In response to the USAID Forward Agenda Implementation and Procurement Reforms, which focus on procurement of services and contracting with local entities by the US Government (USG), the Building Local Capacity (BLC) for Delivery of HIV Services in Southern Africa Project of Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is working to graduate three organizations during project year two to become direct recipients of USG funds.
Since March 2011, BLC has been supporting mothers2mothers (m2m) to graduate to prime recipient status. m2m provides support for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) to mothers in a unique, empowering and sustainable approach centred on mentor-mothers. The organization recruits, trains, and employs mothers who have undergone PMTCT treatment to provide care to other women. It works from its headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa, and 714 sites in nine countries: Kenya, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda and Uganda.
BLC conducted an initial organizational capacity assessment of m2m in March 2011 and assisted the organization through a process to strengthen identified areas of weakness that would keep them from being USG fund recipients. BLC also reviewed m2m policies, procedures and tools in preparation for a USAID simulated pre-award survey.
The USAID simulated pre-award survey conducted in September did not find organizational weaknesses that would impact m2m's potential to become a prime USG recipient. The report indicated that m2m staff members, especially in the finance department, have the relevant training, experience and skills to receive, manage and report on USG funds. Other survey focus areas included m2m’s legal status, governance and organizational structure.
In October, BLC communicated with USAID recommending m2m for a USAID pre-award audit and capacity to receive and manage USG funds directly, thereby graduating the organization.
m2m is BLC's latest graduate recommended to receive USG funds. The first was the Eastern, Southern, and Central Africa Health Community (ECSA).
