Problem Solving

A Request for problem-solving Consultation may be filed with the Office of Accountability by either of the following:

• Member/s of the local community who are, or are likely to be, materially, directly and adversely affected by an DFC-supported project, or their authorized representative
• The project sponsor

If a request is made through a representative, the people on whose behalf it is made must be clearly identified and evidence of the nature and extent of representative authority must be provided. Where there is clear evidence that there is no adequate or appropriate representation in the country where the project is located, and explicit evidence of representative authority is provided to DFC, a non-local representative may file the request.

If members of the local community are concerned about disclosure of their identity, they can request that their details be kept confidential. The Office of Accountability does not accept anonymous requests. Confidentiality should be requested at the time of filing and a reason must be provided.

The project must be an DFC-supported project. A project is DFC-supported when DFC has clearly indicated interest in financing or insuring the project. Such indication is ordinarily provided when a commitment letter is issued or insurance contract is signed. DFC support ends with final disbursement.

Prior to filing the request, the requester must have made good faith efforts to bring the problem to DFC’s attention and/or to the attention of the sponsor or local community. The requester will need to show that s/he has worked with DFC and/or the project sponsor or local community to try to address the problem.

Requests for problem-solving consultation must be written in English or the native language of the requesters and should include the following information:

• The requester’s identity and contact information
• The identity, contact information and credentials of any representative, and evidence of the nature and scope of the representative authority
• Whether the requester wishes his/her identity and/or information provided to the Office of Accountability to be kept confidential, giving reasons
• The nature and location of the project that is the subject of the request for consultation, the identity of the project sponsor, and whether the project is supported by DFC
• A clear statement of the way in which the requesters have been or are likely to be affected by the project
• A succinct statement of efforts to resolve the problem, including the identity of the parties involved in, and relevant times of, those efforts, and specifically any contact with the sponsor, DFC or the government
• A precise statement of how the requesters would like to see the problem resolved.
• Any other relevant facts (any supporting documents or relevant materials should be attached)

Requests should be filed with the Office of Accountability at DFC offices in Washington, DC. Requests will be accepted by mail, e-mail, and hand delivery. If you e-mail your request, you must still send an original copy with original signatures by mail. For all inquiries about the Office of Accountability, please contact:

Director, Office of Accountability
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
1100 New York Ave., NW
Washington DC 20527

Telephone: +1 (202) 336-8543

Email: accountability@dfc.gov