Democracy Reporting International’s Post

If you implement both contracts and grants for #USAID, having the right templates on hand is critical for handling Suspension of Work (SWO) scenarios effectively. Here’s a quick checklist of essential templates you should have ready to speed up processing: For #USAID Contracts 📄 Response to SWO (to the Contracting Officer): Include estimated costs that cannot be suspended, reasons, reasonable efforts taken, and cost analysis (e.g., demob/remob, local labor laws). Reserve the right to request additional equitable adjustments/extensions after the SWO. 📄 SWO Letter to Cost-Reimbursable Subcontractors: Outline procedures for requesting reimbursement for ongoing costs. Refer to subcontract clauses to clarify their rights. 📄 SWO Letter to Fixed-Price Subcontractors: Inform them that interim SWO costs are not reimbursed. Reference clauses for handling REAs after the SWO is lifted or termination is terminated. 📄 SWO for Grants Under Contracts (GUCs): Use 2 CFR 700.14 (for US) or Standard Provision M.10 (for non-U.S. recipients). 📄 SWO for Fixed Amount Awards (FAAs): For U.S. recipients: Use 2 CFR 700.14. For non-U.S. recipients: There is no Standard Provision in FAAs for suspension and 2 CFR 700 does not apply. Negotiate suspension terms now to avoid termination as the default option. 📄 SWO for Consultants: Use the suspension clauses in their contracts. If none exist, negotiate a no-cost pause or terminate if necessary. Under #USAID Cooperative Agreements and Grants: 📄 Response to Suspension Notice (to the Agreement Officer): Include estimated costs that cannot be suspended, reasons, reasonable efforts taken, and cost analysis (e.g., demob/remob, local labor laws). Reserve the right to request additional equitable adjustments/extensions after the SN 📄 SN Letter to Cost-Reimbursable Subawardees: Reference 2 CFR 700.14 (U.S.) or Standard Provision M.10 (non-U.S.). Outline procedures for reimbursable ongoing costs. 📄 SN Letter to Fixed Amount Subawardees: Follow the GUC guidance above. 📄 SWO for Consultants: Same as under contracts—use suspension clauses in consultant agreements or negotiate new ones instead of total termination or terminate. 📄 SWO for Vendors (Procurement contracts) - use the contract clauses to stop work or terminate depending on your negotiations with the AO. Always consult your compliance or legal advisors. This post is for general information only.