Alongside eight other implementing partners, Palladium has been awarded a major contract under USAID/OTI’s Support Which Implements Fast Transition (SWIFT) 6 Programs Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) mechanism. This 10-year contract, with a funding ceiling of US$5 billion, empowers USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) to respond rapidly and flexibly to political transitions and crises, promoting stability, peace, and democracy in some of the world’s most complex environments.

The SWIFT 6 mechanism is designed to support U.S. foreign policy objectives by delivering fast, targeted assistance in response to evolving political crises. It enables USAID to address key political issues such as conflict, democratic backsliding, violent extremism, and stabilisation in countries undergoing unpredictable political changes.

A Proven Partner for Political Transition

Palladium is no stranger to this type of work. The global team has demonstrated its ability to effectively manage high-stakes, high-impact projects through initiatives like the SWIFT 5 Ecuador PILARES program. This program focuses on improving citizen security by fostering collaboration between local governments and communities amidst rising crime and violence.

"Our experience under SWIFT 5, particularly through the PILARES program in Ecuador, and broader crisis response capabilities have been invaluable in demonstrating our capability to respond quickly and effectively to complex political and social challenges," explains Jeremy Haslam, Palladium Managing Partner for Stabilisation and Supply Chain. "The trust our government partners have in our ability to deliver results was instrumental in securing the SWIFT 6 contract."

By integrating local stakeholders into the decision-making process, the program has successfully addressed crime and security challenges, strengthening the social fabric of communities. This expertise in community-based solutions will be vital as the team expands its role under SWIFT 6.

Rapid Response and Local Expertise

Under the SWIFT 6 contract, Palladium will be responsible for rapidly establishing and managing OTI’s flexible, quick-response mechanisms, and implementing targeted activities under OTI country or regional programs. This may include conducting programmatic research and providing support to USAID personnel, ensuring that the right solutions are deployed where they are needed most.

"Our global reach, combined with our ability to mobilise teams within as little as eight hours in crisis situations, sets us apart," adds Haslam. "We’ve refined our capacity to respond quickly in fragile, disaster-prone, or politically unstable locations, making us a reliable partner for OTI as they seek to implement effective solutions in unpredictable environments."

OTI, which is part of USAID's Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, plays a critical role in the agency’s civilian rapid response capacity. Palladium’s task under SWIFT 6 will be to support OTI’s work with local partners, targeting key political and security issues to drive positive social and political change.

Whether it’s stabilising conflict zones, combating violent extremism, or preventing democratic backsliding, the team’s job will be to ensure USAID can act swiftly and effectively. OTI programs rely on local staff to lead context analysis and design activities with local partners to ensure activities resonate with key audiences, while fulfilling locally-led development objectives.

A Legacy of Success and a Forward-Looking Vision

The SWIFT 6 contract is a natural extension of Palladium’s ongoing work across the globe, he adds.

"SWIFT 6 represents an exciting opportunity to expand our work with USAID and help deliver impactful solutions to some of the world’s most challenging political transitions," notes Haslam. "Our experience with rapid deployments, particularly in difficult locations, ensures we can support OTI’s mission to foster peace and democracy in even the most volatile contexts."

As the world continues to grapple with political instability and crises, the partnership with USAID/OTI under the SWIFT 6 contract will play a vital role in promoting peace and security worldwide. Through this mechanism, the team expects to help build a more resilient and stable future for communities facing political upheaval and complex challenges.

For more, contact info@thepalladiumgroup.com.