USAID Child Blindness Program Year 3, Quarter 3 Report

The program is implemented by prime contractor Integrative Sciences (IntSci) and two subcontractors, International Eye Foundation (IEF) and Social Solutions International (SSI). The contract period of performance is from August 23, 2018, to August 22, 2023. CBP utilizes a competitive global grants program to provide project funding to organizations delivering eye care to children and other vulnerable populations with limited access to sight-saving services. The program consists of two interrelated components and corresponding objectives. Component 1 aims to increase the number of children provided with quality sight-saving eye health services, while Component 2 advances the global knowledge base on best practices and innovative approaches for pediatric eye health programs. During the third quarter of Year 3 (April 1-June 30, 2021), CBP staff initiated or completed several major activities. These included launching negotiations for more than 20 proposals and awarding multiple Grant Round 3 (GR3) awards in the fastest negotiation-to-award exercise in CBP's 30-year history. CBP staff also managed and oversaw the implementation of ongoing activities for Grant Rounds 1 and 2 (GR1 and GR2) and developed the solicitation for GR4 to further accelerate program activities. The COVID-19 global pandemic had a significant impact on CBP's activities during this period, particularly in densely populated regions of South and Southeast Asia. CBP team members and grantees had to adjust implementation timelines and activities to counter the threat from the virus and achieve program goals and objectives. This period also marked the mid-way point through the program implementation period, prompting CBP staff to initiate planning for two key reviews in 2021, including a prospective budget realignment and review of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan and targets. CBP's collaborative efforts among IntSci, IEF, USAID's Department for Global Health, and local grant recipients resulted in the delivery of high-quality pediatric eye health services to children in need. The program's progress achieved to date against the remaining period of performance will inform planning for the final year of implementation. CBP's Grants Management Overview highlights the program's competitive global grants program, which provides project funding to organizations delivering eye care to children and other vulnerable populations. The program consists of four grant rounds, with each round having its own set of activities and deliverables. The Grants Management Overview also highlights the program's monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) approach, which is designed to track progress and identify areas for improvement. The CBP Website Update and Communication and Networking Activities sections highlight the program's efforts to improve its website and engage with stakeholders through various communication and networking activities. The Indicator/Activity Performance section provides an overview of the program's performance against its indicators and activities, while the Key Activities Planned for Year 3 Quarter 4 section outlines the program's plans for the final quarter of Year 3. The Lessons Learned section highlights the program's experiences and lessons learned during the reporting period, while the Evaluations, Assessments, or Audits section provides an overview of the program's evaluations, assessments, and audits conducted during the reporting period. The Management and Administration section highlights the program's personnel, modifications, and amendments, while the Success Story section provides a brief overview of a successful project implemented by the program. Overall, the CBP Year 3 Quarter 3 Report provides an overview of the program's activities, progress, and challenges during the third quarter of Year 3. The report highlights the program's collaborative efforts, achievements, and lessons learned, and provides an overview of the program's plans for the final quarter of Year 3.