BEAN/COWPEA COLLABORATIVE
RESEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAM

Management Office

MSU has organized and designated the Management Office (MO) as its functional arm to handle all the day-to-day management of the CRSP. The staff, representing social and biological research management expertise as well as strong financial-administrative competence, works closely with the MSU Contracts and Grants Administration to ensure the grant is administered within the rules and regulations of MSU as well as those of USAID/W.

The responsibilities of the MO include, but are not limited to:

• Receiving and administering USAID/W grants funds and monitoring the use of those funds;
• Developing subcontract agreements with participating U.S. universities for approved projects;
• Implementing research programs in coordination with the U.S. and HC institutions;
• Accounting to USAID/W for program accomplishments and expenditures, including the required U.S. match, through quarterly and annual reports;
• Obtaining the necessary USAID/W clearances for international travel by CRSP personnel and the required approvals for equipment purchases;
• Developing and implementing review and evaluation procedures to assure the CRSP's overall performance meets stated objectives;
• Coordinating and facilitating meetings of the BOD, TC and EEP;
• Providing leadership in the enhancement of financial resources other than the core grant, such as buy-ins from USAID Missions; and
• Representing the CRSP on the CRSP Council and assisting the BOD and TC Chairs in their participation in Council activities.

While the ME/MO has the authority to make the final decisions relative to program assignments, budget allocations and authorization, the ME/MO carefully considers the advice and guidance of the various CRSP advisory and evaluation groups (BOD, TC and EEP).