Syria Annual Program Statement

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Assistance Coordination of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit statements of interest (SOIs) for innovative foreign assistance projects benefiting Syria that also advance U.S. commercial diplomacy and put American interests first. The SOIs must demonstrate how projects will leverage foreign assistance for U.S. partners as a tool of statecraft to advance U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic objectives. The programming should promote trade, not aid, by leveraging assistance resources to champion American enterprise and infrastructure and catalyze private capital through market principles. • The projects should address foreign assistance programming for Syria in sectors including energy, digital connectivity, emerging technologies, 5G infrastructure, agriculture, regional economic integration, advanced manufacturing, workforce training, and economic recovery in conflict-affected areas. • The projects should orient implementing partners toward the American business community and foster burden-sharing. • The applicants must review guidance in the sections below and tailor SOIs to address identified priorities. • The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. • The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the project, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.