The Responsibility, Safeguarding, and Compliance Division (M/MPBP/RSC) manages the agency’s appeal resolution process offered to USAID’s implementing partners under USAID assistance agreements (cooperative agreements and grants). Falling under this charge are the following objectives:

• Ensure that the dispute process was followed in accordance with 2 CFR 700.15(b), ADS 303.3.23, and ADS 303mab Standard Provision M13, and that the appeal is eligible for consideration pursuant to these regulations and policies.   

• Provide in-depth, unbiased analysis of the appeal and recommend a resolution to the Appeals Official based on evidence and the applicable regulatory framework.  

• Ensure that the implementing partner complied with all of the terms and conditions of the award associated with the appeal and that ultimately, U.S. taxpayer funds are safeguarded.   

In order to advance U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrate American generosity, and promote a path to self-reliance and resilience, USAID partners with and invests in effective implementers to execute this mission. Thus, it is crucial that the Agreement Officer (AO) and Agreement Officer’s Representative monitor implementation of awards and ensure compliance with the terms of the awards by and/or in addition to conducting regular audits in accordance with federal regulations.  In the event of determined non-compliance, the Agreement Officer may issue a corrective action to which the partner may disagree or dispute. If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, then the partner may request a final decision from the AO. If the partner does not agree with the final decision, it may appeal the determination.    

Under assistance, pursuant to ADS 303.3.23, the partner has the right to appeal an Agreement Officer’s final decision to the Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Management (AA/M). The AA/M forwards the appeal to M/MPBP/RSC Division to provide a recommended course of action.  USAID’s success is reliant on the dollars expended being directly used for their intended purpose – to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance.