FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)

ECA Performance Monitoring Plan 626 KB (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 626 KB (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 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) NOFO

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
FY2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017987
Application Deadline: June 5, 2026
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 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
(YLAI)
Funding Opportunity DFOP0017987
Number
Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement
Deadline for Applications June 5, 24, 2026 11:59pm Eastern (Washington
DC time)
Assistance Listing Number 19.415
Length of Performance 18 to 24 months
Period

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Number of Awards 1 award
Anticipated
Award Amount Approximately $7,875,000
Total Available Funding $23,625,000, pending availability of funds
Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange
Programs (ECE) Funds
Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement
Anticipated Award Date September 1, 2026
This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of the NOFO does not
constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.
ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in
accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.
Pending satisfactory implementation of this program and the availability of funds in
subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this award for two additional,
consecutive fiscal years, before openly competing it again.
2. Executive Summary.
The Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S.
Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks
proposals for a cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY
2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. YLAI
advances U.S. economic interests and leadership by fostering business partnerships
between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S.
companies. The program combines in-person and technology-driven engagement,
an active alumni network, and ongoing collaboration with U.S. embassies to
promote U.S. commercial priorities, create new opportunities for American
companies in key markets, and increase public awareness of American business
leadership. YLAI directly supports U.S. national security and the Administration’s
foreign policy objectives by strengthening commercial ties, expanding U.S. exports,
and promoting American values of entrepreneurship, free enterprise, and
innovation throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The FY 2026 program will bring approximately 250 participants from the Caribbean
and Latin America for a five to six-week fellowship, including orientation, tailored

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U.S. business placements, entrepreneurial training, a closing event, and post-
program alumni activities. Approximately 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas
to support Fellows’ action plans and develop networks that support American
economic growth.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants.
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
• U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-
governmental organizations
• U.S. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions
Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.
2. Cost Sharing.
There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this
program.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements.
a. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov
as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E. Submission
Requirements and Deadlines for more information.
b. ECA’s Grant Guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four
years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for
awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in Section A. Basic
Information, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $7,875,000.
Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of experience in
conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be eligible to apply
under this competition.
c. All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO and the
PSI; not doing so may result in your proposal being declared technically
ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.
d. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative,
budget (SF 424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.
e. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant
organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant
appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in

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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
Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the
people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the
ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and
other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and
peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world."
The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.
2. Purpose.
The YLAI Fellowship Program advances U.S. economic interests and global
leadership by fostering strategic business partnerships between entrepreneurs from
Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. Through in-person exchanges,
technology-driven engagement, and an active alumni network, the program
prepares business leaders to scale ventures, adopt American business practices,
and contribute to economic growth in their home countries and the United States.
3. Program Specific Guidelines.

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Definitions
“Program participants” are defined as those individuals who travel under award
funding from their country of origin to a designated exchange country. For this
NOFO, program participants are also referred to as “YLAI Fellows” or
“Fellows.” Americans participating in follow-on outbound exchanges are referred to
as “U.S. Participants.” Employees and family members of employees of the
award recipient or of any sub-award recipients are not eligible
to participate in the YLAI Fellowship Program and cannot be included as
program participants.
A. Eligible Countries
Fellows will be emerging entrepreneurs, age 25-35, recruited and selected from
eligible countries in the Western Hemisphere. ECA reserves the right to modify the
final list of participating countries.
B. Recruitment and Selection
Proposals must demonstrate the capacity to recruit and select Fellows and American
participants through an open, merit-based process, in consultation with ECA and
U.S. embassies. Recruitment should target entrepreneurs with strong potential for
commercial engagement with U.S. companies and alignment with U.S. economic
priorities.
Fellows:
• Selected through a competitive process in consultation with ECA, WHA, and
PAS at U.S. embassies/consulates.
• Must be for-profit business entrepreneurs, 25-35 years old, with at least two
years of experience, and demonstrate potential for commercial engagement
with U.S. companies.
• Must submit an action plan for business growth or market expansion.
• Must have working-level English proficiency.
U.S. Participants:
• Approximately 100, selected through an open, merit-based process, primarily
from those who served as hosts for Fellows.
• Must have relevant expertise to support Fellows’ business action plans and
facilitate the development of strategic partnerships and advance commercial
initiatives that align with U.S. economic interests and priorities in the region.

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C. Outreach and Promotion
Proposals must outline a comprehensive outreach plan to publicize the program to
qualified applicants and U.S. businesses, leveraging media campaigns, public events,
and digital storytelling. All materials must adhere to ECA communication guidelines
and be submitted for approval. Technology should be used to facilitate
communication, strengthen group identity, and support alumni activities.
Additionally, the proposal should address the recipient’s ability to support
maintenance of the YLAI Fellowship Program website and all its components and
social media sites. ECA may request that website content be added or removed in a
timely manner. ECA may request that the recipient assist in promoting and
coordinating opportunities for Fellowship Alumni with the YLAI Network.
D. Program Components
The proposal should include these key components of the YLAI Fellowship Program:
• Pre-departure orientation (PDO) for Fellows and U.S. participants
• An online community for networking and resource sharing
• Arrival orientation in the U.S.
• Four to five-week tailored U.S. business placements and mentorship
• Action plan development and implementation support
• Supplemental entrepreneurship and leadership training
• YLAI Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
• Reciprocal exchange for U.S. participants
• Ongoing alumni engagement and follow-on activities, including at least one in-
person alumni networking conference per year, to be held in the United
States or in a YLAI country
Proposals must also demonstrate subject matter expertise on the Western
Hemisphere and the thematic business areas listed below. ECA
and participating Public Affairs Sections at U.S. embassies and consulates reserve
the right to approve in-country partners.
D.1 Pre-Departure Orientation
PDOs and arrival orientations must cover program goals, expectations, logistics,
health and safety including the overview of Accident and Sickness Program for
exchanges (ASPE), J-1 Visa regulations, U.S. State Department role, professional
standards of conduct, opportunities for alumni engagement and other topics as

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determined by ECA and the recipient. Content should be tailored to both Fellows
and U.S. participants and may be delivered virtually or in person.
In coordination with ECA, the award recipient is responsible for developing and
administering all PDOs. PDOs should be interactive and, when possible, involve U.S.
embassy staff, ECA, in-country partners, and program alumni.
D.2 Online Community
Proposals must demonstrate the ability to develop a robust, mobile-responsive
online platform to support application, training, networking, and alumni
engagement, including virtual training, resource sharing, and real-time tracking of
outcomes.
D.3 Arrival Orientation
All Fellows must participate in an arrival orientation in the United States. The award
recipient will develop standardized orientation materials, in coordination with ECA,
to ensure consistent delivery of key program information. The orientation will
provide Fellows with detailed information about the U.S.-based program,
expectations, logistics, and opportunities for business engagement.
D.4 U.S. Fellowship Placements
Proposals much demonstrate the ability to secure placements at least two months
in advance, tailored to each Fellow’s professional goals, and provide direct
experience in a U.S. business or organization. Each host must designate a primary
contact. Fellows should be grouped by industry and placed in cities with relevant
sector strengths. Proposals should include a clear plan for recruiting and selecting
host organizations, with letters of commitment from potential hosts. The award
recipient must receive final approval for the Fellowship Placement Organization
(FPO) from ECA before final selection of placement organizations.
D.5 Action Plans
U.S. placement hosts should assist Fellows in developing concrete action plans
focused on scaling their businesses and expanding commercial engagement with
U.S. partners. Proposals should describe how the award recipient will support
Fellows and hosts in action plan development and implementation, including
sharing action plans at the program’s closing event. The award recipient is
responsible for providing a standardized action plan template and ensuring a
consistent timeline for plan development and refinement.

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D.6 Supplemental Entrepreneurship Training
City teams will participate in workshops, panel discussions, and site visits focused on
advanced business and leadership skills, practical business training, compliance with
U.S. regulations, and strategies for increasing U.S. exports. Sessions should provide
mentorship and networking with American business leaders.
D.7 YLAI Closing Forum
The award recipient will organize a Closing Forum in Washington, D.C., including
workshops, networking, and opportunities for Fellows to present their action plans
and business achievements. The event will include engagement with U.S.
government, business leaders and the diplomatic community. The award recipient
should coordinate with ECA program staff on the program closing.
D.8 Reciprocal Exchange for Americans
The award recipient will coordinate one- to two-week reciprocal exchanges for U.S.
participants to support Fellows’ business initiatives. Exchanges should be
substantive, support action plan implementation, and promote U.S. economic
priorities. U.S. participants will be selected from among those who served as hosts
during the U.S. fellowship and have relevant expertise to advance Fellows’ action
plans.
Proposals should include a sample application, a detailed timeline, and a description
of the selection process for the U.S. outbound exchange components. The award
recipient will submit to ECA and the relevant U.S. embassies/consulates a proposed
slate of American participants, including summary biographical information,
proposed destination cities, a draft agenda, and a clear project timeline. The
selection process should be structured to provide sufficient time for ECA and U.S.
embassies/consulates to review and approve U.S. participants, ensuring alignment
with program goals and U.S. strategic interests.
D.9 YLAI Alumni Programming/Host Placement Continued Engagement
The award recipient must maintain a mobile-friendly online platform for ongoing
communication, collaboration, and tracking of alumni and host engagement. Alumni
programming should support professional development, business partnerships, and
U.S. economic and foreign policy interests.
The award recipient should also incorporate ECA alumni initiatives into their plans
and communications for alumni programming, including, but not limited to, the
online community on the International Exchange Alumni website (alumni.state.gov)

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and other exchange alumni opportunities offered by the U.S. Department of State
such as small grants and professional development seminars. All alumni programs
must strengthen participants' identification with the U.S. government.
D.10 Indicators
The award recipient should develop and track key outcomes that highlight the
achievement of program goals and objectives as part of their Performance
Monitoring Plan in addition to required MODE Framework objectives and indicators
(See section 6). Key metrics that support program goals could include:
1. Number of business partnerships or joint ventures established between YLAI
Fellows and U.S. companies.
2. Percentage of Host Organizations implementing new business practices
learned from YLAI Fellows.
3. Number of jobs created or supported in the U.S. because of program-
facilitated business activities.
The award recipient will submit success stories on a regular basis that highlight both
the accomplishments of the fellows and hosts resulting from program
participation, demonstrating tangible contributions to U.S. commercial engagement,
business partnership development, and American economic competitiveness in
the region.
Projected Program Timeline (2026):
• August – September 2026: Application period
• October 2026: Applications review
• November 2026: Interviews
• December 2026: Selection Announcement
• January – May 2027: DS-2019s issued, visa process
• March to May 2027: Virtual programming
• June 2027: Fellows arrive in the United States
• July 2027: Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
• September 2027: U.S. outbound exchanges begin
4. Recipient Responsibilities.
The responsibilities of the recipient organization are as follows:
• Collaborate with ECA to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate the
program;

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• Ensure compliance with all administrative, financial, and reporting
requirements; and,
• Develop and maintain all program components, including recruitment,
orientations, placements, training, alumni engagement, and performance
monitoring.
• Issue DS-2019 forms and send to relevant embassies/consulates for all
international participants.
5. Goals and Objectives.
The YLAI Fellowship Program supports the following broad goals:
1. Advance U.S. economic interests and global leadership by fostering business
partnerships between entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and
the United States.
2. Strengthen Fellows’ business and leadership skills for commercial
engagement with U.S. companies.
3. Increase public awareness of U.S. business leadership and program impact.
4. Build a network of entrepreneurs and U.S. business partners committed to
supporting American economic growth, job creation, and commercial
leadership in the region.
5. Leverage technology for seamless collaboration and measurable outcomes.
The YLAI Fellowship Program achieves program goals by:
• Objective 1: Advance U.S. Economic Interests and Global Leadership
By July 2028, facilitate the creation of new business partnerships or joint ventures
between YLAI Fellows and American companies, resulting in measurable increases in
U.S. exports, investment, or market access in the Western Hemisphere.
• Objective 2: Strengthen Fellows’ Business and Leadership Skills
Ensure that at least 80% of YLAI Fellows demonstrate measurable improvement in
business, leadership, and technical skills relevant to U.S. business practices,
as evidenced by pre- and post-program assessments and successful implementation
of action plans focused on commercial engagement with American companies.
• Objective 3: Increase Public Awareness of U.S. Business Leadership
By the end of the program cycle, achieve at least 100 media features through
targeted media campaigns, public events, and digital storytelling that highlight U.S.
business leadership and the YLAI program’s impact.

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• Objective 4: Build a Sustainable Network for U.S. Economic Growth
Expand YLAI alumni engagement by 10% annually, and facilitate cross-border
collaborations, mentorships, or business projects among network members each
year, with a focus on supporting American economic growth and job creation.
• Objective 5: Leverage Technology for Program Delivery and Impact
Deliver at least 75% of program activities—including application, training,
networking, and alumni engagement—through a secure, mobile-responsive online
platform, achieving a user satisfaction rate of 90% or higher and enabling real-
time tracking of business outcomes and network engagement.
• Objective 6: Support U.S. National Security and Foreign Policy Priorities
Ensure that all program activities, participant selection, and alumni engagement are
aligned with U.S. national security and the foreign policy objectives of the current
Administration, as evidenced by regular consultation with ECA, U.S. embassies in the
region, and the integration of program outcomes into U.S. government reporting
and strategic planning.
6. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant
monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a
program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to
tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA
programs.
ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the
performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard
indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures
across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE
Framework are available online at: https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-
evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.
The proposal must include the MODE Framework objectives and indicators listed
below (note that, because not all MODE objectives and indicators are relevant for a
program, the numbering below will not be sequential). In addition to the ECA-
required objectives and indicators, applicants may also select additional MODE
Framework indicators (see the Indicator Book on the MODE Framework website), or
design custom objectives and indicators that are specific to the proposed program

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and this proposal.
• Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and
Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide –
https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our website
https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-
unit/)
• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence
and global perspective
Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance
o
understanding between participants and their host communities
 E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program
experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures
 E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions
of the United States Government (core indicator)
 E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time
because of their program (core indicator)
 E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the United
States for the first time during their program (core indicator)
 E1.1.11: Percent of American participants indicating a change in their
understanding of their host country's culture and values
 E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions
of the American people (core indicator)
 E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in
understanding of United States culture and values (core indicator)
 E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements in
support of democratic values (core indicator)
• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni,
beneficiaries, and institutions
 E3.0.02: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their
network of Americans (core indicator)
 E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State
program participant (core indicator)
• Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and
aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries
 E4.0.01: Percent of participants reporting increases in their job skills as
a result of their program participation

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 E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft skills as a
result of their program participation
 E4.0.05: Percent of participants who report an increase in technical
skills as a result of their program participation
Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic,
o
professional, and cultural exchange programs
 E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator)
 E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator)
 E4.1.04: Number of professional placements
 E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants
• Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs
by leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships
 E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)
Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs)
ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for
performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any
proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the
proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding
data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework
indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to
modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document;
there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the
PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. While ECA recommends
the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is
not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that
found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful
PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:
• Objectives. Programmatic objectives are statements of the condition(s) that state
what the program is designed to achieve. Objectives are therefore bound by the
resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific, measurable,
attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). In addition to those outlined
above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the MODE
Framework or other applicant-designed program-specific objectives.
• Indicators. Performance indicators are measures used to gauge progress toward
programmatic objectives and sub-objectives. Indicators should be as specific as
possible (following the SMART principles) and include any proposed
disaggregations (meaning, breakdowns of the data by subgroups; the PMP lists

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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
o
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
o
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
o
further revise, add, or remove indicators. Therefore, the applicant’s PMP and
data collection instruments should be flexible enough to incorporate those
once established.
Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data only on participant
outcomes during the period of performance of the award itself (see the PMP for
guidelines as to when these data collection efforts should occur). ECA will measure
outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the exchange
has ended to capture the long-term outcomes of ECA programming unless
otherwise specified in the NOFO and/or POGI. In this instance, the recipient will be
responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate
questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.
Regardless of the survey platform used, all MODE Framework survey questions
outlined above are required (i.e., should be forced response); please see the
Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for more information on
how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.
Program Performance M&E Narrative
Proposals should include information within the program narrative section(s) that
outlines how the applicant intends to measure the indicators listed above. This will
be separate from the PMP and should include but not be limited to:
• An overview of resources available to the applicant that outline the team
structure and responsibilities surrounding performance monitoring.

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• The mechanism(s) through which surveys and other data collection tools (if
applicable) will be administered, including which platform will be used, and when
and how surveys will be advertised to participants – detailing strategies to ensure
adequate survey response rates
(https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a), and to reduce
selection and non-response bias.
• A brief explanation of data analysis and reporting procedures.
• An overview of a proposed learning plan and feedback loops to ensure that the
Grant Officer (GO)/Grant Officer Representative (GOR) are informed on
performance monitoring issues at regular intervals.
Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection
System
ECA has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey
platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the
seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data. The MODE Survey
Builder offers implementing partners a guided workflow that will generate a ready-
to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a
standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be
submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements.
Use of the Qualtrics survey platform can be utilized at no cost to implementing
partners. Additional information about the MODE Survey Builder can be found
here: https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 and here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an
alternate survey tool or use the MODE Survey Builder, but if you are utilizing the
MODE Survey Builder, you must indicate such in your proposal.
MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements
MyGrants is a database solution that serves as the official system of record for all
U.S. Department of State and ECA awards. The Results Performance Monitoring
(RPM) module within MyGrants is an extension module that enables users to report
performance monitoring data in the same system where they currently manage
federal assistance actions. As part of ECA’s efforts to streamline data collection and
management, the recipient(s) of this award will be required to input performance
reporting data outlined in this solicitation into the MyGrants RPM. The data stored
in the MyGrants RPM will provide ECA with a bureau-wide, uniform M&E reporting
tool that is already linked with other elements of the awards familiar to existing
awardees.

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7. Allowable Costs.
a. Travel: International and domestic airfare; airline baggage and seat fees; visas
for U.S. travelers; transit costs; ground transportation costs. Please note that
all air travel must be in compliance with the Fly America Act. There is no
charge for J-1 visas for foreign participants in Bureau-sponsored projects.
b. Per Diem: For U.S.-based programming, organizations should use the
published Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. Domestic per diem
rates may be accessed at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287. ECA
requests applicants to budget realistic costs that reflect the local economy
and do not exceed Federal per diem rates. Foreign per diem rates can be
accessed at: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp
c. Book and Cultural Allowances: Participants are entitled to a one-time cultural
allowance of $150 per person, plus a book allowance of $50. Interpreters
should be reimbursed up to $150 for expenses when they escort participants
to cultural events. U.S. project staff, trainers or participants are not eligible to
receive these benefits.
d. Consultants: Consultants may be used to provide specialized expertise or to
make presentations. Honoraria rates should not exceed $250 per day per
session. Organizations are encouraged to cost-share rates that would exceed
that figure. Sub-award recipient organizations may also be employed, in
which case the written agreement between the prospective award recipient
and sub-award recipient should be included in the proposal. Such sub-awards
should detail the division of responsibilities and proposed costs, and
subcontracts should be itemized in the budget. Contractors/contracting
organizations may also be employed in which case the written agreement
between the award recipient and the contractors/contracting organizations
should be included in the proposal.
e. Overhead Costs: Costs necessary for the effective administration of the
project may include salaries for employees, benefits, and other direct and
indirect costs per detailed instructions in the PSI. Proposals should show
strong cost sharing contributions from the applicant, the in-
country partner and other sources. Travel of primary award recipient staff or
sub-award recipient staff should NOT be included in the exchange participant
numbers.
f. Reasonable Accommodations: Organizations should budget for the
reasonable accommodations of participating individuals with disabilities.
Proposals may allocate up to 5 - 7% of the total requested ECA award funds
for this purpose.

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g. Pre-departure Orientation: Travel to the Pre-departure location(s); ground
transportation to and from the airport to the orientation(s) site; food and
lodging for all Fellows, adequate meeting space; travel from orientation to
fellowship sites.
h. Arrival Orientation: International travel to the U.S.-based orientation location;
ground transportation to and from the airport to the orientation site; food
and lodging for Fellows, adequate conference meeting space for participants
(Fellows, grantee staff, speakers, facilitators, DOS staff, other invited guests);
travel from orientation to fellowship sites.
i. Fellowships: Lodging, per diem, transportation, and other necessary program-
related expenses the Fellows may incur while at their fellowship sites.
j. Entrepreneurial training sessions: Training materials, trainers, meeting
space/equipment rental, etc.
k. YLAI Closing Forum: Travel to Washington, D.C; ground transportation to and
from the airport to the conference hotel; food and lodging for Fellows for a
three to four-day conference, adequate conference space for approximately
350 participants (Fellows, grantee staff, speakers, facilitators, DOS staff, other
invited guests); international travel from forum to home country.
l. U.S. Participant follow-on travel: Travel, ground transportation, lodging, per
diem, for approximately 70 U.S. participants for 10 to 15 days in relevant
Western Hemisphere countries.
m. Room Rental: The rental of meeting space should not exceed $250 per day
per activity. Any rates that exceed this amount should be cost shared.
n. Materials: Proposals may contain costs to purchase, develop, and translate
materials. Costs for high quality translation of materials should
be anticipated and included in the budget.
o. Supplies: Applicants may propose to use award funds to purchase supplies,
such as computers and printers; supply costs should be justified in the budget
narrative. Costs for furniture are not allowed.
p. Working Meal: One working meal may be provided during each U.S.-based
and foreign-based component. Per capita costs for working meals may not
exceed $45/person, excluding room rental and other overhead charges. The
number of invited guests may not exceed Fellows by more than a factor of
two-to-one.
q. Return Travel Allowance: A return travel allowance of $70 for each Fellow may
be included in the budget. This allowance would cover incidental expenses
incurred during international travel.
r. Health and Travel Insurance: The award recipient will be responsible
for working with ECA to ensure that both foreign Fellows and American

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participants traveling overseas for outbound projects are enrolled in the ECA-
sponsored Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). The
premium is paid by ECA and should not be included in the proposal budget.
Applicants may include costs for travel insurance for both Fellows and U.S.
Participants in the budget.
s. Wire Transfer Fees: When necessary, award recipients may include costs to
transfer funds to foreign-based partner organizations. The primary award
recipient is urged to research applicable taxes that may be imposed on these
transfers by host governments.
t. In-Country Travel Costs for Visa Processing Purposes: U.S. visas for Fellows
are provided by DOS and should not be included in the budget. Given the
requirements associated with obtaining J-1 visas for ECA-supported
participants, applicants should include costs for any travel associated with
procuring visas, including travel for interviews, delivering or picking up
passports, etc.
u. Alumni Activities: Reasonable costs related to alumni activities may be
included. The proposal must include an outline of any proposed follow-on
activities. Proposals should also demonstrate how the recipient organization
will creatively use technology and online networking sites to enhance and
amplify alumni programming. Organizations can propose small grants or a
small grant competition for the Fellows to compete for to encourage their
continued work on and implementation of their individual Action Plans.
v. Database Management: Reasonable costs for purchasing, developing, or
expanding a database management system to track applicants, participants,
host organizations, and alumni may be included. The system must protect
personally identifiable information (PII) both at rest and during routine data
transmission.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget guidelines and
formatting instructions.
8. Cost Share.
ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding
in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and
agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in
its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in
the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, the recipient must
maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as their contribution,
as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to

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audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be
in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts
200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event the applicant does not provide
the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's
contribution may be reduced in like proportion.
9. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines.
Public Law 104-319 provides that "in carrying out programs of educational and
cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and
democracy," the Bureau "shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for
participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such
countries." Public Law 106 - 113 requires that the governments of the countries
described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process.
Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to
the full extent deemed feasible.
10. Virtual Exchange Component.
When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar circumstances
require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a
virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate
the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges. Proposals
should demonstrate the organization’s capacity to provide innovative options for
virtual activities to substitute for in-person engagement for program participants.
Organizations should consider how they will implement virtual exchange activities,
given the potential limits to internet access from participants in some locations and
while continuing to advance foreign policy objectives and achieve lasting benefits for
U.S. citizens and international participants.
In addition to planning for virtual exchange activities if in-person programming is
prohibited, ECA welcomes innovative ideas on how organizations can leverage
virtual programming technologies during or in addition to in-person programming.
ECA encourages organizations submitting proposals in response to this solicitation
to suggest one or more virtual exchange components to complement the in-person
exchange. The virtual exchange component(s) could come before, during and/or
after the physical exchange. The objective for the virtual exchange component(s) is
to augment the impact of the in-person exchange described in this solicitation. ECA
encourages organizations to propose virtual exchange ideas that take advantage of
ECA’s existing web and social networking platforms. Virtual exchange components

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would be coordinated with and approved by the ECA program office and U.S.
missions abroad on a project-by-project basis.
11. Communications Guidance for ECA Recipients.
All ECA Recipients must adhere to the requirements in ECA’s Communications
Guidance on the creation of program branding and attribution, websites, social
media, and press.
12. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.
Required if expected period of performance includes any time during calendar year
2026 ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly
known as “Freedom 250” – a truly global celebration. As the period of performance
for this award is scheduled to cover part or all of calendar year (CY) 2026, the
applicant may wish to consider ways the program can celebrate Freedom 250. Any
Freedom 250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and
19 direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided
Freedom 250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require
adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.
13. Substantial Involvement.
In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program
activities above and beyond routine monitoring, as follows:
a. Participate and provide strategic guidance in the design, direction, and
execution of all program components and activities to ensure alignment with
U.S. economic interests, commercial priorities, and foreign policy objectives.
b. Approve key personnel and any changes to dedicated YLAI staff, ensuring the
team possesses the expertise to advance program goals and U.S. leadership.
c. Review and approve recruitment materials, applications, program timelines,
and agendas to maximize visibility, attract high-potential participants, and
promote U.S. business leadership.
d. Approve sub-award recipients, partner organizations, and fellowship
placements to ensure strategic partnerships and placements in regions with
robust business ecosystems and opportunities for commercial engagement.
e. Approve the final selection of all Fellows and U.S. Participants to ensure
participants are positioned to contribute to U.S. economic growth and global
leadership.

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f. Approve decisions related to special circumstances or problems throughout
the program, including assisting with participant emergencies and ensuring
program continuity.
g. Liaise with WHA, Public Affairs Section staff at U.S. embassies and consulates,
country desk officers, and other State Department offices to coordinate
recruitment, selection, digital outreach, and the execution of opening and
closing events, ensuring program activities support U.S. strategic interests.
h. Collaborate with the award recipient to publicize the program through
targeted media campaigns, digital storytelling, and public events, including
approving all program publicity, outreach efforts, and materials in accordance
with ECA Communications Guidance.
i. Assist in the coordination of the YLAI Closing Forum in Washington,
D.C., including arranging meetings with key stakeholders, U.S. business
leaders, and government officials to showcase program impact and foster
lasting partnerships.
j. Monitor and evaluate the program through regular communication, meetings,
site visits, and debriefing sessions; and liaise with ECA’s MELI Unit and the
award recipient to ensure measurable outcomes and continuous
improvement in advancing U.S. economic and foreign policy objectives.
D. Application Contents and Format
Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting
proposals.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the
Proposal Submission Instruction (PSI) document, which contains guidelines for
proposal preparation.
1. Budget Format.
Applicants must submit a budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and a budget
narrative. Budget requests may not exceed $6,600,000, pending the availability of
funds. There must be a summary budget, a detailed budget, and a budget
narrative. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each
program component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.
2. Content of Application.
Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for information about the
application and formatting guidelines.

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E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Application Package.
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.gov website at
https://www.grants.gov or from the ECA website at https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-
opportunities/.
2. Department of State Contacts
For questions about this announcement, contact: Susannah Wood, U.S. Department
of State, Global Leaders Division, ECA/PE/C/GL, (771) 205-9501, Woodst@state.gov.
All correspondence with ECA concerning this solicitation should reference the title
and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. Please read
the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.
Once the deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with
applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.
The terms and conditions published in this solicitation are binding and may not be
modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that
contradicts published language will not be binding.
3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management
(SAM.gov).
Required Registrations
All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must
have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov.
A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An
applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review
by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire
duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this
NOFO.

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The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for
subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before
an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take
anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United
States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
All federal award recipients must maintain a current registration in the SAM
database. Recipients must maintain accurate and up-to-date information in
www.SAM.gov until all program and financial activity and reporting is completed on
any issued award. Recipients must review and update the information at least
annually after the initial registration and more frequently if required information
changes or another award is granted. There is no cost associated with registering or
updating SAM.gov accounts.
For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:
https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration
Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be
permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email
the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in
the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov
exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can
be deemed eligible for review.
4. Required Registration with MyGrants.
All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be
registered with the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants system by accessing
https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and clicking the “create an account” link.
MyGrants is the U.S. Department of State’s grants management system and is
supported by the Department’s Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS).
Recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories that have previously

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used MyGrants as a U.S. Department of State award recipient do not need to
register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact
the ILMS Help Desk for help in gaining access.
Support for Recipient Organizations and recipient contacts and signatories is
available 24 hours, 7 days a week (except federal holidays), and can be reached at 1-
888-313-ILMS (4567) or through the ILMS Self Service Portal at
https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/.
5. Submission Instructions.
Method of Submission
Applications may only be submitted electronically through Grants.gov
(https://www.grants.gov). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov
in the “Search Grants” portion of the system.
Grants.gov Registration, Application Submission, and Receipt Procedures
Eligible organizations should follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’
portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-
apply-for-grants.
How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov
Applicants should read instructions carefully and prepare the information requested
before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required
information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute
searches for required information.
The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore,
registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your
ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Applicants should check
with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this
NOFO to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov.
Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:
https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration
How to Submit an Application to ECA via Grants.gov

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For access to complete instruction on how to apply for Notice of Funding
Opportunities on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-
applications/how-to-apply-for-grants
Grants.gov Support and Submission Issues
Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission issues to:
Grants.gov Customer Support
Contact Center Phone: 800 -518-4726
Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; closed on federal holidays.
Email: support@grants.gov
6. Submission Dates and Times.
Application Deadline Date
Friday, June 5, 2026
Applicants have until 11:59 p.m., Washington, DC time of the closing date to ensure
that their entire application has been uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no
exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after the
application deadline date and time will be automatically rejected by the Grants.gov
system and will be found technically ineligible.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you begin the submission process
through Grants.gov well in advance of the application deadline.
Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic
date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully
received by Grants.gov. The applicant Grants.gov Authorized Organization
Representative (AOR) will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking
number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their
application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and
Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.
When ECA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will
provide an electronic acknowledgement of receipt of the application to the email
address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall
be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Please also
be mindful of any Grants.gov generated error messages that may appear during the

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application process as they may result in some documents not transmitting
correctly.
Applicants using slow internet should be aware that transmission can take some
time before Grants.gov receives your application. Grants.gov will provide either an
error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the
applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some
applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during
the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the
application.
The Grants.gov website includes extensive information on all phases/aspects of the
Grants.gov process, including an extensive section on frequently asked questions,
located under the “Applicant FAQs” section of the website. ECA strongly
recommends that all potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov website,
well in advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA will
not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications.
PLEASE NOTE: ECA bears no responsibility for applicant timeliness of submission or
data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes for proposals
submitted via Grants.gov. Prior to submitting applications through Grants.gov,
please ensure you meet all Grants.gov system and software requirements, including
Adobe software compatibility. You can verify if your version of the Adobe software
is compatible with Grants.gov, by visiting https://grants.gov/applicants/adobe-
software-compatibility
It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via the Grants.gov
web portal (https://www.grants.gov) to ensure that proposals have been
received by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for
data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.
7. Funding Restrictions for this Announcement.
a. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency
(UNRWA)
None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity
may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise
used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works
Agency (UNRWA).

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b. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration
Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border
None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to
encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards
the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for
legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to
legal or representation in the United States.
Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they
are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes
that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration
caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of
humanitarian assistance is permitted.
c. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-
Discrimination Laws
If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will
be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to
certify the following at the time of award:
1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination
laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of
section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;
2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program
promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is
to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins,
such as in training or hiring.
d. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other
applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.
Applicants are advised that institutions of higher education (IHEs) must certify
the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must
be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:
• Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United
States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure
requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31,

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United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant
funds.
e. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan
Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the
time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be
performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000:
• To the best of the recipient’s knowledge, neither the recipient, nor any
subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the recipient or any agent of
the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is
engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175(a);
The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to
prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with it; and
compliance plan must be consistent with the requirements of 2 CFR
175(b)(4) and (5).
• That the recipient has procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR
175(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor,
subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in them.
Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must
provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post
the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their
website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis
for the entire award period of performance.
f. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled
by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities
(a) Definitions.
American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on
a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council
(FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at
https://www.sam.gov

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FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft
system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-
covered foreign entity.
Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of
direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated
elements (including communication links and the components that control
the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely
and efficiently in the national airspace system.
(b) Prohibition.
Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including
subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:
(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which
includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the
performance of the award; and
(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-
prohibited unmanned aircraft system .
c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.
The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines
that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates
that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through
1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for
statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and
waivers.].
8. Other Submission Requirements.
a. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
b. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative,
budget (SF 424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.

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c. Key Personnel
ECA recommends that the applicant identify intended key personnel positions
via an asterisk (*) or other marking in the proposal budget, budget narrative,
or a separate appendix. If not provided in the application, recipients must
submit the names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel
involved in the program to the Grants Officer and GOR within 30 days of an
award being issued. Applicants should also identify what proportion of their
time will be used in support of the program. Additional information regarding
key personnel requirements can be found in the State Department’s Standard
Terms and Conditions.
d. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.
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.

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a. Quality of the program idea and planning: Proposals should be original,
well-defined, and relevant to ECA's mission. Proposals should have a detailed
agenda and work plan that demonstrates the institution's ability to carry out
the program. The plan should follow the program guidelines described in this
solicitation and should be likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the
proposed results.
b. Institutional Capacity to achieve program aims and purpose: Proposals
should clearly state the program’s aims and purpose and demonstrate
how the institution will meet them. Proposals should include the necessary
personnel and institutional resources to achieve the program results. The
organization’s expertise in exchange programs and the demonstrated internal
controls in place to manage federal funds.
c. Institution's Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate an institutional
record of successful exchange programs and responsible fiscal
management. ECA will consider the past performance of prior ECA recipients,
including the timely submission of reports, and the demonstrated potential of
new applicants.
d. Follow-on Activities: Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-
on activity after the ECA supported program ends, ensuring that programs are
not isolated events.
e. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Proposals should have a
fully developed M&E plan that includes goals, objectives, and indicators. The
plan should be feasible and aligned with the M&E section of this
solicitation. Proposals should include a realistic learning plan that outlines
how the applicant plans to review, understand, and incorporate M&E data
into programmatic decisions and practices. All submitted M&E plans will be
reviewed to ensure the applicant has provided at least the required
information outlined in the M&E section of this solicitation
and demonstrated the applicant’s capacity to carry out the M&E plan.
f. Cost-effectiveness and Cost Share: Proposals should keep the overhead
components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, as low as
possible. All costs should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should
maximize cost share through other private sector support and institutional
direct funding contributions.
3. Indirect Costs
If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation
criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the
lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii).

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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
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 in SAM.gov.
Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the
Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information
available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.
G. Award Notices
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress,
allocated and committed through internal ECA procedures. Successful applicants
will receive a Federal Assistance Award (FAA) from an authorized Grants Officer in
ECA’s Grants Division. The FAA and the original proposal with subsequent
modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding authorizing document between
the recipient and the U.S. Government. The FAA will be signed by a Grants Officer
and transmitted to the recipient’s responsible officer (as identified in the application)
for review and countersignature. The recipient may only start incurring project
expenses beginning on the start date shown on the fully signed award document.

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Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the
U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred
in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government
reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. If a proposal is selected for
funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future
funding.
Unsuccessful applicants:
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the application
review from the ECA program office coordinating this competition following the
completion of the review process.
Payment Method:
Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS).
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
a. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and
conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that
they will be able to comply.
The Department of State will review and consider proposals for funding pursuant to
this NOFO in accordance with OMB guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable
Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, including the following:
• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April
22, 2024, particularly on:
Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based
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),

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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).
• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list
can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/
b. Reporting.
Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The
FAA will specify how often these reports must be submitted. All reports must be
submitted in a timely manner. For planning purposes, applicants can expect to
provide ECA with an electronic copy of the following required reports:
a. Performance Progress Reports (PPRs) shall be required at a minimum
annually and no more frequently than quarterly. Annual, quarterly, or semi-
annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. All reports
and supporting documentation must be uploaded by the recipient as a Post
Award Activity under the corresponding record for this award in MyGrants.
g. The Federal Financial Reports (FFR SF-425/SF-425a) must be submitted
through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Payment

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Management System (PMS). The electronic version of the FFR can be
accessed at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-
reporting-forms. Once a financial report has been approved by the
Department, the recipient must upload the approved report to MyGrants, in
the same manner specified for the programmatic reports. Failure to comply
with these reporting requirements may jeopardize the recipient's eligibility for
future awards.
h. Required MODE data (see Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
section) shall be required at a minimum annually and no more frequently
than quarterly. MODE data reporting shall be due 30 days after the reporting
period. The frequency of these reports will be determined by ECA/P/MELI and
the Program Officer. Either a standard report template (if using the MODE
Survey Builder) or aggregate data and the raw data file (if Recipient uses their
own survey platform) must be uploaded by the Recipient as an RPM
Performance Report under the corresponding record for this award in
MyGrants.
i. A final program and financial report no more than 120 days after the
period of performance of the award ends or termination of the award.
j. Program Data Requirements: Award recipients will be required to maintain
specific data on program participants and activities in an electronically
accessible database format that can be shared with ECA as required. At a
minimum, the data must include the following:
1. Name, address, contact information and biographic sketch of all persons
who travel internationally on funds provided by the agreement or who
benefit from the award funding but do not travel.
2. Itineraries of international and domestic travel, providing dates of travel
and cities in which any exchange experiences take place. Final schedules
for in-country and U.S. activities must be received by the ECA Program
Officer at least three workdays prior to the official opening of the activity.
I. Other Information
Adherence To All Regulations Governing the J Visa

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ECA places critically important emphasis on the security and proper administration
of the Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by award recipients and
sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should
demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the
administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including
the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening
and selection of program participants, provision of pre-arrival information and
orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and
security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements.
The award recipient will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to participants in
this program.
A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor
(J) programs is available at http://j1visa.state.gov or from:
Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation
U.S. Department of State
SA-5, Floor C2, Room C2L13
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522
For Informational Purposes Only - Adherence to All Regulations
Governing The J Visa
ECA places critically important emphasis on the security and proper administration
of the Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by award recipients and
sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. A copy of the complete regulations
governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at
http://j1visa.state.gov or from:
Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation
U.S. Department of State
SA-5, Floor C2, Room C2L13
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522