USAID DR MEL Activity Quarterly Report

The platform is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and learning activities to inform USAID's development objectives. During the second quarter of Year 4, the MEL Platform focused on several key activities. The baseline assessment for the youth, education, and security (YES) activities within the Development Objective 1 (DO1) was submitted. The assessment aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and identify areas for improvement. The MEL Platform also finalized the background assessment for the USAID/Dominican Republic Local Works program in the border region with Haiti. The assessment provided valuable insights into the local context and helped inform the program's design. Additionally, a Gender and Inclusive Development Analysis (GIDA) was submitted, which aimed to identify opportunities for promoting gender equality and inclusive development in the Dominican Republic. In terms of performance monitoring, there were no activities conducted during this quarter. However, the MEL Platform continued to support evaluations and assessments, including the USAID/DR DO3 Assessment of Access to HIV-AIDS Preventive and Clinical Services for Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian Descent. The assessment aimed to improve access to HIV-AIDS services for priority populations. The MEL Platform also supported learning and adaptation activities, including the field assessment for the USAID/DR Local Works Program Design. The assessment team worked closely with the USAID/DR mission to finalize the assessment and provide recommendations for program improvement. Additionally, the MEL Platform supported adaptive management around new evidence, including the YES Baseline Survey in Five Localities in the Duarte Corridor. In terms of capacity building, there were no capacity development activities conducted during this quarter. However, the MEL Platform continued to manage short-term consulting contracts to support ongoing work on the GIDA and Local Works activities. The MEL Platform also managed the contract and submitted required deliverables on time, including the quarterly financial report and accrual report. As of March 31, 2020, costs incurred totaled $4,569,204, which amounts to 97.24% of the obligated funding. Panagora Group, the contractor for the MEL Platform, continued to face issues with the GODR tax authorities (DGII) in obtaining recognition of the tax-exempt status of the activity. Panagora Group will continue to work with DGII to resolve the issue. Overall, the MEL Platform continued to support the development of the Dominican Republic through its monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. The platform's efforts aimed to inform USAID's development objectives and improve the effectiveness of its programs.