The U.S. has long been one of the world’s largest donors of foreign aid. But in recent years, its effectiveness has been called into question by a chorus of critics who say the impact of assistance programs falls well short of their intended goals. They blame what some have called the “aid industrial complex.” Fred … [Read more…]
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…]
GENEVA (AP) — More aid workers, health care staffers, delivery personnel and other humanitarians have been killed in 2024 than in any other single year, the United Nations reported Friday. Bloodshed in the Middle East has been the single-biggest cause of the 281 deaths among humanitarians globally this year, according to the U.N. Office for … [Read more…]
Today, President Joseph R. Biden announced an expansion of USAID’s presence in the Republic of Angola during the President’s historic trip to Angola. USAID is elevating its presence in Angola to a USAID Mission, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to the people of Angola and an emerging strategic partnership between the United States and Angola. … [Read more…]
Population Services International and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation partner up under HealthX Partners to streamline their operations. PSI and EGPAF are teaming up under a new umbrella organization called HealthX Partners, kicking off in January with a combined budget nearing half a billion dollars. These two health giants will join forces for a … [Read more…]
URC has officially acquired IBI, a renowned provider of international development consulting services that has spent 28 years dedicated to enhancing lives globally.
Do you remember that back in June 2024, USAID issued a statement to prohibit financial transactions using USAID funding to UNRWA? Indeed, since then, USAID contractors and recipients cannot use USAID funds for subawards, subcontracts, or vendor agreements, at any tier, with UNRWA. Today, we learnt that a Hamas top commander in Lebanon who was … [Read more…]
While USAID and the US federal government have been supportive of Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (NICRAs), many other donors (World Bank, Gates Foundation, etc.) impose caps on indirect cost rates or restrict reimbursement for administrative support. They think doing so allows more funds to flow directly to beneficiaries. However, what these donors often overlook … [Read more…]
They don’t want it, but contractors are preparing for a possible lapse in appropriations at the end of the month: a government shutdown, that is. Even if they agree on numbers, members of Congress don’t agree on the policy riders each party wants on a spending bill. So what to do, to help your company … [Read more…]
Is it truly so difficult to find skilled USG contracts administrators in Washington, DC? The demand for this position is exceptionally high, and top-tier professionals can command significant salaries. This scenario is largely shaped by the principles of supply and demand. However, some USAID implementers post job listings merely to assess market conditions, misleading candidates … [Read more…]