Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0017995

Administration of the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), is seeking a partner to administer the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program, a large-scale public diplomacy initiative. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) - Contracting office: U.S. Speaker Program, ECA/PE/V/S - Program Scope: - Administration and support of approximately 580 public diplomacy programs annually - 360 in-person exchanges - 220 virtual exchanges - Recruitment and management of American experts to engage global audiences - Focus areas: energy security, critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and artificial intelligence (AI) - Program formats: lectures, workshops, seminars, training series - Rapid response and logistical support for international exchanges - Performance monitoring and reporting using MODE Framework indicators (demographics, cross-cultural competence, skills development, alumni engagement) - Eligibility and Requirements: - Open to U.S. nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, and public/private educational institutions - Applicants must have at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges for awards over $130,000 - Recipient responsible for all program logistics, financial disbursements, and compliance with performance monitoring requirements - No OEMs or specific vendors are named, as this is a service-based program - Estimated contract value: $2,736,259 for a 12-month base period, with potential renewal for two additional years

Description

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 America First U.S. Speaker Program through a cooperative agreement. The program will support approximately 580 programs, including 360 in-person and 220 virtual, engaging key interlocutors worldwide. It serves as a rapid response public diplomacy tool to build lasting relationships between U.S. citizen experts and foreign decision-makers, focusing on America First priorities such as energy security, critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and AI. The program recruits experienced American experts for exchanges that advance these priorities and contribute to economic opportunities for Americans.

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