Process

The Idea: Each "champion" / potential client brings proposal or idea to C-TRADECOM team.

Negotiation: The "champion" and C-TRADECOM technical staff develop / negotiate budgetary and technical aspects so that both parties are agreed on the needs and commitments. On-going consultation with USAID technical personnel is usual during this process.

C-TRADECOM Approval: C-TRADECOM technical and management staff agrees that the project merits C-TRADECOM support. This process generally involves informal discussions with USAID technical personnel.

Presentation of Idea to USAID: If USAID approves the project concept, the C-TRADECOM team will write a Work Order to include the following: Summary, Background, Purpose, Program Description (this will detail C-TRADE and client responsibilities and obligations), Expected Results, Coordinating and Reporting Requirements, and Indicative Implementation Schedule.

USAID Approval and Agreement of the Terms of the Project: USAID reviews the documentation and renders a decision to approve, reject or recommend modifications to the project. If USAID approves, then USAID, the COP and the designated client representative must sign the work order. It functions like a contract and details a SOW and a budget. By the time the Work Order has been written by the team, the client should know exactly what to expect to see in it. Once agreed and both parties have signed, the subproject can be implemented. It is important to include a statement in the work order that allows the C-TRADECOM team to conduct an impact assessment after the subproject has ended. This will allow the team to measure impact and sustainability.

Identification of Assistance: C-TRADECOM will know from the information collected in the client's proposal, from negotiations and the preparation of the related documentation what kind of STTA will be required. As soon as the project team feels confident that the subproject will move forward, they will contact the CARANA home office to request recruiting assistance (if needed). The scopes of work for short-term technical assistance will be drafted at the same time the Work Order is drafted (by the project team). CARANA's home office will then initiate a search for appropriate candidates, whose CVs will be presented to the client (after initial review and approval of project team). The client plays a major role in selection of the final candidate. Once selected, the final consultant is mobilized by the CARANA home office and sent to the field to complete the assignment.