DFID’s use of contractors to deliver aid programmes
DFID uses private sector contractors to assist in delivering aid, accounting for 9% of its aid expenditure in 2011-12. This report examines their role in programme delivery.
Summary
The Department for International Development (DFID) uses private sector contractors to assist in delivering aid, accounting for 9% of its aid expenditure in 2011-12. Their roles range from procuring equipment to providing technical advice, to delivering programmes.
This report focuses on contractor programme delivery, likely to remain an important option for DFID given its increasing budget and focus on fragile and conflict states. We reviewed DFID’s central procurement group (PrG) and five case studies of varying sizes with a combined contract value of £264 million. This included programmes in Bangladesh, Yemen and Nigeria; a global climate and development knowledge network; and due diligence on civil society organisations receiving DFID funds.
Overall, we awarded a green-amber score and made five recommendations.