https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4 en-us 2023-03-29 13:09:37 UTC 2025-10-25 22:34:24 UTC hello@padlet.com nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576405537 As noted in the win themes, our strength will be that we are able to monitor and verify BHA grantee activities in all areas throughout the country with no gap for registering, recruiting, hiring etc. I think we can also highlight Proximity's strengths in TPM practices and policies that we've honed since we were founded (working in teams of 2 in areas that FMs are from to ensure appropriate cultural context and safety, layers of data quality assurance and checks with the data collection software we use, that we have a BIS license in place that enables us to us this technology from day 1 etc.) ]]> 2023-05-03 08:03:03 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576405537 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576408655 Perhaps another point is that since 2015, Proximity has been the go-to partner for the USG to conduct TPM of humanitarian activities for BHA in Syria. We know what works and what doesn't, we are experienced and familiar in all aspects of the TPM cycle, and we can say that we've seen how Syria programming has evolved since 2015. 

Also, one thing we can state here is that Encompass and Proximity have worked together on TPM programming in the region (Lebanon) strengthening our ability as a consortium to hit the ground running from day 1 as well.]]> 2023-05-03 08:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576408655 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576476387 DQA analysts will be conducting the DQA remotely presumably so it will be important to hire the right team members who understand, are trained, and have conducted DQAs in the past. I think the other thing will be ensuring the right indicators are selected, and that the number of indicators is feasible. Also spending time with the IPs/grantees so they understand the purpose of the DQA, and that the program team can really understand the program objectives, their indicator definitions etc, and then having learning sessions with the IPs once the DQA is concluded. ]]> 2023-05-03 09:08:42 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576476387 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576477647 I'm sure Encompass has a standard approach to conducting DQAs, there is a fair bit of literature about conducting DQAs, best practices, and humanitarian specifics online (and Im sure you know all of this!) We have a process as well that we've utilized on our USAID Syria stabilization projects MEL platform]]> 2023-05-03 09:09:52 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576477647 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576483509 Proximity has conducted TPM on warehousing practices, both on the current program we monitor warehousing practices with specific tools focused on the condition of the warehouse, emergency and security procedures, management of equipment and materials, storage protocols and conditions, quality control, inventory, tracking and accountability of goods with site visits documented with photos. On our SRTF program, Proximity monitors warehouses for fixed assets and consumables as part of inventory tracking. Previously, in our role as the third-party monitor on the Food for Resilience in Syria program, we served as the TPM agent on food assistance programs in Northeast Syria. 
One thing we can say we have data collection tools tailored specifically for warehouse monitoring already, we understand the need to consult with technical experts as necessary to ensure awareness of requirements to store specific items like medicine of medical supplies. 

Also our staffing will be set up to support the ability to conduct TPMs on these warehouses (i.e. by having personnel in Turkey, or Iraq wherever grantees have their warehouses) ]]> 2023-05-03 09:15:16 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576483509 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576490012 With special studies, one challenge is ensuring the main program team outside of Syria has strong research analysts. We've noticed a cap in this capacity in Jordan so this might need to be augmented with TCNs or the project should identify strong Jordan researchers in advance. 

Also, there have been many research assessments and studies conducted on Syria, I think for new special studies its important for the program to fully consider and review the extent of the publications completed so that it isn't duplicating research that's already been done. 

Another would be making sure we fully understand USAID's goals for the special study. We've seen in the past on other MEL platforms that often there are many USAID stakeholders interested in research that are coming from different angles or perspectives so it can be a bit tricky to nail down what exactly USAID wants from a research study. We've navigated this with close client communication meetings proposing the key research questions, methodologies, and laying out for the client very clearly with these types of research questions the final product will answer XYZ or look like this to ensure it would meet their expectations prior to conducting the research. 

Also the general challenge of conducting remote research and ensuring strong enumerators on the ground, strong tools, and tools training to ensure the data received is what the research team needs to draft the special study.]]> 2023-05-03 09:21:13 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576490012 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576491421 We have a deep experience conducting research in Syria so I think we can cite our strong network of field researchers, understanding of the dynamics on the ground, and ability to conduct thorough research remotely. I think if we can identify strong Syria and humanitarian research experts, that could help enhance the bid if we name them as STTA. Also, we can talk about our other research capabilities like GIS mapping, spatial analysis etc. ]]> 2023-05-03 09:22:40 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576491421 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576497588 Nothing major comes to mind...perhaps just ensuring the right access (aka if the warehouse is in Iraq or Turkey so making sure we can operate there) and that the data collection tools are tailored to the type of goods the warehouse is storing ]]> 2023-05-03 09:28:46 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576497588 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576499940 For this one, I think barriers include developing a virtual TPM platform that is easy enough for IPs to use that it isn't a burden, and also that there is a benefit to the IPs for using the system as well. It also shouldn't take a ton of time to set up and needs to be user friendly for USAID and other stakeholders as well. ]]> 2023-05-03 09:31:10 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576499940 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576505643 We've utilized DevResults in the past for this purpose, Encompass may have as well. I think it's important for us to create an interactive dashboard that will be a one-stop shop for USAID to track its portfolios financial and programmatic performance. If the system can map the interventions against the development objectives, have downloadable data sets that can be used for mission reporting, and setting different levels of access for the dashboard so IPs can see their data and program performance. Also I believe there have been discussions on incorporating these features into PLANK'D too.]]> 2023-05-03 09:37:17 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576505643 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576510969 It'l be important to ensure that the trainings are developed at the appropriate level for the partners and that the trainings are providing valuable information to the IPs. 
I also think it's important for the MEL platform to dedicate time to building a collaborative and positive relationship with the IPs. Often a TPM provider or MEL platform can be seen as the "gotcha" or "policing" other IPs and especially in conflict and non-permissive environments I think IPs can feel this way. Its important from the beginning to be super clear about the intentions of the MEL support and TPM and dedicate time and effort to building those strong collaborative relationships. ]]> 2023-05-03 09:42:52 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576510969 nicoleproximity https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576526831 We've provided MEL support/capacity building trainings to IPs under our MEL platform and many other trainings on MEL but I'm sure Encompass has experience with this as well. I'd be curious in Encompass's perspective but perhaps some element of the IP trainings can be not only what USAID identifies as a priority but topics that the IPs themselves are interested in? ]]> 2023-05-03 09:59:12 UTC https://padlet.com/bkeener4/30xd8d9xypokmdn4/wish/2576526831