Advancing Strategic Space Partnerships in the Middle East

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA) at the U.S. Department of State has announced the funding opportunity titled Advancing Strategic Space Partnerships in the Middle East under opportunity number DFOP0017462. The program is designed to engage and empower a new generation of leaders in the Middle East and North Africa region by equipping them with the skills required to harness the global space economy. This initiative aims to position the United States as a partner of choice for countries in the region by offering training in space capacity building, leadership, diplomacy, and commerce. The award ceiling is $2,250,000, with a single award anticipated for a two-year period of performance, pending availability of funds:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. The program will target participants from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Oman. The goal is to deepen connections with U.S. institutions and private sector companies, increase awareness of U.S.-sourced technology, and reinforce values such as transparency, innovation, and responsible governance. Activities will include strategic consultations, tailored training programs, and collaboration with U.S. space institutions such as NASA and the Department of Commerce. By focusing on alignment with U.S. space governance principles, the program also seeks to promote commercial opportunities for U.S. companies:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Applicants must be legally registered organizations, including U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofits, educational institutions, for-profit organizations, and governmental or intergovernmental institutions. Cost sharing is not required. Prime applicants must demonstrate prior experience working in the MENA region and in the space sector. Organizations must also be registered in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Local partnerships with organizations in the target countries are strongly encouraged:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Proposals must be submitted in English through the MyGrants portal linked in Grants.gov. Applications must include standard federal forms (SF-424 and SF-424a), a project narrative not exceeding 15 pages, a detailed budget, and required attachments such as resumes for key personnel and letters of support from partners. Additional optional documents, such as sustainability plans and risk mitigation strategies, may be submitted. Formatting requires 12-point Calibri font, single spacing, and one-inch margins:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. The deadline for applicant questions is August 7, 2025, and all applications must be received by August 25, 2025, at 16:00 Eastern Daylight Time. No late applications will be considered. NEA/AC reserves the right to engage in cooperative agreements, meaning the Department will retain substantial involvement in refining objectives, approving deliverables, and evaluating progress. Award notices will be issued after congressional appropriations and internal approvals are completed:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Evaluation of applications will be based on achievable objectives, project design, organizational capacity, staff qualifications, and budget justification. Proposals will be reviewed through a multi-step process including technical eligibility, subject matter expert review, and final panel scoring. Reporting requirements for selected recipients include quarterly performance and financial reports. Branding requirements mandate the use of the U.S. flag on program materials, and grantees must comply with federal terms and conditions, including Leahy vetting where relevant:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. The primary point of contact for this funding opportunity is the NEA Grants Office, which can be reached at nea-grants@state.gov. Technical assistance regarding the SAMS Domestic portal is available through the ILMS Help Desk at (888) 313-4567. This NOFO represents a significant opportunity for organizations with expertise in space policy, training, and international partnerships to contribute to U.S. foreign policy goals by fostering strategic space collaborations in the Middle East:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.