<b>IEPF representatives take part in the breakout section with the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, office of Weapon Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA)</b><br /> <br /> The US DOS organized Symposium for recipients of grants had its second day with presentations from various experts within the grant management system. The presentation started on “Recipients Financial Accountability” by Susan Regland and Bonnie Derby, both with the US Government Accountability Office. During the presentation, various examples of best practices as well as worst practices on financial management accountability were highlighted to participants.<br /> <br /> Several presentations were made after the opening presentation right until the afternoon breakout session. Some of the presentations were on : overview of the payment management system, presented by the Director of Payment Management System, -Mr. Helio Chaves; post award streamlining initiatives, presented by the Associate Administrator, Office of Federal Assistance Management Health Resources and Services Administration, -Mr. Michael Nelson.<br />
The 2 hours breakout session provided recipients with the opportunities to get familiar with the staff of the various Bureaus and Agencies. For IEPF representatives, they joined the PM/WRA because of IEPF involvement in the Public-Private Partnership Program. The Acting Director of the Bureau PM/WRA Mr. James Lorenzo introduced the various staffs of the department, the Programs Managers, the Grant Specialist and the Grant Officer. The session was also a good opportunity to meet other partners and then all partners had an opportunity to get direct answers concerning challenges with the grant process, reporting and closeout stages of grants circle.
IEPF representative –Chairman, Mr. Umud Mirzayev and the Head of Department, Programs Development and International Relations, Mr Nick Nwolisa- also sat in the session for the partners of the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA). And just like with the PM/WRA, IEPF had opportunity to meet various partners with the ECA, and also learn about the process involved in grant circle with the ECA Bureau. IEPF presently work with the PM/WRA in assisting the war victims of Azerbaijan, especially the mine victims. However, IEPF makes persistent effort in diversifying its assistance to ensure a broader community development initiatives for the various level of civil society development in Azerbaijan.