In 2014, USAID launched its new mission statement: “We partner to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity”. The goals of ending extreme poverty and promoting resilient, democratic societies are lofty, but important. Included in the mission statement is how the Agency can, and will achieve these goals – through partnership.

For those in the acquisition and assistance (A&A) world, partnership is a well-known concept. Every day in more than 80 countries around the world, USAID’s more than 600 A&A professionals are helping to design, execute, and manage the partnerships that support the Agency in achieving its mission.

Each action completed on a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement takes USAID one step closer to reaching its ambitious mission as an Agency. In FY 2015, there were over 23,000 actions, totaling $16.1 billion in obligations in acquisition and assistance. Every one of these actions represents partnership between USAID and another organization, and all of these actions tells a story, whether it is helping to stop the spread of Ebola, providing support to Syrian refugees, letting girls around the world learn, teaching improved techniques to farmers and providing them with access to markets, or helping children reach their fifth birthday.

This progress report highlights some of the great work done by USAID’s A&A staff around the world. While there is still work to be done, USAID is proud of the progress made thus far. With your support, the Agency can continue to improve the way it does business.