Annual Performance Report – Year I: Nepal Reconstruction Engineering Services (NRES) Project

The project aims to "build back safer" facilities through the identification, design, procurement support, and construction supervision of several USAID Nepal Community Reconstruction Program (NCRP) task orders. The NRES Project was implemented through a prioritization process and USAID's approval of prioritized districts. The project was executed by CDM International Inc. (CDM Smith) under the USAID Architect-Engineers (A&E) Services II Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract AID-OAA-I-15-00047 Task Order AID-367-TO-17-00001. The project's first year of implementation spanned from April 24, 2017, to March 31, 2018. The project's first year was marked by several key activities, including the mobilization and establishment of operations in Nepal, stakeholder engagement, and the identification of key personnel changes. The NRES team organization at initial mobilization is depicted in Figure 2-1. The team consisted of various stakeholders, including CDM Smith, USAID, and local partners. The project also involved the selection of follow-on districts, with a focus on prioritizing areas with the greatest need for reconstruction. The selection process was guided by assessment guidelines and district ranking. The project's activities in Sindhuli and Makawanpur districts included the selection of facilities, subcontractor mobilization, community engagement, and environmental management. Throughout the first year, the project team worked closely with local stakeholders, including the Government of Nepal (GON), to ensure that the reconstruction efforts were aligned with national priorities and standards. The project also engaged in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. The project's expenditures during the first year were managed through a grants under contract (GUC) mechanism, which allowed for the allocation of funds to various activities and stakeholders. The project's communication strategy was also implemented during the first year, with a focus on sharing progress and achievements with stakeholders and the public. Overall, the first year of the NRES Project was marked by significant progress and achievements, including the mobilization of operations in Nepal, the selection of follow-on districts, and the implementation of various activities in Sindhuli and Makawanpur districts. The project's efforts were guided by a strong commitment to "build back safer" facilities and to support the Government of Nepal in its reconstruction efforts.