Services Under Program and Project Office for Results Tracking Phase II (SUPPORT II) First Quarterly Report, Option Year 2

under the terms of USAID Contract No. AID-306-C-12-00012. SUPPORT II provides a host of services through USAID/Afghanistan's Office of Program and Project Development (OPPD) to improve the efficiency of programs/projects/activities implemented by the Mission's Technical Offices. This first quarter report under Option Year 2 (OY-2) covers the period July 5, 2014 - October 4, 2014. SUPPORT II services to OPPD include assessments, performance evaluations, and gender analyses; logistical support for hosting conferences, meetings, and workshops; management information and reporting; mapping services and products; Performance Management Plan (PMP) and related activities; independent monitoring; and translation and interpretation services. SUPPORT II subcontractors include Danish Translation Services, Social Impact Inc., Social Development and Legal Rights, Synergy International Systems, Inc., and Overseas Strategic Consulting, Ltd. Key achievements of SUPPORT II in the first quarter of Option Year 2 include completing reports for two performance evaluations, submitting one gender analysis report, and completing one assessment. Additionally, SUPPORT II initiated three new activities, completed the STOM monitoring activity's pilot phase, and hosted one workshop for an Implementing Partner with 70 participants. The team also provided over 240 pages of translations and assisted with 24 mapping requests. Despite facing significant challenges recruiting expat consultants due to security incidents in Kabul and election uncertainty, SUPPORT II anticipates relief in the recruitment challenges as the new President took office. The team is working to establish a Performance Management Plan (PMP) for the Mission, revise PMPs at the Assistance Objective and program area levels, and respond to new standard indicators and other relevant guidance for Afghanistan. The reporting format for the Quarterly Activity Report reflects the tasks identified in the Annual Work Plan and the Contract document. All tasks and deliverables are tailored to the needs of USAID/A and are intended to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Mission's programs, as well as to improve the information and reporting mechanisms, products, and systems. The team is working to track results and collect data quarterly, analyze the Mission's procedures for generating information for periodic reports, and conduct field-based assessments, among other tasks. SUPPORT II is collaborating with GIRoA and other projects to improve the efficiency of programs/projects/activities implemented by the Mission's Technical Offices. The team is also working to address management and administration issues, including administration, personnel, security, modifications, and amendments. Overall, SUPPORT II is committed to providing high-quality services to USAID/Afghanistan's Office of Program and Project Development to support the Mission's goals and objectives.