Quarterly Progress Report FY2021 – Q1: Performance Indicator Data System (PIDS) Activity Project (PAP)

The project is being implemented through a contract to Synergy International Systems Inc. The primary purpose of the PAP is to support USAID/Liberia by maintaining and improving the existing PIDS functionalities, ensuring continuation of the performance monitoring activities. PIDS is the first online data monitoring system for USAID/Liberia, automating the annual performance review and informing Mission-level decision making. The system has allowed for Mission users to achieve 100% data collection from Implementing Partners and has fully automated the data aggregation for the Mission's annual Performance Plan and Report and indicator-associated data. The PIDS site visit report module has a set of questions to help guide USAID staff to check for mandatory compliance during each site visit, automatically distributes a copy of the final report to Mission teams for effective knowledge sharing, and provides a user-friendly overview of quarterly site visit compliance status by activity. In addition to supporting USAID/Liberia by maintaining and improving the functionality of PIDS, Synergy is providing technical assistance in the Mission-wide transition of indicator reporting to the Development Information Solution (DIS) platform. USAID/Liberia started the transition to DIS this quarter as USAID began piloting the global information system across several Missions in Asia and Africa. This report covers the period from February 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021 and provides information related to the implementation processes and major accomplishments by the program. Synergy has delivered the following major accomplishments and key results within this reporting period according to the following indicators: Indicator #1 – Number of USAID and IP Staff Trained on PIDS, Indicator #2 – Number of Reports Generated, Indicator #3 – Number of Maps Generated, Indicator #4 – Number of Site Visit Reports Submitted by Activity, Indicator #5 – Number of Indicators submitted by the IP and certified by the COR/AOR in PIDS by activity, Indicator #6 – Status of Data Review for Accuracy and Formatting to Ensure Compatibility and Migration per DIS Guidance, and Indicator #7 – Continued Maintenance of Secure PIDS System. PIDS has been implemented in accordance with the USAID/Liberia Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and exists to create data-driven insights for use by USAID and targeted national and implementing partners for program improvement, learning, accountability, policymaking, and resource allocation decisions. The system is also designed to be a simple and efficient, evidence-based program management tool that serves as the main hub for consolidating performance indicator data and generating information for use in performance management and reporting. In Q1 of 2021, Synergy provided ongoing technical support, hosting, and maintenance of the PIDS, and mobile app, electronic PIDS (ePIDS). Synergy also provided maintenance and operational support to the USAID/Liberia ArcGIS Online platforms. The Mission has relied on PIDS to prepare the PPR for USAID/Washington, and to prepare for the DIS data migration. Synergy continues to manage these various platforms for USAID/Liberia that enhance learning, reporting, and knowledge sharing. Two new activities were registered in the PIDS as they were awarded, and 15 new users' accounts were created. A total of 24 PIDS weekly trainings (called PIDS Hours) were conducted, and 22 USAID and IP staff participated repeatedly. Synergy designed specific "new user" trainings and office hours to help ensure younger/newer staff feel completely comfortable using the system. The PIDS system has been successfully maintained and improved, with Synergy providing ongoing technical support, hosting, and maintenance. The system has been used to prepare the PPR for USAID/Washington and to prepare for the DIS data migration. Synergy has also provided maintenance and operational support to the USAID/Liberia ArcGIS Online platforms. The system has been used to create data-driven insights for use by USAID and targeted national and implementing partners for program improvement, learning, accountability, policymaking, and resource allocation decisions.