Integration Collaboration Monitoring & Evaluation (ICME) Activity AID-280-TO-17-00001, 2nd Quarterly Report FY2021

The report describes the activities undertaken by ICME, a project implemented by International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The purpose of ICME is to provide services that facilitate collaboration between USAID activities, integration of USAID/Mexico development objectives, interagency collaboration, and the use of evidence for decision-making. The project is organized into three components: Monitoring and Related Analysis, Surveys, More In-Depth Analyses, and Evaluation, and Integration, Collaboration, and Facilitation of USAID/Mexico and other USG activities. During the reporting quarter, ICME implemented activities in Mexico City and conducted field work in Baja California. The project team consisted of home office personnel, including Program Associate Armando Rojas and Program Manager Sandra Medina, who joined the project in January and February 2021, respectively. Consultants were also hired to support technical activities, including the Analysis of external data and indicators on anti-corruption (Phase II) and the Mexico Private Sector Landscape Assessment (PSLA). ICME provided technical support for Appleseed, an USAID implementing partner, and worked with Appleseed's M&E Specialist to improve its Summary Indicator Table and PIRS. The project also supported the Performance Management Plan (PMP) for USAID/Mexico. The report highlights the progress made in each component, including the completion of the Analysis of external data and indicators on anti-corruption (Phase II) and the initiation of the Mexico Private Sector Landscape Assessment (PSLA). The project also faced some challenges, including the departure of a Rule of Law Specialist and the need to recruit a replacement. The report concludes by highlighting the achievements of the project during the reporting quarter and outlining the plans for the upcoming quarter. The project's geographic focus is on Mexico, with a specific emphasis on the northern Border States. The report provides an update on the project's progress and highlights the importance of collaboration and evidence-based decision-making in achieving development objectives. The project's implementation details are outlined in the report, including the technical activities, personnel, and consultants involved. The report also highlights the importance of administrative tasks, such as host country tax reimbursement, in ensuring the project's compliance with USAID regulations. Overall, the ICME Activity AID-280-TO-17-00001 quarterly report provides a comprehensive overview of the project's progress and achievements during the reporting quarter. The report highlights the importance of collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and administrative compliance in achieving development objectives.