USAID/M/OAA asked for Humentum’s guidance on ways to resolve problems brought to the Ombudsman. Humentum met with the Director of OAA to discuss your input on February 20, 2020.
Stay tuned for USAID outreach in the coming month!
USAID/NPI worked with Humentum to test pilot with over a dozen local organizations across the globe a self-assessment tool developed by the New Partnership Initiative Incubator. It provided our local partners an opportunity to give USAID feedback and help shape its final version of the tool.
After a long hiatus, USAID’s Procurement Executive reinstated its Ask the Procurement Executive quarterly calls. Humentum provided questions that were answered on the February 13, 2020 call. The call recording, transcript, and answers are at: https://www.usaid.gov/partnerships/ask-the-executive
Humentum maintains a two-way, open, direct dialogue with USAID/M/OAA and the Office of General Counsel among others within USAID to address concerns andopportunities as they arise, such as ongoing concerns regarding line of credit drawdowns based on program area. As a result of our direct advocacy, USAID/M/OAA is currently working across the Agency to devise solutions that will benefit members.
Humentum has facilitated the collection, analysis, and submission of comments on behalf of its membership to pertinent USAID and USDOS notices of information collection published in the Federal Register. We are currently collecting comments for submission on the upcoming OMB Rulemaking on 2 CFR, including the Uniform Guidance. To submit your comments, please see posts on Humentum Connect or email Cynthia Smith directly at cynthia.smith@humentum.org. To access the notice in the Federal Register, go to: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR
Revisions to USAID Policies and guidance
Revisions to USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 303: Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations
In December 2019, January 2020, and February 7, 2020, USAID revised Chapter 303 of the ADS.The key revisions expanded the use of adaptive management techniques, access to new and underutilized partners, and results-oriented assistance. The current version of Chapter 303 is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303.pdf
Full Revision of USAID ADS Chapter 320: Branding and Marking
On February 5, 2020, USAID fully revised its ADS Chapter 320: Branding and Marking. Among the most significant changes is the requirement that implementers now use a waiver request template. Once granted, the waiver must be reviewed by USAID every 6 months. Jane Silcock, USAID, will discuss these changes and their implication in a March 31, 2020 11:00 AM EST webinar hosted by Humentum. The new ADS Chapter 320 is at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/320.pdf
Partial Revision of ADS 302: USAID Direct Contracting
In January 2020, USAID partially revised ADS Chapter 302: USAID Direct Contracting. The partial revision includes changes to 302.3.4.5 Limiting Competition. The current version of ADS 302 is at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/302.pdf
Revision of Contractor Employee Biodata Form 1420
In September 2019, USAID updated its Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet 1420-17. Humentum hosted a webinar attended by over 150 Humentum members with Olga Wall, Palladium, to review the changes and their implications. USAID is continuing to examine implementer concerns about the new salary justification rationale. The new Biodata form is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-1420-17
Upcoming Release of USAID Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy
USAID Administrator’s Action Alliance for Preventing Sexual Misconduct (AAPSM) is near finalization of the PSEA policy which it plans to roll-out in the coming weeks. Additionally, USAID will be announcing soon the date for a workshop to assess the state of the art around employee accountability, including referencing. Following that internal workshop, USAID will host a partners’ day post-workshop for implementers to brief out and discuss follow-up as a community. Humentum will host a webinar with USAID/AAPSM on the new PSEA policy – likely mid-to-late March 2020!
Upcoming USAID Guidance & Field Guide on Use of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Mechanism & Other Co-Creation Tools
During the February 2020 Ask the Procurement Executive call, USAID indicated that such guidance should be rolled-out Spring 2020.
Upcoming Roll-Out of USAID Digital Strategy
In Fall 2019, USAID circulated a draft Digital Strategy for comments. We anticipate roll-out of the new strategy in the coming months.
Anticipated Reduction of Reach-Back Clause in Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing & Standard Provisions
In Spring 2020, Humentum anticipates USAID/OAA revisions to the Standard Provisions and to the Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing in assistance awards. The Agency is considering reducing the reach-back clause to 3 years. Also, USAID/OAA is planning to clarify what it means by prohibited contact. For acquisition awards, USAID will go through rulemaking.
DISCLAIMER: This Humentum Quarterly US Advocacy Update is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice on any subject matter
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