Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0018007

State Department Seeks Program Manager for FY 2026 Sports Envoy International Exchanges and Alumni Grants

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), through its Office of Sports Diplomacy, is seeking a U.S.-based nonprofit or educational institution to manage the FY 2026 Sports Envoy Program. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Sports Diplomacy - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is a cooperative agreement for program management and services - Products/Services Requested: - Management and implementation of approximately 35 international sports envoy exchanges involving about 70 American professional athletes and coaches - Administration of approximately eight alumni grants (up to $25,000 each) to support community projects - Design, development, and maintenance of a technology system for secure data management, automated communication, participant tracking, and public website maintenance - Performance monitoring and reporting using the MODE Framework, including data collection on participant demographics, cross-cultural competence, volunteering, skills development, and alumni engagement - Recruitment, travel coordination, program preparation, real-time support, alumni engagement, storytelling, and data management - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofits or educational institutions with at least four years of experience in international exchanges - Registration in SAM.gov is required - Proposals must address program activities, management, evaluation, and alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives - Data collection and reporting must follow specific timelines, with some outcomes measured up to 10 years post-program - The anticipated award is approximately $2,600,000 for an 18-month base period, with potential renewal for two additional years

Description

The Office of Sports Diplomacy of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the Sports Envoy Program, an international exchange program that uses sports to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and promote American leadership and excellence. The program sends current and former American professional athletes and coaches overseas on weeklong programs to promote cross-cultural understanding, engage key communities, and showcase American excellence through sport. ECA funding will support approximately 35 international exchanges for about 70 Envoy participants, eight alumni grants, and a technology system created by the applicant. Each program typically lasts 4-7 days excluding travel, with alumni grants enabling participants to deepen the impact of sports diplomacy.

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