Cap-Haïten Customs Support Project Quarterly Report January – March 2018

The project is working to streamline processes for clearing exported and imported goods by providing technical assistance to the Administration Générale des Douanes (AGD). Key areas of focus include organizational structure, human resources, capacity building and training, technology and infrastructure, operational procedures, and cooperation and communication. The project is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is working to rehabilitate the Port of Cap-Haïten. The project's proposed reforms are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to Haiti's economic development. The CHCSP is working closely with the AGD to implement these reforms and ensure their successful implementation. In January, February, and March 2018, the project underwent a transition of long-term personnel. Steve Létourneau, the Chief of Party (COP) for the first two years of the project, continued to serve as COP until February 16, 2018. Randall McCormick, who was approved as COP with Contract Modification 4, took over as COP on February 19, 2018. Mr. Létourneau continues to serve the CHCSP as a Senior Customs Advisor, providing transition support to the COP and advising on Component III. The project also added a long-term Office Manager/Training Coordinator to support the COP in implementing activities under Components III and IV. The Office Manager/Training Coordinator will work with the CHCSP Accountant and Administrative Assistant to ensure smooth operations in the Field Office and prepare the project for closeout in August. This role was assumed by Mr. Eliott McCormick, who was approved with Contract Modification 4. The CHCSP submitted an ICT assessment report on the AGD's technology and infrastructure in January 2018. The report highlighted the severely outdated technologies used by the AGD and the negative impacts of continuing operations with such obsolete systems. The report included details on the requirements and estimated costs of the proposed ICT solutions that would help ensure improved functionality of ASYCUDA, which plays a critical role in automating AGD's accounting system. The project is working to implement the proposed ICT solutions, including upgrading cabling at the AGD HQ office, enhancing satellite systems, and purchasing new software licenses. The CHCSP is also planning to conduct train-the-trainers sessions for AGD trainers on risk management and targeting principles, as well as level 3 evaluations of the Leadership, Change Management, and Communication course to assess its impact on trainees' work performance. The project is also planning to conduct commercial and passenger vehicle examination trainings for AGD officers to ensure they have the knowledge, best practices, and tools to conduct effective and efficient examinations of commercial and passenger vehicles that have just crossed the border. These trainings will occur outdoors and have no classroom component. The CHCSP is committed to ensuring the successful implementation of these reforms and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of customs procedures in Haiti.