WOCCU Hampered in Applying for USAID Money: Nussle
CUNA's leader says WOCCU is working to promote economic freedom and growth, but is at a disadvantage in applying for USAID funds.
Credit union organizations are receiving limited U.S. Agency for International Development money because increasingly, the funds are going to a few large organizations, CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle said this week.
“Large contracts put control in the hands of one generalist large project firm and limit the ability of small specialized firms to compete,” Nussle wrote to the House appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over USAID.
Nussle said since 1971, the World Council of Credit Unions has offered almost 300 technical assistance programs around the world, but yet is placed at a disadvantage in applying for USAID funds.
Nussle said WOCCU is working to promote economic freedom and growth, increase financial inclusion and meet other financial needs.
“We urge you to ensure that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) commits to, and reports to Congress on, utilizing a fair and substantial use of civil society partners such as U.S. credit union organizations in furtherance of U.S. foreign policy and assistance mission,” he wrote.
Nussle said USAID reported in a 2018 report that the agency awarded 60% of its contracts and grants to 25 firms.
He said the dollar size and scope of USAID awards often favor larger competitors because the type of expertise requested is very wide, which makes it more difficult for more specialized competitors to bid.
Last year, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and nine other lawmakers also sent a letter to USAID asking the agency to structure its proposals to ensure that small bidders, such as credit union organizations, can apply for funding.