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Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)

Active
DFOP0019227Grant

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

AI Contract Overview

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The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, solicited under DFOP0019227, fosters joint scientific research and innovation partnerships among the United States, Israel, and eligible countries across the Middle East and North Africa to tackle shared regional challenges while advancing U.S. economic, technological, and strategic goals. The program requires all funded projects to include collaboration between institutions from Israel and at least one MENA country or territory, with U.S. participants bringing critical technical expertise, market access, and commercialization pathways. Emphasis is placed on applied research with clear potential for real-world impact, scalability, and adoption, ensuring outcomes directly benefit U.S. interests through strengthened technological leadership, expanded business opportunities, and the global deployment of U.S. innovations. Projects must demonstrate a strategic plan for translating results into practical applications and long-term regional benefits, reinforcing peaceful cooperation, innovation ecosystems, and economic growth. The Department of State’s Assistance Coordination office manages the program, with proposals due by September 30, 2026, and funding intended to build durable networks among researchers and institutions across the region. By connecting U.S., Israeli, and MENA entities, MERC aims to create stable, mutually beneficial partnerships that extend beyond scientific collaboration to support regional stability and shared prosperity.

General Info

U.S., Israel, and MENA institutions collaborate on applied research to advance U.S. tech, economy, and regional stability through innovation and commercialization.

Agency

Department Of State → Assistance CoordinationView Agency

NAICS

541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)View NAICS

Place of Performance

Not specified

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

(1)

DFOP0019227 Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) NOFO 2026

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Timeline

PhaseSolicitation
Posted

Solicitation

Response Deadline

Submission deadline

Response Deadline

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Organization & Contact Information

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AgencyDepartment Of State → Assistance Coordination
Contacts1 person available
OfficeUS
Organization / Agency
Department Of State → Assistance Coordination
View Agency Profile
Office AddressUS
Contacts
Assistance Coordination
contact@example.gov
+1 (555) 000-0000

Full Description

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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.

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