Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Plus (TIS+) Program/ Q3 FFY 2015 Progress and Financial Report

The program was awarded to AECOM International Development on May 20, 2015, and the first quarterly progress report covers the period from April 1 to June 30, 2015. Initial discussions with USAID on the TIS+ annual work plan and database framework began in June, with USAID providing guidance on the content and form of the work plan and database. The TIS+ team is working on completing the document, which will cover the last quarter of FFY15 and all of FFY16. The TIS+ program submitted its first deliverable to USAID, the TIS+ Branding Implementation and Marking Plan, at the end of June. This plan was developed in consultation with the USAID TIS+ team and takes into account the security challenges in Somalia, where USAID branding and marking may not be feasible in all contexts. Coordination meetings with TIS programs and other USAID Somalia implementing partners were also held in June. The TIS+ Deputy Chief of Party and Engagement Manager attended the USAID Somalia Implementing Partners Conference on June 10, and multiple meetings were held between TIS+ and TIS staff to support coordination and key information exchange. Initial discussions were held between TIS+ staff and proposed resource partners in June, providing opportunities for introducing TIS+ staff to resource partners and discussing next steps across key areas of the PIKA technical program. Security was a key focus area in June, with AECOM International Development's Security Director traveling to Nairobi to interview and vet Somalia-based security companies that may provide security services to TIS+ during program implementation. The Security Director also conducted a security assessment of the new TIS+ office and COP temporary residence, and gathered data in support of production of the Somalia and Kenya Operational Security Plans and Risk Mitigation Plans. The TIS+ team mobilized in Nairobi during the week of June 8, 2015, to begin program operations setup. The startup team secured a permanent TIS+ Nairobi office at the end of June, which is in close proximity to the USAID office, reducing travel time between USAID and the TIS+ office. The TIS+ team submitted the first deliverable to USAID, the TIS+ Branding Implementation and Marking Plan, for USAID review. AECOM acquired corporate registration in Somalia during this period, and is awaiting registration in Kenya and Somaliland. The TIS+ team is working on completing the TIS+ annual work plan, which will cover the last quarter of FFY15 and all of FFY16. The team is also working on developing the TIS+ database, with USAID providing guidance on particular fields and subfields that would be helpful to support tracking and reporting on key information arising from PIKA activities. Overall, the TIS+ program made significant progress in its first quarter, with the startup team mobilizing in Nairobi, securing a permanent office, and submitting the first deliverable to USAID. The program is working closely with USAID and other implementing partners to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation of the program.