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.

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.
####
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.

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