ARES BAA: Barriers by TRG Learning Tech https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy Based on the focus areas below, answer the question " What do you see as the biggest barriers in addressing the objectives for the ARES mechanism that USAID has presented?" Respond to the question by adding your ideas on a pad (click the "+" sign under the appropriate column) OR upvote the barriers you agree with on the board already. The most "upvoted" barriers will be the focus of our technical discussions on November 5th where we will brainstorm on possible solutions. en-us 2020-10-27 16:47:35 UTC 2021-01-22 22:34:00 UTC hello@padlet.com Accessing Broader Group of People/Organizations with the Right Skills trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873442104 Reliance on a small number of firms/contractors that prioritize utilization of ‘in-house’ expertise, over the more complex sourcing of technical assistance from outside entities. ]]> 2020-10-29 14:55:59 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873442104 Inability to access people with the right skills in a timely way trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873443111 2020-10-29 14:56:11 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873443111 Do not know the right skills to access//staying up to date on emerging technical needs trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873444184 2020-10-29 14:56:26 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873444184 Moving Beyond Narrow Considerations trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873460630 2020-10-29 15:00:00 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873460630 Getting Inputs trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873463232 Lack of inputs from women and marginalized group in intervention design and implementation]]> 2020-10-29 15:00:36 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873463232 Fully integrating gender and social considerations with technical programming trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873474359 2020-10-29 15:02:58 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873474359 Lack of quality data to form reliable baselines trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873477865 2020-10-29 15:03:43 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873477865 Lack of data about end-user beneficiaries trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873478753 2020-10-29 15:03:55 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873478753 Lack of assessment of enabling factors that are needed for program success trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873479632 2020-10-29 15:04:06 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873479632 Lack of existing mechanisms to provide high quality program evaluation support trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873480392 2020-10-29 15:04:15 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873480392 Different Technologies and Approaches trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873481846 2020-10-29 15:04:34 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873481846 Poor MEL plans that don’t address performance and learning trglearning https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873484239 2020-10-29 15:05:07 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/873484239 Existing Energy Task Orders https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/877310765 Most Missions already have awarded energy task orders. FAR / ADIAR allows sole source awards for specific tasks up to $150K without full and open tenders. So what's the real need for this ARES vehicle ?

]]> 2020-10-30 17:37:13 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/877310765 Ready Bench of Experts https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/877322655 The BAA suggests about 10 technical areas that need to be staffed. Presumably that means we will need to identify specific individuals / firms to provide each of those services. What assurances are there that there will be sufficient amount of work to keep everyone properly occupied so they don't end up agreeing to other commitments outside of ARES ?

]]> 2020-10-30 17:40:10 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/877322655 Continuity of technical experts working at beneficiary institutions https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/886918576 Leave of critical technical expert working at beneficiary institute while the project is ongoing is a big problem in terms of promoting the results and impacts. How to back up at the beginning of the project? ]]> 2020-11-03 16:51:27 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/886918576 Continuity of technical experts working at beneficiary institutions osmantor https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/886948138 Leave of critical technical expert working at beneficiary institute  while the project is ongoing is a big problem in terms of promoting the results and impacts. How to back up at the beginning of the project?  

]]> 2020-11-03 16:58:20 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/886948138 Lack of data disaggregated by sex and age and other determinants (e.g. urban, rural, etc.) https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887640267 2020-11-03 19:52:20 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887640267 Need to develop more specific operations research questions that can be translated into practical implementation https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887643651 Often the operations research and application through program implementation are disconnected]]> 2020-11-03 19:53:23 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887643651 Inability to attract local talent due to salary caps for engaging highly specialized local technical experts https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887665606

]]> 2020-11-03 19:59:45 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887665606 Ensuring that gender equity and social inclusion analysis/action planning is prioritized during early stages of project planning to ensure maximum impact lisa1051 https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887740421 2020-11-03 20:24:10 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/887740421 Compensation formula for non-labor or daily LOE expenses (IP / software / datasets / productized or bundled services) bcaouette https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888017259 Many providers of expertise - institutional and individual - have proprietary methods / IP / data sets / technology / software.  Do these  fit into USAID's current compensation model / formula? Or does USAID's compensation formula prioritize services that cap be billed on a capped labor / daily rate basis? If the later, this could be constraining innovation and excluding potential TA providers or providers that offer labor / cost saving technologies.]]> 2020-11-03 22:13:37 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888017259 Multiple layers of approval (by USAID and Prime Contract) of placement of a particular TA provider on a particular project bcaouette https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888056569 2020-11-03 22:34:39 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888056569 Lack of remote TA delivery capabilities / over-reliance on travel and in-person based TA bcaouette https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888059219 2020-11-03 22:36:12 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888059219 To little involvement of the end-user (consumer of TA) in the selection of providers? bcaouette https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888061076 2020-11-03 22:37:20 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888061076 Inappropriate mechanism for stated gender objective https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888199848 The mechanism that seems to be emerging will likely sideline gender as a necessary input (gender analysis) rather than make it an integral component of a project.
Barriers to women's engagement in the energy sector are not likely to be identified or addressed through highly focused short-term technical assistance requests.  ]]> 2020-11-04 00:05:06 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/888199848 Recipient governments are often removed form the procurement process, which does not foster ownership and accountability. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889302797 2020-11-04 09:42:49 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889302797 The rigid approach to procurement often results in selection on the basis of a firm’s credentials rather than the individual undertaking the activity. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889307364 2020-11-04 09:44:49 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889307364 Procurement processes too cumbersome and slow to meet demand in timely way. For example where TA is required to support government decision making, the decision has often been made by the time it is mobilized. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889311840 2020-11-04 09:46:39 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889311840 Governments and other recipients of TA support do not have access to a plurality of perspectives https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889370922 2020-11-04 10:13:59 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/889370922 Incorporating innovative data to support rigorous evaluations of energy systems https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/890718625 Innovative and tech-enabled data sources (such as utility data, grid monitors, mobile phone applications, and satellite data) could help meet MEL challenges around electricity access, quality, and reliability, and how they affect end-user outcomes.  ]]> 2020-11-04 16:42:39 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/890718625 Ensuring productive use of electricity to promote viability of off-grid solutions. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/890731561 Productive use of electricity from distributed mini-grids combined with assessing financial as well as social and economic returns could support a more robust investment flow to the sector. ]]> 2020-11-04 16:45:05 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/890731561 "Cost plus" contracting structures do not work for most small businesses structured as LLCs https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/891181384 2020-11-04 18:15:38 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/891181384 Lack of a robust community of practice, well connected and sufficiently responsive to identify assistance needs and direct expertise. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892101922 Technical expertise may not be sufficiently connected for information about when and where it is needed, to reach them in time. This gap is partly created by a sectoral approach adopted by major policy and implementing agencies, which thinks and plans in silos. ]]> 2020-11-04 22:39:45 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892101922 Overly narrow definition of 'technical expertise', leading to a limited diversity of knowledge and skill pool. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892109632 Technical expertise in energy sector is not just technology expertise, and requires a wide variety of ancillary and supportive set of capacities and skills. This classification often creates barriers to multi-disciplinary collaborations or consortia.]]> 2020-11-04 22:43:50 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892109632 Absence of programmatic inclusion of gender and social justice concerns at all stages of energy sector planning and implementations. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892149168 Traditional mechanisms and structures of 'technology first' planning paradigms embeds gender and justice insensitivity to energy sector programs. Any amount of corrective actions at later stages only addresses the symptoms, not the core issues that cause the problems. Gender and social inclusion requires a sustained and semi-autonomous knowledge production which can be integrated across the planning and implementation cycle.]]> 2020-11-04 23:06:59 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892149168 Treating MEL as a post-facto exercise. https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892159834 MEL happens at all levels and through all actors (including those performing MEL). So designing MEL as standalone activities is not particularly helpful in designing responsive programs.]]> 2020-11-04 23:13:51 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892159834 Less focus on recipients' ability to receive expertise https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892504504 Delivering the right expertise is a co-created outcome of recipients being able to articulate the need and then utilize expert help, at the same time 'experts' learning and customizing assistance based on those inputs. Insufficient resource allocation to develop these capacities and mechanisms lowers the effectiveness of technical assistance.

]]> 2020-11-05 02:29:34 UTC https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/892504504 Lack of clear understanding of some of the social-cultural & policy barriers to Gender & Social Inclusion in Energy Policies and Programming https://padlet.com/trglearning/zlkesfvls1qui0xy/wish/893550177 In most cases, lack of Gender and Social Inclusion is contributed by lack of deep understanding of the social-cultural and policy barriers that hinder the integration. Understanding these barriers, building the capacity of the policy makers on how to support/incorporate GESI in energy policies and strategies is quite crucial. However, this cannot be achieved within the short period that most of these contracts exists, but needs to be part of the long-term strategy 

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