Introduction:

The intricacies of grants and cooperative agreements within the context of USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Rules and Regulations form a vital framework for organizations engaged in development efforts. Navigating these regulations effectively is essential for ensuring accountability, transparency, and the successful implementation of projects. This training program is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of USAID's rules and regulations pertaining to grants and cooperative agreements. By delving into the core principles and best practices, participants will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to manage funding relationships and projects in alignment with USAID's requirements.

Course Objectives:

The primary objectives of this training program are as follows:

• Comprehensive Understanding: Participants will acquire an in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations governing grants and cooperative agreements under USAID. This includes a deep dive into the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) to grasp the nuances of compliance, reporting, and financial management.
• Effective Implementation: The course aims to enable participants to effectively apply the acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios. This involves mastering the skills necessary for project design, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring that projects align with USAID's goals while achieving meaningful impact.
• Risk Mitigation: Participants will learn strategies for identifying and mitigating risks associated with grants and cooperative agreements. Understanding potential pitfalls and challenges is crucial for maintaining the integrity of projects and relationships.

Organizational Benefits:

Participation in this training program offers numerous benefits for organizations:

• Enhanced Compliance: Organizations can minimize the risk of non-compliance with USAID regulations, leading to smoother audits and a stronger reputation in the development community.
• Improved Project Performance: Equipping staff with the knowledge to navigate USAID rules ensures that projects are executed efficiently and with fewer disruptions due to regulatory issues.
• Increased Funding Opportunities: Adhering to USAID regulations enhances an organization's eligibility for future funding opportunities, showcasing its commitment to responsible and transparent project management.

Target Participants:

This training program is tailored for professionals who engage with grants and cooperative agreements in the development sector. This includes project managers, financial officers, compliance personnel, program coordinators, and procurement specialists, both from organizations directly implementing USAID-funded projects and those partnering with implementing entities.

Duration:

5 days

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to USAID and Regulatory Framework

• Overview of USAID's mission and objectives
• Understanding the FAR and AIDAR
• Key distinctions between grants and cooperative agreements

Module 2: Pre-Award Phase: Project Design and Proposal Development

• Project identification and conceptualization
• Proposal development and alignment with USAID priorities
• Budgeting for USAID-funded projects

Module 3: Award Phase: Negotiation and Award Management

• Award negotiation process and principles
• Award documentation and legal considerations
• Responsibilities of awardees and USAID during the award phase

Module 4: Financial Management and Reporting

• Fund disbursement procedures and mechanisms
• Financial tracking, reporting, and documentation
• USAID's requirements for cost allowability and allocability

Module 5: Compliance and Risk Mitigation

• Identifying compliance risks and challenges
• Implementing internal controls and compliance mechanisms
• Handling audits and resolving compliance issues

Module 6: Monitoring and Evaluation

• Designing effective monitoring and evaluation plans
• Performance indicators and reporting requirements
• Using data for adaptive management and decision-making

Module 7: Closeout and Post-Award Responsibilities

• USAID's closeout requirements and procedures
• Final reporting, evaluation, and project impact assessment
• Lessons learned and knowledge sharing for future projects

Module 8: Subawards and Subcontracts

• Managing subawards and subcontracts under USAID-funded projects
• Compliance, monitoring, and reporting for subrecipients
• Subaward negotiation and administration best practices

Module 9: Ethics, Anti-Fraud, and Transparency

• USAID's ethical standards and anti-fraud measures
• Promoting transparency in financial management and reporting
• Whistleblower protection and reporting mechanisms

Module 10: Case Studies and Practical Application

• Analyzing real-world case studies of USAID-funded projects
• Applying course concepts to address challenges and make informed decisions

General Notes

• All our courses can be Tailor-made to participants' needs
• The participant must be conversant in English
• Presentations are well-guided, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and group work. Our facilitators are experts with more than 10 years of experience.
• Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with a Foscore development center certificate (FDC-K)
• Training will be done at the Foscore development center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer inhouse and online training on the client schedule
• Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.
• The course fee for onsite training includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of successful completion of Training. Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses and arrangements, airport transfers, visa application dinners, health/accident insurance, and other personal expenses.
• Accommodation, pickup, freight booking, and Visa processing arrangement, are done on request, at discounted prices.
• Tablet and Laptops are provided to participants on request as an add-on cost to the training fee.
• One-year free Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.
• Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount of (10% to 50%)
• Payment should be done before commence of the training or as agreed by the parties, to the FOSCORE DEVELOPMENT CENTER account, so as to enable us to prepare better for you.
• For any inquiries reach us at training@fdc-k.org or +254712260031
• Website:www.fdc-k.org