ATTACHMENT J.5 - AMELP .docx

I. Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) Template Introduction The template that follows this introductory page provides a suggested outline and basic guidance for the development of an Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (Activity MEL Plan) and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) by a USAID implementing partner.

Related to the AMELP, as noted in USAID’s ADS 201.3.4.10: “Activities must have an approved Activity MEL Plan in place before major implementation actions begin.” For further policy on Activity MEL Plans, see ADS 201.3.4.10. This template should be used in conjunction with the guidance provided in USAID How-To Note: Activity Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Plan.

Related to the QASP, authority for issuance of this QASP is provided under Part 46 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Inspection of Services clauses, which provides for inspection, acceptance and documentation of contract performance and deliverables.

How to Use This Template USAID implementing partners should consult with their COR or AOR about specific requirements or recommendations for these plans.

The italicized text in each template section provides guidance and recommendations for what to include in that section, including examples and sample text. Required elements are noted in footnotes.

AMELP TEMPLATE

[ACTIVITY TITLE]

Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan

Approved Date: [e.g., April, 2018] Version: [1] Contract/Agreement Number: [Insert number] Activity Start and End Dates: [e.g., January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023] AOR/COR/Activity Manager Name & Office: [Insert name, office] Submitted by: [Insert name, position] [Name of Prime Implementing Partner (IP)]

DISCLAIMER

The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

I. Activity Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP)

1. Introduction This section introduces the Activity MEL Plan, describes the structure of the plan, sets the time period covered by the plan, and describes how it will be updated.

Activity Theory of Change Include a brief summary description of the activity theory of change.

Logic Model Add a logic model that graphically depicts the activity theory of change. Performance indicators and learning questions may be added to the logic model where relevant to indicate the connection between elements of the theory of change and MEL tasks.

2. Monitoring Plan Describe the activity’s monitoring approach, including monitoring processes and systems.[footnoteRef:1] [1: This is a required element of an Activity MEL plan per USAID ADS 201.3.4.10.]

Performance Monitoring Describe the efforts to monitor activity performance.

A summary of the relevant performance indicators of the activity’s outputs and outcomes, their baseline values (or plan for collecting baseline), and annual targets should be listed in the Annex.[footnoteRef:2] [2: This is a required element of an Activity MEL plan per USAID ADS 201.3.4.10.]

Context Monitoring Describe any efforts for monitoring the activity’s context and emerging risks that could affect the achievement of the activity’s results.

3. Beneficiary Feedback Plan[footnoteRef:3] [3: This is a required element of an Activity MEL plan, “as appropriate” per USAID ADS 201.3.4.10.]

1. Determination on whether collecting beneficiary feedback is appropriate for the activity. If not, then a written explanation for why not

2. Describe procedures for collecting feedback from beneficiaries.

3. Describe procedures for responding to feedback from beneficiaries.

4. Describe procedures for reporting to USAID.

4. Evaluation Plan Internal Evaluation Plan If intending to conduct an internal evaluation using USAID funds, then describe the evaluations below.

PLANS FOR COLLABORATING WITH EXTERNAL EVALUATORS

If USAID is planning to conduct an external evaluation of this activity, describe how the activity will collaborate with the external evaluation team.

5. Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting Approach Include learning questions related to the theory of change or knowledge gaps and plans to address them. Describe plans for strategic collaboration with other activities or stakeholders; reflection opportunities; how the implementing partner will use new knowledge and learning for adaptations; and plans for knowledge capture at closeout.

6. Resources Specify the budget allocated to monitoring, evaluation, and learning by listing the tasks, estimated costs, and proportion of the budget.

7. Roles and Responsibilities Describe the general and individual roles and responsibilities for activity monitoring, evaluation and CLA tasks and approaches.

8. Schedule of Activity MEL Plan Tasks Provide a schedule of recurring tasks related to monitoring, evaluation, CLA or other planned learning efforts during the activity and the individuals who are responsible for them.

Schedule of Recurring Tasks Table

9. Schedule of Activity MEL Plan Deliverables to USAID List the various monitoring, evaluation, and CLA or other learning deliverables (including ad hoc and recurring reports) that will be provided to USAID.

Example Schedule of Activity MEL Plan Deliverables to USAID Table

10. Change Log Describe the changes that are made to the Activity MEL Plan over time.

Example Change Log

11. Data Management and Quality Plan[footnoteRef:4] [4: This a required element as per ADS 579.3.1.]

Please note that per ADS 579.3.1, all activities that require an Activity MEL Plan also require a Data Management Plan (DMP). The DMP may be developed and approved as a section of the Activity MEL Plan or as a separate plan. For further guidance on Data Management Plans, see ADS 579.

Annex I: Indicator Summary Table An Indicator Summary Table is provided below. This plan may be adapted to include other information based on what is most relevant to the needs of the activity implementing partner or the USAID Operating Unit.

Instructions

1. Indicator: State the name and unique identifier for the indicator that will measure the expected result listed in the next column. Disaggregates of an indicator may be listed on a separate row below the parent indicator.

2. Result Measured by Indicator: State the result statement and the unique identifier for the expected result in the theory of change that the indicator intends to measure.

3. Type of Indicator: State whether the indicator is (1) a “Performance” indicator or a “Context” indicator, and (2) a “Standard” indicator or a “Custom” indicator.

4. Data Source: State the source of the data or planned source of the data.

5. Frequency: State how often the data are reported to USAID.

6. Unit of Measure: State the unit of measure (e.g., number of hours, percent of households).

7. PPR: State “Y” if this indicator is included in the PPR or “N” if this indicator is not included in the PPR. (Note: standard indicators are required to be reported in the PPR.)

8. Baseline Date: State the month and year (mm/yyyy) when the baseline data were collected. If baseline is still planned, state the month and year when the baseline is planned to be collected.

9. Baseline Value: State the value of the indicator at “baseline,” i.e., before major implementation actions of the planned USAID-supported activity. Enter “TBD” if the baseline has not yet been collected.

10. Target Date: State the month and year (mm/yyyy) for when the target value is expected to be achieved. This may be aligned with the reporting frequency of the indicator, it may be an end-of-activity target, or some other relevant milestone date.

11. Target Value: State the estimated value of the indicator expected on the target date.

Example Indicator Summary Table

Examples…

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