What is USAID?

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent agency of the U.S. government that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed the Foreign Assistance Act into law, creating by executive order what is now known as USAID.

USAID is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in more than 80 countries and territories in four regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Near East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and Eurasia. USAID’s office in Indonesia is in Jakarta.

How does USAID Operate?

Based on active partnerships with the host country government, local private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), USAID/Indonesia mission identifies needs and establishes a strategy for delivering assistance to the host country. The authority to design, procure and implement specific activities is largely delegated to the mission, based on USAID/Washington’s approval of the country strategy. USAID's assistance is delivered through a variety of contractors and grantees, including U.S. private businesses, U.S. and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private voluntary organizations and international agencies.

The selection of specific contractors and grantees is based on a competitive process and U.S. procurement guidelines.

Requests for proposals and applications are found at http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/ and published in the Commerce Business Daily. While USAID/Indonesia prefers to make awards based on competition, in rare occasions unsolicited applications may be submitted to the Mission requesting financing for unique and innovative initiatives.

Recognizing the key role of the private sector in advancing development, USAID promotes public-private partnerships to leverage additional resources and encourage effectiveness.

How long has USAID been in Indonesia?

Since 1950’s, USAID and its predecessor agency have been working with the Government and people of Indonesia to stimulate the country’s economic development and meet the needs of its people.

What do USAID programs focus on in Indonesia?

Today, USAID assistance programs focus on five main areas:

• Better prepared students to succeed in learning and work,;
• Improve management of natural resources;
• Make democratic governance deliver;
• Improve individual health;
• Increase Employment

USAID/Indonesia:

• Is an Agency of the United States Government
• Provides technical assistance, training and equipment
• Provides assistance in the form of grants and contracts
• Follows the laws and regulations of both the U.S. Government and the Government of Indonesia
• Consults the local government on the implementation of all projects
• Works closely with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section to provide scholarships to the U.S. For more information, visit: www.usembassyjakarta.org