Attchmt_6a_-_Clearinghouse_Overview.pdf

ATTACHMENT 6a USAID/Somalia Clearinghouse Overview

The Monitoring and Evaluation Program for Somalia (MEPS) Clearinghouse (CH) is a system to support the timely monitoring of USAID activities in Somalia. The Clearinghouse is a secure web-based database that is accessible to USAID/Somalia, its implementing partners and the Somalia government. The web-based interface allows users to quickly access and update data remotely via the Internet.

The main goal of the Clearinghouse is to support USAID/Somalia in meeting its day-to-day information needs to allow USAID to make program management decisions based on reliable qualitative, quantitative and analytical information. The Clearinghouse also serves as a repository of key documentation related to USAID’s portfolio of activities in Somalia.

The Clearinghouse provides continuous, on-the-ground performance monitoring and verification of the output and outcome results, and environmental compliance of activities supported by USAID/Somalia. The two main sources for monitoring and reporting are (a) quarterly updates provided by USAID implementing partners, and (b) results from ongoing third-party verifications.

Based on roles, users are assigned varied levels of access, which include limited data viewing privileges to data input and modification privileges. The Clearinghouse currently has two modules: a Data Entry Module and a Reporting Module.

Implementing partners are required, through the Data Entry Module, to provide:

Quarterly indicator performance data updates;

“Deviation narratives” at the end of the fourth quarter of the USG fiscal year if/when the achieved results are more than 10% below or above the target.

Supporting evidence to demonstrate activities that are reported in the quarterly update Copies of Quarterly Reports provided to A/COR Documents related to activity including but not limited to their Monitoring & Evaluation

Plan, Environmental Management and Mitigation Plan, and Annual Work Plan.

Geographic Information System (GIS) data for all USAID-supported sites, including implementing organization offices, and locations of all sites that benefit from project resources (schools, clinics, communities, etc.).

The Data Entry Module is also used by third party monitors. Monitors submit verification reports and flag issues, if any, for follow up. These issues are brought to the attention of the A/CORs and implementing partners for necessary action. Resolution of these issues and actions taken by either the A/COR or the implementing partner is documented in the Clearinghouse.

Given the requirements of data entry and usage placed on implementing partners and monitors, individual training sessions are conducted on an ongoing basis to ensure that all users are able to use of the Clearinghouse.