Uncertainties about the proposed consolidation of USAID and State Department generate apprehensions
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing a significant change, as a report from the State Department's Office of Inspector General has highlighted potential issues with the Trump administration's planning process for the agency's realignment into the foreign relations department.
According to the report, nearly all USAID employees may be laid off under reduction in force procedures on either July 1 or September 2, as part of an effort to shutter the agency. This move is interconnected with a review of foreign assistance and the department's reorganization.
As of May 1, the State Department had not completed an implementation plan for all efforts needed to transfer USAID's functions. The report warns about the planned closure of the Assistance Transition Working Group, which could impact the department's efforts to realign USAID functions.
The Assistance Transition Working Group, composed of nine department officials, is scheduled to close on or around July 1. The State Department plans to bring on 308 U.S. direct-hire staff, 370 locally employed staff, and 40 personal services contractors to absorb USAID's functions.
Investigators recommend that the secretary of State delegate responsibility for the transfer to the deputy secretary for Management and Resources. They also suggest that the department complete the realignment implementation plan and develop a strategic workforce plan for the reform efforts.
The goal is to shift responsibility from the Assistance Transition Working Group to State bureaus. However, the decision-making for hiring numbers was not driven by a strategic workforce plan, according to the report. This could potentially lead to skills gaps or other adverse effects.
The Government Accountability Office also recommends that strategic workforce planning should precede any staff realignments or downsizing to avoid such issues. The report further notes that the lack of a complete implementation plan may increase the risk that actions taken prior to its completion may need to be revised or adjusted.
The USAID realignment is happening at the same time as a review of U.S. foreign aid. The department generally agrees with the recommendations, and the matters are resolved pending documentation that they have been implemented.
The name of the Secretary of State to whom the responsibility for the transfer of USAID to the State Department is to be delegated is not mentioned in the provided search results. It is unclear at this time how these changes will affect the overall operations and goals of USAID.
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