Ask the Procurement Executive Conference Call

The purpose of the call was to provide a forum for partners to ask questions and have a discussion on pressing matters with USAID's acquisition and assistance leadership. Five associations were contacted in advance of the call to submit questions: InsideNGO, InterAction, Small Business Association for International Companies, Society for International Development -- Washington, and Council of International Development Companies. USAID participants included Roy Plucknett, Senior Procurement Executive, M/OAA; Mark Walther, Deputy Director, M/OAA Washington Operations; Crista Wise, Ombudsman, M/OAA; Teneshia Alston, Senior Program Managers, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU); Steve Tashjian, Division Chief, M/OAA/CAS; Stephanie Fugate, Branch Chief, M/OAA/SIDP; Jennifer Armstrong, Contract Specialist, M/OAA/E3; and Erik Singer, Senior Advisor, M/OAA Foreign Operations. Crista Wise began the call by thanking the associations for submitting questions and noted that a transcript, recording, and document of the questions with answers would be posted. Roy Plucknett then took the opportunity to thank the partners for their work and expressed appreciation for their interest in USAID's mission. Plucknett updated the partners on USAID's priorities for the year, including work related to ADS 304, Selecting the Appropriate Acquisition or Assistance Instrument. He noted that the revised ADS 304 was recently updated and that USAID had heard concerns from partners regarding the removal of indicators that helped determine the purpose of an award and the intended relationship between USAID and implementing partners. Plucknett emphasized that USAID has no preference between acquisition or assistance instruments and is working to develop additional tools and guidance to provide clarity on making choice of instrument decisions. He also mentioned that the agency is tracking major awards and holding monthly meetings with senior leadership to manage Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT). The call then moved into a question and answer session, with partners asking questions on topics such as choice of instrument, PALT, and the revision of ADS 304. USAID responded to each question, providing clarification and reassurance on their priorities and policies. One of the key concerns raised by partners was that the revisions to ADS 304 may lead to a narrowing of options for instrument selection, limiting USAID's flexibility to deliver its mission in complex operating environments. USAID responded that the revisions were intended to clarify the roles and responsibilities for recommending, documenting, and approving instrument selection, and that the agency has broad authorities for acquisition and assistance. Another concern raised was that the revision of ADS 304 may signal a change in the level of operational control USAID expects to exert over assistance instruments. USAID responded that the revision does not signal a change in operational control and that the agency will continue to exert limited management oversight over recipients of assistance awards. Overall, the Procurement Executive Conference Call provided a forum for partners to ask questions and engage with USAID's acquisition and assistance leadership on pressing matters. The call highlighted USAID's priorities and policies, including the revision of ADS 304 and the importance of choice of instrument decisions.