We’ve got a simple, quick way you can help make USAID more effective
Hi Unlock Aid,
We’ve got a simple, quick way you can help make USAID more effective.
First, some background: Putting local organizations in the lead is one of Administrator Power’s top priorities, so how USAID executes its “localization” strategy matters a lot. Get this right and USAID can become the most innovative, transparent, and effective aid agency in the world. Get this wrong and we run the risk of perpetuating the status quo.
As Unlock Aid's incoming Executive Director, I sent USAID a ten-page memo that our team drafted and now it’s time to show them that our coalition has the engaged community to make reform a reality.
So here’s what you can do: USAID is soliciting comments for its proposed Local Capacity Development Policy and they want to hear from you. It should take you no more than 30 seconds but it will make a big difference.
Step 1
Review some talking points we’ve put together:
I support USAID’s vision to promote more locally-led development and agree with Unlock Aid that this vision will be realized only if USAID does the following:
Use more straightforward contracting and grant-making methods that pay on the basis of milestones and results delivered, like Fixed Amount Awards. Relying on traditional “cost-reimbursable” methods that pay for time and materials drives away innovators and local organizations;
Create HR incentives for USAID contracting officers to structure more awards that pay for results and write awards directly to smaller innovators;
Create an era of transparency at USAID by telling us who the agency is paying, to do what, and against what milestones for every award;
Increase USAID’s use of fiscal agents. These organizations can absorb large sums and can manage the back-end systems on behalf of smaller partners.
Enforce more accountability on large awards won by legacy partners to ensure that more money reaches the countries USAID supports.
USAID can lead the way to re-imagine the future of global development but only if it changes the way it does business. We stand ready to work with you to make this vision a reality.
Step 2
Go here (https://www.usaid.gov/local-capacity-development-policy) and share your thoughts. Make sure you are clear about the experiences that inform your perspective and don’t be shy to say you’re writing in support the ideas outlined by Unlock Aid.
Step 3
Email us so we can keep a tally of the size and diversity of comments we’ve generated. In addition to the substance of our ideas, it’s critical our coalition is able to demonstrate the ability to rally our network and build political power.
I’m excited to work together with you to shape the future of international development. There’s lots to do but it will be well worth the effort. Thanks for making a difference today.