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UPDATED INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY: Former USAID Mission Director Debarred for 20 Years After Soliciting and Paying Commercial Sex Workers

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USAID’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated an investigation into an allegation that a former USAID mission director was the client of a commercial sex ring. OIG worked with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) to investigate the allegations.  OIG and DS found evidence showing that the former mission director posted … [Read more…]

Trump budget nominee Russell Vought says presidents can withhold authorized spending

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WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) – Donald Trump’s choice to oversee the federal budget, Russell Vought, defended the U.S. president-elect’s goal of cutting spending by refusing to spend money that Congress has already authorized at a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Vought, who also headed the Office of Management and Budget during Trump’s first term, questioned … [Read more…]

USG-Funded Family Planning Projects and Safe Abortion: What’s Next for the Mexico City Policy (PLGHA) Under the New Trump Administration?

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If you’re an American health NGO or an international health organization working with US government-funded assistance programs that include abortion as part of family planning, this is essential reading! When President-elect Donald Trump steps into office on January 20, 2025, his early actions will have a significant impact on USG-funded assistance programs. Expect to see … [Read more…]

The Gates Foundation has recently undergone a rebranding, now referring to itself as an NGO instead of a foundation

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So, what’s the story behind this shift? The rebranding follows Melinda’s departure and her divorce from Bill, as she has since launched her own venture, Pivotal Ventures. By positioning itself as an NGO, the Foundation aims to attract government funding. This change comes on the heels of Warren Buffett’s decision to halt his annual $4 … [Read more…]

Russell Vought, the president-elect’s pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is set to play a key role in implementing “impoundment” measures by the Trump administration

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The incoming Trump administration is gearing up to cut federal support for essential services that working families rely on, including through “impounding”—essentially, the illegal withholding of funds that Congress has already approved. To facilitate this, the Trump administration will be utilizing the OMB, which will issue “apportionments”—a legally-binding budget document that dictates the release of … [Read more…]

U.S. aid leaves out local groups addressing food security in Africa, critics say

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One of the biggest challenges facing sub-Saharan African nations is how to help farmers withstand climate and economic headwinds and produce food for a growing population. Critics say most U.S. aid dollars are going to U.S.-based companies with little involvement by locally-led groups closest to the problem. Fred de Sam Lazaro looks at two food … [Read more…]

Is U.S. foreign aid for health care being used effectively?

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The vast majority of foreign aid administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development goes through middlemen, international aid agencies or U.S.-based private companies that then distribute the assistance. Critics say the system leaves out many deserving locally-led startups and non-government groups. Fred de Sam Lazaro explores the field of health care for his series, … [Read more…]

FAR 52.249-6: Can a Prime Contractor Terminate Its Subcontractor Just Because Someone in the Government Says So?

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Federal contracts famously include a clause permitting the government to terminate the agreement for the government’s own “convenience”—even if the contractor did not default on its performance obligations. Aware of this possibility, prime contractors typically add terms to their subcontracts permitting them to terminate on a similar basis. But a recent court case highlights the … [Read more…]