Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE116623
2008-10-31 21:00:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

USAID/DCHA Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster

Tags:  REF SOCI EAID 
pdf how-to read a cable
P 312100Z OCT 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI PRIORITY 3868
INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY 1970
RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5// PRIORITY
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 STATE 116623 

PASS TO USAID/DIRECTORS/REPS, AMEMBASSY DCMS
PASS TO MISSION DISASTER RELIEF OFFICERS
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH, ROME FOR USUN ROME, NEW YORK
FOR DMERCADO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: REF SOCI EAID
SUBJECT: USAID/DCHA Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster
Assistance's Guidance for Disaster Planning and Response
- FY 2009

REF: ADS 251

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 STATE 116623

PASS TO USAID/DIRECTORS/REPS, AMEMBASSY DCMS
PASS TO MISSION DISASTER RELIEF OFFICERS
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH, ROME FOR USUN ROME, NEW YORK
FOR DMERCADO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: REF SOCI EAID
SUBJECT: USAID/DCHA Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster
Assistance's Guidance for Disaster Planning and Response
- FY 2009

REF: ADS 251


1. This is an action cable. Please see paragraph 5.


2. Summary: This cable provides guidance to all posts
concerning support from USAID/DCHA's office of U.S.
Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) before, during,
and after the occurrence of natural and complex disasters
abroad in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009. USAID/OFDA's mission,
capabilities, and support capacities in coordinating and
managing U.S. Government (USG) assistance in response to
disasters are also outlined. Procedures highlight the
need for both continuous USAID/OFDA and USAID mission
collaboration in the planning process for disasters as
well as regular and sustained communication between
Mission Disaster Relief Officers (MDROs) and USAID/OFDA
Regional Advisors and Coordinators to ensure timely,
appropriate, and effective USG emergency assistance. The
guidance provided in this cable should be used in
conjunction with Automated Directives System (ADS) 251 on
international disaster assistance. Posts are encouraged
to contact USAID/OFDA Regional Advisors in the field and
Regional Coordinators in Washington, DC, for additional
information, guidance, and clarifications. This cable
has also been cleared by State F and State M/PRI. End
summary.

--------------
USAID/OFDA's Mission
--------------


3. USAID/OFDA, within the Bureau for Democracy,
Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA),is
responsible for providing international disaster
assistance and coordinating the USG response to declared
disasters in foreign countries. USAID/OFDA's mission is
to minimize and, where possible, prevent loss of life,
alleviate human suffering, and reduce damage to economic
assets in disaster-affected countries. Through support
for programs in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and
training, USAID/OFDA seeks to address the underlying
hazards and vulnerabilities that create disaster risks
and exacerbate impacts. (Note: USAID/OFDA's
responsibility and authority are specified in the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, sections 491-493.
End note.)

--------------
Designation and Role of an MDRO
--------------


4. The Mission Disaster Relief Officer (MDRO) is
appointed by the Chief of Mission (CoM) and is the focal

point at post for disaster-related information, planning,
and activities affecting the host country. In posts that
have a USAID Mission, the CoM often delegates the
responsibility for selecting the MDRO and the alternate
MDRO to the USAID Mission Director. The MDRO is a
regular member of the post's Emergency Action Committee
(EAC) and is responsible for preparing and maintaining
Annex J of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP),entitled
Assistance to Host Country in a Major Accident or
Disaster, and ensuring that post personnel are familiar
with its contents. This section of the EAP is also
referred to as the Mission Disaster Relief Plan (MDRP).
The template for Annex J of the Emergency Action Plan or
the MDRP can be downloaded from the State Department
intranet at http://arpsdir.a.state.gov/fam/12fah01.html
If the MDRO is not routinely included in EAC meetings,
OFDA encourages the MDRO to brief the EAC at least once a
year on the status of Annex J of the EAP. The EAC needs
to know who the MDRO is and that the MDRO is the focal
point for issues related to the host population. In
addition, the MDRO should be familiar with host
government disaster authorities and other potential
humanitarian partners and continually liaise with the
USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor, as well as staff at post
from the Department of Defense (DOD) and/or the State
Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and
Migration (State/PRM),to ensure the free flow of
information related to evolving disaster situations. An
alternate MDRO assists and replaces the MDRO during
periods of absence. USAID/OFDA recommends that the
alternate MDRO be a Foreign Service National (FSN) to
provide consistency and continuity.


5. It is essential that USAID/OFDA have the most current
contact information on file for MDROs and alternates to
facilitate a rapid USG response to a declared disaster.
Posts should provide updated contact information for
MDROs and alternates, including names, titles, tour end
dates, contact numbers (office phone, home phone,
cellular phone, and fax),and e-mail addresses to
USAID/OFDA Mission Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
Christine Leonardo by cable or by e-mail at
cleonardo@usaid.gov. If your post has provided updated
contact information in the past four months, please
disregard this request.

--------------
When a Disaster Occurs
--------------


6. First steps: The MDRO should undertake several
actions when a disaster occurs. First, the MDRO needs to
verify the scope and magnitude of the event and the
humanitarian consequences through established information
contacts and networks, including host government
officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),U.N.
and international organization (IO) representatives, Red
Cross and Red Crescent societies, other embassies, and
donors. The MDRO should immediately notify the CoM, who
will approve the disaster declaration cable (see
paragraph 8). In some cases, depending on the nature of
the disaster, the post's EAC will be convened. The
MDRO's initial point of contact for response options
should be USAID/OFDA's Regional Advisor(s) in the
affected region to ensure effective communication flow
and coordination (contact information in paragraph 19).


7. Issuing a disaster alert cable: If it appears likely
that USG assistance may be necessary and appropriate, the
MDRO should draft a disaster alert cable to USAID/OFDA,
time permitting, providing background and current
situation information regarding the disaster event and
post's anticipated course of action. This cable should
be sent even if post has no immediate plans to request
disaster assistance from USAID/OFDA (see paragraph 9).
The addressee on the caption line of all field cables
must be "DCHA/OFDA", for internal USAID routing purposes,
and information provided in disaster alert cables should
be unclassified.


8. Issuing a disaster declaration cable: While a
disaster alert cable is not required (though strongly
encouraged),a disaster declaration cable is necessary
for USAID/OFDA to provide humanitarian assistance. In
the event of a rapid-onset disaster that does not allow
sufficient time for both a disaster alert and disaster
declaration cable, only a disaster declaration cable is
needed. To request assistance from USAID/OFDA in the
disaster declaration cable, the U.S. Ambassador or Charge
d'Affaires (Charge) must determine that the disaster
satisfies the following criteria: 1) the disaster is of
such magnitude that it is beyond the host country's
ability to respond adequately; 2) the host country
desires or will accept USG assistance; and 3) it is in
the interest of the USG to provide assistance. This
determination should be made in consultation with
USAID/OFDA Regional Advisors. For countries without an
official U.S. diplomatic presence, the Assistant
Secretary of State for the appropriate region may declare
a disaster via a memorandum from the State Department to
the Director of USAID/OFDA. Important: when issuing the
disaster declaration cable, posts should also email
and/or fax a copy of the cable to USAID/OFDA in
Washington to ensure that the cable is received.


9. Information to include in the disaster declaration
cable: The cable from post requesting USAID/OFDA's
assistance needs to describe the disaster event and to
provide the following information: 1) the extent to
which the host country needs assistance to respond
adequately to the disaster; 2) whether the host
government has requested or will accept USG assistance;
and 3) the intended use of requested resources, including
recommended organization(s) through which funds will be
channeled. Other requested information includes
estimated numbers of people killed, injured, affected,
and displaced/homeless; immediate humanitarian needs;
such disaster background information as geographic
location and damage to infrastructure, crops, and
livestock; other donor efforts/contributions; and
additional information from available assessment reports
as appropriate.


10. Disaster assistance request: The U.S. Ambassador or
Charge can request up to USD 50,000 for immediate
disaster relief from USAID/OFDA. The disaster
declaration cable must provide a clear description of the
intended use and prospective recipients of the response
funds. Post should award funds within 24 hours, but not
later than 72 hours, after receipt of the USAID/OFDA
response cable. USAID/OFDA's regional and/or Washington
office will coordinate with the MDRO to assist in the
determination of appropriate response options.
USAID/OFDA funds are to be used for immediate disaster
relief or rehabilitation, not for long-term
reconstruction. Relief assistance is provided to save
lives, reduce human suffering, and alleviate the economic
impact of disasters, and should generally be designated
for existing humanitarian relief-implementing
organizations rather than for host nation government
ministries. Disaster rehabilitation includes
intermediate-term activities to assist disaster-stricken
populations in their efforts to return to self-
sufficiency. USAID/OFDA will consider the relief phase
completed within 60 days after the onset of a sudden
disaster event, unless post requests and USAID/OFDA
approves a continuation of the initial response period.
However, USAID/OFDA assistance may be provided for as
long as the disaster requires emergency humanitarian
assistance. Relief assistance for ongoing disasters,
such as drought and civil strife, requires a
redeclaration cable at the beginning of each new USG
fiscal year (October 1). Post needs to consider whether
a renewal of a disaster declaration in a new fiscal year
is required.


11. The MDRO should notify the chief of the consular
section as soon as possible after a disaster occurs,
since the consular section is responsible for
ascertaining the welfare of American citizens who may be
affected by the disaster and for warning Americans not to
travel to the disaster zone. The MDRO should notify the
consular section of any American casualties known to have
resulted from the disaster and should advise Americans
encountered in the disaster area to contact the consular
section, which frequently receives "welfare and
whereabouts" queries from concerned family members after
a disaster has occurred.


12. Other significant actions by the MDRO: In addition
to the above actions, the MDRO should start a log of
significant events and provide regular, numbered
situation report cables to USAID/OFDA that update and
expand on the initial disaster declaration cable. The
MDRO should maintain regular contact with relevant
organizations, including host government officials,
USAID/OFDA Regional Advisors, DOD officials, State/PRM
staff, NGOs, IOs, U.N. agencies, and other donors;
assemble the EAC, if necessary; gather preliminary
assessments of funding, commodity, and other operational
requirements, including logistics and transport; and
identify potential relief channels. The MDRO should also
keep the embassy's public affairs officer advised of both
the scope of the disaster and the details of the
mission's response. The public affairs officer acts as
the embassy spokesperson, and is responsible for all
official communications to the media, including press
releases.

--------------
How USAID/OFDA May Assist the MDRO
--------------


13. Capabilities: In addition to releasing up to USD
50,000 of disaster assistance funds, USAID/OFDA has
several other capacities for providing disaster
assistance, including the deployment of USAID/OFDA
Regional Advisors, an assessment team, or a Disaster
Assistance Response Team (DART); provision of relief
commodities from USAID/OFDA stockpiles; and additional
disaster funding of NGO, IO, and U.N. emergency
assistance proposals or appeals. The decision to use
these additional capacities is based on the magnitude of
the disaster and the host country's own response
capacities. These additional capabilities are described
below:


A. Regional Advisors: In addition to providing pre-
disaster guidance, USAID/OFDA Regional Advisors also
assist in donor coordination and liaison, assessments,
monitoring and reporting, logistics for relief
commodities, communications with USAID/OFDA in
Washington, and other aspects of post's relief effort.
(Note: a disaster declaration is not required for the
deployment of regional advisors. End note.)


B. Assessment team: The assessment team provides
USAID/OFDA in Washington and post with information and
recommendations to make timely decisions regarding the
USG disaster response. USAID/OFDA's assessment teams are
typically composed of sector specialists (such as experts
in health, nutrition, agriculture, water and sanitation,
shelter, geo-hazards, logistics, protection, and disaster
management),as well as supervisory staff familiar with
USAID/OFDA policies and procedures. (Note: a disaster
declaration is not required for USAID/OFDA to deploy an
assessment team. End note.)


C. Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART):
USAID/OFDA's Director, with the concurrence of the U.S.
Ambassador or acting CoM in the affected country, may
deploy a DART, based on the magnitude and severity of the
disaster. A DART is a team of disaster specialists who
deploy to assist a post or posts in managing the USG
response to a disaster. A DART will expedite
USAID/OFDA's response, gather information and report on
the disaster situation, assess the effectiveness of the
overall humanitarian response (including USG-funded
relief activities),identify unmet humanitarian needs,
advise the mission on disaster issues, and manage USG
field relief activities. The DART structure is flexible
in size and composition but normally provides such core
functions as management, planning, logistics, operations,
and administrative capacities, and, in certain
circumstances, contracting capacity, in addition to
sector specialists. The DART provides information and
programming support, including regular reporting on
humanitarian conditions and other risks facing affected
populations, liaising with the relief community,
reviewing proposals, and recommending funding. If USAID
anticipates the need for DOD assistance, DART staff may
include USAID liaison officers who can coordinate with
DOD counterparts to assess how military capabilities
might be employed most efficiently. USAID/OFDA may
request post's assistance, when necessary, in arranging
for the importation and licensing of vehicles and
communications and computer equipment used by the DART
(such as global positioning systems, hand-held radios,
satellite phones, high frequency radios, laptop
computers, and/or digital cameras). Radio frequencies
for the U.S. embassy, NGOs, U.N. agencies, and local
government offices may also be requested by DART
personnel. A DART might also request administrative and
consular support from post.


D. USAID/OFDA relief commodities: USAID/OFDA may
provide disaster relief commodities (such as blankets,
plastic sheeting, and water containers) from USAID/OFDA's
various worldwide stockpiles when appropriate.
USAID/OFDA can contract transportation services via
sealift or land transport. USAID/OFDA may also fund air
transport of emergency commodities when urgent delivery
is required. Commodity shipment requests must identify,
by name, the responsible consignee and in-country point
of contact, including telephone and fax numbers. Post
should also affirm that arrangements for the distribution
of commodities have been secured. Requests for
USAID/OFDA assistance should indicate any limitations on
the size and capacity of the receiving airport, seaport,
and/or warehouse, including the availability of discharge
labor and facilities. Requests should also indicate
whether uniformed service personnel and/or other DOD
staff are authorized to travel in-country, as USAID/OFDA
may use DOD to assist with the transport of emergency
relief commodities when, for example, commercial
alternatives are unavailable or when unique military
capabilities can expedite relief efforts during urgent,
life-saving situations. USAID/OFDA may request post's
assistance, when necessary, in arranging for customs


E. NGO/IO/U.N. funding: USAID/OFDA provides funding to
NGOs and IOs to implement emergency program assistance
for disaster response activities.
NGOs do not have to be U.S.-based, nor do they have to be
registered as private voluntary organizations (PVOs) with
USAID, to be eligible to receive international disaster
assistance funding. USAID/OFDA solicits post's knowledge
and experience with the NGO community before reaching a
funding decision. USAID/OFDA may support local Red
Cross/Red Crescent societies through grants to the
American Red Cross and/or, in consultation with
State/PRM, the International Committee of the Red Cross
and Red Crescent (ICRC) and/or the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC). Please note that both ICRC and IFRC have been
designated by USAID as international organizations (IOs)
for grant-making purposes. Alternatively, posts may use
USAID/OFDA funds provided in a mission fund citation to
enter into a direct agreement with local Red Cross/Red
Crescent societies.


F. Posts are encouraged to review NGO proposals and IO
or U.N. appeals and provide recommendations.
Specifically, posts should review NGO proposals to ensure
that they are prepared according to USAID/OFDA's grant
proposals and reporting guidelines (available at
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_as sistance/dis
aster_assistance/) and include all requested information.
If a USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor or other USAID/OFDA
field representative is working with post on the disaster
response, the Regional Advisor's prior clearance or
comments normally should be obtained. The mission-
endorsed proposal is reviewed by USAID/OFDA in Washington
and shared with the appropriate USAID geographic bureau,
as necessary, before the funding activity is approved.


G. In reviewing grant proposals, posts should be mindful
of USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directive
(AAPD) 02-04 (now incorporated into chapters 302 and 303
of the ADS),which refers to U.S. executive orders and
laws that prohibit transactions with organizations
associated with terrorism and which requires inclusion of
certain specified language in all USAID contracts and
assistance instruments. These clauses state that it is
the legal responsibility of the contractor or assistance
recipient to ensure compliance with these executive
orders and laws. In addition, posts should also be
mindful that AAPD 04-14 requires all NGO recipients of
USAID assistance to certify that they do not provide
material support and resources to terrorists or for
terrorist acts.


H. In executing a grant to an NGO, USAID/OFDA can
provide a mission fund citation if the mission has local
contracting or grant authority, or USAID/Washington can
contract directly with the NGO's headquarters. (Note:
when providing funds to a post, the commitment is
recorded at USAID/Washington and post is required to
forward the obligating document to USAID/OFDA. The
failure to provide the obligating document may result in
the de-obligation of the funds. End note.) USAID/OFDA
will monitor and evaluate the performance of USAID/OFDA-
funded relief efforts in accordance with USAID/OFDA's
guidelines.


I. Section 2110 of the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror,
and Tsunami Relief, 2005, provides that none of the funds
under the heading International Disaster Assistance (IDA)
may be obligated to an organization that fails to adopt a
code of conduct that provides for the protection of
beneficiaries of assistance under such heading from
sexual exploitation and abuse in humanitarian relief
operations. This provision applies to funds obligated
for FY 2005 and for subsequent fiscal years. To this
end, the following language should be included in all
IDA-funded awards: "Code of conduct for the protection
of beneficiaries of assistance from sexual exploitation
and abuse in humanitarian relief operations:

-- as a condition for this award, it is understood by
USAID and affirmed by the recipient that the recipient
has adopted a code of conduct for the protection of
beneficiaries of assistance from sexual exploitation and
abuse in humanitarian relief operations. Such code of
conduct must be consistent with the United Nations Inter-
Agency Standing Committee (IASC) task force on protection
from sexual exploitation and abuse in humanitarian
crises, which includes the following core principles:

-- sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers
constitute acts of gross misconduct and are therefore
grounds for termination of employment;

-- sexual activity with children (persons under the age
of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of majority or
age of consent locally. Mistaken belief in the age of a
child is not a defense;

-- exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for
sex, including sexual favors or other forms of
humiliating, degrading, or exploitative behavior is
prohibited. This includes exchange of assistance that is
due to beneficiaries;

-- sexual relationships between humanitarian workers and
beneficiaries are strongly discouraged, since they are
based on inherently unequal power dynamics. Such
relationships undermine the credibility and integrity of
humanitarian aid work;

-- where a humanitarian worker develops concerns or
suspicions regarding sexual abuse or exploitation by a
fellow worker, whether in the same humanitarian aid
agency or not, s/he must report such concerns via
established agency reporting mechanisms; and

-- humanitarian workers are obliged to create and
maintain an environment which prevents sexual
exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of
their code of conduct. Managers at all levels have
particular responsibilities to support and develop
systems which maintain this environment."

--------------
USAID/OFDA Sector-Specific Assistance
--------------


14. USAID/OFDA seeks to apply a "protection mindset" to
its planning, assessments, strategies, monitoring, and
evaluation of assistance programs. At a minimum, the
goal is to ensure that assistance programs "do no harm."
In some situations, well designed and implemented
assistance programs can mitigate or prevent such
protection problems as violence, abuse, theft,
harassment, discrimination, or exploitation of vulnerable
individuals. USAID/OFDA-funded protection initiatives
should be adapted to the context of the disaster and
incorporated within USAID/OFDA's main response sectors.
USAID/OFDA may provide assistance, in addition to
performing or supporting assessments, in but not limited
to the following sectors:


A. Shelter: USAID/OFDA can provide emergency shelter
supplies or support the local purchase of shelter
materials, if needed. When and where possible (and
subject to "buy America" requirements),USAID/OFDA
promotes the use of local materials and labor, which
often results in locally acceptable emergency shelter
solutions and needed employment generation. In addition,
USAID/OFDA promotes shelter solutions that mitigate the
effects of such natural hazards as earthquakes or floods.
USAID/OFDA shelter responses might include support of
host/guest family arrangements, provision of materials to
support minimal repairs to damaged/destroyed housing, or
support of transitional solutions that link relief and
reconstruction, thereby "jump-starting" the longer-term
process of incremental shelter development. Because
USAID/OFDA does not encourage the establishment of tent
camps for public-health, environmental, social, and
economic reasons, tents will be provided only in rare
circumstances, and primarily as part of non-camp shelter
responses.


B. Water: USAID/OFDA recognizes the critical role water
quality and quantity play in the health and survival of
affected populations. USAID/OFDA may fund such
activities as the provision of potable water through well
and spring development, water treatment (at point of
source and point of use),well rehabilitation, rainwater
collection, extension of existing water systems, and
support to community operation and maintenance
organizations. USAID/OFDA can also provide 10-liter
collapsible water containers, large-capacity water
bladders, and portable water purification units. Hygiene
education in relation to the prevention of waterborne
diseases is also supported.


C. Sanitation and hygiene: USAID/OFDA recognizes the
importance of addressing sanitation and hygiene issues
during an emergency. To that effect, USAID/OFDA may fund
activities related to the provision of sanitation
facilities and the promotion of sound hygiene practices
in conjunction with water supply interventions.
USAID/OFDA can fund such activities as latrine
construction, solid waste management, and hygiene
promotion.


D. Health: USAID/OFDA generally provides funding for
primary health programs that address treatment, as well
as health promotion and disease prevention of acute
disease conditions. These interventions can include
immunization campaigns and the restarting of routine
vaccination programs, treatment and surveillance of
communicable diseases, oral rehydration therapy (ORT),
training of health care workers, and emergency obstetric
care. Medical supplies and essential drugs needed to
support the emergency health programs will be funded if
they come from USAID-approved sources. USAID/OFDA also
funds the rehabilitation of clinics damaged by
emergencies but will generally not fund the
reconstruction of hospitals.


E. Nutrition: USAID/OFDA funds emergency nutrition
programs, including supplementary feeding programs (SFP)
and community-based therapeutic care (CTC),in order to
address acute malnutrition, measured by weight for
height. USAID/OFDA also supports the international or
local purchase, as appropriate, of nutritional products
needed in the treatment of severely malnourished
populations. Furthermore, USAID/OFDA will support
nutritional surveys and surveillance programs and the
training of health staff in the management of
malnutrition.


F. Food: The USG's food donation programs are
administered by USAID's Office of Food for Peace
(USAID/FFP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS). Information
about these programs is available at
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_as sistance/ffp
/ and http://www.fas.usda.gov/. USAID/OFDA normally does
not provide direct emergency food aid. However, in
situations where there is no USAID/FFP food aid in the
pipeline and the situation is dire, USAID/OFDA may
provide funds to posts to purchase emergency food
supplies locally, subject to "buy America" requirements,
and/or fund emergency internal purchase programs for a
limited duration until other sources are identified.
Additionally, consistent with the current food security
initiative, USAID/OFDA uses IDA funds for the local
purchase of food in emergencies. USAID/OFDA may also
purchase blended foods for supplementary or therapeutic
feeding programs.


G. Agriculture and livestock: USAID/OFDA can support
the distribution of seeds and tools to subsistence
farmers through a variety of mechanisms, depending on the
type of disaster. Seed programs should be tailored to
the situation. For example, seed fair and voucher
programs may be most appropriate when market access is an
issue, while lack of available seed may be addressed
through programs that directly distribute procured seed
to farmers. USAID/OFDA may also consider funding
emergency destocking, animal health programs, or feeding
of livestock in prolonged drought situations, but will
not fund animal restocking as an emergency response.


H. Economic recovery: Both natural and human-caused
disasters can severely disrupt the economic and
livelihood systems in the affected area, by damaging or
destroying one or more of the systems' parts, including
productive assets, local skills and capacities, transport
and markets, social networks, and information
dissemination and sharing. The third leg of USAID/OFDA's
mandate is to help mitigate the economic impact of
disasters. There are many types of activities that can
bolster or kick-start local economies and repair
livelihoods. Such initiatives should be undertaken based
on a comprehensive understanding of the pre-disaster
local economic structure and function, be highly
participatory, rely on local skills and capacities, and
minimize damage to the natural environment.


I. Other: USAID/OFDA can support a wide range of
humanitarian activities, including technical assistance
support for donor coordination units; urban search-and-
rescue efforts; projects that support livelihoods;
chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and
explosive (CBRNE) assessment and response, depending on
the scope of the disaster; and food monitoring and
surveillance. USAID/OFDA encourages missions to promote
donor coordination and host government coordination
groups where none exist. USAID/OFDA will co-finance
emergency programs with other donors when needed.


J. Other (continued): USAID/OFDA recognizes the
importance of identifying and addressing the needs of
populations most at risk. Most vulnerable populations
can include women, children, older people, disabled
people, people living with HIV/AIDS, and displaced
people. Depending on the particular context, a person's
ethnic origin, religion, or other distinguishing
characteristic may increase his/her vulnerability to
potentially dangerous circumstances. When and where
possible, USAID/OFDA should identify the nature and
characteristics of the most vulnerable populations;
determine their needs and capacities; limit the harmful
mechanisms in which these groups are forced to engage;
include populations most at risk in important decision-
making processes, thus empowering these groups in support
of their own protection; and help avoid programming and
implementation aspects that may aggravate the situation
on the ground, thus increasing the population's
vulnerabilities and risks. These actions should, of
course, be undertaken without discriminating against
other populations also vulnerable to potentially
dangerous circumstances.

--------------
Accountability
--------------


15. Disaster assistance is subject to the same audit
oversight as other forms of aid. Grant recipients and
contractors are accountable for funds, supplies,
materials, and equipment in accordance with the terms of
their grants and contracts. International disaster
assistance legislation contains a "notwithstanding"clause
enabling goods and services to be procured outside the
standard USG and USAID procedures during emergencies. As
a matter of policy, the clear preference is for USAID to
follow standard procurement procedures, to the maximum
extent possible, for routine disaster procurement. It is
acknowledged, however, that the interests of competition
are secondary and must give way to the overriding
objective of providing humanitarian assistance on a
timely basis. Posts should, nevertheless, verify that
contractors and grantees are responsible and that goods
and services are reasonably priced. USAID missions in
recipient countries are responsible for monitoring
grantee and contractor programs, including disaster funds
disbursement and accounting. Any questions regarding the
"notwithstanding" clause can be directed to the USAID
assistant general counsel/DCHA or the regional legal
advisor.

--------------
Donations Guidance
--------------


16. USAID has developed a donations message based on
years of experience by the international humanitarian
community in dealing with the public's response to
overseas disasters. Members of the public often respond
to disasters by spontaneously collecting commodities or
offering untrained volunteer services, both of which can
seriously hamper relief efforts. Past experience has
also demonstrated that public statements from USG
officials concerning humanitarian aid are often
misinterpreted as general pleas for any type of
assistance, including commodities and volunteers. The
message below is therefore designed to inform the public
about the most effective and appropriate ways they can
support humanitarian activities. The U.S. embassy or
USAID mission can assist with these efforts by
recommending the use of this message in any public
statements:


A. The most effective way the American public can assist
relief efforts is by making cash contributions to
humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief
operations. Information on identifying humanitarian
organizations that are accepting cash donations is
available from the Center for International Disaster
Information (CIDI) - http://www.cidi.org or 703-276-1914
- and is also available at http://www.interaction.org.


B. It is a common misperception among the public that
all types of assistance are needed immediately following
a disaster. This misperception often leads to
spontaneous collections of unsolicited commodities and
offers of volunteer services, which can impede relief
efforts. Therefore, the USG encourages those who wish to
help to make a cash donation to the humanitarian
organization of their choice. Cash donations allow
disaster relief professionals to procure the exact
commodities needed (often locally in the affected
county); reduce the burden on resources that tend to be
scarce in disaster settings (such as transportation
routes, staff time, and warehouse space); transfer money
quickly without transportation costs (which often
outweigh the value of the donated commodities); support
the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and ensure
culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate
assistance.


17. The Denton Amendment (Section 402, Title 10 USC)
authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transport
privately donated humanitarian assistance supplies on a
space-available basis. In general, such transportation
occurs during the recovery and reconstruction phase,
rather than during the relief phase. USAID generally
does not view space-available military transportation of
privately donated goods as an appropriate means of
disaster response during the initial phase of a disaster,
since the long list of reviews and administrative actions
required for each request precludes the rapid shipment of
supplies. Additional information about the Denton
program can be accessed at the following website:
http://dentonfunded.ohasis.org/.


18. For questions on donations issues, contact Nazik
Salih, USAID/OFDA, at 202-712-0972 or Suzanne Brooks,
CIDI, at 703-243-8900, ext. 22. Please do not release
these phone numbers. Contact information for
dissemination to the general public is included in
paragraph 16A.

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USAID/OFDA Regional Offices
--------------


19. USAID/OFDA Regional Advisors: USAID/OFDA maintains
regional offices in several locations worldwide to assist
in responding to disasters and to develop risk management
strategies. USAID/OFDA/Washington strongly advises
posts, especially MDROs, to maintain regular
communication with the USAID/OFDA Regional Advisors.
Regional Advisors are available to visit posts and
perform emergency disaster assessments upon request.
USAID/OFDA Regional Advisors should be the first point of
contact if a USAID/OFDA regional office exists in the
region. The following six sub-paragraphs identify the
location and contact information for the various
USAID/OFDA regional offices and sub-offices.


A. East and Central Africa: Mr. Jack Myer is
USAID/OFDA's Principal Regional Advisor for East and
Central Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Additional Regional
Advisors for East and Central Africa are Mr. Alan Dwyer
and Ms. Georgianna Platt. USAID/OFDA's East and Central
Africa regional office can be reached at 254-20-862-2000.


B. Southern Africa: Mr. Harlan Hale is USAID/OFDA's
Principal Regional Advisor for Southern Africa in
Pretoria, South Africa. USAID/OFDA's Southern Africa
regional office can be reached at 27-12-452-2000. An
additional Regional Advisor for Southern Africa is Ms.
Janice Wessel, based in Harare, Zimbabwe, along with Mr.
Mark Adams, Humanitarian Program Specialist. They can be
reached at 263-4-250-992 and 263-4-250-993, respectively.


C. West and North Africa: Ms. Regina Davis is
USAID/OFDA's Principal Regional Advisor for West Africa
in Dakar, Senegal. An additional Regional Advisor for
West Africa is Ms. Stefanie Sobol. USAID/OFDA's West
Africa regional office can be reached at 221-33-869-6164.


D. Asia and the Pacific: Mr. William Berger is
USAID/OFDA's Asia and Pacific Acting Principal Regional
Advisor in Bangkok, Thailand. USAID/OFDA's Asia and
Pacific regional office in Bangkok can be reached at 66-
2-263-7461.


E. Latin America and the Caribbean: Mr. Tim Callaghan
is USAID/OFDA's Principal Regional Advisor for Latin
America and the Caribbean (LAC) in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Other LAC Regional Advisors are Mr. Rene Carrillo, Mr.
Phil Gelman, Ms. Julie Leonard, and Mr. Sidney Velado.
USAID/OFDA's LAC regional office can be reached at 506-
2296-3554 or at 506-2290-4133.


F. Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia: Mr. Rob
Andrew is the Regional Advisor for Europe, the Middle
East, and Central Asia (EMCA) in Washington, DC. Mr.
Andrew can be reached at 202-712-4419. The EMCA regional
office will open in Budapest, Hungary, before the end of
the calendar year.

--------------
USAID/OFDA Washington Contacts
--------------


20. All requests for funds, situation reports, and other
information should be directed to the following Regional
Coordinators at USAID/OFDA/Washington: Ms. Kasey
Channell: 202-712-4167 (East and Central Africa); Ms.
Lynn Marie Thomas: 202-712-1015 (Sudan and Southern,
West, and North Africa); Mr. Rob Thayer: 202-712-1257
(Asia and the Pacific/Latin America and the Caribbean);
and Mr. Rob Andrew: 202-712-4419 (Europe, the Middle
East, and Central Asia). If the Regional Coordinator is
not available, an alternative contact is Ms. Anne
Convery, USAID/OFDA's Disaster Response Team leader. Ms.
Convery can be contacted at 202-712-4029. Contact
information is regularly updated on USAID/OFDA's website,
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_as sistance/dis
aster_assistance/directory/index.html. The name and contact
information of the appropriate Regional Coordinator or
other designated team member will be included in
USAID/OFDA's cable response to the disaster declaration.
Missions/embassies also may call USAID/OFDA at 202-712-
0400 during daytime hours (0800-1700 hours local time) in
Washington, DC. After business hours, evenings,
weekends, and holidays, the USAID/OFDA duty officer may
be contacted by phone at 301-675-5953 or by email via
BlackBerry at OFDAdutyofficer@usaid.gov. Alternatively,
the USAID/OFDA duty officer may be reached by calling the
State Department's operations center at 202-647-1512.
USAID/OFDA's fax numbers are 202-216-3706/3191.


21. Minimize considered.
RICE