Justification

February 6, 2026

To: Office of Management and Budget

Through: Brandi Beam A/SKS/PPKM/OP

From: Christine Horning PERT/GCLO

Subject: Requesting approval to make a non-substantive change to the Professional Development Fellowship (PDF) Application Form (DS-4297)

In accordance with the America First Branding Policy, the Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) is undertaking a comprehensive rebranding of all communications materials, including the Professional Development Fellowship (PDF) Application Form (DS-4297). The current version of the form (DS-4297) features outdated GCLO branding elements, including an obsolete logo and color scheme.

 

GCLO requests approval for a non-substantive change to the PDF application form to ensure compliance with official Department of State branding standards, as specified in 10 FAM 400. The proposed update will replace the current GCLO logo and colors with the U.S. flag and the official Department of State seal, in line with current policy and visual identity guidelines.