A bipartisan letter signed by members of the U.S. House of Representatives was delivered to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green this week, urging the agency to complete its procurement reform process in a manner that ensures a fair and substantial proportion of its awards and contracts are awarded to small, U.S.-based not-for-profit organizations, such as credit unions. The letter was composed by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-California).
“On behalf of credit unions around the world and the 274 million members we represent, we thank Rep. Sherman for his leadership on this vitally important matter for credit unions,” said World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) President and CEO Brian Branch. “We are grateful that a bipartisan group of House members believe USAID should make greater use of underutilized partners such as credit unions, that are uniquely situated to assist USAID in addressing the needs of aid recipients and addressing U.S. foreign policy concerns.”
“The letter to Administrator Green shows that USAID can leverage the specialized expertise and long-term, sustainable relationships provided through credit unions that will only enhance the mission and goals of USAID,” said Credit Union National Association (CUNA) President/CEO Jim Nussle.
If successfully completed, procurement reform will allow credit union organizations to compete and successfully implement USAID awards that will better serve foreign aid recipients, the taxpayer, and U.S. foreign policy goals.
You can read Rep. Sherman’s full letter to USAID here.
