Implementation of Four GCTF Classic Workshops in 2027

The Implementation of Four GCTF Classic Workshops in 2027 funding opportunity is an open competition issued by the American Institute in Taiwan Public Diplomacy Section. The opportunity will support implementation of the 2027 Global Cooperation and Training Framework Classic Workshop Series through a single cooperative agreement. The Global Cooperation and Training Framework was established in 2015 by Taiwan and the United States and subsequently expanded to include Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It serves as a capacity-building platform through which government officials, industry experts, academics, civil society representatives, and other specialists exchange practical experience and promote cooperation on regional and global challenges. The 2027 series is expected to address resilience, emerging technologies, economic security, trusted supply chains, democratic governance, and other topics jointly identified by GCTF partners. Subject to funding availability, AIT anticipates making one cooperative agreement with an award ranging from 400000 dollars to 450000 dollars. Total available funding is listed as pending the selected grantee's proposal. The period of performance is 18 months, with an anticipated project start date of October 1, 2026 and completion by March 31, 2028. The recipient will implement approximately four GCTF Classic workshops in Taiwan during calendar year 2027. Most workshops are expected to take place in Taipei, with one anticipated in southern Taiwan. The selected recipient will provide venue management, participant registration, domestic and international travel coordination, interpretation, audiovisual services, workshop materials, vendor management, site or technical visits when appropriate, participant outreach, post-event evaluations, the overall 2027 program report, and required financial, monitoring, and performance reporting. The award is a cooperative agreement involving substantial participation by AIT and the GCTF partners. AIT will approve key implementation matters including venue selection, flight and hotel arrangements, ground transportation, lodging, visual designs, agendas, site visit locations, speaker and participant lists, catering and menus, conference room layouts, lighting, and audiovisual arrangements. Funding may support allowable project expenses such as personnel and fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, consultants and contracts, other direct costs, and applicable indirect costs. Pre-award costs and construction are not allowable. Funds may not support partisan political activity, charitable or development activities and direct social services, specific religious activities, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research or surveys, commercial projects, organizational growth or institutional development, duplicative projects, illegal activities, alcoholic beverages, or entertainment-related expenses. Cost sharing is not required. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations such as NGOs, think tanks, and civil society organizations; educational institutions including universities and research institutions; professional associations and nonprofit organizations with relevant experience; and public international organizations where permitted under applicable U.S. Government regulations. Although the NOFO also references private-sector organizations with relevant international conference or exchange experience, it explicitly states that for-profit entities are not eligible and that only one nonprofit, non-governmental entity may serve as the prime recipient. Organizations may subcontract with other entities when responsibilities are clearly defined. Applicants must generally have a Unique Entity Identifier and active SAM.gov registration, subject to permitted exemptions. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026, Taipei Time. The source labels this deadline as TBC in the overview and cover material, while the submission section states that all applications must be received by that date and that the deadline is firm and not rolling. Application materials are to be submitted directly to AITGCTF@state.gov with the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the email subject line. Required materials include the applicable SF-424 forms, a proposal of no more than 10 pages, a detailed line-item budget, budget justification narrative, key personnel resumes or permitted position descriptions, letters of support from program partners, applicable indirect cost documentation, proof of nonprofit status, and proof of registration. The proposal must address the project summary, organization background, problem statement, program methods and activities, project schedule and timeline, key personnel, partners, sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation. The application must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan addressing monitoring and evaluation processes, personnel and management structure, technology, relevant expenditures, a Theory of Change diagram or If-Then Statement, and a Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet connecting activities to outputs, outcomes, goals, and objectives. Applications are screened first for technical eligibility, and submissions missing required forms or documents are considered ineligible. Eligible applications are reviewed on Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea at 20 points, Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants at 20 points, Project Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives at 25 points, Budget at 15 points, Monitoring and Evaluation at 10 points, and Sustainability at 10 points. Equivalent scores are subject to a tie-breaking preference for the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the review panel results. Prior to award, the Department conducts a risk review addressing financial stability, management systems and standards, performance history, audit reports and findings, and ability to implement project requirements. Recipients will be subject to applicable federal award conditions and reporting requirements, with most recipients expected to submit quarterly program progress and financial reports and final certified programmatic and financial reports within 120 days after the project period closes. Questions regarding the solicitation may be submitted to AITGCTF@state.gov and must be received at least one week before the application deadline. The source does not establish an annual or other recurring application schedule for this specific funding opportunity.

Prioritize Project Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives because it carries the highest individual review weight at 25 points. Provide a detailed and feasible implementation plan for all four workshops, including target audiences, participant recruitment, locations, logistics, milestones, and measurable objectives. Demonstrate strong organizational capacity, internal controls, fiscal management, relevant international conference or capacity-building experience, and a positive record on previous grants. Align the project directly with the NOFO priorities and explain its contribution to practical international cooperation and GCTF objectives. Develop a complete draft Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan with measurable indicators, data collection methods, timeline, and a clear Theory of Change or If-Then Statement. Prepare a detailed budget based on documented costs rather than rough estimates and ensure every item is reasonable, allowable, allocable, and directly connected to project activities. Address sustainability beyond the grant period. Confirm the August 31, 2026 Taipei Time deadline and the 400000 to 450000 award range with AIT because both are marked TBC in portions of the source.