JAA is the prime contractor providing technical and logistical support for the Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program. Established in 1981, the MERC Program at USAID provides grants to Arab-Israeli research teams to encourage innovation in applied sciences and foster cross-border partnerships. JAA, in partnership with CUBRC, Inc., supports the MERC program by interfacing with Middle East researchers as they navigate research regulations and grant application procedures. JAA recruits U.S. researchers to serve on peer review panels that analyze proposals to the MERC Program. JAA also monitors and evaluates grant progress to ensure that research and cross-border cooperation is being carried out according to grant agreements.

‍

Duration: 2020 - 2025