CIAO DATE: 03/2013
February 2013
Despite an emphasis on rebuilding the private sector in Haiti, there has been very little direct procurement of goods or services from local businesses. Only $1.33 of every $100 spent by the US government in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake went directly to Haitian companies, missing a huge opportunity to spur long-term growth. Local procurement does double duty; it not only purchases immediately needed goods or services but, by doing so locally, helps grow the private sector, create jobs, and encourage entrepreneurs. Spending more money in this way can multiply the effect of US assistance. In this brief, we identify three ways to do so: Follow local procurement best practice. Scale up the Building Markets model. Continue USAID’s Implementation and Procurement Reform.
Resource link: The Need for More Local Procurement in Haiti [PDF]