CFAs: NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement (United States)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) is inviting organizations to submit statements of interest for innovative foreign assistance programs supporting U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives across the Near East. Projects can request between $250,000 and $30 million and may focus on areas such as energy, trade, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, critical infrastructure, critical minerals, workforce development, and economic recovery.

About the NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement

The NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement supports innovative foreign assistance programs designed to address strategic economic and development challenges in the Near East. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that can create sustainable economic opportunities while strengthening relationships between the United States and partner countries. Key Program Priorities Energy Development and Exports Projects may support energy development, energy infrastructure, exports, and related private-sector opportunities that strengthen regional energy markets. Trade Facilitation Proposals can address barriers to regional and international trade, including regulatory improvements, market integration, and infrastructure needed to facilitate commerce. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies The program highlights emerging technologies, particularly: Projects should demonstrate how emerging technologies can address strategic regional challenges while creating opportunities for U.S. commercial engagement. Projects may support the development of critical mineral supply chains and related economic opportunities. Advanced Manufacturing The program supports approaches that strengthen advanced manufacturing capabilities and connect regional economies with modern industrial systems. Workforce Training Training initiatives should help develop skills aligned with private-sector demand, including workforce needs associated with U.S. businesses operating or investing in the region. Economic Recovery Projects may support economic recovery in conflict-affected areas, particularly where private-sector development, infrastructure, and employment can contribute to longer-term stability. Country-Specific Priorities The program includes tailored priorities for several countries and territories in the Near East. Country priorities may include U.S. commercial engagement, regulatory reform, infrastructure development, private-sector capacity building, and economic recovery. Applicants should ensure that proposed activities directly correspond to the priorities applicable to the country or countries where implementation will occur. Funding Available The program has an estimated total funding level of $190 million.

Individual awards may range from:

Minimum: $250,000.

Maximum: $30,000,000.

Awards may be structured as:

Grants. Fixed Amount Awards. Cooperative Agreements. The anticipated performance period is generally 12 to 36 months. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Who Is Eligible? The opportunity is open to a broad range of organizations, including: Nonprofit organizations. Non-governmental organizations. Think tanks. Public and private educational institutions. For-profit organizations. Public international organizations. Governmental institutions. Applicants must be capable of operating in the relevant target countries and must comply with applicable U.S. laws, regulations, and policies. Additional Eligibility Requirements Depending on the proposed country and activity, applicants may need to demonstrate: Legal authority to operate in the target country. Appropriate operational capacity. Experience working in complex or conflict-affected environments. Ability to manage U.S. foreign assistance funding. Compliance with counterterrorism requirements. Compliance with applicable anti-discrimination requirements. Country-specific requirements may be particularly important for organizations proposing work in challenging operating environments. What Makes a Strong Project? A strong proposal should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed intervention and the program’s strategic objectives.

Projects should ideally:

Address a specific economic or strategic challenge. Projects that simply provide short-term assistance without demonstrating broader economic or strategic impact may be less aligned with the program’s objectives. Why This Program Matters The NEA/AC program takes a strategic approach to foreign assistance by linking economic development, private investment, technology, infrastructure, and regional stability. Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional development assistance, the program seeks to catalyze market-based solutions and strengthen commercial relationships. Increased opportunities for U.S. companies and technologies. How to Apply Applicants should develop their statement of interest around the strategic priorities of the program and the specific needs of the proposed country.

Step 1: Select a Strategic Challenge

Identify a clearly defined challenge or opportunity in the target country or region.

Examples include:

Infrastructure gaps. Limited trade integration. Energy development. Technology adoption. Workforce shortages. Critical mineral development. Economic recovery.

Step 2: Match the Project to Program Priorities

Explain exactly how the proposed activity advances one or more NEA/AC priorities. The connection should be explicit rather than implied.

Step 3: Review Country-Specific Priorities

For proposals involving Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, or the West Bank, applicants should ensure that the project addresses the relevant country-specific objectives.

Step 4: Develop a Market-Based Approach

Explain how the project will:

Leverage private-sector capabilities. Attract or catalyze private capital. Promote trade or investment. Encourage sustainable commercial act