Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0017979

Management of FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), is seeking a recipient to implement the FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is a service-based international exchange program - Products/Services Requested: - Comprehensive management of the YES high school exchange program, including: - Recruitment and selection of up to 270 inbound foreign high school students for U.S. study - Optional YES Abroad component for up to 30 American students to study abroad - Overseas operations management, travel arrangements, and participant support - Host family and school placements in the U.S. - Organization of enhancement and leadership activities ("American Excellence" activities) - Ongoing monitoring, health and safety oversight, and support for all participants - Database and website management for participant tracking and reporting - Performance monitoring and reporting using MODE Framework indicators (demographics, cross-cultural competence, volunteering, skills, alumni engagement) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations and U.S. Department of State privacy, branding, and reporting standards - Demonstrated experience (minimum four years) in managing international youth exchange programs - Robust information management and data privacy controls - Clustering of participant placements for program effectiveness - Post-program data collection and long-term outcome measurement (up to 10 years) - Estimated contract value is approximately $10 million for a 15-month period - Only one award is anticipated

Description

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for a cooperative agreement to implement the FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) high school exchange program. The program will run approximately from January to June 2027 and involves managing overseas operations, recruiting and selecting inbound participants, arranging travel, and overseeing database and website management. It also includes managing host family and school placements for inbound foreign participants in the U.S., organizing enhancement activities, and providing ongoing monitoring and support. Applicants may optionally propose a YES Abroad outbound component for up to 30 American students to study abroad with host families.

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