Attachment J.1_Initial Environmental Evaluation_HEPS.pdf

RCE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

REQUEST FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

Activity Data:

Activity Name 1: USAID Higher Education Policy Support Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): Vietnam Amendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1, 2...): No Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): September 2023 - September 2028

If Amended, specify New End Date:

Solicitation/Contract/Award Number(s): TBD Implementing Partner(s): TBD Bureau Tracking ID:

Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any):

Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses:

Organizational/Administrative Data:

Implementing Operating Unit(s):

(e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

USAID/Vietnam

Other Affected Operating Unit(s):

Lead BEO Bureau:

Funding Operating Unit(s):

(e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

USAID/Vietnam

Funding Account(s) (if available): Development Assistance, Economic Support Funds

Original Funding Amount:

If Amended, specify funding amount:

If Amended, specify new funding total:

Prepared by: Thao Nguyen Date Prepared: 03/08/2023

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: Request for Categorical Exclusion Deferral

Environmental Determination(s): Categorical Exclusion(s) Deferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv))

RCE Expiration Date (if applicable): 09/30/2028 Additional Analyses/Reporting Required:

Climate Risks Identified (#): Low ___X___ Moderate ______ High ______ Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low ___X___ Moderate ______ High ______

Asia 22-167

THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

USAID Higher Education Policy Support aims to support the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET)’s goals to modernize and internationalize the Higher Education sector, thereby expanding access to quality Higher Education and developing the human resources required, especially in the areas of science and technology, for Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

USAID will support MOET to achieve these goals through three interrelated objectives.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations

(22 CFR 216).

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Activity Categorical Exclusion

Citation (if applicable) Deferral1

USAID Higher Education Policy Support 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(i), (iii), (v)

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

PLEASE SEE THE SUMMARY TABLE IN ANNEX 1

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

N/A

IMPLEMENTATION

In accordance with 22 CFR 216 and Agency policy, the conditions and requirements of this document become mandatory upon approval. This includes the relevant limitations, conditions and requirements in this document as stated in Section 3 of this RCE and any BEO Specified Conditions of Approval.

1 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this RCE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

USAID APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

ACTIVITY NAME: USAID Higher Education Policy Support

Bureau Tracking ID: ______________________

Approval: Aler Grubbs, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director 3/22/2023 Date

Clearance: cleared 3/20/2023 Timothy Ong, Date Director, Ho Chi Minh City Office

Clearance: cleared 3/20/2023 Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Mission Environmental Officer, Date USAID/Vietnam

Shamenna Gall, Regional Environmental Advisor Date

Clearance: Cleared 3/20/2023 Kirsten Rigney, Regional Legal Officer Date

Cristina Fentross, Program Office Director, Date USAID/Vietnam

Concurrence:

William Gibson, Asia Bureau Environmental Officer Date

William L Gibson Digitally signed by William L Gibson Date: 2023.03.22 08:03:02 -04'00'

1.0 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE RCE

The purpose of this document is to establish that all proposed interventions belong to classes of actions eligible for Categorical Exclusions as set out in Agency regulations (22 CFR 216.2(c)) and that there are no foreseeable significant direct or indirect impacts that would preclude them from receiving a Categorical Exclusion. Upon approval of this document, the Categorical Exclusions are affirmed for the project/activity. This analysis also documents the results of the project/activity level Climate Risk Management process in accordance with USAID policy (specifically, ADS 201 mandatory reference 201mal).

This RCE is a critical element of USAID’s mandatory environmental review and compliance process meant to achieve environmentally sound activity design and implementation.

1.2 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

1. USAID Higher Education Policy Support - This Activity will support Vietnam goals to modernize and internationalize the Higher Education sector, thereby expanding access to quality Higher Education and developing the human resources required, especially in the areas of science and technology, for Vietnam’s socio-economic development. The Activity will achieve the goal through three interrelated objectives: (1) Higher Education policy analysis, formulation and implementation improved; (2) Progress on Higher Education digital transformation accelerated; and (3) Targeted undergraduate and graduate degree programs in an increasing number of Higher Education institutions (HEI) internationalized.

1.3 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

USAID Higher Education Policy Support will provide technical assistance services to help MOET and other relevant government agencies and higher education institutions to perform the following interventions:

Higher Education policy analysis, formulation and implementation. Interventions include comprehensive analysis of the current Higher Education Law, related policies, decrees, and regulations, presenting the assessment results and recommendations for law and policy revisions to the National Assembly for review, developing the new Higher Education Law and related implementation guidelines, roadmaps and benchmarks to assist MOET and Vietnamese HEIs with policy implementation and oversight.

Higher Education digital transformation. Interventions include a rapid analysis of how technology is currently being used within the Higher Education system, developing a strategic plan and roadmap for accelerating digital transformation, and implementing pilots at both national and institutional levels.

Internationalization of targeted undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Interventions include technical assistance to review, upgrade and modernize curriculum, learning objectives, faculty knowledge, teaching practices, and research collaboration in selected academic programs.

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

2.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

The listed Higher Education activities are among the classes of actions listed in 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2) and have no foreseeable significant direct or indirect adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, under 22 CFR 216.2(c)(1), neither an IEE nor an EA will be required for these activities. Instead, a Categorical Exclusion is recommended as stated in:

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.), §216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings §216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

2.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening (see Annex 1). The project design team, in consultation with the CIL, considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the project (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.) in addition to the impact of project activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.).

3.0 LIMITATIONS OF THE CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

The categorical exclusions recommended in this document apply only to projects/activities and sub-activities described herein.

Other projects/activities that may arise must be subject to an environmental analysis and the appropriate documentation prepared and approved, whether it be a new Request for Categorical Exclusion, an amendment, or other type of 22 CFR 216 document.

It is confirmed that the projects/activities described herein do not involve actions normally having a significant effect on the environment, including those described in 22 CFR 216.2(d).

3.1 MANDATORY INCLUSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS IN

SOLICITATIONS, AWARDS, BUDGETS, AND WORK PLANS

USAID will ensure the environmental compliance requirements are incorporated into solicitations, awards, budgets, and work plans, including relevant limitations of Section 3 above.

In addition, climate risk management requirements will also be incorporated.

3.2 GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

USAID will ensure that the following requirements are met:

Provide briefings for Implementing Partner (IP) on environmental compliance responsibilities

Ensure integration of compliance responsibilities in prime and sub-awards and grant agreements;

Ensure compliance with applicable partner country requirements Annual review of project activities to ensure that scope is still covered by Categorical

Exclusion

ATTACHMENTS:

Annex 1: Climate Risk Management Summary Table for Activity (use for Activity level RCE) (note: preparers have the option to use the Climate Risk Screening and Management Tool for Projects/Activity Design if they choose).

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