Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0018219

Solicitation for FY 2026 FLEX Global High School Exchange Program Management and Placement Services

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), is seeking proposals for the FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global) high school exchange program. - Program Overview: - Up to 1,200 foreign high school students will study in the U.S. for an academic year. - Up to 150 American high school students will study abroad for an academic year. - Focus areas include leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding. - Components and Awards: - Administrative Component: One award (approx. $22M) for overall program management, participant recruitment, travel logistics, host family placement (outbound), database and website management, alumni activities, and coordination. - Placement Component: Six to ten awards ($400K-$10M each) for host family and school placement (inbound), regional enhancement activities, ongoing monitoring, and support. - Key Requirements: - Applicants must be U.S. nonprofit organizations or educational institutions with experience in international exchanges. - Compliance with J-1 visa regulations, privacy protocols, and U.S. Department of State branding. - Performance monitoring and reporting using MODE Framework indicators (demographics, cross-cultural competence, volunteering, skills development, alumni engagement). - Coordination with U.S. embassies and participation in annual meetings and workshops. - Notable Details: - No specific products or part numbers are requested; the procurement is for program management and implementation services. - Period of performance is 21 to 36 months, with potential renewals for two additional fiscal years. - Place of performance and delivery is primarily Washington, D.C., at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Description

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for cooperative agreements to implement the FY 2026 FLEX Global high school exchange program. The program has two components: the Administrative Component, which manages overseas operations, recruitment, travel, host family recruitment for outbound participants, database management, alumni activities, and overall coordination; and the Placement Component, which manages host family and school placement for inbound foreign participants, regional enhancement activities, and ongoing support. The program aims to build a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and priorities, focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership. Up to 1,200 foreign high school participants will study in the U.S. for an academic year, and up to 150 American high school participants will study abroad for an academic year.

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