Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
U.S. Mission to ASEAN, Department of State
Opportunity number: OFOP0002648
Application deadline: July 5, 2026
A. Basic Information
1. Overview
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Project Performance Period: Applicant should complete proposed projects in 18 months or less.
This notice is subject to availability of funds.
2. Executive Summary
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the U.S. Mission to ASEAN (USASEAN) announces an open competition to implement the “Y-AI: Leveraging the U.S. Tech Stack for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific” workshop in Southeast Asia in February 2027. The workshop will equip up to 80 exchange alumni leaders from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs’ Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) program with the knowledge, skills, and tools to implement and promote the U.S. AI and tech stack in their public and private policy work. Participants will build capacity to 1) advocate with their governments for common sense AI policies and regulations that align with U.S. technical regulatory perspectives and 2) demonstrate within their social and business networks how the U.S. tech stack, more than any other option, maximizes their freedom and prosperity. The workshop may be conducted in any major Southeast Asian city. Competitive proposals should demonstrate cost-effectiveness by maximizing programmatic value, impact, and participant outcomes relative to the proposed budget.
Proposals must meet all program eligibility requirements below. Applicants should submit proposals to USASEANOutreach@state.gov no later than July 5, 2026, at 23:59 (GMT+7).
About YSEALI
YSEALI strengthens leadership development and networking for young professionals in Southeast Asia. YSEALI builds leadership and strengthens ties between the United States and Southeast Asia through educational and professional exchanges, regional workshops, and small grant funding. The YSEALI alumni network consists of young professionals age 18-35 years old from Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. For more information about YSEALI, visit: yseali.state.gov.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
- Public international organizations and governmental institutions
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
We encourage all proposals to include some form of cost sharing. Cost sharing may include in-kind support (services, labor/volunteers, supplies/equipment), a business contributing food, an organization offering a venue at a discount or free of charge, an organization sponsoring an activity, an expert donating time to facilitate a seminar, etc.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. This requirement does not apply to individuals.
Applicants can only submit one proposal per organization. If applicants submit more than one proposal from the same institution, all proposals from that institution will be ineligible for funding.
C. Program Description
1. Goals and Objectives
Build a network of influential young leaders across Indo-Pacific and equip them to champion U.S. technology stacks and AI governance approaches in their home countries, thereby advancing a digital ecosystem aligned with U.S. policy priorities in the region.
The Missions seek a partner to implement a program that achieves the following objectives:
- Convene up to 80 YSEALI exchange alumni leaders for a four-day program in February 2027 that produces measurable, credible, achievable action plans with specific milestones for engaging with influential decision-makers, e.g., legislators, regulators, trade associations, etc., in participants’ home countries to encourage the adoption of the U.S. tech stack and enactment of common sense regulations that promote greater freedom and a level playing field for U.S. businesses, especially in technology. Participants will include YSEALI exchange alumni representing all 11 ASEAN member states from the U.S.-based YSEALI Professional and Academic Fellowship programs, YSEALI regional workshops, YSEALI Seeds for the Future competition winners, and 15 Southeast Asian alumni mentors and facilitators.
- Secure participation from at least three U.S. technology companies to teach participants how to optimize the U.S. tech stack to significantly increase efficiency and effectiveness in their private and public sector work.
- Organize a pitch competition event at the end of the week for participants to showcase their action plans to increase the adoption of U.S.-aligned AI standards and the U.S. tech stack in the region. The competition will culminate with at least two proposals winning judges’ support.
- Elect a steering committee to follow up on action plans, encourage continued collaboration, and facilitate at least two network engagement activities within six months from the program’s conclusion in support of U.S. policy objectives.
- Launch a three-month post-workshop mentoring program pairing participant teams with U.S. business leaders, with at least 80 percent actively implementing their partnership and stakeholder engagement action plans.
- Provide all participants with complimentary access to at least one U.S. technology platform or service (e.g., ChatGPT, Canva, etc) for a minimum of six months.
USASEAN will review and select proposals for funding subject to availability of funds.
D. Application Contents and Format
Please carefully follow all instructions below. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
Content of Application
Please ensure:
- The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity;
- All documents are in English;
- All budgets are in U.S. dollars;
- All pages are numbered;
- All documents are formatted to fit 8½” x 11” paper;
- All Microsoft Word documents are in single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of one-inch margins.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory application forms
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- Project proposal
- Budget plan
- SF-424I (Application for Federal Assistance-individuals). See the instructions here.
- SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs). See the instructions here.
- SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs). See the instructions here. (Note: Only individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov require the SF-424B).
2. Summary Page (optional)
Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
3. Proposal
The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below:
- Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.
- Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations showing the ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and any other U.S. government agencies.
- Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to address and why we need the proposed program.
- Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program intends to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
- Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
- Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program will work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.
- Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
- Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will support this program?
- Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
- Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of all successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the recipient monitor the activities to ensure they take place in a timely manner, and how will the recipient evaluate the program to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
- Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, as applicable.
4. Budget Justification Narrative
After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.
5. Attachments
- 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel for the program
- Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
- If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.
- Official permission letters if required for program activities.
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. State Department Contacts
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: USASEANOutreach@state.gov.
2. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Required Registrations
All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), mandated a UEI as one of the data elements for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration as long as the proposal is under Department review and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.
Section 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note that subrecipients do not need a UEI at the time of application, but they must obtain one before we process an award or direct funds to a subrecipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
- Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
- Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
- Organizations based outside the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of War (DoW) awards no longer need to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoW foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to reactivate my registration.”
Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoW should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. Organizations must renew SAM.gov registration annually.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoW in addition to State Department should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:
NCAGE Homepage:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):
NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)
Exemptions
We may permit an exemption from the UEI and SAM.gov registration requirements on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification for their request. The warranted Grants Officer must approve a SAM.gov exemption before we can deem the application eligible for review.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications are due no later than July 5, 2026, at 23:59 (GMT+7).
4. Funding Restrictions
i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity are available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws
If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, we advise applicants that they must certify the following at the time of award:
- Applicant is in compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;
- Applicant does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, such as in training or hiring
iii. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan
Applicants must certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services perform outside the United States exceeds $500,000:
- To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, engage in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);
The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5).
- That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.
Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.
iv. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities
(a) Definitions.
American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov
FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.
Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that the operator needs to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.
(b) Prohibition.
We will prohibit recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) from:
(1) Delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and
(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.
c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. If the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and states this in the award, it will not apply the prohibitions described above.[See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].
5. Other Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit all application materials by email to USASEANOutreach@state.gov.
F. Application Review Information
1. Review Criteria
We will evaluate and rate each application based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.
- Quality, Feasibility, and Program Planning (25 points): The proposal presents a well-developed concept with clear goals and objectives, detailed activity plans, and a reasonable implementation timeline. The proposed approach is practical and likely to achieve maximum impact. The proposal must not include any activities contrary to any standing Executive Orders. For a full list, see https://www.federalregister.gov/.
- Budget (25 points): The budget is detailed and justified, with costs reasonable, realistic, and permitted relative to the proposed activities and anticipated results.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (25 points): The proposal includes a clear plan to measure success against key indicators, with defined milestones and both output and outcome indicators.
- Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants (20 points): The organization demonstrates expertise in the relevant field and has effective internal controls, including a financial management system and a bank account, to manage federal funds.
- Cost-Share (5 points): Proposals that include cost-sharing will receive additional consideration.
2. Indirect Costs
If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, we will give preference to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only apply as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.
3. Review and Selection Process
The U.S. Mission to ASEAN will use the criteria above to evaluate all applications and determine which to recommend for further consideration.
4. Risk Review
i. Risk factors
Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:
a. Financial stability
b. Management systems and standards
c. History of performance
d. Audit reports and findings
e. Ability to effectively implement requirements
G. Award Notices
Grants Officer will write, sign, award, and administer the award or cooperative agreement. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and we will provide it to the recipient for review and countersignature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document that the Grants Officer has signed.
The State Department has no obligation to provide any additional future funding for selected proposals. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the State Department.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.
Unsuccessful applicants: We will notify unsuccessful applicants by August 31, 2026, via email.
Payment Method: We will require recipients to request payments by completing form SF-270 – Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer.
Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the State Department. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Before submitting an application, applicants should review all terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance from 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the State Department will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:
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- Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
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- Promoting freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
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- Providing a preference, to the extent that law permits, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
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- Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. State Department Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340). For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.
- Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders. A searchable list is available in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/
2. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: We will require recipients to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often applicant must submit these reports.
Foreign Assistance Data Review: Per Congressional requirement, the State Department must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants must report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant must maintain separate accounting records.
Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII – Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.
3. Branding and Marking
The State Department, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department’s global audiences.
Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance at Guidance for Contracts and Grants – U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.
For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/
I. Other Information
Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that they will spend on the program.
Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.
Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.
Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that applicant needs for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.
Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.