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# Development Essentials, LLC

## Posts

- [Development Essentials Launches FY2023 Federal Procurement Workforce Scorecard](https://developmentessentials.us/4692-2/) - Development Essentials Launches FY2023 Federal Procurement Workforce Scorecard Analyzing the fiduciary workload of contracting officers (1102 job series), Development Essentials has developed the first federal wide score card that looks at obligations per contracting officer. Participating in the first annual scorecard, 38 agencies responded with the number of contracting officers (1102's). The score card determines
- [A Post to USAID Implementers: Get in the Game and Fight COVID-19!](https://developmentessentials.us/a-post-to-usaid-implementers-get-in-the-game-and-fight-covid-19/) - by Chris O’Donnell, Development Essentials For the past few weeks US government foreign assistance funding and targeted countries continue to increase approaching $750 million and 100 most at-risk countries facing the threat of the global pandemic COVID-19. The funding also includes $110 from the International Disaster Assistance Account to provide protective services, water, sanitation and
- [USAID Sets Ambitious Goal:  Complete All Country Development Cooperation Strategies By December 2020](https://developmentessentials.us/usaid-sets-goal-complete-all-country-development-cooperation-strategies-by-december-2020/) - In the 2019 USAID Financial Report to Congress, the agency set an ambitious goal--incorporate the Journey to Self-reliance in all Country Development Cooperation Strategies (CDCS') by December 2020. The functions of the CDCS are covered in the USAID Automated Directive System 201.3.2.1. It defines the mission's goal, development objectives and approach to building self-reliance in
- [House Conveys Disinterest with USAID Forward Local Solutions ](https://developmentessentials.us/house-conveys-disinterest-with-usaid-forward-local-solutions/) - On June 24, 2014, the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY15 State and Foreign Operations Bill. Unchanged are the usual markups and earmarks, but changed is the interest awards to local entities by exception to competition and government-to-government assistance.
- [Seven Recommendations to Diversify USAID Partners](https://developmentessentials.us/seven-recommendations-to-diversify-usaid-partners/) - By Chris O'Donnell, April 16, 2019. With USAID’s launch of “Effective Partnering and Procurement Reform” including over 170 recommendations, USAID makes a priority—diversify implementing partners. Whether, commercial, non-governmental, small business, public international organization or local, USAID historically obligates a significant percentage of funding to a few organizations. While success begets success, can USAID take steps
- [A USAID Debrief: Making It a Winning Opportunity](https://developmentessentials.us/a-usaid-debrief-making-it-a-winning-opportunity/) - By Chris O'Donnell, April 8, 2019. It is never fun to lose a competition for a contract or grant after you’ve spent so much time, effort and cost on the bidding process. Adding to the misery is receiving limited information from the debrief. On the other hand, even if you win the award, what have
- [USAID Launches New Security & Information Technology Requirements for Awards](https://developmentessentials.us/usaid-launches-new-security-information-technology-requirements-for-awards/) - By Chris O'Donnell, March 29, 2019. Initiating statutory rule-making, USAID on March 21, 2019 posted to the Federal Registry a proposed rule to add 7 new acquisition (AIDAR) clauses for contract solicitations and awards. Public comment is open for 60-days. USAID in the Federal Registry announcement states, if the rule is adopted, it would provide
- [The Country Development Cooperation Strategy—USAID’s Compass on the Journey to Self-Reliance](https://developmentessentials.us/the-country-development-cooperation-strategy-usaids-compass-on-the-journey-to-self-reliance/) - By Chris O'Donnell, December 12, 2018 Celebrating Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery, I spent the day accompanying a Gold Star family, The Pittman’s from Mendocino County California, whose son Jesse, a Navy Seal was killed in Afghanistan when the Chinook helicopter that carried him and 29 other American troops was shot down. The Pittman’s
- [USAID to Post "Reports to Congress" on Agency Website](https://developmentessentials.us/usaid-to-post-reports-to-congress-on-agency-website/) - By Chris O'Donnell, February 11, 2015. On December 16, 2014 the President signed into law the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act 2015, which includes language on development priorities (regions, countries and programs), directives and reports. Section 413(a) provides directives on reports to Congress. Any agency receiving funds, shall post on the public website of that agency any report required to
- [USAID's 3rd Quarter Business Forecast Posted--USAID Invites Questions by the Public](https://developmentessentials.us/usaids-3rd-quarter-business-forecast-posted-usaid-invites-questions-by-the-public/) - By Chris O'Donnell, May 18, 2015. With 5 months remaining in FY15, USAID posted the 3rd Quarter Business Forecast on May 4, 2015. On June 3, 2015 (1:00-2:00pm, Eastern Standard Time) USAID will host a forecast review conference call to respond to questions submitted to ombudsman@usaid.gov by COB Tuesday May 19, 2015. Interested parties can register for the conference call at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1v0WWD6bX9iGEB1XmKbILiOZag1Ul5ni_n To access the conference call on June 3rd use Dial-in
- [USAID's Small Business Forecast:  What Information is Required?](https://developmentessentials.us/usaids-small-business-forecast-what-information-is-required/) - By Chris O'Donnell, May 20, 2015. Originally referred to as the Small Business Forecast, it is codified in the 1988 Business Opportunity Development Reform Act Title V (Contract Planning: Goal Setting and Reviews Section 501(C)). Each executive agency reporting to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) contract actions with an aggregate value in excess of $50,000,000 in fiscal year 1988, or any
- [USAID Obligations Posted on Improved USAspending.gov](https://developmentessentials.us/said-obligations-posted-on-improved-usaspending-gov/) - By Chris O'Donnell, April 27, 2015. On March 31, 2015 the US Treasury Department launched improvements to the USAspending.gov website, the cornerstone of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006. The Act requires the full disclosure to the public of all entities or organizations receiving federal funds beginning in FY07. Data for USAspending.gov orginates from three main sources: prime recipient
- [2016 is the Year of the USAID Small Business](https://developmentessentials.us/2016-is-the-year-of-the-usaid-small-business/) - By Chris O'Donnell, October 19, 2015. 2016 is the year of the USAID small business. The year will mark mandatory implementation and reporting of small business goals for domestic--as well as overseas acquisitions. While in 2015 USAID led the US government and voluntarily established small business goals for overseas acquisitions, they are now mandatory across the USG and included in the agency score card. Implementation combined
- [A Superb Event - The USAID 7th Annual Small Business Conference May 22, 2014](https://developmentessentials.us/a-superb-event-the-usaid-7th-annual-small-business-conference-may-22-2014/) - By: Chris O’Donnell June 8, 2014 I joined over 200 small businesses at the 7th annual conference. By a show of hands approximately 70 percent had received contracts from USAID. Overall the conference was very informative and professionally organized. While the FBO advertisement posted on Apr 29 and was scheduled to close on May 16, 200 slots
- [USAID Could Miss USAID Forward 30 Percent Target to Local Entities ](https://developmentessentials.us/usaid-could-miss-usaid-forward-30-percent-target-to-local-entities/) - While USAID’s latest data on USAID Forward released in April indicates USAID is more than halfway to the 30 percent goal by FY15; it appears not all missions are required to reach the 30 percent target.
- [GAO Found, Some Federal Procurement Data Elements are Questionable](https://developmentessentials.us/gao-found-some-federal-procurement-data-elements-are-questionable/) - GAO-14-304 published March 26, 2014 Noncompetitive Contracts Based on Urgency Need Additional Oversight. GAO examined 62 DOD, State and USAID contracts in fiscal years 2010 through 2012 that used the urgency exception.

## Pages

- [Home](https://developmentessentials.us/)
- [Calendar](https://developmentessentials.us/calendar/) - Click on Desired Course Title and Location, then select a Course Date from the drop down and Add to Cart. [ai1ec view="list"]
- [Webinars](https://developmentessentials.us/webinars/)
- [Make Payment](https://developmentessentials.us/make-payment/) - Please use the form below to make a payment to Development Essentials, LLC (other than advertised courses)
- [Proposal Tools](https://developmentessentials.us/proposal-tools/) - With tight deadlines to design, develop and submit a foreign assistance proposal to the US government, Development Essentials offers three perfect tools to assist any organization in preparing a cost and technical proposal or modification. The US Embassy Local Compensation Plan includes the local salary schedule, staff allowances, per diem rates and even guidelines to
- [Order Received](https://developmentessentials.us/order-received/) - Thank you for your order. You should receive an email shortly. If you don't receive an email, please check your spam folder or contact us with questions at 703-677-5573 or via email here.
- [Testimonials](https://developmentessentials.us/about-us/testimonials/)
- [Contact Us](https://developmentessentials.us/contact-us/) - We’d like to hear from you - your suggestions, questions, ideas and criticisms. Development Essentials, LLC P.O. Box 585 Alexandria VA 22313-0585 U.S. Phone: 703-677-5573 Skype: 703-831-3132 Email: info@developmentessentials.us
- [Terms of Service](https://developmentessentials.us/terms-of-service/) - Development Essentials LLC provides this website for the registration and payment for courses, consultancies, AID Yellow Book and other products. Periodically the site will provide news and blog updates for informational purposes only. By using the site and registering and paying, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in this notice.
- [Partners](https://developmentessentials.us/about-us/partners/) - Development Essentials is a participating member of the following organizations to ensure courses include the latest acquisition and assistance policies and procedures and the Newsletter and Blog are focusing on the most relevant topics: American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) (member) Society for International Development (SID) (member) USAID Alumni Association (UAA) (member) Professional Services Council (PSC) (member) Small Business Association for International
- [Special Data Request](https://developmentessentials.us/aid-yellow-book/special-data-request/)
- [Courses](https://developmentessentials.us/courses/) - Click on “View Full Course Calendar” or the Course Title to see information about course overview, content and objectives, prerequisites, registration and who should attend. View Full Course Calendar > View Full Course Calendar >
- [Content restricted](https://developmentessentials.us/content-restricted/) - [wcm_content_restricted]
- [Meet Chris O’Donnell](https://developmentessentials.us/about-us/meet-chris-odonnell/) - Chris O’Donnell has over 33 years of service with the U.S. government. Most recently as a consultant and founder of Development Essentials, a Limited Liability Company registered in Virginia. In this capacity he has advised U.S. Private Volunteer Organizations (PVOs) and for profit organizations regarding all aspects of winning USAID awards and effective managing contracts
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://developmentessentials.us/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/) - Click on the question to find the answer to the most frequently asked questions about our courses and consultancies. Do you have a question not answered here? Contact Development Essentials today.
- [About Us](https://developmentessentials.us/about-us/) - Development Essentials began with a few ideas on a napkin in a coffee shop in Kenya—how to give talented and committed organizations greater opportunities to lead development implementation. USAID Forward, a reform agenda, would increase direct funding to local organizations. By fiscal year 2015, 30 percent of USAID’s budget will fund local partners: nonprofit organizations,
- [Our Approach](https://developmentessentials.us/about-us/our-approach/) - We’re a small team of American and international staff providing the tools to organizations around the world interested in seeking and managing USG funds. We know the solicitation requirements are a challenge, the process lengthy and the regulations sometimes confusing. Our courses are designed to provide the tools and resources every organization needs to be
- [USAID Project Close-out](https://developmentessentials.us/courses/usaid-project-close-out/) - Overview: For some organizations project close-out is a low priority, not receiving the needed attention until the award deadline approaches. Timely planned and executed close-out of grants and contracts is critical. Organizations need to notify staff, programs require transition, close-out funds allocated, assets transferred and reports prepared. A comprehensive close-out plan has many benefits: utilizing
- [USAID Branding Strategy and Marking Plans](https://developmentessentials.us/courses/usaid-branding-strategy-and-marking-plans/) - Overview: In late 2004 USAID launched it Brand Strategy and Marking Plan requirements. Prior to that USAID, after extensive public comment, incorporated the requirements in 22 CFR, ADS and grant and contract clauses. The USAID Inspector General has also made it apart of its audits and semi annual report to Congress. For some organizations, developing
- [USAID Partner Sub-award Management](https://developmentessentials.us/courses/usaid-partner-sub-award-management/) - Overview: Over several years USAID has awarded a greater number of contracts and grants to include a sub-grant component. While a sub-grant component increases flexibility in making awards and the type of awardees, a lack of skills and experience by the prime and sub-grantee can substantially increase risk to implementation and overall compliance. The prime
- [USAID Contracts Management](https://developmentessentials.us/courses/usaid-contracts-management/) - Overview: We understand the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USAID solicitations and clauses are complex, lengthy and sometimes confusing. Our clients ask us all the time—how can I comply with the law and regulations and implement the contract in a timely and effective way? Our course is designed to provide your organization the skills and approaches
- [Consulting Services](https://developmentessentials.us/consulting-services/) - Development Essentials offers three consulting services at a fixed price. Many of our clients view these consultancies as useful follow-on assistance to our most popular courses: Winning USAID Awards, USAID Contracts Management and USAID Grants Management. Consultancies Solicitation Analysis and Proposal Strategy & Proposal Analysis and Review are designed to help organization win a USAID
- [Resources](https://developmentessentials.us/news-resources/resources/) - While we’ve done our best during course work to reference the pertinent regulations, provided below is a list of useful resources and links aimed to help you apply newly gained knowledge. Acquisition and Assistance ADS Chapter 300 Agency Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Planning Acquisition ADS Chapter 302 USAID Direct Contracting ADS Chapter 305 Host Country Contracting ADS Chapter 317 Procurement
- [Blog](https://developmentessentials.us/news-resources/blog/) - At Development Essentials we like to keep our clients informed about development news, challenges and USAID changes in policies and procedures. We attend conferences and seminars and work with our partners to bring you the latest news. While we don’t have a monopoly on wisdom, from time to time we’ll give you our views about
- [News & Resources](https://developmentessentials.us/news-resources/) - To stay in touch with the latest developments, sign up for the newsletter and follow our blog, recent news and resources you’ll need to be successful in development.
- [Recent News](https://developmentessentials.us/news-resources/recent-news/) - We have developed some strategic partners to help bring you the latest news on development.
- [Sitemap](https://developmentessentials.us/sitemap/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://developmentessentials.us/privacy-policy/) - This privacy policy discloses the practices for https://developmentessentials.us. This policy applies to information collected by this web site and will inform you of the following: What personal information is collected from you through the web site; how it is used and with whom it may be shared. What choices are available to you regarding the
- [Proposal Analysis and Review](https://developmentessentials.us/consulting-services/proposal-analysis-and-review/) - Overview: as a consultation we can offer a review of your draft technical application and cost application. We understand a tremendous amount of time and effort goes into a preparing a application and our review may be able to provide the competitive wining edge. W’ll analyze the solicitation and ensure your application addresses the program
- [Solicitation Analysis and Proposal Strategy](https://developmentessentials.us/consulting-services/solicitation-analysis-and-proposal-strategy/) - Overview: Solicitation documents are complex, lengthy and sometimes include confusing language particularly for organizations not familiar with the solicitation process and short deadlines. Essential to developing a successful proposal is a critical solicitation analysis and focused strategy. Our team can analyze and provide a strategy for RFPs, RFAs, APS’, associate award and task order solicitations.
- [Executive Consultations for USG Awards](https://developmentessentials.us/consulting-services/executive-consultations-for-usg-awards/) - Overview: Executive consultations are designed to assist senior leadership address with the most challenging strategies and issues facing contractors and grantees. With a wide breath of possible topics, in the past contractors and grantees have sought our advice on new business strategies, analyzing solicitations, past performance, modifications, extensions, technical proposal evaluations, cost proposal evaluations, audits,

## Products

- [Winning USAID Contracts](https://developmentessentials.us/product/winning-usaid-awards-contracts-2/) - We understand the grant solicitation requirements are a challenge, the application process lengthy and the regulations sometimes confusing. Our courses are designed to provide the tools and skills every organization needs to use on daily basis and ultimately be successful at winning a USAID grant. In this three day course we will take you through every step of the process: advanced preparation and research; identifying grant funding opportunities, analyzing solicitations; drafting technical and cost applications; and the negotiation process.
- [USAID CONTRACTS COMPLIANCE FOR SUCCESS](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-contracts-compliance-for-success-2/) - The number of US Government and USAID grant regulations and policies are constantly increasing, changing, and becoming more complex. Most recently (in November 2020) the US Government revised 2 CFR 200 requiring USAID to update grant standard provisions and internal policies. At the same time USAID continues to revise the Automated Directives System and issue new Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives, waivers, and deviations. This seminar is designed to provide participants the knowledge and practical application of US Government and USAID grant regulations and policies. By doing so, participants will be able to apply them to business development, application submission, grants administration, modifications/extensions, close-out, and audit.
- [Winning USAID Grants](https://developmentessentials.us/product/winning-usaid-awards-grants/) - We understand the solicitation requirements are a challenge, the proposal process lengthy and the regulations sometimes confusing. Our courses are designed to provide the tools and skills every organization needs to use on daily basis and ultimately be successful at winning a USAID contract. In this three day course we will take you through every step of the process: advanced preparation and research; identifying contract funding opportunities, analyzing solicitations; drafting technical and cost proposals; and the negotiation process.
- [USAID Grants Policies and Procedures](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-grants-policies-and-procedures/) - The length of a USAID contract solicitation and contract can reach hundreds of pages. When the solicitation is first released, is not the best time to understand contract compliance. Understanding contract compliance is essential to successful bidding, award management, modifications, audit, and close-out. This two-day seminar is designed to provide the tools and skills every organization will need to successfully bid and manage a USAID contract. The seminar is facilitated by a former USAID contracting officer offering a USAID perspective on every aspect of contract compliance. The seminar includes interactive discussions, practical exercises, and time to ask questions.
- [USAID Contracts Compliance for Success](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-contracts-compliance-for-success/) - The number of US Government and USAID grant regulations and policies are constantly increasing, changing, and becoming more complex. Most recently (in November 2020) the US Government revised 2 CFR 200 requiring USAID to update grant standard provisions and internal policies. At the same time USAID continues to revise the Automated Directives System and issue new Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives, waivers, and deviations. This seminar is designed to provide participants the knowledge and practical application of US Government and USAID grant regulations and policies. By doing so, participants will be able to apply them to business development, application submission, grants administration, modifications/extensions, close-out, and audit.
- [U.S. Embassy Local Compensation Plan](https://developmentessentials.us/product/u-s-embassy-local-compensation-plan/) - On September 13, 2019 USAID removed from the Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet Form AID 1420-17 salary history for employees and consultants. This is the perfect salary market survey for any organization now search for a fast and easy alternative. This product includes the latest available US Embassy Local Compensation Plan with salary schedule and human resources handbook. The plan includes host country labor laws and US embassy local staff holidays, allowances/benefits, bonus, premium pay, local social security system, leave, medical, death and disability, severance pay, retirement and other end of service benefits, workers’ compensation, travel and TDY. The US embassy handbook includes: embassy and consulate policies, recruitment and employment, job evaluation, compensation, promotions (within-grade increases), attendance and leave, awards program, health program, death benefits, training, performance management, standards of ethical conduct and employee responsibilities, grievances, disciplinary action, equal employment opportunity grievance process, separation, severance pay, reduction-in-force, safety, health and environmental management and special immigrant visa.
- [Executive Consultations for USG Awards](https://developmentessentials.us/product/executive-consultations-for-usg-awards/) - Executive consultations are designed to assist senior leadership address with the most challenging strategies and issues facing contractors and grantees. With a wide breath of possible topics, in the past contractors and grantees have sought our advice on new business strategies, analyzing solicitations, past performance, modifications, extensions, technical proposal evaluations, cost proposal evaluations, audits, suspensions and terminations. Generally the consultations are supplemental or follow-on to Development Essentials’ other courses i.e. Winning USAID Awards, Contracts Management and Grants Management.
- [USAID Partner Sub-award Management](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-partner-sub-award-management/) - Overview Over several years USAID has awarded a greater number of contracts and grants to include a sub-grant component. While a sub-grant component increases flexibility in making awards and the type of awardees, a lack of skills and experience by the prime and sub-grantee can substantially increase risk to implementation and overall compliance. The prime
- [USAID Project Close-out](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-project-close-out/) - Overview For some organizations project close-out is a low priority, not receiving the needed attention until the award deadline approaches. Timely planned and executed close-out of grants and contracts is critical. Organizations need to notify staff, programs require transition, close-out funds allocated, assets transferred and reports prepared. A comprehensive close-out plan has many benefits: utilizing
- [Value Added Tax (VAT) Reimbursement Procedures](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-mission-value-added-tax-vat-reimbursement-procedures/) - The appropriations, Department of State Foreign Operations and Related Programs and Foreign Assistance, states VAT is an unallowable cost. USAID in contract clauses and grant standard provisions mention if USAID provides VAT reimbursement procedures and the implementer does not follow the procedures VAT is an unallowable cost. Implementers still confused, USAID issued an acquisition and assistance policy directive. Even with these directives, exemption or reimbursement procedures, documentation and effectiveness vary by country. Congress through appropriations mandates the US Department of State to report to Congress yearly the implementer name and VAT amounts that have not been reimbursed. Implementing VAT reimbursement procedures are critical to program start-up, implementation and financial management.
- [Learn Winning Answers to Competitive Range Discussions](https://developmentessentials.us/product/learn-winning-answers-to-competitive-range-discussions/) - Price: $95.00 Overview At Development Essentials, we think there are three steps to winning a USAID award: being responsive to the solicitation requirements, reaching the competitive range and responding to discussion range questions. Many organizations commitment enormous resources to developing a proposal but misunderstand discussion questions or what USAID is really looking for in the
- [Top Websites to Research the Competition & Market](https://developmentessentials.us/product/top-websites-to-research-the-competition-market/) - Price: $95.00 Overview Development Essentials has done the work for you--studied every US Government database and came up with the top six. With this interactive webinar Development Essentials will walk you through each database, in the correct order and show you how to find and extract critical information on the incumbent, competitors and the upcoming
- [Ask a USAID Contracting Officer--USAID Year In Review](https://developmentessentials.us/product/ask-a-usaid-contracting-officer/) - Price: $0.0 (Free) Overview At USAID there are a significant number of steps to award a grant or contract: technical design, solicitation preparation, pre-award conference, question and answer period, evaluation, negotiations, and award. The contracting officer is involved to every step, but sometimes implementers are not aware of their role in decision making. This webinar
- [How to Analyze a Grant Solicitation--The Missing & Overlooked](https://developmentessentials.us/product/how-to-analyze-a-grant-solicitation-the-missing-overlooked/) - Price: $95.00 Overview In this webinar participants will learn the standard format of a grant solicitation, what remains the same and what changes from one solicitation to the next. Knowing this, organizations can more quickly analyze a solicitation focusing on priority sections. In analyzing a USAID solicitation there is frequently missing information. In this webinar
- [How to Analyze a Contract Solicitation--The Missing & Overlooked](https://developmentessentials.us/product/how-to-analyze-a-contract-solicitation-the-missing-overlooked/) - Price: $95.00 Overview In this webinar participants will learn the standard format of a contract solicitation, what remains the same and what changes from one solicitation to the next. Knowing this, organizations can more quickly analyze a solicitation focusing on priority sections C, L and M. In analyzing a USAID contract solicitation there is frequently
- [USG Grant Regs--Prep for Major Changes Coming](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usg-grant-regs-prep-for-major-changes-coming/) - On December 26, 2014 published the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR part 200) to consolidate and streamline guidance for uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards. It consolidates grant guidance for all federal departments and agencies. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.109 the guidance must be reviewed every five years. On August 13, 2020, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published 333 pages of revisions to operationalize the grants management standards, establish a robust marketplace of modern solutions, manage risk, and achieve program goals and objectives. The changes also include requirements from several National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) and the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), as amended by the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATS Act). Changes also include revisions to clarify areas of misinterpretation received from the public comment period.
- [Contract Clauses Every Implementer Should Know](https://developmentessentials.us/product/contract-clauses-every-implementer-should-know/) - Price: $55.00 Overview A typical USAID cost reimbursement contract can include hundreds of FAR and AIDAR clauses populating Sections B to K of the award. As a clause is cited by reference only in the award, an organization would have to research and read the FAR or AIDAR to understand the implications either to the
- [Solicitation Analysis and Proposal Strategy](https://developmentessentials.us/product/solicitation-analysis-and-proposal-strategy/) - Solicitation documents are complex, lengthy and sometimes include confusing language particularly for organizations not familiar with the solicitation process and short deadlines. Essential to developing a successful proposal is a critical solicitation analysis and focused strategy. Our team can analyze and provide a strategy for RFPs, RFAs, APS’, associate award and task order solicitations.
- [Proposal Analysis and Review](https://developmentessentials.us/product/proposal-analysis-and-review/) - As a consultation we can offer a review of your draft technical application and cost application. We understand a tremendous amount of time and effort goes into a preparing a application and our review may be able to provide the competitive wining edge. W’ll analyze the solicitation and ensure your application addresses the program description, evaluation criteria and submission instructions. We can also review your cost application and ensure all costs are allowable and reasonable, supports the technical application and the price is competitive overall.
- [Learn What Matters: The Difference Between Contracts & Grants](https://developmentessentials.us/product/learn-what-matters-the-difference-between-contracts-grants/) - Price: $55.00 Overview This is the perfect interactive webinar to learn the difference between contracts and grants and what systems are needed to make the transition. The webinar will take participants step-by-step through the requirements: pre-award, award policies, solicitation and bidding, award management, notifications, approvals, close-out, and audit. The webinar will provide the cited FAR,
- [Country Bilateral Agreement](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-mission-bilateral-agreement/) - This is a diplomatic agreement for economic and technical cooperation between the Government of the United States and host government to include the rights and responsibilities of each party to include implementing organizations. It is signed by the US ambassador and the minister of foreign affairs. It covers economic, technical, humanitarian and related assistance that may be furnished by US government and responsibilities of the host government, US government, non-governmental organizations, individuals, private firms, public international organizations or other entities.
- [USAID Mission U.S. Dollar to Local Currency Conversion Procedures](https://developmentessentials.us/product/usaid-mission-u-s-dollar-to-local-currency-conversion-procedures/) - Description & Application of the Product: includes USAID mission requirements for conversion of U.S. dollars to local currency for contractors, grantees and their employees. It specifies the role and responsibilities of the USAID mission, authorized financial institutions and requirements for local bank accounts and purchase of goods, services and supplies. For some countries, the product will include USAID and host government requirements in English and the local language

## Testimonials

- [Robert Einterz](https://developmentessentials.us/testimonial/robert-einterz/) - When Indiana University received a large USAID grant under full and open competition, Chris explained USAID regulations, visited project sites and was responsive to our requests to purchase HIV drugs. As a former USAID Agreement Officer, Chris genuinely wanted to make our program a success in addressing the HIV pandemic in Kenya.
- [Marcia Selva](https://developmentessentials.us/testimonial/marcia-selva/) - Working with Development Essentials has been an amazing learning experience, a great confidence builder and financially beneficial. Chris O’Donnell guided us through the grant process; teaching us how to understand the donor application, how to write proposal content that addresses the questions in the application yet stayed true to our mission, the importance of documenting
- [Sister Mary Owens I.B.V.M.](https://developmentessentials.us/testimonial/sister-mary-owens-i-b-v-m/) - I have known Chris O’Donnell from 2009 during the period he was a Regional Contracting Officer in USAID Kenya. As the Agreement Officer for our USAID grant 2009-1012, Chris was extremely helpful to us, clearly explaining every aspect of the grant budget, clauses and audit. His availability, generosity with time and pleasant interpersonal relationships were
- [Paschal Manyuru](https://developmentessentials.us/testimonial/paschal-manyuru/) - Chris was the assigned Contracting Officer for MEDS’ first USAID contract. As USAID’s requirements for critical HIV/AIDS drugs grew rapidly, he regularly met with us, explained complex regulations and willingly offered useful advice to better serve HIV/AIDS patients in the region. Chris was a wonderful officer to work with, available on short notice for any

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