The Challenges of Realigning US Foreign Assistance with US Foreign Policy Goals

Denise Fantone from the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) provided a perspective on the American government plan for transitional diplomacy. The F Bureau was created to reform and consolidate State Department and USAID activities and enable performance management.

ICGFM Presentation on State-F Process

Ms. Fantone described lessons learned in culture change in government including the need for workforce management and two-way communications. Documents referenced during the presentation included:

• Foreign Aid Reform: Comprehensive Strategy, Interagency Coordination & Operational Improvements Would Bolster Current Efforts
  GAO-09-192 (April 17, 2009)
• Foreign Assistance: State Department Foreign Aid Information Systems Have Improved Change Management Practices but Do Not Follow Risk Management Best Practices
  GAO-09-52R (November 21, 2008)
• Delegation of Authorities to the Director of Foreign Assistance
  GAO B-316655 (October 29, 2008)