Deadline: 25-Aug-2025
The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs is launching a program to empower a new generation of leaders in the Middle East and North Africa with the skills needed to engage in the growing global space economy. The initiative focuses on building interdisciplinary leadership capabilities and technical expertise while promoting peaceful and collaborative approaches to space exploration.
The program is designed to encourage the adoption of U.S. space technologies and alignment with U.S. space infrastructure. It aims to strengthen institutional capacity in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Oman by offering training on U.S. strategic priorities related to space commerce, diplomacy, scientific innovation, and technology. Another key objective is to promote private sector participation and stimulate trade and investment in space-related enterprises.
A qualified implementing organization will be selected to develop and deliver flexible training programs focused on four areas: space capacity building, leadership, diplomacy, and commerce. These programs will target professionals and emerging leaders in the four selected countries. The organization will begin with a needs assessment in each country to tailor the curriculum according to local priorities. Training will be modular and scalable, delivered through in-person or virtual formats depending on context and accessibility.
Responsibilities for the implementer include consulting with stakeholders—such as government officials, academics, security agencies, and private sector representatives—to understand local needs. They will also coordinate with a designated Department of State contact in each country throughout the project. The training materials must align with U.S. space policy and standards, involving input from U.S. space agencies, private sector experts, and universities.
The implementer will design country-specific modules, deliver trainings, and provide detailed documentation, including evaluation, feedback, milestone tracking, and recommendations for long-term engagement. The total award funding available for the project is up to $2,250,000.
Eligible applicants include legally registered U.S. and non-U.S. entities such as nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, educational institutions, foundations, think tanks, faith-based and community organizations, and public international or governmental institutions. Applicants may partner with other entities through consortia or sub-grants to strengthen their proposals.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.