The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA/AC) of the U.S. Department of State is seeking Statements of Interest (SOI) for innovative foreign‑assistance programs that advance U.S. commercial diplomacy in nine Near‑Eastern partner countries. Applicants may be non‑profits, universities, for‑profit firms, or international NGOs. Funding is provided via cooperative agreements or other instruments, with award ceilings up to $30 M and floors of $250 k per award. The competition is open 08/21/2026–09/30/2026; no pre‑bid meeting or site visit is required. Up to nine awards will be made, but the exact number per country is flexible. Projects should focus on sectors such as energy, trade facilitation, emerging technologies, critical infrastructure, critical minerals, regional economic integration, advanced manufacturing, and workforce training. Cost‑share is encouraged but not mandatory.
• Open to U.S. and non‑U.S. entities (non‑profits, universities, for‑profits, NGOs).
• No minimum track‑record; SOI 1‑3 pages, no template required.
• Funding range per award: $250 k – $30 M; performance period typically 12–36 months.
• Eligible countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, West Bank.
• Applications submitted via MyGrants; no SF‑424 required for SOI stage.
• Evaluation criteria include program idea, organizational capacity, and program planning.