What are the risk factors and accountability issues to be considered in the design and use of results-oriented assistance instruments?
The fundamental risk and accountability issue affecting all types of instruments awarded by USAID is the potential for micro-management. When substantial involvement is anticipated in an assistance relationship between the USAID Technical Office or Strategic Objective Team and the Recipient, a cooperative agreement must be used. Substantial involvement is not a device to provide undue administrative oversight or detailed operational control. USAID has effective ways of enforcing accountability for performance. However, it must not confuse performance with an unconditional guarantee.
