EVALUATION OF GRANTS AID/CSD-3289 AND AID/PHA-G-1131, PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA, FAMILY PLANNING INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE

Evaluation covers the period 2/1/75-4/12/76 and consists of an annual review by the A.I.D. Project Manager. FPIA's performance is improving and a recent AID-FPIA agreement will clarify FPIA's policy objectives. FPIA has implemented the recommendations offered in the 2/75 evaluation and has improved its management of subgrants. In addition, FPIA has demonstrated its ability to identify and develop innovative, cost-effective projects with LDC groups. Nevertheless, communications between FPIA field and headquarter staff have been poor and problems exist concerning the timely submission of subproject proposals. FPIA's specific accomplishments include the following: FPIA has emphasized service programs through the promotion/support of non-medical distribution of FP commodities and by encouraging the integration of voluntary sterilization, particularly minilaparotomy, into FP programs. Also it has developed FP projects with LDC women's organizations and increased its efforts to engender local support so as to minimize long-term dependence on FPIA funding. FPIA is exploring ways to expand commodity distribution through church-related and other PVO channels. Also, FPIA has filled its technical staff positions, established field personnel in four LDC regions, and appointed a new project director. Efforts are underway to improve its communication network. Progress reports are now systematically answered by technical backstoppers in New York. FPIA field personnel were also delegated greater responsibility in subgrant management, and subgrant proposals and disbursements are now issued in a more timely manner. Additional A.I.D. funds should be provided for FY 1976. Several recommendations to improve FPIA policy and management are also made, e.g., FPIA should continue to support PVO efforts in FP activities and further upgrade its management and administrative practices.