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Process Guide 08 of 8PWS · Cross-CuttingFO · Process Guide
Programmatic Infrastructure Guide
FFP's IT infrastructure and system needs do not transfer one-to-one from USAID. USDA needs a framework to define programmatic infrastructure needs and a methodology to specify, procure, and stand up the systems that support FFP execution under USDA management.
Why It Matters
Infrastructure decisions made in the first six months of USDA's FFP tenure shape the program's operating efficiency for years. Infrastructure that is over-built ties up USDA resources; infrastructure that is under-built creates audit findings and operational drag.
HSG's Approach
- 1Build the IT infrastructure needs-assessment methodology — system requirements, data architecture, integration needs.
- 2Map 22 CFR Parts 211 (USAID commodity-donation rules), 226 (USAID grant administration), and 228 (USAID-financed procurement) to USDA Title 7 / Title 22 / FAR-AGAR regulatory equivalents. This is the most consequential single-deliverable component of the entire transition and the most under-discussed in the PWS — USDA Title 7 doesn't directly govern these USAID-internal frameworks.
- 3Migrate USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) Series 300 acquisition-and-assistance policies to USDA internal directive guidance equivalents. ADS 300 is the USAID operational substrate for FFP and must have a USDA-authored equivalent in place for continuity.
- 4Inventory all historical Food for Peace Information Bulletins (FFPIBs) — the body of bulletins constitutes the de facto operating handbook. Evaluate each for continued applicability under USDA: re-issue, modify, or sunset.
- 5Document the FFP data architecture — what data, where, how integrated, how retained.
- 6Develop the system-procurement framework aligned to USDA FAS and OCFO governance.
- 7Apply HSG's AI-augmented delivery methodology to inform AI/automation platform recommendations consistent with OMB M-25-21 / M-25-22 and the NIST AI RMF.
Expected Deliverables
- Programmatic Infrastructure Guide (PWS Deliverable 10) — month 10 (HSG-proposed acceleration from PWS month 11)
- IT infrastructure needs-assessment methodology
- 22 CFR Parts 211 / 226 / 228 → USDA Title 7 regulatory crosswalk
- USAID ADS Series 300 → USDA internal directive crosswalk
- FFPIB inventory and disposition framework (re-issue / modify / sunset)
- FFP data architecture documentation
- System-procurement framework aligned to USDA governance
Expected Outcome
USDA has a defensible methodology for FFP infrastructure decisions — and uses the methodology during the staff competency assessment in months 11–12 rather than after it.