Opportunity ID: 363070
General Information
| Funding Opportunity Number | DFOP0019227 |
| Funding Opportunity Title | Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) |
| Agency | Assistance Coordination |
| Document Type | synopsis |
| Version | 2 |
| Opportunity Category | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation | Not specified |
| Funding Instrument Type | Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity | Science and Technology and other Research and Development |
| Category Explanation | Not specified |
| Expected Number of Awards | 7 |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement | No |
| Posted Date | Jul 06, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Last Updated Date | Jul 06, 2026 11:32:41 AM EDT |
| Original Closing Date | Sep 30, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Original Closing Date Notes | Not specified |
| Current Closing Date | Sep 30, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Current Closing Date Notes | Not specified |
| Estimated Synopsis Date | Not specified |
| Estimated Application Due Date | Not specified |
| Estimated Award Date | Not specified |
| Estimated Project Start Date | Not specified |
| Archive Date | Not specified |
| Estimated Total Program Funding | 10,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling | 2,000,000 |
| Award Floor | 100,000 |
Assistance Listings
- 19.502 — Middle East Regional Cooperation Program
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants | Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) |
The following organizations are eligible to apply: – Public and private educational institutions – Corporations and for-profit organizations – Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations – Public International Organizations and governmental institutions
Description
The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program supports joint scientific research and innovation partnerships between the United States, Israel, and countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The program funds applied research projects that address shared regional challenges while advancing U.S. economic, technological, and strategic interests. MERC is designed to bring together researchers, technical experts, and institutions to work on projects that go beyond basic research and demonstrate clear potential for application, commercialization, and broader adoption. MERC prioritizes efforts that strengthen U.S. technological leadership, expand opportunities for U.S. businesses, promote the use of U.S. technologies, and build long-term partnerships in the region. The program places strong emphasis on collaboration. All projects must include organizations from Israel and at least one eligible MENA country or territory. MERC welcomes U.S. participation, particularly when it adds technical expertise, supports market expansion for U.S. companies, or helps connect research to markets. Projects should demonstrate a clear plan for using and scaling results and how the outcomes benefit priorities of the United States and the participating countries. Overall, MERC aims to strengthen regional cooperation by supporting high-quality scientific partnerships that produce tangible results. By connecting U.S., Israeli, and MENA organizations, the program helps build networks, promote innovation, and create opportunities for economic growth, peaceful and mutually beneficial collaboration, and long-term stability in the region.
Additional Information
| Contact | Assistance Coordination |
| Contact Information | NEA-Grants@state.gov |
| NEA-Grants@state.gov | |
| Email Description | NEA-Grants@state.gov |
| Phone | 703-516-1684 |
Additional information
Version History
Version history
| Opp hist id / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Opp hist id / Revision | 0 |
| Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Revision | 0 |
| Opportunity number | DFOP0019227 |
| Opportunity title | Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) |
| Owning agency code | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Opportunity category / Category | D |
| Opportunity category / Description | Discretionary |
| Synopsis / Id / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis / Id / Revision | 0 |
| Synopsis / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis / Revision | 0 |
| Synopsis / Version | 1 |
| Synopsis / Agency code | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Code | AC |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Seed | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Agency name | Assistance Coordination |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Agency code | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Top agency code | DOS |
| Synopsis / Agency contact phone | 703-516-1684 |
| Synopsis / Agency contact name | Assistance Coordination |
| Synopsis / Agency contact desc | NEA-Grants@state.gov |
| Synopsis / Synopsis desc | The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program supports joint scientific research and innovation partnerships between the United States, Israel, and countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The program funds applied research projects that address shared regional challenges while advancing U.S. economic, technological, and strategic interests.
MERC is designed to bring together researchers, technical experts, and institutions to work on projects that go beyond basic research and demonstrate clear potential for application, commercialization, and broader adoption. MERC prioritizes efforts that strengthen U.S. technological leadership, expand opportunities for U.S. businesses, promote the use of U.S. technologies, and build long-term partnerships in the region. The program places strong emphasis on collaboration. All projects must include organizations from Israel and at least one eligible MENA country or territory. MERC welcomes U.S. participation, particularly when it adds technical expertise, supports market expansion for U.S. companies, or helps connect research to markets. Projects should demonstrate a clear plan for using and scaling results and how the outcomes benefit priorities of the United States and the participating countries. Overall, MERC aims to strengthen regional cooperation by supporting high-quality scientific partnerships that produce tangible results. By connecting U.S., Israeli, and MENA organizations, the program helps build networks, promote innovation, and create opportunities for economic growth, peaceful and mutually beneficial collaboration, and long-term stability in the region. |
| Synopsis / Response date | Sep 30, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Response date desc | Not specified |
| Synopsis / Funding desc link url | |
| Synopsis / Funding desc link desc | Link to Opportunity in MyGrants |
| Synopsis / Posting date | Jul 06, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Cost sharing | No |
| Synopsis / Number of awards | 7 |
| Synopsis / Estimated funding | 10000000 |
| Synopsis / Estimated funding formatted | 10,000,000 |
| Synopsis / Award ceiling | 2000000 |
| Synopsis / Award ceiling formatted | 2,000,000 |
| Synopsis / Award floor | 100000 |
| Synopsis / Award floor formatted | 100,000 |
| Synopsis / Applicant eligibility desc | The following organizations are eligible to apply: – Public and private educational institutions – Corporations and for-profit organizations – Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations – Public International Organizations and governmental institutions |
| Synopsis / Create time stamp | Jul 06, 2026 11:27:47 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Action type | U |
| Synopsis / Action date | Jul 06, 2026 11:32:41 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Created date | Jul 06, 2026 11:27:47 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Last updated date | Jul 06, 2026 11:27:47 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Applicant types 1 / Id | 25 |
| Synopsis / Applicant types 1 / Description | Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) |
| Synopsis / Funding instruments 1 / Id | G |
| Synopsis / Funding instruments 1 / Description | Grant |
| Synopsis / Funding activity categories 1 / Id | ST |
| Synopsis / Funding activity categories 1 / Description | Science and Technology and other Research and Development |
| Synopsis / Response date str | 2026-09-30-00-00-00 |
| Synopsis / Posting date str | 2026-07-06-00-00-00 |
| Synopsis / Create time stamp str | 2026-07-06-11-27-47 |
| Cfdas 1 / Id | 434440 |
| Cfdas 1 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Cfdas 1 / Revision | 0 |
| Cfdas 1 / Cfda number | 19.502 |
| Cfdas 1 / Program title | Middle East Regional Cooperation Program |
| Synopsis modified fields | Not specified |
| Forecast modified fields | Not specified |
Attachment changes
| Id / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Id / Att type | D |
| Id / Created date | Aug 04, 2026 08:45:45 AM EDT |
| Id / Att type desc | Related Documents |
| Id / Comments date | Aug 04, 2026 |
| Change comments | An updated DFOP0019227 MERC Frequently Asked Questions, dated August 3, 2026, has been posted. |
| Id / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Id / Att type | D |
| Id / Created date | Jul 27, 2026 03:02:30 PM EDT |
| Id / Att type desc | Related Documents |
| Id / Comments date | Jul 27, 2026 |
| Change comments | Updated funding opportunity to upload Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
Synopsis changes
revision
version
agencyAddressDesc
agencyContactEmail
agencyContactEmailDesc
synopsisDesc
fundingDescLinkUrl
fundingDescLinkDesc
applicantEligibilityDesc
createTimeStamp
| Id | 363070 |
| Revision | 1 |
| Opportunity number | DFOP0019227 |
| Opportunity title | Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) |
| Owning agency code | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Opportunity category / Category | D |
| Opportunity category / Description | Discretionary |
| Synopsis / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis / Version | 2 |
| Synopsis / Agency code | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Synopsis / Agency name | Assistance Coordination |
| Synopsis / Agency phone | 703-516-1684 |
| Synopsis / Agency address desc | NEA-Grants@state.gov |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Code | AC |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Seed | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Agency name | Assistance Coordination |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Agency code | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Synopsis / Agency details / Top agency code | DOS |
| Synopsis / Top agency details / Code | DOS |
| Synopsis / Top agency details / Seed | DOS |
| Synopsis / Top agency details / Agency name | Department of State |
| Synopsis / Top agency details / Agency code | DOS |
| Synopsis / Top agency details / Top agency code | DOS |
| Synopsis / Agency contact phone | 703-516-1684 |
| Synopsis / Agency contact name | Assistance Coordination |
| Synopsis / Agency contact desc | NEA-Grants@state.gov |
| Synopsis / Agency contact email | NEA-Grants@state.gov |
| Synopsis / Agency contact email desc | NEA-Grants@state.gov |
| Synopsis / Synopsis desc | The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program supports joint scientific research and innovation partnerships between the United States, Israel, and countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The program funds applied research projects that address shared regional challenges while advancing U.S. economic, technological, and strategic interests. MERC is designed to bring together researchers, technical experts, and institutions to work on projects that go beyond basic research and demonstrate clear potential for application, commercialization, and broader adoption. MERC prioritizes efforts that strengthen U.S. technological leadership, expand opportunities for U.S. businesses, promote the use of U.S. technologies, and build long-term partnerships in the region. The program places strong emphasis on collaboration. All projects must include organizations from Israel and at least one eligible MENA country or territory. MERC welcomes U.S. participation, particularly when it adds technical expertise, supports market expansion for U.S. companies, or helps connect research to markets. Projects should demonstrate a clear plan for using and scaling results and how the outcomes benefit priorities of the United States and the participating countries. Overall, MERC aims to strengthen regional cooperation by supporting high-quality scientific partnerships that produce tangible results. By connecting U.S., Israeli, and MENA organizations, the program helps build networks, promote innovation, and create opportunities for economic growth, peaceful and mutually beneficial collaboration, and long-term stability in the region. |
| Synopsis / Response date | Sep 30, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Response date desc | Not specified |
| Synopsis / Posting date | Jul 06, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Cost sharing | No |
| Synopsis / Number of awards | 7 |
| Synopsis / Estimated funding | 10000000 |
| Synopsis / Estimated funding formatted | 10,000,000 |
| Synopsis / Award ceiling | 2000000 |
| Synopsis / Award ceiling formatted | 2,000,000 |
| Synopsis / Award floor | 100000 |
| Synopsis / Award floor formatted | 100,000 |
| Synopsis / Applicant eligibility desc | The following organizations are eligible to apply: – Public and private educational institutions – Corporations and for-profit organizations – Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations – Public International Organizations and governmental institutions |
| Synopsis / Create time stamp | Sep 15, 2026 01:16:06 PM EDT |
| Synopsis / Mod comments | Removing MyGrants link. |
| Synopsis / Created date | Jul 06, 2026 11:27:47 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Last updated date | Jul 06, 2026 11:32:41 AM EDT |
| Synopsis / Applicant types 1 / Id | 25 |
| Synopsis / Applicant types 1 / Description | Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) |
| Synopsis / Funding instruments 1 / Id | G |
| Synopsis / Funding instruments 1 / Description | Grant |
| Synopsis / Funding activity categories 1 / Id | ST |
| Synopsis / Funding activity categories 1 / Description | Science and Technology and other Research and Development |
| Synopsis / Response date str | 2026-09-30-00-00-00 |
| Synopsis / Posting date str | 2026-07-06-00-00-00 |
| Synopsis / Create time stamp str | 2026-09-15-13-16-06 |
| Agency details / Code | AC |
| Agency details / Seed | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Agency details / Agency name | Assistance Coordination |
| Agency details / Agency code | DOS-NEA-AC |
| Agency details / Top agency code | DOS |
| Top agency details / Code | DOS |
| Top agency details / Seed | DOS |
| Top agency details / Agency name | Department of State |
| Top agency details / Agency code | DOS |
| Top agency details / Top agency code | DOS |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Id | 80607 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Folder type | Full Announcement |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Folder name | Full MERC NOFO |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Zip lob size | 583219 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Created date | Jul 06, 2026 12:51:14 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Last updated date | Jul 06, 2026 12:51:28 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Id | 353637 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Mime type | application/pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / File name | DFOP0019227_Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) NOFO 2026.pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / File description | DFOP0019227_Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) NOFO 2026 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / File lob size | 648515 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Created date | Jul 06, 2026 12:51:28 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 1 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Synopsis att folder id | 80607 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Id | 80880 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Folder type | Other Supporting Documents |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Folder name | DFOP0019227 FAQ |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Zip lob size | 862466 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Created date | Jul 27, 2026 03:00:29 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Last updated date | Sep 15, 2026 01:16:06 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Id | 354177 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Mime type | application/pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / File name | DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs.pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / File description | DFOP0019227 MERC Frequently Asked Questions |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / File lob size | 191055 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Created date | Jul 27, 2026 03:01:13 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 1 / Synopsis att folder id | 80880 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / Id | 354780 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / Mime type | application/pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / File name | DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs (8.24.2026).pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / File description | DFOP0019227 MERC Frequently Asked Questions (August 24, 2026) |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / File lob size | 246507 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / Created date | Aug 24, 2026 03:35:29 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 2 / Synopsis att folder id | 80880 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / Id | 354354 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / Mime type | application/pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / File name | DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs (8.3.2026).pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / File description | DFOP0019227 MERC Updated Frequently Asked Questions (August 3, 2026) |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / File lob size | 227579 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / Created date | Aug 04, 2026 08:45:03 AM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 3 / Synopsis att folder id | 80880 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / Id | 355040 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / Mime type | application/pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / File name | DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs (9.15.2026).pdf |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / File description | DFOP0019227 MERC Updated Frequently Asked Questions (September 15, 2026) |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / File lob size | 256237 |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / Created date | Sep 15, 2026 01:16:06 PM EDT |
| Synopsis attachment folders 2 / Synopsis attachments 4 / Synopsis att folder id | 80880 |
| Synopsis document urls | Not specified |
| Syn att change comments 1 / Id / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Syn att change comments 1 / Id / Att type | D |
| Syn att change comments 1 / Id / Created date | Aug 04, 2026 08:45:45 AM EDT |
| Syn att change comments 1 / Id / Att type desc | Related Documents |
| Syn att change comments 1 / Id / Comments date | Aug 04, 2026 |
| Syn att change comments 1 / Change comments | An updated DFOP0019227 MERC Frequently Asked Questions, dated August 3, 2026, has been posted. |
| Syn att change comments 2 / Id / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Syn att change comments 2 / Id / Att type | D |
| Syn att change comments 2 / Id / Created date | Jul 27, 2026 03:02:30 PM EDT |
| Syn att change comments 2 / Id / Att type desc | Related Documents |
| Syn att change comments 2 / Id / Comments date | Jul 27, 2026 |
| Syn att change comments 2 / Change comments | Updated funding opportunity to upload Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
| Cfdas 1 / Id | 434440 |
| Cfdas 1 / Opportunity id | 363070 |
| Cfdas 1 / Cfda number | 19.502 |
| Cfdas 1 / Program title | Middle East Regional Cooperation Program |
| Opportunity pkgs | Not specified |
| Closed opportunity pkgs | Not specified |
| Original due date | Sep 30, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT |
| Original due date desc | Not specified |
| Synopsis modified fields | revision; version; agencyAddressDesc; agencyContactEmail; agencyContactEmailDesc; synopsisDesc; fundingDescLinkUrl; fundingDescLinkDesc; applicantEligibilityDesc; createTimeStamp |
| Forecast modified fields | Not specified |
| Error messages | Not specified |
| Syn post date in past | Yes |
| Doc type | synopsis |
| Forecast hist count | 0 |
| Synopsis hist count | 0 |
| Assist compatible | No |
| Assist url | Not specified |
| Related opps | Not specified |
| Ost | POSTED |
Related Documents
DFOP0019227_Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) NOFO 2026.pdf
DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs (9.15.2026).pdf
DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs.pdf
DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs (8.24.2026).pdf
DFOP0019227 MERC FAQs (8.3.2026).pdf
Packages
There are no packages on this grant.
