is highly recommended. In addition to promoting enhanced teaching about
American economic systems abroad, local practitioners such as mayors or city
planners could apply lessons learned in their home communities.
Each SUSI (three in total) will include approximately 18 participants, for a total of
approximately 54 participants in summer 2027. All SUSIs for Scholars will take place
on U.S. university and college campuses. One cooperative agreement of up to
$1,500,000 will support the program in FY 2026 with additional funding in Renewal
Year One in FY 2027 and Renewal Year Two in FY 2028, subject to satisfactory
implementation of this program and the availability of funds. Each of the three
SUSIs for Scholars should cost at a minimum $290,000.
Please see the POGI document for more information.
Program Administration
ECA intends to issue one cooperative agreement for the design, oversight, and
implementation of the SUSIs for Scholars. The recipient may propose to administer
all three SUSIs for Scholars through sub-awards or may propose to implement one
of the three SUSIs and administer sub-awards to subrecipients to conduct the
remaining two SUSIs. No recipient institution will be permitted to conduct more
than one SUSI for Scholars in one fiscal year.
All proposals will demonstrate the applicant’s administrative and program
management capacities and thematic expertise.
Participants
U.S. missions in eligible countries will nominate participants based on merit, and
they will be highly motivated, mid-career foreign faculty, scholars, and practitioners,
who may have limited to no international experience. Each SUSI will include
approximately 18 participants. Participants could represent all world regions and
must be proficient in English; interpretation will not be available. The recipient will
NOT participate in the selection of participants. ECA will send a final list of
participants to the award recipient. Please see the POGI for more information on
participants.
4. Recipient Responsibilities.
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The activities and the roles and responsibilities of the recipient for this program are
outlined in the attached POGI document.
5. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant
monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a
program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to
tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA
programs.
ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the
performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard
indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures
across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE
Framework are available online at: https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-
evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.
The proposal must include the MODE Framework objectives and indicators listed
below (note that, because not all MODE objectives and indicators are relevant for a
program, the numbering below will not be sequential). In addition to the ECA-
required objectives and indicators, applicants may also select additional MODE
Framework indicators (see the Indicator Book on the MODE Framework website), or
design custom objectives and indicators that are specific to the proposed program
and this proposal.
• Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and
Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide -
https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our
website https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-
innovation-meli-unit/)
• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence
and global perspective
ο Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance
understanding between participants and their host communities
 E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program
experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures
 E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable
opinions of the United States Government (core indicator)
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 E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first
time because of their program (core indicator)
 E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the
United States for the first time during their program (core
indicator)
 E1.1.12: Percent of foreign participants indicating a change in
understanding of third-party countries’ cultures and values
 E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable
opinions of the American people (core indicator)
 E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in
understanding of United States culture and values (core
indicator)
 E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements
in support of democratic values (core indicator)
• Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on
their communities / countries
 E2.0.01: Percent of foreign participants that volunteer in their
host communities
 E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend
volunteering in their host communities
ο Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement
benefits communities/countries
 E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in
their ability to have an impact in their home country (core
indicator)
• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni,
beneficiaries, and institutions
 E3.0.02: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing
their network of Americans (core indicator)
 E3.0.04: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing
their network of third country nationals
 E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of
State program participant (core indicator)
ο Sub-Objective 3.1: Alumni subscribe to platforms for resources and
information-sharing
 E3.1.02: Percent of participants who learned about new
resources
9

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 E3.1.05: Percent of participants who are connected to ECA
through a U.S. Department of State-managed platform
• Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and
aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries
 E4.0.01: Percent of participants reporting increases in their job
skills as a result of their program participation
 E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft
skills as a result of their program participation
ο Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic,
professional, and cultural exchange programs
 E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator)
 E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator)
• Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by
leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships
 E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)
Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs)
ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for
performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any
proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the
proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding
data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework
indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to
modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document;
there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the
PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. While ECA recommends
the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is
not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that
found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful
PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:
• Objectives. Programmatic objectives are statements of the condition(s) that
state what the program is designed to achieve. Objectives are therefore bound
by the resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific,
measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). In addition to those
outlined above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the
MODE Framework or other applicant-designed program-specific objectives.
10

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• Indicators. Performance indicators are measures used to gauge progress
toward programmatic objectives and sub-objectives. Indicators should be as
specific as possible (following the SMART principles) and include any proposed
disaggregations (meaning, breakdowns of the data by subgroups; the PMP lists
the demographic questions required to obtain the information necessary to
report the disaggregations). Each indicator should also include a target number
to be achieved. A target is a planned level of result to be achieved within an
explicit timeframe.
• If you do not use the PMP format provided, note that any performance
monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include
the information in the column headers (Indicator Name, Definition,
Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the PMP attachment at a minimum.
• In addition to those indicators outlined in above, the applicant may
propose additional custom, program-specific indicators in the PMP (ECA
recommends the proposed PMPs include a minimum of one indicator for
each custom programmatic objective).
• During the period of performance of the award, the ECA program office
may further revise, add, or remove indicators. Therefore, the applicant’s
PMP and data collection instruments should be flexible enough to
incorporate those once established.
Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data only on participant
outcomes during the period of performance of the award itself (see the PMP for
guidelines as to when these data collection efforts should occur). ECA will measure
outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the exchange
has ended to capture the long-term outcomes of ECA programming unless
otherwise specified in the solicitation. In this instance, the recipient will be
responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate
questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.
Regardless of the survey platform used, all MODE Framework survey questions
outlined above are required (i.e., should be forced response); please see the
Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for more information on
how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.
Program Performance M&E Narrative
Proposals should include information within the program narrative section(s) that
outlines how the applicant intends to measure the indicators listed above. This will
be separate from the PMP and should include but not be limited to:
11

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• An overview of resources available to the applicant that outline the team
structure and responsibilities surrounding performance monitoring.
• The mechanism(s) through which surveys and other data collection tools (if
applicable) will be administered, including which platform will be used, and
when and how surveys will be advertised to participants – detailing strategies
to ensure adequate survey response rates
(https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a), and to reduce
selection and non-response bias.
• A brief explanation of data analysis and reporting procedures.
• An overview of a proposed learning plan and feedback loops to ensure that
the Grant Officer (GO)/Grant Officer Representative (GOR) are informed on
performance monitoring issues at regular intervals.
Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection
System
ECA has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey
platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the
seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data. The MODE Survey
Builder offers implementing partners a guided workflow that will generate a ready-
to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a
standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be
submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements.
Use of the Qualtrics survey platform can be utilized at no cost to implementing
partners. Additional information about the MODE Survey Builder can be found
here: https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 and here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an
alternate survey tool or use the MODE Survey Builder, but if you are utilizing the
MODE Survey Builder, you must indicate such in your proposal.
MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements
MyGrants is a database solution that serves as the official system of record for all
U.S. Department of State and ECA awards. The Results Performance Monitoring
(RPM) module within MyGrants is an extension module that enables users to report
performance monitoring data in the same system where they currently manage
federal assistance actions. As part of ECA’s efforts to streamline data collection and
management, the recipient(s) of this award will be required to input performance
reporting data outlined in this solicitation into the MyGrants RPM. The data stored
in the MyGrants RPM will provide ECA with a bureau-wide, uniform M&E reporting
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tool that is already linked with other elements of the awards familiar to existing
awardees.
6. Cost Share.
ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding
in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and
agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in
its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in
the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, 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 subject to audit.
The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in
accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200
and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the
minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's
contribution may be reduced in like proportion.
7. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines.
Public Law 104-319 provides that "in carrying out programs of educational and
cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and
democracy," the Bureau "shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for
participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such
countries." Public Law 106 - 113 requires that the governments of the countries
described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process.
Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to
the full extent deemed feasible.
8. Virtual Exchange Component.
When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar circumstances
require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a
virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate
the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges. Proposals
should demonstrate the organization’s capacity to provide innovative options for
virtual activities to substitute for in-person engagement for program participants.
Organizations should consider how they will implement virtual exchange activities,
given the potential limits to internet access from participants in some locations and
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while continuing to advance foreign policy objectives and achieve lasting benefits for
U.S. citizens and international participants.
9. Communications Guidance for ECA Recipients.
All ECA Recipients must adhere to the requirements in ECA’s Communications
Guidance on the creation of program branding and attribution, websites, social
media, and press.
10. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.
ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly
known as “Freedom 250” – a truly global celebration. As the period of performance
for this award is scheduled to cover part or all of calendar year (CY) 2026, the
applicant may wish to consider ways the program can celebrate Freedom 250. Any
Freedom 250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and
direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided
Freedom 250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require
adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.
11. Substantial Involvement.
In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program
activities above and beyond routine monitoring, as follows:
1. ECA will make determinations on eligible countries in conjunction with
regional bureaus, make all final participant selections, and provide a list of
selected finalists to the implementing partner; and
2. ECA may request that the recipient make modifications to the academic
residency and/or educational travel components of the program to protect
the health, safety, or well-being of participants.
D. Application Contents and Format
Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting
proposals.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the PSI,
which contains guidelines for proposal preparation.
1. Budget Format.
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Applicants must submit a budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and a budget
narrative. See the PSI section III for more information on the budget requirements.
Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase,
location, or activity to provide clarification.
The provided budget format is provided as an aid in organizing the budget, it is
suggested but not required as a submission format for your proposal budget.
2. Content of Application.
Please see the PSI for information about the application and formatting guidelines.
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Application Package.
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.gov website at
https://www.grants.gov or from the ECA website at https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-
opportunities/.
2. Department of State Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: Tania Jazynka, U.S. Department of
State, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA/A/E, 202-718-8378, JazynkaT@state.gov.
All correspondence with ECA concerning this solicitation should reference the title
and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. Please read
the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.
Once the deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with
applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.
The terms and conditions published in this solicitation are binding and may not be
modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that
contradicts published language will not be binding.
3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management
(SAM.gov).
Required Registrations
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All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must
have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is
one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant
must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the
Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire
duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this
NOFO.
The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for
subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before
an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take
anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United
States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
All federal award recipients must maintain a current registration in the SAM
database. Recipients must maintain accurate and up-to-date information in
www.SAM.gov until all program and financial activity and reporting are completed
on any issued award. Recipients must review and update the information at least
annually after the initial registration and more frequently if required information
changes or another award is granted. There is no cost associated with registering or
updating SAM.gov accounts.
For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:
https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration
Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be
permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email
the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in
the NOFO providing justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption
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must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be
deemed eligible for review.
4. Required Registration with MyGrants.
All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be
registered with the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants system by accessing
https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and clicking the “create an account” link.
MyGrants is the U.S. Department of State’s grants management system and is
supported by the Department’s Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS).
Recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories that have previously
used MyGrants as a U.S. Department of State award recipient do not need to
register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact
the ILMS Help Desk for help in gaining access.
Support for Recipient Organizations and recipient contacts and signatories is
available 24 hours, 7 days a week (except federal holidays), and can be reached at 1-
888-313-ILMS (4567) or through the ILMS Self Service Portal at
https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/.
5. Submission Instructions.
Method of Submission
Applications may only be submitted electronically through Grants.gov
(https://www.grants.gov). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov
in the “Search Grants” portion of the system.
Grants.gov Registration, Application Submission, and Receipt Procedures
Eligible organizations should follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’
portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-
apply-for-grants).
How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov
Applicants should read instructions carefully and prepare the information requested
before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required
information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute
searches for required information.
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The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore,
registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your
ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Applicants should check
with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this
NOFO to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov.
Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:
https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration
How to Submit an Application to ECA via Grants.gov
For access to complete instruction on how to apply for Notice of Funding
Opportunities on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-
applications/how-to-apply-for-grants
Grants.gov Support and Submission Issues
Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission issues to:
Grants.gov Customer Support
Contact Center Phone: 800 -518-4726
Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; closed on federal holidays.
Email: support@grants.gov
6. Submission Dates and Times.
Application Deadline Date.
Monday, May 11, 2026 Eastern (Washington, DC time)
Applicants have until 11:59 p.m., Washington, DC time of the closing date to ensure
that their entire application has been uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no
exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after the
application deadline date and time will be automatically rejected by the Grants.gov
system and will be found technically ineligible.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you begin the submission process
through Grants.gov well in advance of the application deadline.
Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic
date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully
received by Grants.gov. The applicant Grants.gov Authorized Organization
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Representative (AOR) will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking
number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their
application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and
Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.
When ECA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will
provide an electronic acknowledgement of receipt of the application to the email
address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall
be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Please also
be mindful of any Grants.gov generated error messages that may appear during the
application process as they may result in some documents not transmitting
correctly.
Applicants using slow internet should be aware that transmission can take some
time before Grants.gov receives your application. Grants.gov will provide either an
error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the
applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some
applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during
the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the
application.
The Grants.gov website includes extensive information on all phases/aspects of the
Grants.gov process, including an extensive section on frequently asked questions,
located under the “Applicant FAQs” section of the website. ECA strongly
recommends that all potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov website,
well in advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA will
not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications.
PLEASE NOTE: ECA bears no responsibility for applicant timeliness of submission or
data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes for proposals
submitted via Grants.gov. Prior to submitting applications through Grants.gov,
please ensure you meet all Grants.gov system and software requirements, including
Adobe software compatibility. You can verify if your version of the Adobe software
is compatible with Grants.gov, by visiting https://grants.gov/applicants/adobe-
software-compatibility.
It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via the Grants.gov
web portal (https://www.grants.gov) to ensure that proposals have been
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received by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for
data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.
7. Funding Restrictions for this Announcement.
a. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency
(UNRWA)
None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity
may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise
used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works
Agency (UNRWA).
b. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration
Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border.
None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to
encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards
the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for
legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to
legal or representation in the United States.
Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they
are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes
that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration
caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of
humanitarian assistance is permitted.
c. Iran Programming
A critical component of current U.S. government Iran policy is the support for
indigenous Iranian voices. The State Department has made the awarding of
grants for this purpose a key component of its Iran policy. As a condition of
licensing these activities, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has
requested the Department of State to follow certain procedures to effectuate
the goals of Sections 481(b), 531(a), 571, 582, and 635(b) of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (as amended); 18 U.S.C. §§ 23 9A and 2339B; Executive
Order 13224; and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 6. These licensing
conditions mandate that the Department conduct a vetting of potential Iran
grantees and sub-grantees for counter-terrorism purposes. To conduct this
vetting the Department will collect information from grantees and sub-
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grantees regarding the identity and background of their key employees and
Boards of Directors.
Note: To assure that planning for the inclusion of Iran complies with
requirements, please contact Tania Jazynka at 202-718-8378 or
JazynkaT@state.gov for additional information.
d. Palestinian Authority, West Bank, and Gaza Programming.
All awards made under this competition must be executed according to all
relevant U.S. laws and policies regarding assistance to the Palestinian
Authority, and to the West Bank and Gaza. Organizations must consult with
relevant Public Affairs Offices before entering into any formal arrangements or
agreements with Palestinian organizations or institutions.
Note: To assure that planning for the inclusion of the Palestinian Authority
complies with requirements, please contact Tania Jazynka at 202-718-8378 or
JazynkaT@state.gov for additional information.
e. Award Activities in a Designated Area of Combat Operations: SPOT
Reporting.
Each award within areas of combat operations or future contingency
operation, as designated by the Secretary of Defense (currently Iraq and
Afghanistan), over $150,000 or providing for performance over 30 days must
be registered in the Department of Defense maintained Synchronized Pre-
deployment and Operational Tracker (SPOT) system. Each award shall be
registered in SPOT before personnel deployment. The DOS SPOT Program
Manager can assist with entering awards in SPOT. Please send an email
to GAOPS@state.gov for information. Information on how to register in SPOT
and how to report the total number of recipient personnel deploying under
each award will be contained in a Special Provision within each award.
Recipients that do not utilize personnel who are performing a private security
function, or require access to U.S. facilities, services, or support, can be
entered through the SPOT aggregate functionality.
• The recipient will request an aggregate count template from the GO or
GOR, who will obtain the template from the Department’s SPOT
Program Manager (GAOPS@state.gov) by submitting an ILMS Service
Now ticket here: http://ilmshelp.state.sbu/ Select “Global Acquisition
Request” from the support ticket selection tiles.
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• The recipient will complete the template and return to the Department’s
SPOT Program Manager via Service Now. The SPOT Program Manager
will enter the aggregate count data into the SPOT reporting system. The
recipient is responsible for updating the aggregate count every quarter
by providing updated information via the “Aggregate Count” template to
Department SPOT Program Manager for each SPOT award.
Recipients utilizing personnel who ARE performing a private security function;
or require access to U.S. facilities, services, or support; or who may be eligible
for special refugee or immigration status under U.S. regulation must be
entered into SPOT individually with all required personal information.
The recipient must enter this information into the SPOT database directly.
Unlike the aggregate count process, the Department’s SPOT Program
Manager does not enter this information into SPOT on behalf of the
recipient.
• The recipient starts the process by referring to the DOS Business Rules
and registering for an account in SPOT by contacting the DoD SPOT Help
desk here: https://spot.dmdc.mil/. Include GAOPS@state.gov when
reaching out to DoD.
Recipients with personnel outside of Iraq and/or Afghanistan have no mandate
for SPOT use. However, if there are awards needing to interact with DoD
elements where a SPOT LOA would benefit, then please send an email to
GAOPS@state.gov for information, and to consider setting up the awards in
SPOT for that purpose. Ensue your GO and GOR are on the email to GAOPS.
Recipient performance may require the use of armed private security
personnel l, whether employed directly or via contract, are required to adhere
to post policies and procedures regarding private security contractors. As
specific post policies and procedures differ in scope and applicability,
recipients are advised to review post policies carefully and direct any questions
to the Embassy Regional Security Office through the GO or GOR.
f. 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:
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i. 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;
ii. 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.
g. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and Any Other
Applicable Foreign Funding Disclosure Requirements for Institutions of
Higher Education (IHE).
Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of
award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any
subaward agreements to IHEs:
• Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States
Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is
material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and
for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.
h. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled
by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities
(a) Definitions.
American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on
a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council
(FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at
https://www.sam.gov.
FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft
system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-
covered foreign entity.
Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of
direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
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Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated
elements (including communication links and the components that control
the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely
and efficiently in the national airspace system.
(b) Prohibition.
Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including
subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:
(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which
includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the
performance of the award; and
(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-
prohibited unmanned aircraft system .
c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.
The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that
an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such
a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832
of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements
pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].
8. Other Submission Requirements.
a. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
b. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative,
budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.
c. Key Personnel
ECA recommends that the applicant identify intended key personnel
positions via an asterisk (*) or other marking in the proposal budget, budget
narrative, or a separate appendix. If not provided in the application,
recipients must submit the names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications
of key personnel involved in the program to the Grants Officer and GOR
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within 30 days of an award being issued. Applicants should also identify
what proportion of their time will be used in support of the program.
Additional information regarding key personnel requirements can be found
in the State Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions.
a. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.
F. Application Review Information
1. Review Process.
ECA will check that all proposals meet the technical requirements in this solicitation.
Proposals that do not meet the guidelines, including those under the eligibility
section above or in the PSI, will be ineligible for further review.
All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the program office before being reviewed
by an ECA grant panel. Applications may also be reviewed by Public Diplomacy
sections overseas, State Department regional bureaus, or other State Department
offices, as appropriate. All reviewers, including the ECA grant panels, will review any
eligible proposals based on the criteria below.
Proposals recommended by an ECA grant panel will be reviewed for compliance
with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines and assessed for risk. Final
funding decisions are made by the ECA’s Assistant Secretary. Only an ECA Grant
Officer has the final authority to issue assistance awards.
2. Review Criteria.
An ECA grants panel will competitively evaluate all technically eligible applications
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank ordered, and all
carry equal weight in the proposal review.
a. Quality of the program idea and ability to achieve program objectives:
Proposals should be original, well-defined, and relevant to ECA's mission. A
detailed staff work plan should demonstrate substantive undertakings and
logistical capacity. Proposals should clearly state the program’s aims and
purpose and demonstrate how your institution will meet them. The
objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible.
b. Institution's Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate an institutional
record of successful exchange programs and responsible fiscal management
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(past exchange programs need not have been ECA-funded). ECA will consider
the past performance of prior ECA recipients, including the timely submission
of reports, and the demonstrated potential of new applicants. Proposed
personnel and institutional resources should be fully qualified to achieve the
project’s goals.
c. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should discuss provisions made for follow-
up with returned participants to establish longer-term individual and
institutional linkages. Proposals should also provide a plan for continued
follow-on activities (with minimal ECA support), ensuring that ECA-supported
programs are not isolated events. Please refer to the POGI for additional
information.
d. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Proposals should have a
fully developed M&E plan that includes goals, objectives, and indicators. The
plan should be feasible and aligned with the M&E section of this solicitation.
Proposals should include a realistic learning plan that outlines how your
organization plans to review, understand, and incorporate M&E data into
programmatic decisions and practices. All submitted M&E plans will be
reviewed to ensure the applicant has provided at least the required
information outlined in the M&E section of this solicitation and demonstrated
the applicant’s capacity to carry out the M&E plan.
e. Cost-effectiveness: Proposals should keep the overhead components of the
proposal, including salaries and honoraria, as low as possible. All costs
should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should maximize cost share
through other private sector support and institutional direct funding
contributions.
3. Indirect Costs.
If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation
criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the
lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii).
This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not
supersede the primary evaluation criteria.
4. Risk Review.
Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal
Award, the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:
a. Financial stability
b. Management systems and standards
c. History of performance
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d. Audit reports and findings
e. Ability to effectively implement requirements
5. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov.
The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount
of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to
review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S.
government designated integrity and performance system accessible through
SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)
An applicant can review and comment on any information in the
responsibility/qualification records available at SAM.gov.
Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the
Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information
available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.
G. Award Notices.
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress,
allocated and committed through internal ECA procedures. The award or
cooperative agreement will be signed by an authorized Grants Officer in ECA’s
Grants Division and transmitted to the recipient’s responsible officer (as identified in
the application) for review and countersignature. The recipient may only start
incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the fully signed
award document.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the
U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred
in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government
reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. If a proposal is selected for
funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future
funding.
Unsuccessful applicants:
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the application
review from the ECA program office coordinating this competition following the
completion of the review process.
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Payment Method:
Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS).
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and
conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that
they will be able to comply.
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2
CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the
Department of State will review and consider proposals for funding, as applicable to
specific programs, pursuant to this NOFO in accordance with the following:
• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April
22, 2024, particularly on:
Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based
o
on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating
Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with
o
Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free
Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.
13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of
o
goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part
200.322), and
Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State
o
Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent
authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or
agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340). For the avoidance of doubt, the
Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no
longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision
permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience,
including when it determines that the award no longer advances the
national interest.
28

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• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list
can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/
2. Reporting.
Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The
award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports
must be submitted. All reports must be submitted in a timely manner.
For planning purposes, applicants can expect to provide ECA with an electronic copy
of the following required reports:
a. Performance Progress Reports (PPRs) shall be required at a minimum
annually and no more frequently than quarterly. Annual, quarterly, or semi-
annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. All reports and
supporting documentation must be uploaded by the recipient as a Post Award
Activity under the corresponding record for this award in MyGrants.
b. The Federal Financial Reports (FFR SF-425/SF-425a) must be submitted
through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Payment
Management System (PMS). The electronic version of the FFR can be accessed
at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-
forms. Once a financial report has been approved by the Department, the
recipient must upload the approved report to MyGrants, in the same manner
specified for the programmatic reports. Failure to comply with these reporting
requirements may jeopardize the recipient's eligibility for future awards.
c. Required MODE data (see Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
section) shall be required at a minimum annually and no more frequently than
29

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quarterly. MODE data reporting shall be due 30 days after the reporting
period. The frequency of these reports will be determined by MELI and the
Program Officer. Either a standard report template (if using the MODE Survey
Builder) or aggregate data and the raw data file (if Recipient uses their own
survey platform) must be uploaded by the Recipient as an RPM Performance
Report under the corresponding record for this award in MyGrants.
d. A final program and financial report no more than 120 days after the period
of performance of the award ends or termination of the award.
Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2
CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and
Performance Matters.
3. Branding and Marking.
The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance
should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.
Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance
published at Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand
System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State
Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.
For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/
I. Other Information
Adherence To All Regulations Governing the J Visa
ECA places critically important emphasis on the security and proper administration
of the Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by award recipients and
sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should
demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the
administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including
the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening
and selection of program participants, provision of pre-arrival information and
orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and
security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements.
The award recipient will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to participants in
this program.
30

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A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor
(J) programs is available at http://j1visa.state.gov or from:
Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation
U.S. Department of State
SA-5, Floor C2, Room C2L13
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522
31

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FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars POGI

1
PROJECT OBJECTIVES, GOALS, AND
IMPLEMENTATION (POGI)
FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017918
Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA/A/E
The POGI guidelines apply specifically to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
issued by the Office of Academic Exchange Programs for the FY 2026 Study of the
U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs for Scholars). Proposals must conform to the
solicitation, the guidelines in this document, and the standard Proposal Submission
Instructions (PSI). Any application not adhering to these conditions may be deemed
technically ineligible.
These guidelines are in addition to the requirements outlined in the solicitation
and PSI. In the event of a discrepancy between documents, the NOFO takes
precedence.
I. STATEMENT OF WORK
Recipient Responsibilities:
The recipient organization will be responsible for the following:
1. Provide overall coordination and management of the SUSIs for Scholars;
2. Design and oversee three SUSIs for Scholars academic programs in the
United States for approximately five weeks each. Each SUSI for Scholars will
include approximately 18 participants at a U.S. college or university campus
for a total of approximately 54 foreign participants;
3. Provide and monitor subawards to selected educational institutions to
conduct the SUSIs for Scholars. Each subawardee should not conduct more

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2
than one SUSI for Scholars, and the recipient may choose to conduct only
one SUSI for Scholars;
4. Oversee the program curriculum and other activities for all three SUSIs for
Scholars, ensuring that they align with program goals and objectives;
5. Prepare DS-2019 forms for all participants and send these forms to the U.S.
embassy or consulate well in advance of program start dates to allow for J-1
visa interview scheduling;
6. Enroll participants in ECA’s health benefits program, Accident and Sickness
Program for Exchanges (ASPE), and/or other health benefits plan as directed
by ECA for the duration of the SUSIs for Scholars and issue health benefits
identification cards for each participant;
7. Ensure that each participant completes and signs all required pre-program
forms provided by ECA;
8. Develop health and safety protocols to protect the welfare of all participants;
9. In coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates or Fulbright
commissions, arrange and purchase international round-trip travel for
participants;
10. In coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates or Fulbright
commissions, arrange and purchase any pre-program travel related to visa
issuance;
11. In conjunction with subawardees, U.S. embassies and consulates, and
Fulbright commissions, make logistical and administrative arrangements for
participants, such as pre-departure information, airport pick-up and drop-off,
lodging and meals, domestic travel, medical treatment, and program funds
disbursement including travel allowances; communicate this information to
participants prior to the program start date;
12. Promptly inform ECA of any serious incidents or issues involving participants
that may affect their participation in the program (including, but not limited
to, medical emergencies and medical evacuations, including mental and
physical health issues; natural disasters; arrests or other serious legal issues
or misconduct accusations). Consult with ECA on the response to any serious
incidents and on crisis management decision-making and operations,
including responding to queries from the media or others. Provide timely
progress reports on any necessary follow-up action;

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3
13. Ensure strict compliance with State Department branding and signage
requirements at events, in remarks, in program documentation, and in
online content;
14. Provide participants with follow-on guidance and resources and facilitate
continued interaction among participants after the program;
15. Create and maintain a database of program alumni that includes alumni
success stories; share these stories with ECA throughout the year;
16. Conduct program performance monitoring and evaluation according to the
MODE framework requirements as outlined in section C.5. Program
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the NOFO;
17. Manage and distribute ECA funds for this activity;
18. Submit required annual and final financial and program reports to ECA on
time and provide weekly updates to the program office during the
implementation period;
19. Provide reasonable accommodations for participant needs, including
disabilities and medical or dietary restrictions, as necessary;
20. Prepare and print certificates of completion for participants who successfully
complete their respective programs; and
21. Assume overall responsibility for complying with all applicable tax treaties
and Federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for
participants.
II. PROGRAM SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
A. Overview
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of three SUSIs for
Scholars.
Proposals should present a rigorous academic residency and integrated academic
field experience. The NOFO for this competition gives further direction on the
substance of the program and the themes. The conception and structure of the
SUSIs for Scholars are the responsibility of the award recipient. It is essential that
proposals provide a full, detailed, and comprehensive narrative describing how the
recipient and subawardees will achieve the objectives of the program. Proposals

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4
will be reviewed based on the review criteria listed in the NOFO.
Please note: ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets
and number of participants based on program needs and the availability of U.S.
Government funding.
B. Program Dates
Pending the availability of funds, the anticipated award for the cooperative
agreement will begin on or about September 1, 2026, and end on or about
December 31, 2030, including two award renewals in FY 2027 and FY 2028, subject
to satisfactory implementation of this program and availability of funds. Each SUSI
should last approximately 36 days (including arrival and departure days). Three
SUSIs for Scholars will take place in summer 2027. SUSIs can begin and end on
different dates. SUSIs should begin no earlier than June 1, 2027, and end no later
than August 31, 2027.
C. Program Administration
Applicants should discuss their capacity and the capacity of subawardees to
successfully manage international exchange programs, including institutional
strengths such as relevant experience, departments, and major administrative
units. Proposals should include a staffing plan that details how staff will fulfill
responsibilities.
The award recipient must designate a qualified project director to oversee all of the
SUSIs for Scholars. The proposed project director must demonstrate relevant past
experience that would contribute to their roles of coordinating logistical and
administrative arrangements, ensuring an appropriate level of continuity and
consistency, overseeing alumni programming, and serving as the principal liaison
between ECA and the subawardees. The project director will serve as ECA’s primary
point of contact. The project director should plan to attend a partner retreat that
will take place either virtually or in-person in Washington, DC, at least seven weeks
before the start of the program.

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5
The award recipient must designate a qualified academic director based at each
subawardee (and at the recipient organization, if applicable) who will be in-person
for the entire SUSI to ensure the continuity, coherence, and integration of all
aspects of the academic program, including the academic field experience. The
proposed academic directors must demonstrate relevant past experience for their
role in program planning and implementation, day-to-day oversight, and participant
monitoring. In addition, a qualified administrative director or coordinator must be
identified at each subawardee (and at the recipient organization, if applicable) to
oversee all administrative support services. Proposed administrative directors
must demonstrate relevant past experience for their role in managing participant
supervision, participant health and safety, budgets, logistics, reporting, and other
administrative arrangements.
Other staff may be designated as appropriate. Program coordinators and/or
graduate student assistants may be employed to carry out clerical duties and to
assist with the day-to-day concerns and needs of participants, but they should not
be the principal point of contact for participants’ administrative concerns.
D. Participants
Each SUSI will include approximately 18 foreign university faculty, industry experts,
practitioners, private sector leaders, policy makers, and those within academic or
professional settings, in alignment with the program objectives. Their professional
assignments will require significant knowledge of their field of U.S. studies.
Participants will represent all regions of the world and will be proficient in English.
They will be seeking to increase their knowledge of the United States to enhance
their expertise and scholarship and to improve courses they may teach on the
United States in universities and other educational, training, and research
institutions abroad.
Participants will be varied in terms of age, professional position, and experience
abroad. In all cases, participants will be accomplished educators, scholars, or
practitioners who will be prepared to engage in an intellectually rigorous academic
seminar that offers a collegial atmosphere conducive to the exchange of ideas.

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6
ECA is committed to ensuring that participants with disabilities are able to engage
fully in the program through reasonable accommodation and support. The award
recipient will be responsible for working with the subawardees to provide
reasonable accommodations that will allow for a full experience for all participants.
The award recipient will NOT participate in candidate selection. ECA will send the
final list of participants for each SUSI to the award recipient.
E. Program
Each SUSI should include an approximately four-week academic residency at a U.S.
college or university campus and an approximately one-week academic field
experience. Applicants are encouraged to draw upon any unique institutional
strengths through faculty and other resources. The selected themes are Critical
Minerals, Digital Transformation, and Economics and Business.
SUSIs for Scholars should include topics on U.S. history, government, institutions,
and society. Proposed activities should highlight American excellence and society
and should be woven into academic sessions on program themes and cultural
activities, including Independence Day celebrations.
Academic Residency
The Academic Residency component should:
• Be a custom-designed and well-integrated seminar that imaginatively combines
lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, debates, site visits, and regional
travel into a substantive, cohesive, and coherent program.
• Be tailored for SUSIs for Scholars and not replicate an existing lecture course,
survey, or graduate seminar designed for American degree candidates.
• Provide participants with a multi-dimensional view of U.S. society and
institutions. Presenters should include outstanding scholars and other relevant
professionals outside the SUSI staff such as experts from government,
educational institutions, the media, think tanks, professional and cultural
organizations, and community and civic groups. The recipient should seek to

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7
maximize interaction between participants and presenters both during and
outside of each classroom session. Separate budget items (e.g., honorarium,
per diem, travel) may be included for this purpose, per the attached sample
budget.
• Provide participants with a formal opportunity early in the program to present
or discuss their own research or teaching interests, work environments, and/or
other educational issues in their home countries. The audience for these
discussions could include other participants, SUSI faculty, American peers,
program presenters, and other members of the local community.
• Include time for a collegial exchange of views among participants, lecturers, and
panelists. Discussion should be encouraged not only through question-and-
answer sessions but also through organized debates, roundtables, and other
fora that allow active engagement between participants and presenters.
• Include excursions to historical sites, schools, and other places of interest that
will reinforce the academic curriculum and deepen participants’ understanding,
appreciation, and desire to partner with the United States.
Academic Field Experience
The field experience for each SUSI should:
• Directly complement and reinforce the academic residency of each SUSI.
• Be arranged and led by the academic director and principal staff.
• Be approximately one week long. It should expose the participants to a U.S.
region distinct from that of their academic residency. If appropriate, the
academic field experience segment may be interspersed with the academic
residency, though the total time allotted for the academic field experience
should be approximately seven days.
• Include an appropriate mix of professional-level meetings relevant to the SUSI’s
objectives, visits to cultural institutions, and recreational activities.
The proposal must specify the proposed academic field experience location or
other destinations to be visited, as well as specific sites. Please note, staff escorts
travelling on the academic field experience must have demonstrated qualifications
to accompany exchange visitors, such as experience working with international
audiences; accompanying international or domestic group travel; and/or managing
health, safety, and emergency situations during travel.

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Please note: The Office of Academic Exchange Programs may request that the
award recipient modify the academic residency and/or academic field experience to
protect the health, safety, or well-being of participants. Similarly, the award
recipient, in consultation with the Office of Academic Exchange Programs, may also
wish to make program modifications. Any requested changes must remain within
the scope of the original program objectives.
F. Independent Research and Free Time
Each SUSI should provide opportunities for limited but well-directed independent
research. Participants should have up to a half day per week (excluding weekends)
to pursue individual research interests, curriculum development projects, or to
catch up on assigned readings. Faculty from departments related to the
participants’ scholarly interests should be available to offer advice on their
individual research projects, to help facilitate their access to resources, and act as
peer collaborators as appropriate. Given the intensive SUSI schedule, participants
will be made aware that opportunities for research will be limited.
Participants should have sufficient free time outside the academic sessions to
develop connections with American counterparts and community partners.
Participants should also have opportunities to attend cultural events, such as
concerts or sporting events.
G. Logistical Considerations
• Participant health and safety is an ECA priority. The recipient should
consider the health, safety, and welfare of participants at all times. This
includes assisting participants to understand the ECA-sponsored ASPE health
benefits program and to navigate the complex healthcare system in the
United States. The recipient and any sub-recipients should also help
participants understand and navigate any national, state, local, and campus
health or safety policies.
• Housing and meal arrangements are an important dimension of program
planning and must be discussed in detail in the proposal. In general,

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9
participants should be housed on campus in university dorms, similar
designated university housing, or other suitable locations, ideally within
walking distance to daily classes. Each participant should have a private
bedroom during the academic residency portion, and bathrooms should not
be shared among more than three participants. Accommodations should
respect each participant’s privacy and be conducive to study. Participants
would ideally have access to kitchen facilities, either in their own rooms or in
a common room. A cafeteria meal plan combined with a cash allowance for
food that will permit participants to cook or eat at local restaurants is
strongly recommended. SUSI staff should consider any dietary, religious,
medical, or living requirements and be prepared to discuss any challenges
with the participants. SUSI staff should consider conducting a pre-arrival
survey of participant dietary and/or religious needs to better accommodate
their needs. To the extent permitted by budget limitations, participants
should receive up to the U.S. government per diem rate for meals and
incidental expenses at the various program locales. See
http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem for current U.S. government per diem rates.
• Participant forms are required from each participant. Required forms
include, but are not limited to, the SUSI terms and conditions, a medical
form, and a media release form. The recipient is responsible for disbursing
and collecting signed forms from participants. The recipient should notify
ECA of any potential concerns or issues. All forms should be safeguarded
since they contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Virtual pre-departure orientation (PDO) workshops should be organized
by the recipient for all participants to prepare for the program. Topics may
include, but are not limited to: setting expectations, U.S. cultural norms,
cross-cultural adjustment, health and safety guidelines and practices, and
logistics. Pre-departure materials should be available to participants online
or emailed at least six weeks before the start of the program.
• An administrative orientation to the United States and to the campus for
the participants should address administrative details of the program,
identify campus and local resources, review safety and security procedures,
and provide general information that will facilitate the participants’
adjustment to daily life in a new environment. Important topics will be

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campus safety and general security tips, medical issues and protocols,
transportation, per diem, and availability of foods to which participants are
accustomed or that meet specific dietary requirements.
• An academic orientation should provide participants with a concise
overview of the program, including principal objectives and major themes.
The academic director should discuss guidelines for behavior that encourage
active participation, respect for the views of other participants, concise
comments and questions that keep the scholars on-topic, and other
parameters that will promote effective discussion throughout the program.
• Opening and closing events (e.g., luncheon, dinner, or reception) should
formally inaugurate and close the program. These events typically include
representatives from the SUSI staff as well as individuals from the larger
community.
• Access to resources should be arranged, including campus libraries,
computer and internet facilities, gymnasium or fitness center, health
services, on-campus disability resources, counseling services, and local and
national newspapers, periodicals, radio, and television. Program
implementers should conduct a formal orientation to university library
services during the first week of the program and should provide participants
with computer training and technical support, as needed.
• Monitoring and evaluation should be conducted according to the MODE
framework requirements as outlined in section C5. Program Performance
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the NOFO. The recipient should ensure
participants have time reserved to complete required survey(s). Copies of
surveys should be available to the ECA program officer upon
request. Additionally, the recipient will be responsible for collecting alumni
success stories to share with the ECA program office.
• Travel allowances should be disbursed to each participant to support in-
transit costs incurred during travel to and from the United States, including
visa travel. The ECA program office suggests approximately $125 per
participant roundtrip for visa travel and incoming/outgoing allowances.
Potential costs include accommodations, visa travel per diem, transit fares,
or baggage fees.

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11
H. Alumni Outreach/Follow-on Activities
Proposals should provide plans for continued follow-on activities (with minimal ECA
support) that ensure ECA-supported programs are not isolated events. Proposed
activities for alumni must reflect the goals and objectives of the program. The
proposal should include an outline of follow-on programming (including a timeline),
information on how it will be coordinated with existing alumni efforts, and a
description of how the applicant will foster and maintain long-term linkages with
alumni. Examples of successful past follow-on activities include, but are not limited
to: structured mentoring programs, small grant competitions, alumni reunions or
workshops, monthly web discussions, reverse/reciprocal exchanges by Americans,
cooperative publications by participants and their American peers, and/or distance
learning opportunities for alumni.
Applicants should incorporate the online community on the International Exchange
Alumni website (alumni.state.gov) into their alumni outreach plans.
Follow-on activities should be well-developed but also remain flexible enough to
allow for changes based on the participants’ needs. Alumni activities should be
financed using the line item budgeted for follow-on activities (up to $5,000) as well
as significant cost-sharing by the applicant organization. Please refer to the PSI for
additional information.
III. PROPOSAL CONTENTS
Applicants must submit a complete and thorough proposal that addresses the
program’s objectives and requirements. Proposals should be clear, concise, and
responsive to the criteria outlined in the solicitation and PSI.
Since there is no opportunity for applicants to meet with reviewing officials, the
proposal should respond to the criteria set forth in the solicitation and other
guidelines as clearly as possible.
All budget guidelines must be followed. The budget should indicate any cost
sharing in the form of in-kind or cash contributions to the program from sources
other than the U.S. Department of State. See PSI in the Solicitation Package for

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12
information on cost sharing and the cost of audits.
Applicants are not required to use the budget template provided in the solicitation
package; however, the applicant should provide an Excel spreadsheet with a budget
categories tab and a separate detailed budget tab. The applicant should also
review the budget guidelines tab in the template. If applicable, separate budgets
for sub-awardees should be included and should resemble the Detailed Budget
Template for the applicant. You are urged to be as detailed and specific as
possible, adding line items if needed. You may wish to include any of the listed
allowable costs.
Allowable program costs include, but are not limited to:
• Staff salaries and benefits (fringe benefits should be stated separately from
salary costs). Each staff person must be listed separately. Provide the
percentage of time spent on the program;
• SUSI costs including, but not limited to, honoraria for speakers (not to exceed
$250 per day), educational materials, lodging, room rental(s), and welcome
and farewell events;
• Travel costs including, but not limited to, round-trip international airfare, visa
travel, ground transportation, and domestic travel;
• Per participant allowances including baggage allowance, international travel
allowance (approximately $100 per participant), book and cultural allowance
(approximately $200 per participant), and meals and incidentals;
• Follow-on activities (up to $5,000);
• Other direct expenses;
• Tax withholding;
• Wire transfer fees;
• Consultant fees;
• Printing and publishing;
• Program supplies;
• Postage;
• Internet fees;
• Web hosting;

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• Communications (e.g., participant cell phones or SIM cards);
• Health benefits, if necessary;
• Medical costs such as medically required quarantine (outside of medical
facilities covered under the health benefits provider);
• Reasonable accommodations (at least $2,000 per SUSI);
• Travel costs for partner retreat in Washington, DC;
• Sub-award costs, if applicable; and
• Indirect costs.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and
formatting instructions.
Please be sure to include a Summary Budget on a separate page before the
Detailed Budget. The Summary Budget should clearly indicate the number of
program participants and provide an overall unit cost per participant as well as a
unit cost breakdown by budget category. A sample of this format is provided on
the second tab of the sample budget.
Please include a Budget Narrative that concisely explains how costs were calculated
and the rationale for including them in the budget. The Budget Narrative should
also explain costs for sub-awardees, if applicable. Please make note of the
following in the Budget Narrative:
• If you do not have an established negotiated indirect cost rate agreement
(NICRA), please explain what costs are excluded when calculating the
Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) base in accordance with 2 CFR 200.68
Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) and 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect (F&A) Cost.
• List and explain the participant support costs.
Applicant institutions should attempt to maximize cost-sharing throughout the
program by enlisting the support of the U.S. private sector, including foundations
and corporations. ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal
budgets and participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program and
the availability of funds.
IV. OTHER AWARD INFORMATION

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Adherence To All Regulations Governing The J Visa
Proposals must demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to meet all requirements
governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) Programs as outlined in 22 CFR
62. For more information, visit http://j1visa.state.gov.
V. APPLICATION SUBMISSION
The solicitation document specifies the deadline and method for proposal
submission. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this deadline.
(END)