# Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0019974

Administration of the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Selection Process

**Buyer:** U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources
**Posted:** October 27, 2026
**Respond By:** November 23, 2026
**Identifier:** DFOP0019974
**NAICS:** 561110

The U.S. Department of State seeks an organization to administer selection for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources, Office of Outreach, Fellowships, and Internships (HR/OFI).
- **Opportunity:** One cooperative agreement to manage the fellowship candidate selection process. The Department retains substantial involvement, including oversight and approval of selection procedures.
- **Service scope:** Screen applications for eligibility and completeness; recruit and coordinate panelists; provide secure review access and scoring tools; arrange required briefings and training; coordinate candidate interviews and writing assessments in Washington, D.C.; communicate with candidates; compile and transfer selection records and recruitment data; and provide required performance and financial reporting.
- **Selection targets and logistics:** Support 18 panelists (12 interview and six writing panelists), identify 90 semi-finalists, and prepare a rank-ordered selection of 10 Fellows, alternates, and non-selected candidates. Coordinate a 3.5-day interview panel and a 2-day writing assessment panel. Process eligible panelist honoraria estimated at $500 per day and coordinate panelist travel.
- **Funding and participation:** Award ceiling is $85,855, cost sharing is required, and eligible applicants are U.S.-based organizations, including nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations.
- **OEMs and vendors:** No OEMs, commercial vendors, or named service providers are identified. No physical products or product quantities are specified.

### Description

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Human Resources, seeks an eligible organization to manage operational, logistical, and administrative functions for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship selection process. Work includes screening applications, coordinating panelist access and evaluation, supporting interviews and essay reviews in Washington, D.C., and processing panelist honoraria and travel logistics. The recipient will help identify 10 fellows and qualified alternates, compile selection results, notify candidates, and transfer selection data to HR/OFI. The opportunity is a cooperative agreement with a 3-to-6-month performance period and required cost sharing.

[View original listing](https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/364158)