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BUREAU FOR DEVELOPMENT, DEMOCRACY, AND INNOVATION
LOCAL, FAITH, AND TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIPS HUB
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Limited Excess Property Program |
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September 2023
The Limited Excess Property Program (LEPP) provides Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) access to federal surplus property to support their humanitarian and development projects abroad. LEPP utilizes an innovative model of recovery and reuse to support a variety of development projects that promote sustainability in developing countries. LEPP is managed by USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative, which is part of the Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation's Local, Faith, and Transformative Partnerships (LFT) Hub.
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THIRD QUARTER LEPP PROPERTY TRANSFER HIGHLIGHTS |
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A variety of items valued at $5,596,110 were requisitioned and processed through LEPP in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Most of the property was earmarked for regional hospitals and health care centers that serve remote populations in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
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United Ukrainian American Relief Committee (UUARC), in partnership with LEPP, accessed $229,443 worth of patient vital signs monitors and intravenous pumps that will ship to Ukraine. The medical equipment will be distributed to regional hospitals that are treating Ukrainian refugees and other patients. UUARC also accessed $16,745 worth of cold weather clothing in anticipation of energy and heat shortages throughout Ukraine in the fall.
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St. Luke’s Health Care, in partnership with LEPP, accessed 25 Dell laptop computers worth $83,275 and 38 Dell computer workstations worth $11,628 that will ship to Ethiopia. The cutting-edge computer equipment will go to Soddo Christian Hospital (SCH) and play a crucial role in the hospital’s ability to deliver top-notch patient services. The donation of technology equipment helps bridge the gap between urban and rural health care services, ensuring that patients served at a rural hospital like SCH receive the same quality of care as patients served in larger medical facilities. The laptop and workstation donation also saves the hospital money that would have been spent purchasing these items, freeing up resources to invest in critical medical equipment and further improve patient care. Since opening in 2005, SCH has treated over 345,000 patients, performed over 72,000 surgical procedures, and delivered over 10,000 babies.
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CharityVision International, in partnership with LEPP, accessed $272,867 worth of ophthalmic instruments and equipment that is slated to ship to the Philippines. The equipment, which includes visual field analyzers, optical coherence tomography (OCT) equipment, and retinal cameras, is awaiting testing and certification. CharityVision plans to utilize this equipment at its new eye surgery center in Cebu, Philippines. The surgery center will provide eye care to approximately 1,000 patients annually. CharityVision also accessed $122,535 worth of optometry equipment, including amplitude scan (A-Scan) equipment, that is slated to ship to Pakistan. Once tested, the A-Scan will go to the Mehboob Charity Vision Eye (MCV) Hospital located in the Mansehra District. MCV serves approximately 50,000 patients annually.
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World Help, in partnership with LEPP, accessed $48,154 worth of medical equipment that will ship to Rwanda. The stretchers, surgical instruments, and other supplies will be donated to the Ear Cyangugu Diocese and used to provide essential medical care to the people of Cyangugu. Cyangugu is a remote area located in the southwestern part of Rwanda with a population of approximately 90,000. The medical and surgical instruments will be used to perform a variety of procedures, including surgeries, deliveries, and wound care and the medical supplies will be used to provide basic medical care. World Help also accessed $48,154 worth of stretchers, medical equipment, and surgical instruments that will ship to Zambia. The equipment will be donated to House of God Ministries and strategically placed where the need is greatest. The stretchers will be allocated to district hospitals and clinics that lack access to local government aid. Medical and surgical instruments will play a key role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. The LEPP donation is set to have a significant impact on the health care landscape at the district level, particularly within hospitals and clinics serving populations of 200,000 to 300,000 people.
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PVO SPOTLIGHT ON HEALEY INTERNATIONAL RELIEF FOUNDATION |
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 PHOTO CREDIT: HEALEYIRF. MEGAN SMITH, HEALEYIRF PROGRAMS MANAGER WITH CHILDEREN IN SIMA TOWN, SIERRA LEONE.
Q: You are one of our new PVO Partners. We appreciate your partnership! Can you tell us a little about your program and your role?
A: I am Megan M. Smith, Healey International Relief Foundation’s (HealeyIRF’s) Programs Manager. This year, we are celebrating our 20th year of service in Sierra Leone, and I have been with HealeyIRF since 2010. Over the past 20 years we have grown from supporting several small projects to now having three major program efforts relating to Health System Strengthening, Orphan and Vulnerable Children, and Emergency Relief. I work closely with our team in Sierra Leone to ensure that project needs are being met in these areas. I also monitor programs and keep stakeholders informed of project progress. Since 2012, I have been responsible for the grant management of many HealeyIRF in-country programs. I also coordinate logistics and supplies; in 2021 we sent over 17 containers from nine different partners to support our program efforts. We are a small organization, but our teams—both in the U.S. and Sierra Leone—are very efficient. When it comes to multitasking, each of us wears many hats!
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 PHOTO CREDIT: HEALEYIRF. HEALEYIRF TEAM MEMBERS VISITING THE NEWTON INTERIM CARE CENTER IN SIERRA LEONE DURING THE EBOLA VIRUS EPIDEMIC.
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Q: What types of humanitarian aid or development programs are (or will be) utilizing the federal surplus property transferred by your organization?
A: Through our participation in LEPP, we will be obtaining items for our three major program areas: Health System Strengthening, Orphan and Vulnerable Children, and Emergency Relief Efforts.
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Our Health System Strengthening program has three components. The first component is to increase the quality of services offered at the 14 facilities that we directly support by providing needed medical equipment and supplies. The second component is to work with the Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL) in their vision to enhance the delivery of health care services at their network of 42 private faith-based facilities, of which our facilities are members.
The third component is to support the development of a strong Secretariat at CHASL to oversee and advocate for the needs of faith-based health care facilities to better serve vulnerable populations and to support government health-led interventions. So, we will be looking for federal surplus property like neonate/adult scales, blood pressure machines, stethoscopes, oxygen concentrators, patient monitors, suction machines, microscopes, centrifuges, biochemical analyzers, water distillers, computers and office equipment, and furnishings.
Our Orphan and Vulnerable Children program provides support to 23 children at St. Mary’s-Fatima Interim Care Center (ICC) outside of Freetown. Our key objectives in this program are for the children to complete senior secondary school and to provide a safe and nurturing environment at the ICC. To assist our Orphan and Vulnerable Children program, we will be looking for items that support their education, such as books, computers, desks, and items for their on-site library.
Our Emergency Relief efforts assist those affected by disaster by having supplies available at our warehouse in Freetown that can be distributed quickly during the early phases of flood or disaster relief efforts. Our Emergency Relief efforts would benefit from personal hygiene items, tents, blankets, cleaning supplies, and water filters/tablets.
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 PHOTO CREDIT: HEALEYIRF. MOTHER AND CHILD DURING PATIENT INTAKE AT ST. ANTHONY’S CLINIC FOR THE POOR IN FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE.
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Q: What community challenges/problems do these programs try to address? Can you share with us any statistical data related to the problems or challenges?
A: Regarding health care, Sierra Leoneans face a dire health care system, which is especially troubling for women and children, with maternal and infant mortality rates among the highest in the world.
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The most recent Sierra Leone Maternal Death Surveillance and Response Report states that the estimated lifetime risk of a woman dying from maternal causes is currently 1 in 17. The under-5 mortality rate is 109 deaths per 1,000 live births.
In general, there is a large burden of communicable diseases, the health care infrastructure is poor, and the country lacks a strong health care workforce. Among communicable diseases, malaria, acute respiratory infection, diarrhea, and tuberculosis constitute 70 percent of the burden of disease throughout the general population. In addition, non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, are rising and psychosocial counseling is needed because of the Ebola crisis and associated issues.
Concerning disaster relief, in the Western area, Sierra Leoneans have seen many natural disasters. The city of Freetown suffers from severe flooding during the rainy season from May to October. Thousands of poor families are displaced and require medical and humanitarian assistance. In 2017, a devastating mudslide in the Regent area of Freetown left 1,100 dead and over 3,000 homeless. In 2021, there were a series of fires that burned several slum areas and in the Susan’s Bay fire, 1,600 households were impacted. During these disasters, families need help immediately with essentials like blankets, clothes, and household items.
Q: Do any of your programs utilizing federal surplus property work on increasing women’s access to income, productive resources, or technology?
A: Yes. First, the health facilities we support have many women employed there as both staff and managers. In addition, through the delivery of health services to women, especially pre- and post-natal care, we are helping to improve women and their children’s health. We are also paying the children’s school fees through our Orphan and Vulnerable Children program.
It is important to note that our two main partners in Sierra Leone, CHASL and Caritas Freetown, have women leading the health care effort; Health Coordinator Florence Bull runs CHASL and Sister Josephine Amara is Caritas Freetown’s Health Administrator.
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 PHOTO CREDIT: HEALEYIRF. MANJA TAYLOR CHECKS PATIENT’S BLOOD PRESSURE AT DANIEL SULLIVAN HEALTH CLINIC IN SIERRA LEONE.
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Q: What is most gratifying about working with HealeyIRF and partnering with LEPP?
A: HealeyIRF is excited to partner with LEPP. It’s truly reassuring knowing that we can deliver lifesaving medical equipment and supplies to the hospitals and clinics we support.
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The program comes with full disclosure, so we know for sure what we are sending and that it will work properly in Sierra Leone. So much medical equipment goes to waste if it’s not working correctly or not functional for the country you’re providing for.
LEPP opens the door to so much useful equipment and it’s great to be able to see photos, ask questions, or visit the site in person to know if what you’re sending will do the job. Also, it’s very cost-effective for nonprofits and like-minded organizations to have access to office equipment and supplies and know that there is true value and need upon distribution.
We’ve gotten great feedback from our in-country team. They were excited about the first shipment that came in and are ready to distribute to the allocated facilities. It’s gratifying to know that this supply was indeed essential and will be put to good use for those we support.
Q: Can you give some tips for other PVO partners on how you’ve used federal surplus property and/or property and ASHA grants to successfully support your programs?
A: Take the time to research what your organization needs. The database may seem overwhelming at first because LEPP has so much to offer. The program presents excellent resources. Make it count for your organization and do not be afraid to reach out and ask questions. The LEPP team has been a great support for HealeyIRF since we were new to the process. When you find that piece of equipment, or items you need, do your due diligence. Make sure you adhere to the Do No Harm process you have set up for your organization and make sure your partners understand the additional responsibilities that go with accepting the donated items.
The LEPP Program really offers a world of opportunity and though it may seem overwhelming at first glance, their support team is always there to help and guide you when needed.
Thanks so much for taking the time to help us learn more about your program and your passions. We look forward to many more years of partnering with HealeyIRF to continue to serve underserved communities. — The LEPP Team
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LEPP 2023 Application Cycle is Coming Soon!
- LEPP will be soliciting applications for its 2023–2026 program cycle in the fall of 2023. Check the LEPP website periodically for the RFA which will contain specific application instructions.
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- There are many ways to partner with USAID, including through receiving a sub-award. The WorkwithUSAID.org platform has made sub-awards easier to find by creating a new portal for sub-opportunities.
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Get up to speed: Local capacity strengthening 5-minute trainings:
- Since USAID’s founding more than 60 years ago, USAID has worked together with partner countries to help tackle many of the challenges of our time. Yet despite remarkable progress, today, our development challenges have taken on a global magnitude not seen since perhaps the Second World War, with significant implications for America’s national security. USAID is launching a new Policy Framework: Driving Progress Beyond Programs to address these challenges and reinforce our commitment to building a more peaceful, prosperous, and humane world. Administrator Power shared how the Policy Framework reflects her vision for USAID’s work during the launch event.
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The Limited Excess Property Program is part of the Local, Faith, and Transformative Partnerships (LFT) Hub. The LFT Hub focuses on strengthening USAID’s ability to partner with non-traditional and diverse actors including local, faith-based, and community organizations; schools and hospitals; foundations; diaspora communities; cooperatives; and volunteer organizations. Learn more about how LFT is harnessing the power of partnerships through the following:
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Your stories, photos, videos, and news releases are always welcome. Help us spread the good news about your work and partnership with LEPP. Also, LEPP PVOs and Missions, please notify us of your upcoming LEPP-related public diplomacy events. Please send information to LEPP@USAID.gov.
For further information on the LEPP program, please email: LEPP@USAID.gov.
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