MEDIA ADVISORY

IRD Files Suit

Seeks Lifting of USAID Suspension

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: June 9, 2015 CONTACT: Dan DuPont 202-380-7251 PRESS@IRD.ORG

ARLINGTON, VA Today IRD filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia seeking an order lifting the suspension issued by the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on January 26th. The complaint filed by IRD details that the suspension was in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, as arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law and regulation. It further petitions the court for immediate relief and redress for irreparable harm caused by the issuance of the suspension and its continuance despite overwhelming evidence that it was unwarranted and in violation of numerous federal laws, regulations, and USAIDs own guidelines.

CEO Roger Ervin said, The fundamental issue is whether IRD has the required financial controls and systems to responsibly manage government awards. The facts demonstrate that IRD had them on January 26th and we undeniably do now. We are confident that an objective review of the evidence will result in a finding that restores an appropriate regulatory framework.

As a result of the unlawful suspension, IRD has been blocked for more than four months from competing for new awards, including ones requiring the specific combination of expertise, systems, and geographic experience that IRD possesses. In addition, several high-impact programs benefiting some of the most vulnerable communities in the world have been disrupted. This includes programs crucial to refugees and internally displaced persons in Africa and the Middle East.

This suit is not a criticism of the important work and superior performance of USAID Bureaus and Missions around the world. IRD is seeking immediate judicial review of questionable contracting oversight and a flawed suspension process that is the responsibility of the Office of Acquisitions and Assistance and the Bureau of Management.

Mr. Ervin emphasized, We are proud of our partnerships with USAID and look forward to a rapid and equitable resolution of these unfortunate circumstances.

2 Designing a Technology Driven, People-to-People Development Delivery Model

The proper application of the laws and regulations governing federal contracting in this case will end the suspension and allow us to reestablish that positive and productive working relationship we have had with our largest and highly valued donor.

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Roger Ervin, President and CEO of International Relief & Development, has over 25 years of experience leading and managing large organizations with complex missions, including executive positions at the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the African Development Bank.

IRD is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization responsible for implementing relief and development programs worldwide. IRD's mission is to empower the worlds most vulnerable communities to achieve self-sufficiency through innovative solutions, applied knowledge, and targeted expertise. For more information, visit www.ird.org.