Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0017930

U.S. LEADS Program Management and International Exchange Solicitation

This opportunity from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks a partner to manage and implement the FY 2026 U.S. Leadership in Education, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital Skills (U.S. LEADS) Program. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) - Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA/A/E - Program Scope: - Single cooperative agreement valued at approximately $2,500,000 - Performance period of 18 to 36 months - International exchange for about 100 higher education officials, commerce leaders, and policymakers from strategically important countries - Activities include a summit in Washington, D.C. and regional exchanges in four U.S. cities with strong higher education-industry partnerships - Services Requested: - Program management and implementation, including design and delivery of summit and regional exchanges - Performance monitoring and reporting using MODE Framework indicators (demographics, skills development, alumni engagement) - Policy briefings, panel discussions, site visits, workshops, and capacity-building focused on advanced manufacturing, AI, and digital skills - Unique Requirements: - Eligible applicants must be U.S. nonprofit organizations or educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience - Emphasis on celebrating America's 250th anniversary and U.S. leadership in manufacturing, AI, and supply chain advancement - Data collection and reporting required post-program, with some outcomes measured up to 10 years after completion - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named in the solicitation - Places of Performance: - Washington, D.C. (summit and federal office) - Four U.S. cities (regional exchanges; cities to be determined) - Estimated Contract Value: - Approximately $2,500,000 - No specific products or part numbers are requested; focus is on programmatic services and international exchange management.

Description

The U.S. LEADS Program celebrates America's 250th anniversary by showcasing U.S. leadership from the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Revolution, focusing on revitalizing manufacturing, advancing AI, and strengthening supply chains. It aims to foster collaboration between U.S. community colleges, international vocational leaders, and U.S. industry partners to address emerging labor market demands that advance U.S. interests and drive economic development. The program includes a summit in Washington, D.C. and a U.S. exchange for approximately 100 higher education officials, commerce leaders, and policymakers from strategically important countries, divided into four cohorts for regional programs in U.S. cities with strong higher education-industry partnerships. The summit is scheduled between December 2026 and March 2027, followed by regional exchanges.

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