First Quarterly Progress Report: July - September 2016

The report highlights the establishment of the MIMDR Project Office by AAA for the provision of services for the timely implementation of the projects according to the requirements set in Activity and Project Implementation Letters (PILs). Resources necessary for compliance with the provisions of the G2G support mechanisms and the US Government legal, environmental, and environmental standards were mobilized. The first quarter saw the physical monitoring of the projects and activities, with site visits conducted at Tarbela Dam to perform inspections of the three consignments, including EOT Cranes, Screw Type Compressors, and Generator Field Poles. Milestone Completion Certificates along with Inspection Reports were issued for the EOT Cranes and Field Poles, while certification for the Screw Type Compressors will be issued upon receipt of necessary documents. At Mangla, a Design Completeness Review was conducted to evaluate the design parameters of Powerhouse Cranes, and certification for the same was issued. For Inlet Valves and Seals, a Design Review is underway, and the Milestone Completion Certificate along with Design Completeness Report will be issued once all necessary information is received and reviewed. The report also highlights the ongoing efforts to initiate the Rapid Environmental Analysis for the Golen Gol Run of the River Project, with the final award expected in the next quarter. For the Kaitu Weir Project, work has been initiated to carry out cost realism and prepare milestones plans. AAA is regularly following up with the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) regarding the opening of the Assignment Account for the Jhimphir-1 Transmission Project, allowing the inspection and milestone verification process to begin. A Safety Plan covering the safety and protection aspects of the office facility, assets, and personnel was submitted to USAID. Additionally, AAA has submitted the Inception Report, presenting the plan of action for conducting the monitoring of the projects in accordance with the Task Order. The report emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the G2G projects have a high visibility level, with the AAA team conducting site visits to focus on compliance with the Branding and Marking requirements. A revised Branding and Marking Plan for the Contractor's services has been submitted in response to comments received from USAID. The financial summary indicates that the total spending for the first quarter was PKR 56.4 billion, with a total direct labor cost of PKR 44.4 billion, travel and transportation costs of PKR 1.8 billion, and other direct costs of PKR 12.4 billion. Pakistan is facing a chronic shortage of electric power, affecting the country's economic and social growth, with a current shortfall of almost 5,000 MW. To address this issue, USAID and the Government of Pakistan are working together to improve the energy sector's infrastructure and operational capacity through reforms. The US Government, through USAID, is providing G2G support for the development and implementation of energy infrastructure projects. To ensure the timely performance and projected outcomes, USAID has engaged AAA as the Contractor for support on the monitoring, inspection, milestone certification, and design review of ongoing and new government-to-government (G2G) projects. The period of performance for this contract is June 17, 2016, to October 02, 2019, as per Task Order No. AID-391-TO-16-0004. The project team at AAA has been inducted with professionals having vast experience, technical, and commercial skills in the field of power generation, transmission, and distribution. The team combination covers all technical and commercial aspects of the project requirements, with specialists engaged in each area of deliverables. The team is well-versed in the technical aspects of the project components, best practices, regulatory requirements, and commercial aspects of energy production, transmission, and distribution techniques.