Wali Achakzai

Wali Achakzai serves as an Acquisition & Assistance Specialist with USAID/Afghanistan (720306), where he plays a pivotal role in designing and managing procurement strategies that advance the agency’s mission of sustainable development and institutional capacity building. He oversees the full lifecycle of non-construction acquisitions, including technical assistance, management consulting, and specialized professional services critical to governance, education, health, and civil society strengthening initiatives. His work ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurement decisions with USAID’s strategic objectives in complex operational environments. Wali collaborates with a diverse range of contractors, primarily professional service providers offering expertise in administrative management, technical advisory services, and infrastructure support. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he routinely engages firms with demonstrated experience in post-conflict development contexts, particularly those capable of delivering adaptive, locally-informed solutions. His working relationships emphasize performance-based contracting, outcome-driven deliverables, and rigorous monitoring frameworks to ensure accountability and impact. Wali’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions designated as “No Set-Aside.” This approach prioritizes technical merit and value over socioeconomic targeting, aligning with USAID/Afghanistan’s operational priorities in a challenging environment where certified small business pools are limited. While he does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, his process remains transparent and competitive, ensuring the selection of the most qualified providers regardless of size or certification status. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), reflecting a heavy reliance on expert-led technical assistance and advisory services. He also regularly procures services under NAICS 541611 for management consulting and, to a lesser extent, specialized engineering and utility services related to infrastructure resilience. His domain expertise centers on institutional strengthening, public sector reform, and cross-sectoral development programming, making him a key conduit for delivering USAID’s mission through high-impact, technically sound acquisitions.