Sheberghan Gas Generation Activity (SGGA) Monthly Report June 1 – June 30, 2013

The project is being implemented by Advanced Engineering Associates International, Inc. (AEAI) under contract No. EPP-I-00-03-00004-00, Task Order No. AID-306-TO-12-00002. The project's gas workstream is focused on drilling and re-entry activities, with the goal of developing the Juma/Bashikurd gas field. In June 2013, the project team assisted the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) Bid Evaluation Committee in reviewing and evaluating bids submitted for the drilling/re-entry tender. The team also completed an update of USAID and Afghan legal requirements for the execution of the drilling/re-entry contract by MoMP and provided it to Weis Sherdel. The project team worked with USAID to complete the requirements for formal approval of the re-tender by the Mission Director. They also prepared a summary of pending required actions by MoMP, pre and post contract execution, for submission to MoMP following the completion of the bid evaluation. Additionally, the team prepared a memorandum to MoMP regarding tender compliance issues, especially compliance with bid security requirements. The team reviewed one bidder's technical proposal for items requiring clarification and delivered a draft application for environmental compliance certificate, which included the environmental management plan for Juma/Bashikurd drilling and re-entry program to Weis Sherdel, SGDP project manager, and S. Z. Hashemi, chief counsel, MoMP, for review and filing with the National Environmental Protection Agency. The energy and power workstream is focused on developing the energy sector in Afghanistan, with a particular emphasis on the Da Afghanistan Brishna Sherkat (DABS) and the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW). In June 2013, the project team performed a field assessment of Breshna J, a power transmission line in the Sheberghan area. The project team also worked on capacity building activities, including training and technical assistance to the DABS and MEW. They attended a short course on oil and gas contracts in Doha, Qatar, to enhance their knowledge and skills in this area. The project's risk management and transaction advisor workstream is focused on identifying and mitigating risks associated with the project. In June 2013, the project team worked on reviewing and evaluating bids submitted for the drilling/re-entry tender and completed a due diligence report on the low bidder. The project's procurement workstream is focused on procuring goods and services required for the project. In June 2013, the project team worked on preparing a summary of pending required actions by MoMP, pre and post contract execution, for submission to MoMP following the completion of the bid evaluation. The project's gas market workstream is focused on developing the gas market in Afghanistan. In June 2013, the project team worked on reviewing and evaluating bids submitted for the drilling/re-entry tender and completed a due diligence report on the low bidder. The project's security workstream is focused on ensuring the safety and security of the project team and assets. In June 2013, the project team worked on reviewing and evaluating bids submitted for the drilling/re-entry tender and completed a due diligence report on the low bidder. The project schedule as of June 4, 2013, indicates that the project is on track to meet its milestones and deadlines. The project team is working closely with the MoMP and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project.