AID agreement no. 674-0303-G-SS-9051-00 with the Foundation for African Business and Consumer Services (FABCOS) to capacitate black South African builders to develop and implement a computer based mechanism to more effectively obtain and execute building contracts, to support various training activities, and conduct a study of the operations and experience of HODECO Ltd

The grant will enable FABCOS/ABA to develop computer software that will provide black builders belonging to FABCOS/ABA member associations with the capability to obtain and execute building contracts more effectively. The software, once operational at FABCOS/ABA headquarters and regional offices, will facilitate black builders" ability to respond to tenders and assist them in the step by step execution of contracts won. FABCOS/ABA"s regional affiliates will provide special training to help emerging black builders acquire the management and entrepreneurial skills necessary to successfully complete work won. A minimum of four regional affiliates will receive funding for training activities. In addition, an in-depth study will be conducted on HODECO, an organization which has provided provide various kinds of support to black builders in the Transvaal. The HODECO experience and its potential replicability across South Africa will be the primary focus of the study.