This is a repository of technical guidance from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.  These non-SBU documents have previously been shared with partners via websites, trainings, and amongst subject-matter experts and therefore are in the public domain.  The American taxpayers funded the development and distribution of this guidance prior to January 2025.

Current BHA staff and partners as well as alumni of BHA, OFDA, and FFP can use this body of information to save lives, alleviate suffering, and reduce the economic and social impact of humanitarian emergencies worldwide.

At the turn of the 21st century, the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) created OFDA.net as a parallel system to USAID.gov in order to move more nimbly and increase access. This morphed into OFDA.gov and was retired in the merger.  It seems fitting to rekindle it today in private hands in order to achieve similar objectives when access has been hampered.  It’s what we and our partners have done for over 60 years and will continue to do.

How do you contribute to retaining the knowledge and institutional memory? 

1. Use the Contribute link to upload current non-SBU guidance that has already been shared with partners via the internet, conference/training, or amongst subject-matter experts.

2. If you are a SME and know how your docs should be organized, reach out.

3. We’re looking for 30 people to contribute $10 to cover the cost of webhosting and the Google Drive that supports the website for a year. This bullet will be removed when the goal is reached. This is evidence that it’s a community effort.

4. Read Critical Junctures so you know your history.

5. Add to the Our Stories section to share memories and anecdotes.