Annual Program Statement for U.S. Presentation at International Architecture Biennales

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, seeks to advance international understanding of American values through the presentation of innovative architectural exhibitions at the International Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy, under solicitation DFOP0017180. This annual program statement provides funding of up to $475,000 per biennale cycle, allocated as $125,000 for U.S. Pavilion operations managed by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and $350,000 for exhibition development, production, installation, dismantling, shipping, and travel for key participants. The program requires a comprehensive exhibition concept including curatorial vision, visual materials, and design blueprints that reflect American architectural excellence and innovation, aligning with U.S. foreign policy goals and promoting dialogue on global challenges. Proposals must include a three-day Vernissage, educational and virtual outreach programming, and a targeted U.S. media campaign to amplify reach abroad and at home. The period of performance is 18 months per award, with application windows tied to upcoming Biennale cycles in 2027, 2029, and 2031, and submissions must be made electronically through Grants.gov or MYGRANTS by specified deadlines, with no exceptions for fax, courier, or email delivery. Applicants must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and registration in SAM.gov, with U.S.-based entities also requiring an EIN and CAGE code. All proposals are subject to rigorous risk reviews evaluating financial stability, management systems, past performance, and audit history, and recipients must pass a responsibility determination via SAM.gov’s Excluded Parties List System. Federal compliance obligations include adherence to the Fly America Act for travel, 2 CFR part 200 cost principles, domestic preference for U.S.-made materials, prohibitions against contracting with the enemy, drug-free workplace requirements, and trafficking in persons provisions. Recipients must follow strict Department of State branding guidelines to prominently identify U.S. government funding and are required to submit a detailed budget using the SF-424A template and supporting documents including SF-424, SF-424B, SF-LLL (if applicable), letters of support, and a one-page timeline. Evaluation prioritizes architectural merit, exhibition quality, and advancement of U.S. foreign policy goals, each weighted equally, with organizational capacity also considered. Failure to comply with reporting requirements—including performance and financial reports