ESMP Y3Q2 Progress Report

The project aims to provide assessment expertise, technical assistance, capacity building, collaboration facilitation, and training to the MOE, MPWH, targeted stakeholders, and other counterparts to improve existing management systems and procedures used by the Government of Jordan (GOJ) for the planning, implementation, and utilization of public schools in Jordan. The ESMP Project is a four-year initiative that began on February 15, 2019, and is expected to conclude on February 14, 2023. The project is implemented by The Kaizen Company, LLC, with subcontractors Edvise ME and CDM International Inc. (CDM Smith). The project's geographic coverage is Jordan, and the reporting period for this quarterly report is January 1 to March 31, 2021. Key highlights of the ESMP Project's progress in the second quarter of year 3 include the establishment of a searchable, updateable School Maintenance Data Hub using data collected in the 2020 Physical Assessment. This hub will serve as the foundation for an all-encompassing school maintenance system. Additionally, the project has utilized Performance Improvement (PI) Team technical specifications and reengineered workflows to develop the first iteration of the School Design Review Module, which will streamline processes, track progress, and reduce errors in school design. The project has also developed the first iteration of a Site Selection Tool that will allow the MOE to expeditiously identify target locations for school construction and school expansion. This tool utilizes key data sets and "best in class" locational analysis tools to improve the accuracy of resource targeting. Furthermore, the project has developed an initial draft of practical school design spatial and finishes standards, based on school building codes, guidelines, and comparative international practices. The project has implemented PI initiatives for Warranty Utilization and Phase 2 of the Construction Reporting Module, which will standardize all school construction field reporting processes and reports. The project has also affirmed Minister support for key project activities in the second Joint Minister Steering Committee Meeting, including creating links between internal and external E-Systems and establishing performance-based tendering procedures. Finally, the project has commenced Business Process Redesign (BPR) activities for the MOE Planning Function and Procurement function to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The ESMP Project is working in close collaboration with multiple governmental and non-governmental actors, including local communities and parent stakeholders involved in the education process. Critical to the integration of MOE and MPWH policies and their long-term cooperation is the inclusion of these stakeholders. The project's goal is to provide assessment expertise, technical assistance, capacity building, collaboration facilitation, and training to the MOE, MPWH, targeted stakeholders, and other counterparts to improve existing management systems and procedures used by the Government of Jordan (GOJ) for the planning, implementation, and utilization of public schools in Jordan.