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Understanding FY13 Scorecard Income Categories

Since its creation, MCC has relied on the World Bank’s GNI per capita income data (Atlas method) and the World Bank’s Historical IDA Eligibility ceiling  to divide countries into two income categories for purposes of creating scorecards: Low Income Countries (LICs) and Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs).  These categories are used to account for the unfair income bias that occurs when countries with more per-capita resources perform better than countries with fewer. Using the historical IDA eligibility ceiling for the scorecards ensures that the poorest countries compete with their income level peers and are not compared against countries with more resources to mobilize.

Scorecard categories

In order to maintain relative performance stability on the eligibility scorecards and reduce income bias, MCC will continue to use the traditional income categories on the FY13 scorecards. As outlined in the FY13 Selection Criteria and Methodology Report, this means MCC continues to use the historical IDA eligibility ceiling to divide countries into two groups for scorecard comparisons.

  • Scorecard LICs are countries with GNI per capita below the historical IDA eligibility ceiling ($1,945 for FY13).
  • Scorecard LMICs are countries with GNI per capita above the historical IDA eligibility ceiling but below the World Bank’s upper middle income country threshold ($1,946 - $4,035 for FY13).

The list of countries categorized as LICs and LMICs for the purpose of scorecard assessments follows.

Low Income Countries (FY13 Scorecard)

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Bangladesh
  3. Benin
  4. Burkina Faso
  5. Burma*
  6. Burundi
  7. Cambodia
  8. Cameroon*
  9. Central African Republic
  10. Chad
  11. Comoros
  12. Cote D’Ivoire
  13. Djibouti
  14. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea*
  15. Democratic Republic of Congo
  16. Eritrea*
  17. Ethiopia
  18. Gambia
  19. Ghana
  20. Guinea*
  21. Guinea-Bissau*
  22. Haiti
  23. India
  24. Kenya
  25. Kyrgyz Republic
  26. Lao PDR
  27. Lesotho
  28. Liberia
  1. Madagascar*
  2. Malawi
  3. Mali*
  4. Mauritania
  5. Mozambique
  6. Nepal
  7. Nicaragua*
  8. Niger
  9. Nigeria
  10. Pakistan
  11. Papua New Guinea
  12. Rwanda
  13. Sao Tome and Principe
  14. Senegal
  15. Sierra Leone
  16. Solomon Islands
  17. Somalia
  18. South Sudan
  19. Sudan*
  20. Tajikistan
  21. Tanzania
  22. Togo
  23. Uganda
  24. Uzbekistan
  25. Vietnam
  26. Yemen
  27. Zambia
  28. Zimbabwe*

Lower Middle Income Countries (FY13 Scorecard)

  1. Albania
  2. Armenia
  3. Belize
  4. Bhutan
  5. Bolivia
  6. Cape Verde
  7. Egypt
  8. El Salvador
  9. Fiji*
  10. Georgia
  11. Guatemala
  12. Guyana
  13. Honduras
  14. Indonesia
  15. Iraq
  16. Kiribati
  17. Kosovo
  1. Marshall Islands
  2. Micronesia
  3. Moldova
  4. Mongolia
  5. Morocco
  6. Paraguay
  7. Philippines
  8. Rep of Congo
  9. Samoa
  10. Sri Lanka
  11. Swaziland*
  12. Syria*
  13. Timor-Leste
  14. Tonga
  15. Ukraine
  16. Vanuatu

* Countries with asterisks are statutorily prohibited from receiving assistance from MCC in FY13.

Funding categories

Apart from this, a statutory change requested by MCC in December 2011 altered the way the agency groups countries in determining whether MCC’s 25 percent LMIC funding cap applies. This change, designed to bring stability to the funding stream, affects how MCC funds countries selected as eligible and does not affect the way scorecards are created. For determining whether a country can be funded as an LMIC or LIC:

  • The poorest 75 countries are now considered low income for the purposes of MCC funding. They are not limited by the 25percent funding cap on lower middle income countries.
  • Countries with a GNI per capita above the poorest 75 but below the World Bank’s upper middle income country threshold ($4,035 in FY13) are considered lower middle income countries for the purposes of MCC funding. By law, MCC can spend no more than 25percent of funds in these countries.

MCC listed countries in the FY13 Candidate Country Report as LIC and LMIC based on this new definition. These categories outline which countries are subject to the 25 percent funding cap.

Independent Evaluations

content

The First Five Independent Evaluations

[forthcoming text from Sarah]

[table of five evals with links to detail pages, reports and other PDF docs]

Independent Evaluation Datasets

[List of what’s coming.]

List of Independent Evaluations

This table lists planned and completed independent evaluations.

Types of Independent Evaluations

Impact Evaluations

Impact evaluations are the most rigorous form of evaluations because they make it possible to know whether the observed impacts were caused specifically by an MCC investment or, alternatively, are the result of external factors that affected program participants and non-participants, like increased market prices for agricultural goods, national policy changes or favorable weather conditions. Impact evaluations compare what happened with the MCC investment to what would have happened without it, through the use of a counterfactual.

Performance Evaluations

Performance evaluations are a valuable tool for estimating the contribution of MCC investments to changes in trends on outcomes, including farm and household income. Performance evaluations are less rigorous and cannot attribute causal impact to MCC investments because they do not use a counterfactual. However, they are useful to compare changes in the situation before and after MCC’s investment and provide details on how an investment might have contributed to changes in beneficiary income, how it might have contributed to changes in outcomes and why.

How We Choose

There are several critical factors that MCC considers when deciding to invest in an impact or a performance evaluation:

  • Learning potential: For programs where the assumptions underlying the project logic are based on limited evidence, there is a strong case for an impact evaluation. A rigorous impact evaluation tests assumptions about a project’s effectiveness and contributes substantially to MCC’s future decision-making, as well as the global evidence base.
  • Feasibility: The feasibility of designing and implementing a strong impact evaluation is based on how well the evaluators are able to estimate a counterfactual and how feasible it is to maintain that counterfactual through the duration of the evaluation period.
  • Strong stakeholder commitment: Identifying a control group and ensuring adherence to an impact evaluation design require significant commitment and collaboration by sector staff, program implementers and evaluators, both within MCC and among partner countries.
  • Appropriate timing: The evaluation timeline must be informed by the project logic, particularly with regard to assumptions about how long it will take for expected impacts to occur. By collecting data too early, evaluations may underestimate the impacts on outcomes of interest or miss important lessons.
  • Proper coordination: Evaluations require close coordination with program implementation. Program designers, implementers and evaluators must work together to understand and define the program logic, estimate how long expected impacts are likely to take to accrue and identify what is most important to learn about how the program works. This is particularly true for impact evaluations, which require coordination and commitment among various stakeholders to estimate a counterfactual.

Incorporating evaluations—particularly impact evaluations—into program operations is not easy, but this is a challenge that MCC embraces to ensure accountability for results and to improve learning on what works. This commitment to evaluation helps distinguish MCC in the international development community.

The Counterfactual

An impact evaluation is defined by the ability to estimate the counterfactual, what would have happened to the same group of program participants if they had not received MCC’s assistance. The most rigorous method for estimating the counterfactual to measure attributable program impacts is through randomized control trials. In many programs, there are financial and/or logistical constraints to providing all eligible individuals or groups with an intervention. Random selection (such as through a lottery) is a fair and transparent way to select which eligible individuals or groups should receive the intervention first.
Because randomized control trials randomly select individuals that will and will not be exposed to program benefits, evaluators can compare the groups to measure their impacts. This use of a statistically identical control group creates the greatest opportunity for learning what works and for measuring program impacts.
When a randomized control trial is not feasible, MCC may use other methods to construct a credible comparison group, such as a propensity score matching, difference in differences or regression discontinuity .

Feedback for Selection Criteria and Methodology

Each year MCC solicits and considers public comment regarding the country selection criteria and methodology.  Public comments received on the fiscal year 2012 selection criteria and methodology report will be considered as part of the selection review.  The public comment period is open until October 30, 2012.

Branding & Writing Guide

Brand & Identity

MCC publishes its two branding manuals, downloadable logo files and other how-to documents to help MCAs and other organizations meet MCC’s brand and identity requirements.

Visit the Branding Website

Writing Guide

This Writing Guide for Public Documents provides general guidance for:

  1. drafting Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) public documents;
  2. writing in plain language, an initiative embraced throughout the U.S. Government; and
  3. writing effectively for MCC’s public website.

This guide addresses MCC-specific grammar rules, issues and word usages that routinely arise in the agency’s written materials, answers frequently asked questions and corrects common errors that typically surface when writing MCC’s public documents.

Read the Writing Guide

Monitoring and Evaluation

One of the ways MCC is changing the conversation about foreign assistance is an M&E approach that starts with tracking performance on processes and outputs at the beginning of a Compact’s life and then continues to track high-level outcomes and impacts at the end to concretely assess how its activities have affected poverty and economic growth. See the economic rate of return analyses that were used to estimate these aggregate estimated impacts, and details on the impact evaluations that will measure the achievement of these results.

A Sustainable MCC

Matching a commitment to Conservation Abroad with Compliance and Innovation at Headquarters

Recent legislation, including the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of February 2009, and the Energy Independence and Security Act of December 2007, highlight the importance of energy efficiency and conservation efforts across the U.S. domestic economy and, in particular, within the federal government – which by many reports is the world᾿s largest energy consumer.

MCC believes that energy and resource conservation reflect its core values and commitment to sustainability.  Even though the provisions referenced in the legislation do not generally apply to MCC because the agency headquarters is not in a federally-owned building, the agency is commitment to principles laid out in the legislation and has completed an initial audit of its headquarter operations to assess energy and resource consumption and identify opportunities to improve its environmental performance in a manner consistent with the tenor and substance of these laws.

MCC Headquarters Conservation Plan

In undertaking near-term opportunities for improvements in this area, MCC has already taken steps to reduce the impact of its headquarters operations on the environment. MCC paper now contains 100% post-consumer recycled content and MCC is pursuing strategies that will significantly reduce its paper consumption.  The organization is now eliminating most non-biodegradable food service items (cups, plates, plastic ware).  While much of MCC᾿s space already has motion sensors to automatically turn off lights when no one is around, MCC will make further investments to complete the installation of additional sensors, where needed, in its Washington offices In addition, MCC is aggressively educating staff on the need to change energy use behaviors, such as turning off lights, so that the agency can contribute to reducing costs and minimizing impacts on the environment from its energy consumption.

Going forward, MCC is committed to systematically addressing energy, travel and overall consumption impacts on the environment.  The organization is working to create incentives to reduce costs, energy and resource consumption, and looking at commuting and alternatives to travel, where appropriate, to address its carbon footprint.  Building on these efforts, MCC has already begun working to engage on our longer-term goals, including off-setting carbon emissions, practicing green procurement and enhancing recycling efforts.

These efforts are consistent with MCC’s core commitment to sustainability and will align MCC headquarter operations with the Obama administration᾿s efforts to increase energy efficiency and conservation within the federal bureaucracy.

MCC’s Executive Fleet Vehicles

In compliance with the Presidential Memorandum – Federal Fleet Performance, May 24, 2011 and the General Services Administration Bulletin FMR B-32 Motor Vehicle Management, MCC hereby discloses that MCC maintains an Executive Fleet as set forth below:

  • Total Executive Fleet: One (1) vehicle
  • Make: Chevy
  • Model: Tahoe
  • Year of Manufacture: 2011
  • Fuel Type: Hybrid electric
  • Office: Washington, DC

MCC Events at the 2012 UN General Assembly

MCC is hosting

Annual Reports

MCC’s authorizing legislation requires that the MCC publish an annual report.

Thank You.

Your request has been submitted. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email with the contents of your submission. If you do not receive a response from an MCC official within 72 hours of submitting this allegation, please call +1 (202) 521-3611.

Thank You!

Your request has been submitted. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email with the contents of your submission.

Congressional Notifications Archive

[text]

Executive Profiles

[Text]

Slideshow Archive

Slideshows are grouped by year, then listed by date, descending.

Video Archive

Videos are grouped by year, then listed by date, descending.

Events & Transcripts

Events are grouped by year, then listed by date, descending.

Fact Sheets

Fact sheets are grouped by year, then listed by date, descending.

Speeches & Testimony

Speeches are grouped by year, then listed by date, descending.

Press Releases

Press releases grouped by year, then listed by date, descending.

Report Fraud or Corruption to MCC

MCC takes all reports of suspected fraud and corruption seriously. In order to help MCC timely and accurately process your report of suspected fraud and/or corruption in an MCC program or project, please provide the following information.

Quarterly Status Reports

The Quarterly Status Report (QSR) provides a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative snapshot of a compact project, its commitments and expenditures, and its programs and activities.

MCA Logo Approval Request

Use this form to request official approval by MCC of a new or replacement MCA Entity logo.

MCC Wireless Network Privacy and Terms of Use

This document describes the terms and conditions governing the use of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Wireless “Grapevine” Internet access. You are the end user hereinto referred to as ("User"). By agreeing to the following statements, you accept all of the terms and conditions ("Terms and Conditions") set forth below,  and in any addenda to this agreement.

PLEASE CAREFULLY READ AND REVIEW THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING THE SERVICE. BY USING THE SERVICE YOU ARE BECOMING A PARTY TO AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT. YOU FURTHERMORE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN EFFECT AND AS UPDATED BY MCC FROM TIME TO TIME.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU MAY NOT USE THE SERVICE.

THE MCC WIRELESS SYSTEM IS AN UNSECURED NETWORK, SIMILAR TO A HOTEL. YOU SHOULD USE APPROPRIATE SECURITY MEASURES TO PROTECT YOUR SYSTEM AND DATA, SUCH AS A VPN CONNECTION, PERSONAL FIREWALL, OR OTHER SECURITY CONTROLS AND KEEP YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM UP-TO-DATE WITH SECURITY PATCHES, ETC.

Intended Use of the Service

User acknowledges and agrees that the Service is for government use and agrees not to use the Service in a manner prohibited by any federal or state law or regulation. Transmission of any material in violation of federal or state law or regulation, including,  but not limited to any copyrighted material, material protected by a trade secret or material or messages that are unlawful, harassing, libelous, abusive,  threatening, harmful, vulgar, obscene or otherwise objectionable in any manner or nature or that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense,  give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state,  national or international law or regulation, is prohibited.
User acknowledges that there is content on the Internet or otherwise available through this Service which may be offensive, or which may not be in compliance with all local laws,  regulations and other rules. MCC assumes no responsibility for and exercises no control over the content contained on the Internet or is otherwise available through the Service. All content accessed or received by the User is used by User at his or her own risk, and MCC employees or contractors shall have no liability resulting from the access or use of such content by the User.

System and Network Security

Users may not attempt to circumvent user authentication or security of any host, network, or account (also known as "cracking"). This includes, but is not limited to,  accessing data not intended for the User, logging into a server or account the User is not expressly authorized to access, or probe the security of other networks.

Users may not attempt to interfere with service to any user, host, or network ("denial of service attacks"). This includes, but is not limited to; "flooding"  of networks, deliberate attempts to overload a service, and attempts to "crash" a host.
  Users may not use any kind of program/script/command, or send messages of any kind, designed to interfere with a user’s terminal session, via any means, locally or by the Internet.

Users who violate systems or network security may incur criminal or civil liability. MCC will cooperate fully with investigations of violations of systems or network security at other sites, including cooperating with law enforcement authorities in the investigation of suspected criminal violations.

Users understand that there are certain security risks by utilizing wireless 802.11x networks. MCC is committed to maintaining a public network for ease of use and make no guarantees or representations regarding the security of our network. MCC recommends the use of personal firewall software and a VPN client to attach to private networks.

Privacy; Monitoring the Services

MCC is under no obligation to monitor the services, but we may do so from time to time and we may disclose information regarding User’s use of the Service for any reason and at our sole discretion in order to satisfy applicable laws, regulations,  governmental requests, or in order to operate and deliver the Services in an effective manner, or to otherwise protect MCC and our Users.

Disclaimer of Liability

THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY MCC IS PROVIDED "AS IS." MCC MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,  EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR ANY WARRANTY REGARDING THE RELIABILITY OR SUITABILITY FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF ITS SERVICES. USER UNDERSTANDS AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT MCC EXERCISES NO CONTROL OVER THE NATURE, CONTENT OR RELIABILITY OF THE INFORMATION AND/OR DATA PASSING THROUGH THE NETWORK. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY MCC, ITS DEALERS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY AND USER MAY NOT RELY ON ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR ADVICE. USER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT MCC IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR INTERRUPTION IN THE INSTALLATION PROCESS OR IN PROVIDING THE SERVICES, WHETHER WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE CONTROL OF MCC. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE USER HOLD MCC OR ANY OF OUR AGENTS, CONTRACTORS OR REPRESENTATIVES RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FORM OF DAMAGES OR LOSSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES) SUFFERED FROM,  BUT NOT LIMITED TO ERRORS, DELAYS, LOSS OF INFORMATION, DELAYS IN THE INSTALLATION OR PROVISIONING PROCESS, OR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE SERVICES CAUSED BY THE USER, MCC OR A THIRD PARTY’S NEGLIGENCE, FAULT, MISCONDUCT OR FAILURE TO PERFORM. USER UNDERSTANDS THAT TELECOMMUNICATION AND/OR NETWORK ACCESS SERVICES MAY BE TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE FOR SCHEDULED OR UNSCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND FOR OTHER REASONS WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF THE DIRECT CONTROL OF MCC. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO ANY SUCH ERRORS, DELAYS, INTERRUPTIONS IN SERVICES OR LOSS OF INFORMATION NULLIFY OR MODIFY THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. MCC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE OR TERMINATE SERVICES TO A USER AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CAUSE. THE INTERNET CONTAINS UNEDITED MATERIALS, WHICH MAY BE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT, OR MAY BE OFFENSIVE TO YOU OR OTHERS ACCESSING THE SERVICES. MCC HAS NO CONTROL OVER SUCH MATERIALS AND ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH MATERIALS.

Indemnification

User shall indemnify and hold MCC harmless against any and all claims, losses, damages and liabilities sustained by User resulting from, rising out of, or connected with any breach of, or non-fulfillment of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by or other obligation of User contained in these Terms and Conditions.

Working with the Private Sector

Private Sector Engagement

  • Consultative Process and Outreach
  • Invitation to Innovate
  • Investment Opportunity Assessment
  • Trade and Investment Promotion
  • Procurement Outreach

Learn more

Private Sector Development

  • Corporate Sector Development
  • Financial Sector Development
  • Private Sector Participation in Public Sector Services

Learn more

Definitions

Private Sector Development (PSD)
Promoting economic growth and reducing poverty by supporting competitive markets and efficient services for labor, capital and infrastructure through sustainable investments such as:
  • Commercial enterprises, value chain linkages, and financial service providers;
  • Increased capacity/know-how;
  • Institutional and enabling environment strengthening and legal, regulatory and enforcement reforms; and
  • Integrating private sector participation in public sector projects.
Private Sector Engagement (PSE)
Deepening the impact of compact programs by:
  • Consulting non-government actors to understand key growth sectors, obtain insights into program design and identify opportunities for collaboration during compact development and implementation; and
  • Stimulating trade and investment opportunities to catalyze private sector interest, mobilize additional capital and foster commercial activity that complement MCC’s own direct compact interventions.
Private Sector Participation (PSP)
The overarching principle by which private sector is involved in providing services or infrastructure assets traditionally provided by the public sector.

Private Sector Engagement

[table]

Private Sector Development

[all the content is delivered through the following channels: PSD Compact Activity Categories, PSD Program Activities and PSD Segment Categories]

Partnerships

Invitation to Innovate (I to I)

The Millennium Challenge Corporation’s new Invitation to Innovate (I to I) initiative, which was launched through an Annual Partnership Solicitation, is a framework designed to facilitate the development of partnerships with the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). MCC’s goal is to solicit innovative partnership ideas from the private and non-governmental sectors that will expand the impact of MCC’s investments and support the agency’s mission of reducing poverty through economic growth.

Partnerships solicited through the Invitation to Innovate initiative will introduce new technologies and approaches for development, enhance training and expertise, and increase the sustainability of MCC investments. Successful partnerships are expected to leverage resources and concentrate on priority development activities that meet MCC’s core principles of “policy matters,” accountability, and results.

The I to I initiative is focused on partnerships in select MCC partner countries:

  • Compacts in Development
    • Cape Verde
    • Indonesia
    • Zambia
    • Ghana

  • Compacts in Implementation

  • Selected Priority Sectors

    • Land Tenure
    • Transportation Corridor Development

In the future, MCC may expand the initiative to include additional countries or sectors.

Who Can Partner

New partnerships will bring ideas and innovations to MCC projects and allow MCC to expand the types of organizations with which it typically works. Partners may include private enterprises, non-governmental organizations, social responsibility funds, foundations, other donors, and development-oriented investment funds.  Partnerships may include a range of characteristics and cooperative arrangements, including coordination of activities, co-financing arrangements, shared implementation, risk sharing, resource sharing.

Application Process

U.S. and international companies and organizations may apply for a partnership opportunity with MCC by submitting a short concept paper for review by MCC and the relevant MCA (the partner country implementing entity).  If the review is favorable, a full proposal will be invited. Specific details regarding concept paper requirements are noted in the Annual Partnership Solicitation posted at www.grants.gov.

MCC is committed to country ownership and country-led development. All partnerships will be subject to agreement and, as appropriate, engagement of MCA country counterparts. MCC recognizes that partners will want to consider carefully their relationship to government agencies and projects, and will facilitate this relationship where appropriate to achieve effective and meaningful partnerships. Concept papers and applications may be shared with MCA country counterparts.

MCC already funds activities in the public sector, where the government role is clear and preeminent. Through this new initiative, MCC hopes to draw more broadly on partners to leverage MCC resources and to stimulate new investment and new development practices. These partnerships, although often complex and challenging to structure, offer the possibility of mobilizing additional resources for develop¬ment and promoting greater program effectiveness and sustainability — thus offering an opportunity to substantially increase the impact of MCC-funded projects.

MCA Websites

The following table lists the MCA websites for countries with MCC compacts. The table is ordered by country name.

Principles into Practice

MCC was founded with a focused mandate to reduce poverty through economic growth. MCC’s model is based on a set of core principles essential for development to take place and for development assistance to be effective—good governance, country ownership, focus on results, and transparency.

The MCC Principles into Practice series offers a frank look at what it takes to make these principles operational. The experiences captured in this series will inform MCC’s ongoing efforts to refine and strengthen its own model. In implementation of the U.S. Global Development Policy, which emphasizes many of the principles at the core of MCC’s model, MCC hopes this series will allow others to benefit from and build on MCC’s lessons.

Congressional Affairs

Contacts

Name Title Phone
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Vice President (202) 521-3850
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Managing Director (202) 521-2695
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Associate Director (Senate) (202) 521-3633
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Associate Director (House) (202) 521-7245
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Legislative Officer (202) 521-3854

 

Contract Vehicles

MCC has blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicles to acquire the goods and services needed to accomplish its mission of helping the world’s poorest countries reduce poverty through economic growth.

The following table provides categories of goods and services with a list of the current contract vehicles.

Memorandums of Understanding

MCC has entered into the following Memorandums of Understanding (MOU):

MCC Program Procurement Guidelines Interim Amendment 2010-001

MCC-funded procurements embrace international transparent, competitive bidding in the interest of value for money.  MCC is authorized by the United States Congress to provide grant assistance to fund economic growth and poverty reduction investments, with program procurements conducted using open, fair, and competitive procedures in a transparent manner.  This authority is consistent with delivering effective aid.  Transparency and open competition in procurement lead to the best value for taxpayer money and stretches MCC’s resources.  Open competition also expands the possibility for U.S. companies to bid on projects funded by other donors as well. 

MCC is revising its Program Procurement Guidelines to ensure a level playing field for commercial firms from all countries.  Through this Procurement Notice, MCC is revising its guidelines to exclude government-owned commercial enterprises (GOEs) from competing for MCC-funded contracts. As MCC’s program portfolio matures, the agency has observed that more GOEs are winning contracts. Noting that GOEs often compete with support from their home government, MCC is taking this action to help ensure a level playing field for commercial firms from all countries to compete for MCC-funded contracts.

Effectiveness and Application of the Amendment

As with all changes to the MCC Program Procurement Guidelines, this revision will apply prospectively to all future procurement actions.

  • Contracts awarded to GOEs prior to the revision of the guidelines will remain in place.
  • Procurement processes where an IFB or RFP has already been issued with a closing date on or before October 22, 2010 are not affected by this revision and may proceed under the previous guidelines that permitted participation by GOEs. For procurements with bids or proposals due on or after October 23, 2010, the MCAs will issue an amendment to the bidding documents incorporating the changes specified in the Interim Amendment.
  • For procurements where the pre-qualification or short listing phase has been completed, but the IFB or RFP has not been issued, the changes specified in Interim Amendment will be incorporated into the IFB and RFP before release.  GOEs that qualified for either the pre-qualified list or shortlist will be informed that they are no longer eligible to compete for the procurement due to the change in MCC procurement policy.

The restriction on the eligibility of GOEs will not apply to Government-owned educational, research, and statistical institutions and other technical units of government not formed primarily for a commercial or business purpose.  Consistent with the new guideline, MCA Entities may request a waiver of this restriction, on a case-by-case basis, in the interest of overall program implementation.  In all cases, a request for a waiver must be reviewed and approved by MCC in the manner set forth in the Interim Amendment.

 

Branding Downloads & How To

Logos

The following electronic files are provided in .eps, .jpg, .tif, and .png format saved at the highest quality and provided in two color variations:

  • full-color
  • one color (or black and white)

The full-color files are additionally available in four color spaces:

  • spot (using Pantone colors),
  • CMYK,
  • RGB, and
  • Web-safe.

Use the proper file for the appropriate color space.

These files should never be modified in any way, except to be proportionally resized to fit appropriately on material.

Signature

The signature is the most appropriate symbol to represent the MCC worldwide.  It comes in two orientations: horizontal and vertical.  Refer to the Using MCC’s Logo page for proper usage.  Always adhere to all requirements described there and outlined in the Standards for Corporate Marking and Branding.

Downloads - Vertical Logo Signature
Black and White Color
One Color PMS CMYK RGB Web
.eps .eps .eps .eps .jpg
.jpg .jpg .jpg .jpg .png
.tif .tif .tif .tif  
.png     .png  

MCC Branding Guidelines

Overview

Early on, MCC committed to building and maintaining a very strong visual brand and, in doing so, requires that any item distributed to the public be appropriately branded according to the guidelines outlined in MCC’s Standards for Corporate Marking.

A strong visual brand:

  • Provides instant recognition of MCC’s work anywhere in the world;
  • Shows that MCC cares about presentation as much as content;
  • Showcases the excellent work of MCC staff in an easily digestible way by creating a visual brand based in graphic design best practices;
  • Elevates MCC’s materials to those most respected in government;


Using MCC’s Logo

Logo and Signature

The signature is the most appropriate symbol (or logo) to represent the MCC worldwide.

It is a combination of three unique elements: the MCC logo, the brand name, and the tagline.  (For an explanation and usage rules specific to these elements, see Seal, Brand Name, and Tagline in the Standards for Corporate Marking and Branding.)

While each of these elements has its own usage standards, when displayed together as the signature, these usage rules apply:

  • The signature should be used anytime both the logo and the company name appear together.
  • The signature is to be arranged in only two formats: horizontal and vertical. The vertical format is the preferred format.  It may not appear in any other format.

About MCC’s Logo

MCC’s logo, a star formed in the classic shape of those on the American flag, is an emblem of the partnership and progress that this innovative way of delivering foreign assistance is bringing to some of the world’s poorest countries.

The logo contains sweeping stripes of red and white, symbolic of roads or fields that are part of many MCC programs, as well as three stars representing the principles of aid with accountability, country ownership and partnership, and results-based assistance that define MCC’s cooperation with countries across the globe.

The logo is energetic, giving a sense of forward motion and progress, of long-term and sustainable economic growth, and of the partnership that takes place when two countries work together through Millennium Challenge Corporation programs.

Vertical Signature

image of MCC's vertical signature

The vertical signature displays the logo on top with the brand name below it and “United States of America” or the tagline below the brand name.

Minimum Size

The minimum width for the vertical signature is 1.25” (printed) and 175 pixels (on-screen).

Clear Space

image describing the clear space required around MCC's vertical signature

Clear space defines the minimum amount of blank area that must surround the seal before another item should be placed next to it.

Horizontal Signature


Image of MCC horizontal signature

The horizontal signature displays the logo on the left with the brand name to its right and “United States of America” or the tagline immediately below the brand name.  The horizontal signature must be placed in either the left-hand or right-hand side of branded material depending on the reading direction of the language used in the produced item.  In material produced in English, the horizontal signature must appear on the left.  The horizontal signature is never centered and must always be placed towards the side of branded material.  (The vertical signature is the preferred signature.)

Minimum Size

The minimum width for the horizontal signature is 1.25” (printed) and 135 pixels (on-screen).

Clear Space

image describing the clear space required around MCC's horizontal signature

Clear space defines the minimum amount of blank area that must surround the seal before another item should be placed next to it.

Color Palettes

MCC’s color systems help promote the Corporation as a grantee of United States foreign assistance and help convey our mission and values.

The three color systems are:

To ensure color accuracy and consistency throughout all MCC print, on-screen, and Web communications, the MCC used the world-standard Pantone Matching System (PMS) to define the colors used in its color systems.

Brand Color System

Three colors comprise the brand color system:

  • Blue
  • Red
  • Black

These colors are defined as blue, red, and black and are reserved for use on the MCC logo and brand name.

Brand Color System Color Chart
Color Space U.S. Flag Blue U.S. Flag Red Black
 
 
 
 
Pantone (PMS) 281 193  
CMYK 100, 85, 5, 20 2, 100, 60, 11 100, 100, 100, 100
RGB 0, 38, 100 187, 19, 62 00, 00, 00
Web 00 26 64 BB 13 3E 00 00 00


Default Color System

MCC adopted U.S. flag blue and U.S. flag red in mid-2007 to visually bolster its mission within the U.S. government and to visually strengthen worldwide its association to the United States.

MCC uses the Pantone-determined values for U.S. flag blue and U.S. flag red. Two additional colors comprise the total default color system. Tints of these colors may be used in addition to the full-color value.

Default Color System Color Chart
Color Space U.S. Flag Blue U.S. Flag Red MCC Pale Blue White
 
 
 
 
 
Pantone (PMS) 281 193 2727  
CMYK 100, 85, 5, 20 2, 100, 60, 11 75, 40, 0, 0 0, 0, 0, 0
RGB 0, 38, 100 187, 19, 62 61, 126, 219 255, 255, 255
Web 00 26 64 bb 13 3e 3d 7e db ff ff ff


Supporting Color System

In 2008, MCC began developing its supporting color system. While the primary goal of MCC’s overall color system is to promote MCC as an American initiative, the colors in the supporting system intend to complement that goal.

Six colors will ultimately comprise the supporting color system and will represent the various sectors in which MCC works. The colors currently being tested are displayed in the table below. These colors are subject to change.

Tints of these colors may be used in addition to the full-color value.

Supporting Color System Color Chart
Color Space Bright Yellow Charcoal Grey Aqua Blue Deep Green Earth Brown Purple
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pantone (PMS) 116 undefined 291 357 undefined 255
CMYK 0, 12, 100, 0 36, 3, 0, 0 83, 19, 73, 58 55, 96, 6, 25
RGB 254, 203, 0 160, 207, 235 39, 89, 55 110, 44, 107
Web fe cb 00 a0 cf eb 27 59 37 6e 2c 6b

Typography

Type Families

The MCC uses several type families as part of its overall brand strategy, but relies on two primary type families to define its overall identity: Gotham (a sans-serif type) and Warnock Pro (a serif type). These type families shall be used in all official, professionally printed or created material.

Alternate Type Families

When Gotham is unavailable, Arial may be substituted. When Warnock Pro is unavailable, Times New Roman may be substituted.

Source: MCC Standards for Corporate Marking and Branding

MCA Branding Guidelines

Requirements

MCA entity logos must use the MCC-MCA Partnership Overlay Graphic illustrated below. The Overlay Graphic includes the following elements:

  1. A black, exterior circle;
  2. The phrase “Millennium Challenge Account”;
  3. The compact country’s name most commonly recognized by its citizens;
  4. The U.S. flag, appearing on the right; and
  5. The compact country’s flag, appearing on the left.

The logo must include an additional symbol or symbols easily recognized by the compact country’s population representing the programs, activities, mission, or values of the compact and must appear inside the white circular area.

This new requirement applies to countries whose compacts, including subsequent compacts, enter into force after January 31, 2012. MCA logos must not be used prior to compact signing. MCA entities must have logos completed and approved prior to compact signing.

The MCC-MCA Partnership Overlay Graphic will be provided by MCC to MCA entities as a vector graphic file in either Adobe Illustrator (.ai) or Encapsulated Postscript (.eps) file formats.

Approval and Exemption Requests

MCA entities must submit logos for approval by MCC prior to finalizing and using the logos. MCC will review logos for compliance with these standards. Upon approval, MCC will transmit a Record of MCA Brand document which serves as official notification of approval by MCC.

MCA entities’ requests for logo approval must be made via a web form on MCC’s public website at http://www.mcc.gov/logoapproval. All questions on the web form must be answered and a high-resolution electronic file of the logo must be uploaded before MCC will consider a logo for approval.

MCA entities may not request exemptions from the logo requirements.

How to Mark Compact Projects and Materials

Materials

MCA entities’ and MCC’s logos and signatures must be placed on any material:

  • Purchased or paid for with funds disbursed pursuant to an MCC compact;
  • Promoting MCA entities’ partnership with MCC; and
  • Visible to the media and/or significant number of compact country residents.

The location, size and frequency of placement of the logos and signatures must be placed prominently and sized proportionally to the material or object and be in accordance with these standards.

Projects with Commodities

Commodities or commodity packaging must be marked with the MCA entity’s logo and the MCC logo and signature . (See “When MCA Entities Must Use MCC’s Corporate Logo” below for more information.)

Projects with Works

Both during construction and when completed, all works projects must be marked with signage that includes the MCA entity’s logo and the MCC logo and signature. The MCA entity is responsible for ensuring that the project signage is prominent, easily visible from a distance and made of durable materials.
In addition to the project signage, a durable and visible plaque must be included at all works sites upon completion and the plaque must include the MCC logo and signature. This plaque must be made of sturdy, weather-resistant materials and remain on display after the compact closes. Whenever possible, the plaque should be placed in an area of high visibility to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Projects with Locales

Both during construction and when completed, projects that involve the construction of any structure must be marked with signage that includes the MCA entity’s logo and the MCC logo and signature. The MCA entity is responsible for ensuring that the project signage is prominent, easily visible from a distance, and made of durable materials.

In addition to the project signage, a durable and visible plaque must be included at all projects with locales and the plaque must include the MCC logo and signature. This plaque must be made of sturdy, weather-resistant materials and remain on display after the compact closes. Whenever possible, the plaque should be placed in an area of high visibility to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Projects with Other U.S. Government Agencies

Other United States government departments or agencies acting as implementing entities for a Millennium Challenge Corporation compact or Threshold Program may display their seal, logo or signature on any material purchased or paid for with compact or Threshold Program funds.

All seals, logos or signatures shall be of the same size, although MCC reserves the right to have dominant placement of its logo and signature or of an MCA entity’s logo and signature.

Projects with MCA Government

Partner government agencies acting as implementing entities for an MCC compact or Threshold Program may display their seal, logo or signature on any material purchased or paid for with compact or Threshold Program funds.

With Contractors

Contractors (including NGOs serving as contactors) may not include their logo, brand mark, signature, or company name or provide any other representation of their company on any material purchased or paid for with funds disbursed pursuant to an MCC compact or Threshold Program.

Responsibility for Marking Projects

MCA entities must include requirements consistent with these standards in their procurement scopes of work.

The MCA communications and sector leads are responsible for overseeing that marking is being implemented correctly and that contractors are following the MCA branding manual and guidelines.

The MCC Resident Country Missions shall ensure proper implementation of these guidelines in the field and provide periodic reports to MCC’s Department of Congressional and Public Affairs and Department of Compact Operations on the status of compliance with the guidelines.

Exemption Requests

MCA entities must strictly adhere to these standards. Any exemption requests require justification and must be made via web form.

When MCA Entities Must Use MCC’s Corporate Logo

In addition to the requirements otherwise specified in these standards, MCA entities must use the MCC corporate logo and signature together with their own logos on:

  • Commemorative signage;
  • Signage, markers or printed material created for or used during public events where the MCA entity, MCC and/or other U.S. government officials will participate. MCA entities must use MCC’s corporate logo and signature on promotional materials and signage at all events where invited guests include:
    • U.S. Government officials (e.g., the President or Vice President of the United States, the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State, U.S. Ambassadors, Assistant Secretary of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, etc.);
    • Members of the U.S. Congress, their staffs and representatives;
    • MCC senior management;
    • MCC Board members; and
    • Other international donors.

For purposes of this section, the MCA entity’s logo and MCC’s logo and signature must be the same size and appear side-by-side. The logos and signatures must be prominently displayed and easily visible and recognizable.

For additional clarification on when to use MCC’s corporate logo, contact MCC.

Branding & Marking

  • Overview

    MCC uses its logo as part of its efforts to raise awareness about the global fight against poverty and U.S. Government efforts to provide sustainable, long-term solutions for the world’s poor.

  • MCA Branding Guidelines

    MCA Entities—the organizations established to execute the programs outlined in a Millennium Challenge Compact—are required to create a graphic logo, develop a visual brand, mark all compact projects, mark public communications and public documents, and ppropriately recognize and identify when to use MCC’s corporate logo in a variety of places.

    Details

  • MCC Branding Guidelines

    MCC remains committed to building and maintaining a very strong visual brand and, in doing so, requires that any item distributed to the public be appropriately branded according to the guidelines outlined in MCC’s Standards for Corporate Marking.

    Details

Newsletters

‘Millennium Challenge Monthly’: MCC’s Email Newsletter

Subscribe

Subscribe to MCC’s Outreach Email List to receive the monthly email newsletter, event notifications, press releases, or business opportunities.

The ‘Millennium Challenge Monthly’ is MCC’s monthly email newsletter. Delivered on the last day of every month, the newsletter includes:

  • MCC mentions in the world press
  • Round-up of recent public events
  • Important announcements and releases related to MCC programs and progress on the ground

Previous Issues

Read previous issues:

Natural Resource Management Indicator Search

In its authorizing legislation, the MCC is directed to use objective and quantifiable indicators to evaluate a country’s demonstrated commitment to, among other things, economic policies that promote the sustainable management of natural resources. At first, MCC provided its Board with supplemental quantitative and qualitative information about countries’ performance in this area. However, MCC recognized the importance of including an indicator of policy performance in this area on its country scorecards. In February 2005, MCC initiated a public process, spearheaded by former MCC Board Member Governor Christine Todd Whitman, to seek broad input from experts and key stakeholders on a natural resources management indicator or index.

Press & Public Affairs

Public and Congressional Affairs Contacts

Press
  • Gina Jackson
  • Erin Callahan

202-521-3850
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Communications
  • Neneh Diallo
  • Valeria McFarren

202-521-3850

Outreach
  • Lorelle Curry
  • Jerry Dutkewych
  • Eliza Keller

202-521-3850

Congressional Affairs

James Mazzarella
Managing Director

  • Ellona W. Fritschie
  • Joan Condon
  • Nicole Cavino

202-521-3850

RSS Feeds

What Is RSS?

RSS is an acronym for Really Simple Syndication, a method for easily distributing information to users automatically from a web site. Information delivered through this method is called a "feed." Feeds are collected, organized, formatted and read using an RSS reader.

What Is an RSS Reader?

An RSS reader is a small software program that collects, formats, and displays RSS feeds from web sites with feeds available.  It allows for quick scanning of content from multiple web sites in one location.

Finding an RSS Reader

Most current-version web browsers—like Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer 7—have built-in RSS readers. Otherwise, to view an RSS feed, you will need a small software program called an RSS reader.

A variety of RSS readers are available as downloads on the web. Many are free downloads, others are available for purchase

Using an RSS Reader

After choosing your RSS reader (and, if necessary, downloading and installing it), follow these directions:

  • Click on the link, XML button (XML icon), or RSS icon (RSS icon)near the feed.
  • Copy the link (or URL) in the location field of your browser.
  • Paste the URL into the "Add New Channel" section of the reader. The RSS feed will begin to display and provide regular updates.

Note: the process for adding new feeds in an RSS reader may vary slightly. Follow your reader’s specific directions for best results.

MCC’s RSS Feeds

Listed alphabetically.

 

Homepage: Work with Us

Countries with signed Compacts solicit, award and administer procurements for goods, works and services based on the programs in their compact. The most recent procurements are listed to the right.

Additional Opportunities

Jobs

Business Opportunities

Consultants

Contracts & Grants

Homepage: About MCC

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is an innovative and independent U.S. foreign aid agency that is helping lead the fight against global poverty.  Created by the U.S. Congress in January 2004 with strong bipartisan support, MCC is changing the conversation on how best to deliver smart U.S. foreign assistance by focusing on good policies, country ownership, and results.

Fees

The FOIA allows agencies to charge requesters for FOIA search, review,  copying, and other special services such as courier deliveries. MCC’s fees practices are governed by the FOIA and by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Freedom of Information Act Fee Schedule and Guidelines.

There are four government-wide requester categories: Commercial Use Requesters; Educational and Non-Commercial Scientific Institution Requesters; Representatives of the News Media;  and All Other Requesters.

If the potential costs of processing a request is of great concern to you, you may ask for a cost estimate.  MCC’s FOIA staff will attempt to let you know roughly what your fees will be before they process your request. However, it is often difficult to estimate the costs until a search for the requested documents is actually accomplished.

MCC’s Service Fees are as follows:

  1. Commercial Use Requesters:
    • Search: $25.30 per hour
      Search costs will be assessed even though no records may be found or even if, after review, there is no disclosure or records.
    • Review: $43.63 per hour
    • Duplication: 20¢ per page

  2. Educational & Non-Commercial Scientific Institutions:

    • Search: No fee
    • Review: No fee
    • Duplication: 20¢ per page after the first 100 pages

  3. Representatives of the News Media:

    • Search: No fee
    • Review: No fee
    • Duplication: 20¢ per page after the first 100 pages

  4. All Other Requesters:

    • Search: Same as “Commercial Users” except the first two hours shall be furnished without charge.
    • Review: No fee
    • Duplication: 20¢ per page after the first 100 pages

MCC does not charge a processing fee if the total processing cost of a request is $14.99 or less.

Applicable Definitions

“SEARCH”
includes all time spent looking for material that is responsive to a request, including page-by-page or line-by-line identification of material within documents. Line-by-line search will not be done when duplicating an entire document would prove the less expensive and quicker method of complying with a request.
“REVIEW”
is the process of examining documents located in response to a commercial use request to determine whether any portion of any document located is permitted to be withheld. It also includes processing documents for disclosure, e.g.,  doing all that is necessary to redact those ocuments of exempt material and otherwise preparing them for release. Review fees do not include time spent resolving general legal or policy issues regarding the application of exemptions.
“DUPLICATION”
is the process of making a copy of a document available to the FOIA requester. Copies can take the form of paper copy, microfilm or audiovisual materials (among others)  and will be in a form that is reasonably usable by requesters.
“COMMERCIAL USE REQUEST”
refers to a request from or on behalf of one who seeks information for a use or purpose that is related to commerce, trade, or the profit interest of the requester or of the person on whose behalf the request is made. In determining whether a request properly belongs in this category, the MCC will determine the use to which a requester will put the documents requested. Where the MCC has reasonable cause to doubt the use to which a requester will put the records sought, or where that use is not clear from the request itself, the MCC may seek additional clarification before assigning the request to a specific category.
“EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION”
refers to a preschool, a public or private elementary or secondary school, an institution of undergraduate or graduate higher education, an institution of professional education, or an institution of vocational education which operates a program or programs of scholarly research. A student who makes a request in furtherance of the completion of a course of instruction in carrying out an individual research goal does not qualify as an EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION requester.*
“NON-COMMERCIAL SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION”
refers to an institution that is not operated on a “commercial” basis as that term is referenced in the above definition for COMMERCIAL USE REQUEST above and which is operated solely for the purpose of conducting scientific research, the results of which are not intended to promote any particular product or industry.*
“REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NEWS MEDIA”
refers to a person actively gathering news for an entity that is organized and operated to publish or broadcast news to the public. The term “news” means information that is about current events or that would be of current interest to the public. Examples of news media entities include television or radio stations broadcasting to the public at large, and publishers of periodicals (but only in those instances when they can qualify as disseminators of “news” who make their products available for purchase or subscription by the general public). These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.  Moreover, as traditional methods of news delivery evolve (e.g.  electronic dissemination of newspapers through telecommunication services), such alternative media would be included in this category.  In the case of “freelance” journalists, they may be regarded as working for a news organization if they can demonstrate a sound basis for expecting publication through such an organization, even though not actually employed by it. A publication contract would be the clearest evidence, but the MCC may also look to the past publication record of the requester in making this determination.
“ALL OTHERS”
refers to requesters that do not fit into any of the other requester categories.

Important Payment Practices

PAYMENTS:  (a) Payments will be in U.S. Dollars in the form of either a check or bank draft drawn on a bank in the United States or a money order. (b)  The check or money order should be made payable to the order of the U.S. Treasury and mailed to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, 875 Fifteenth Street N.W., Washington, DC 20005.

ADVANCE PAYMENT OR CONFIRMATION: When MCC estimates or determines that allowable charges to a requester are likely to exceed $250.00, MCC will require a requester to make an advance payment of the entire estimated charges before continuing to process the request. Where the estimated charges are in the $25.00 to $250.00 range, then MCC in its discretion,  before processing the request, may require either (a) an advance deposit of the entire estimated charges or (b) written confirmation of the requester’s willingness, when billed, to pay such charges.

AGGREGATING REQUESTERS: When MCC reasonably believes that a requester or group of requesters is attempting to break a request down into a series of requests for the purpose of evading the assessment of fees, the Agency will aggregate any such requesters and charge accordingly.

NONPAYMENT OF FEES: MCC will begin assessing interest charges on the thirty- first day following the day on which the requester is advised of the fee charge. Interest will be at the rate prescribed in 31 U.S.C. 3717.

Where a requester has previously failed to pay a fee charged in a timely fashion (i.e. within thirty days of the billing date), MCC will require the requester to pay the full amount owed plus any applicable interest as provided above, and to make an advance payment of the full amount of the remaining estimated fee before MCC begins to process a new request or continues processing a then-pending request from the requester. The administrative response time limits prescribed in subsection (a)(6) of the FOIA will begin only after the Agency has received fee payments described in this section.

EFFECT OF THE DEBT COLLECTION ACT OF 1982 (PUB. L.97-365): MCC will use the authorities the Debt Collection Act,  including disclosure to consumer reporting agencies and use of collection agencies, where appropriate, to encourage repayment.

Waiving or Reduction Fees

In accordance with section (4)(A)(iii) of the FOIA, MCC will furnish documents without charge or at a reduced charge if disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the Government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.

You should make your request for a waiver or reduced fees at the same time you make your initial request for records. If your waiver or fee reduction request is not granted, the waiver/fee reduction denial letter sent to you will designate an appeal officer.

In determining whether a waiver or reduction should be granted because the release will be in the public interest, MCC takes many factors into consideration:

  1. Whether the subject matter of the request specifically concerns identifiable operations or activities of the government.
  2. Whether the release of the disclosable portions of the requested records will be informative regarding the particular government activities or operations that are connected to the subject matter of the request.
  3. Whether the requested information is already in the public domain, either in a duplicative or a substantially identical form.
  4. Whether the disclosure will contribute to the understanding of the public at large, as opposed to the individual understanding of the requester or a narrow segment of interested persons. Note: An important factor taken into consideration is the requester’s identity and qualifications—e.g.,  expertise in the subject area and ability and intention to disseminate the information to the general public is evaluation.
  5. Whether an identifiable contribution to public understanding of government operations or activities will be a “significant” one, i.e., such that the general public’s understanding of the subject matter in question will likely be enhanced by the disclosure to a significant extent.

Once the public interest requirement for a waiver or fee reduction has been met, then a determination of whether disclosure of the requested information is primarily in the commercial interest of the request is made. If it is determined that there is a commercial interest, a waiver or fee reduction is granted when the public interest in disclosure is greater in magnitude than the requester’s commercial interest.

* To be eligible for inclusion,  requesters must show that the request is being made as authorized by and under the auspices of a qualifying institution and that the records are not sought for a commercial use, but are sought in furtherance of scholarly (if the request is from an educational institution) or scientific (if the requests is from a non-commercial scientific institution) research.

 

Requests

Submitting Your Request

Your request must be submitted in writing, by post or by e-mail.

Mail your request to the following address:

Millennium Challenge Corporation
Attn: Chief FOIA Officer John Mantini
875 Fifteenth Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20005

You may e-mail your request to our .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Although we are accepting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by e-mail,  we’re sorry, but we are unable to accept Privacy Act requests by e-mail.

Formulating Your Request

Our ability to respond expeditiously and responsively to your request is dependent upon the clarity of your request. Please provide as much descriptive information as possible. List the types of documents that you want and the timeframe of the documents that should govern our search.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) can only provide access to its own records. For information about other agencies role in the design of the MCC, please contact those agencies individually.

The FOIA allows agencies to charge requesters for FOIA search, review and copying services. In your request letter, please indicate your willingness to pay processing fees and the dollar amount you are willing to pay.

Please remember to give us a phone number in your request letter that we can use if we have questions about your request.

Several characteristics of the FOIA should be kept in mind. As a general rule,  agencies are not required to create records in order to respond to FOIA requests. Nor are agencies required to answer questions posed as FOIA requests. Please remember that the FOIA pertains only to existing records and that requests cannot be made for “future” records not yet created.

Expedited Processing

Under certain conditions you may be entitled to have your request processed on an expedited basis if you can show a compelling need. There are two categories of circumstances for the justification for expedited processing. Expedited processing can be requested when the failure to obtain the requested records on an expedited basis could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual. Expedited processing can be granted if the requester is a person primarily engaged in disseminating information to the public and the information is urgently needed to inform the public concerning some actual or alleged government activity. Please note: Requests are not expedited merely because the requester is a representative of the news media.

Your request for expedited processing must be accompanied by an explanation setting forth the reasons your request should be expedited. You should certify that the reasons you have given are true and correct.

We will notify you of our decision about whether to grant expedited processing within no more than ten days after receiving your request.  If we deny your request for expedited processing, you will be advised of your right to submit an administrative appeal.

 

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Welcome to the MCC’s Freedom of Information Act web site. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, this site is designed to provide you with information pertinent to retrieving publicly available information. Follow the links below for various FOIA-related resources.

Internships

Student Internships

Internships are provided for students with a desire to work in the international development field. Assignments are designed to complement the intern’s educational pursuits while meeting the expressed needs of the agency and individual MCC departments.

Spring 2013 Session

Recruitment for the MCC Student Volunteer Internship Program Spring 2013 session is now open. Please be sure to review all of the announcements and apply for those in which you have an interest. You must apply for each vacancy separately. All applicants must apply through USAJOBS.

Internship - Department of Administration and Finance
The Department of Administration and Finance offers Spring 2013 internships in open data, business productivity, human resources administration, information technology, contracts and grants management, and financial management.

Internship - Department of Policy and Evaluation

Internship - Department of Compact Operations
The Department of Compact Operations offers Spring 2013 internships opportunities in education, health, and community development; water and sanitation; and environmental and social assessment.

Internship - Department of Congressional and Public Affairs
The Department of Congressional and Public Affairs offers Spring 2013 internship opportunities in congressional affairs, public affairs, and new media.

Internship - Division of Investment and Risk Management
The Division of Investment and Risk Management offers a Spring 2013 internship opportunity in risk management.

Country Tools

Compact-Eligible Countries

Read, download and print documents to learn about the compact process and guidelines, develop a compact proposal, establish an accountable entity or implement a compact.

 

Selection Reports

Reports and documents surrounding MCC’s selection process.

Programs & Activities

Compacts

A Compact is a multi-year agreement between the Millennium Challenge Corporation and an eligible country to fund specific programs targeted at reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth.

M&E Projected Long-Term Results Boilerplate

The above estimates are based in the best, currently available, information and may be updated if new, reliable, data are available.

The total beneficiary count for the Compact may not be the sum of the different project beneficiary counts because of overlaps between Projects. In other words, some beneficiaries benefit from more than one project but are counted only once in the total beneficiary count.

Total benefits expected from each project are obtained from the ERR analysis MCC conducts during due diligence. Beneficiary counts, although consistent with benefit streams identified in the economic analysis, are not necessarily derived from these models (which are concerned with costs and benefits rather than beneficiaries). MCC estimates and reports expected beneficiaries when sufficiently reliable data exists to support the estimation. If such evidence is lacking, no estimation is attempted, resulting in an underestimation of projected beneficiaries for the Compact. Calculating the amount of benefit per beneficiary would therefore give an overestimation and can be misleading.

Economic Rates of Return

Spreadsheet Files

Each compact project has a downloadable spreadsheet file containing:

  • A description of the project, including its economic rationale;
  • The expected project impacts, including detailed cost and benefit estimates;
  • A tool allowing users to modify key assumptions and study the effects of those modifications on the project’s returns.

MCC in Africa

Content

In the Press

Read what the media are saying about MCC, listed by date in descending order. Sort the table by clicking on a column header.

Success Stories

MCC publishes three types of success stories:

  • MCC Makes Headway:stories about the early phases of Compact implementation.
  • Results on the Ground: stories with anecdotal early results including either a tangible, quantifiable measure or human interest.
  • Success Story: stories of individuals benefiting from MCC programs.

Countries & Country Tools

MCC forms partnerships with poor countries that show they are committed to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in their citizens.

Country Scorecards

The country scorecards consolidate an individual country’s scores for each of the policy indicators MCC uses to determine eligibility for its assistance programs. By using information collected from independent, third-party sources, MCC allows for an objective comparison of all candidate countries.

Selection Criteria

The Country Selection Process

The MCC Board of Directors selects countries eligible for MCC assistance. Transparency regarding the process and criteria that govern selection of country partners, and that inform the Board’s eventual decisions, is a hallmark of the MCC model.

For a country to be selected as eligible for an MCC assistance program, it must demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, investments in its people, and economic freedom as measured by different policy indicators.

Four-Step Selection Process

The MCC established a four-step process to select countries for aid:

  1. Identify candidate countries.
  2. Publish selection criteria and methodology for country selection and accept public comment.
  3. Issue candidate country Scorecards.
  4. Select countries eligible for MCC program assistance.

Maintaining Compact Eligibility

Selection for eligibility initiates a multi-year partnership dedicated to pursuing economic growth and poverty reduction through the development and implementation of a compact. MCC monitors the policy performance of Compact eligible countries throughout the year. Once a country is selected as eligible, MCC expects it to:

  • Continue its reform process;
  • Seek to maintain and improve its overall policy performance on the indicators.

The Millennium Challenge Act does not require MCC to determine a country as eligible  annually for countries with Compacts, but Compact eligible countries that have not yet signed a Compact are reselected each fiscal year during the time it takes to develop their Compact.

A country remains eligible for MCC funds from the fiscal year in which it was chosen unless:

  • Funds from that fiscal year are exhausted
  • The Board suspends the country from eligibility

Not Meeting the Criteria

MCC recognizes that a compact-eligible country can generally maintain and improve policy performance, but not meet the formal eligibility criteria in a given year due to any one or combination of the following factors:

  • Graduation from the Low Income competition to the Lower Middle Income competition;
  • Introduction of new indicators or new methodologies;
  • Improvements in the availability or quality of data;
  • Rising income-group medians;
  • Slight declines in performance.

None of these factors are likely to be serious enough to warrant a suspension of eligibility. If an eligible country does not meet the criteria in a given year but has not demonstrated a policy reversal or a pattern of actions inconsistent with the eligibility criteria, MCC will ask it to demonstrate efforts toward improvement by developing and implementing a policy improvement plan to address the concern(s) and to demonstrate its commitment to meeting the eligibility criteria.

If a country does demonstrate a significant policy reversal, MCC may issue a warning, suspension, or termination of eligibility and/or assistance. Because of data lags and gaps, this pattern of actions need not be captured in the indicators for MCC to take action. For more information see Suspension.

Graduating from the Low Income to the Lower Middle Income Category

Each year some countries’ per capita income level increases to the point where they are reclassified from the Low Income Category (LIC) to the Lower Middle Income Category (LMIC). Because LMIC median scores tend to be higher, some LIC countries that graduate into the LMIC group may not meet the eligibility criteria initially, even though their performance may not have declined in absolute terms. MCC’s selection methodology gives the Board discretion to consider other factors such as a country’s absolute performance and how a graduating country would have performed in comparison with its previous income group.

Policy Improvement Process for Compact Eligible Countries

MCC asks Compact partner countries that no longer meet the eligibility criteria to develop and implement a plan of action that can be expected to result in improved policy performance. There are three primary objectives:

  • to develop an operational tool to assess,  monitor, and improve performance on the eligibility criteria;
  • to provide a basis for policy dialogue with MCC about reform efforts; and
  • to demonstrate progress towards meeting the eligibility criteria on a regular basis

MCC asks its Compact partners to submit periodic reports that track progress under the plan.

Suspension from Compact Eligibility

MCC evaluates its partner countries’ policy performance throughout implementation of the Compact, and maintains a policy dialogue with them, in coordination with the State Department, USAID, and the U.S. Embassies. According to MCC’s Policy on Suspension and Termination, a country can be warned, or its eligibility may be suspended or terminated for:

  • A significant policy decline or policy reversal
  • A pattern of actions inconsistent with the eligibility criteria.

Given the lag time between when policy decisions are implemented and when such decisions are reflected in the data, a policy reversal or pattern of actions inconsistent with the eligibility criteria need not be reflected in the indicators for a country to be warned, suspended or terminated. At the same time, if a Compact eligible country does not meet the formal criteria in a given year, this does not necessarily indicate a significant policy reversal or pattern of actions inconsistent with the eligibility criteria. For more information on why this is the case, see Not Meeting the Criteria.

Step 1: Identify Candidate Countries

To be a candidate for MCC program assistance, countries must

  • Not exceed certain per-capita, annual income levels;
  • Not be subject to any number of U.S. or international sanctions.

The World Bank sets the income levels annually in late June or early July. Based on this information, MCC establishes a candidate country report.

Candidate Countries for Fiscal Year 2012

Candidate countries compete within two income categories, which are determined by a country’s per capita gross national income (GNI):

  • Low Income: Countries must have a GNI equal to or less than $1,915 per capita.
  • Lower Middle Income: Countries must have a GNI between $1,916 and $3,975 per capita.

Step 2: Publish Country Selection Criteria and Methodology

The country selection criteria and methodology are the rules and measures by which the Board of Directors determines a country’s eligibility.

In determining country eligibility, the Board considers:

  • A country’s performance on the indicators;
  • The opportunity to reduce poverty and generate economic growth within a country.
  • Availability of funds.

The MCC CEO submits to Congress a report that describes these criteria and the methodology. By law, this report must be submitted to the appropriate Congressional committees and published in the Federal Register not later than 60 days before the MCC Board selects Compact eligible countries. 

Accept Public Comment

Each year MCC solicits and considers public comment regarding the country selection criteria and methodology.  Public comments received on the fiscal year 2011 selection criteria and methodology report will be considered as part of the selection review .  The public comment period is open until October 30, 2011.

Provide a comment

Step 3: Issue Country Scorecards and Scorebook

The Country Scorecard consolidates an individual country’s scores for each of the policy indicators MCC uses to determine eligibility for its assistance programs. Each country identified in the Candidate Country Report has a scorecard.

Individual country scorecards are available by fiscal year in the Country Scorecard section or are published as a Country Scorebook.

Step 4: Select Compact Eligible Countries

The Board of Directors selects countries to be eligible for MCC program assistance.

In determining country eligibility, the Board considers three factors:

  • A country’s performance on the indicators;
  • The opportunity to reduce poverty and generate economic growth within a country;
  • Availability of funds.

The Board’s determination of eligible countries will be   based primarily on objective and quantifiable indicators of a country’s commitment to these principles.

In addition, for countries that are candidates for second compact selection, the Board considers each country’s performance implementing its first compact including country progress towards achieving first compact results, the nature of the country partnership with MCC, and the degree to which the country has implemented the compact in accordance with MCC’s core policies and standards.

These countries, if they agree to participate, will be eligible to submit a Compact Proposal to MCC.

 

Selection Indicators

MCC looks at several elements in choosing selection indicators. They include:

  • Development by a third party,
  • Linkage to policies that the government can influence within a two to three year horizon,
  • Linkage—theoretically or empirically—to economic growth and poverty reduction,
  • Use of an analytically rigorous methodology and objective and high-quality data,
  • Broad country coverage and comparability across countries,
  • Consistency in results from year to year

This table, sortable by indicator, category, and source,  lists the indicators used to determine country eligibility for MCC program assistance.

Reports and Notifications

The authorizing legislation of the MCC requires that the MCC publish both in the Federal Register and on our website a number of reports.

Organization Chart

MCC is a small agency, limited to 300 employees. These employees work in one of six departments.

Finding Impacts

Impact Evaluations

Impact evaluations measure the changes in individual, household or community income and well-being that result from a project.

Understand impact evaluations

Monitoring and Evaluation

Understand how MCC tracks performance on processes, outputs, and outcomes throughout the life of a compact.

Discover the M&E plans

 
 

Benefits

MCC offers competitive benefits.

Health Insurance

The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) is one of the most valuable benefits of federal employment.  Employees choose from multiple plan offerings within the first 60 days of employment.  The health plan’s premium, which varies from plan to plan, is deducted from the employee’s paycheck.

Life Insurance

Employees are typically automatically enrolled in the basic Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program.  The coverage equals an employee’s annual basic pay rounded to the next higher thousand dollars then an additional $2000 is included.  Employees may opt out of the life insurance program or choose other coverage options.

Retirement

The Federal Employee Retirement System  (FERS) is a defined-benefit retirement system and employees are automatically registered.  MCC also matches 1 percent on your retirement.

Thrift Savings Plan

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a defined-contribution plan and employees may contribute any amount.  MCC contributes an additional four percent once employees are vested.

Transit Subsidy (Metrochek)

Employees are eligible for mass transportation subsidy of up to $110 per month if they use the subsidy for personal transportation to and from work and for parking.

Long-Term Care

Employees may purchase long-term care insurance for themselves and qualified family members.

Flexible Spending Account

Employees may participate in two types of flexible spending accounts:  Dependent care and health care. Both utilize pre-tax income to pay for benefits.

Dental & Vision Care

Employees may contribute to supplemental dental and supplemental vision care called FEDVIP on top of the FEHB coverage.

Annual Leave

Employees may earn up to 30 days of annual leave each year.

Sick Leave

Employees earn four hours of sick leave in each two-week pay period.  Sick leave may be used when you are sick, to care for family members who are sick, and for health care appointments.

On-Site Fitness Center

MCC has an on-site fitness center located at the Bowen Building –  875 Fifteenth Street and it is free of charge to employees.

Credit for Non-Federal Service

Potentially earn additional annual leave through qualifying,  prior full-time or part-time non-federal government work experience.

Diversity

Diversity at the MCC is:

  • Valuing the differences that make us individuals;
  • Uniting to meet common missions, goals and objectives;
  • Seeing the value in each employee regardless of race,  color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability, regardless of job position or status;
  • Committing, as an employee and employer, to uphold these values.

Diversity in MCC Programs

MCC promotes diversity in our partner countries by requiring a commitment to policies that promote:

  • Political and economic freedom
  • Investments in education and health
  • Control of corruption
  • Respect for civil liberties and the rule of law

Each country’s commitment is measured annually using different policy indicators.

Jobs

Use your professional expertise, innovative ideas, and skills to help lift some of the world’s poorest citizens from poverty while promoting MCC’s ideals of ruling justly, investing in people, and economic freedom.

Speakers Bureau

Use the MCC Speakers Bureau to request an MCC expert to speak at your conference or event, or to request a briefing for your group at MCC headquarters to learn about our mission and activities.

Our speakers include MCC senior staff representing a broad cross section of experts. Our audiences include U.S. and international civil society organizations, professional associations, the private sector, government agencies, community groups, think tanks, the academic community, and more.

Submit a Request

If you are interested in contacting the MCC Speakers Bureau, please select the the appropriate tab and complete the form provided. Your request will be responded to promptly.

 

Progress Towards Results

Compact Programs

Once Compact implementation begins, MCC collaborates with the country partner to finalize the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan.  This plan monitors the progress of the projects identified in the compact against performance targets through required quarterly reporting. Additionally,  regular implementation status reports and achievements along the way to planned results are disseminated through a variety of MCC publications.

Threshold Programs

After a threshold program implementation begins, MCC collaborates with the country and the program manager (typically USAID) to finalize the program benchmarks and indicators that are reported to MCC in the Results Reporting Table.

Status Reports

MCC produces quarterly reports on its compacts in development, compacts in implementation and its threshold programs.

Read status reports

Monitoring and Evaluation

Understand how MCC tracks performance on processes, outputs, and outcomes throughout the life of a compact.

Discover the M&E plans

MCC ‘Milestones’

Milestones is MCC’s quarterly printed newsletter. Delivered toward the end of each quarter, the newsletter includes major achievements, project round-up from countries around the world, and staff perspectives.

Read ‘Milestones’

 

Slideshows

See photos of MCC’s poverty reduction programs at work throughout the world.

View slideshows

Congressional Notifications

CN’s are documents delivered to the U.S.  Congress to inform, advise, and consult with both the relevant authorizing and appropriating committees.

Read CN’s

MCC’s Blogs

Read MCC’s blogs: the CEO blog on MCC’s programs and results and firsthand accounts of MCC’s impact in the field written by MCC staff.

Read blogs

 

Success Stories

Meet people directly benefiting from MCC poverty reduction programs.

Read success stories

 
 

Fraud and Corruption Policy

MCC takes all reports of suspected fraud and corruption seriously. In order to help MCC timely and accurately process your report of suspected fraud and/or corruption in an MCC program or project, please complete this form.

You may also contact MCC’s Office of the Inspector General directly.

Policy on Prevention, Detection, and Remediation of Fraud and Corruption

MCC   strengthened its anti-corruption stance by adopting a comprehensive   policy on the prevention, detection and remediation of fraud and corruption in MCC operations. This policy includes:

  • principles to which MCC will adhere with respect to corruption in the threshold program, in compact development and in compact implementation;
  • definitions related to the nature of fraud and corruption in MCC operations; and,
  • actions that MCC and partner countries will undertake to enhance the capacity to prevent, detect and remediate instances of fraud and corruption.

This policy is available in English,  French,  Spanish  and Portuguese.

Other Resources

 

Poverty Reduction Blog

Comment Policy

MCC’s blogs and collaborative comment areas are moderated meaning that all comments are reviewed and—where possible—all reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants treat each other, as well as our organization and our employees, with respect as part of this exchange of ideas. We will either not post or remove comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind; or offensive terms that target specific ethnic or racial groups. We will either not post or remove comments that are spam, are clearly “off topic” or that promote services or products. Comments that make unsupported accusations will also be removed or not be posted.

Any references to commercial entities, products, services, or other nongovernmental organizations or individuals that remain on the site are provided solely for the information of individuals using the site. These references are not intended to reflect the opinion of Millennium Challenge Corporation, the United States Government, or its officers or employees concerning the significance, priority, or importance to be given the referenced entity, product, service, or organization. Such references are not an official or personal endorsement of any product, person, or service, and may not be quoted or reproduced for the purpose of stating or implying Millennium Challenge Corporation endorsement or approval of any product, person, or service.

  • Only comments that comply with this policy will be approved for posting.
  • The use of vulgar, offensive, threatening or harassing language is prohibited.
  • Comments must be related to the posted topic. Comment areas on blogs or other social media sites are not the proper place to express opinions or beliefs not directly related to that topic.
  • The comment area of an MCC social media site is not open to comments promoting or opposing any person campaigning for election to a political office or promoting or opposing any ballot proposition.
  • The comment area of an MCC social media site is not open to the promotion or advertisement of a business or commercial transaction.
  • Communications made through an MCC social media site’s e-mail and messaging system will in no way constitute a legal or official notice or comment to the Millennium Challenge Corporation or any official or employee of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for any purpose.
  • This social media comment policy is subject to amendment or modification at any time to ensure its continued use is consistent with its intended purpose as a limited forum.

Reporters are asked to send questions to the Millennium Challenge Corporation Congressional and Public Affairs Office through their normal channels and to refrain from submitting questions here as comments. Reporter questions will not be posted.

We recognize that the Web is a 24/7 medium, and your comments are welcome at any time.  However, given the need to manage federal resources, moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular business hours Monday through Friday.  Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible the next business day.

For the benefit of robust discussion, we ask that comments remain on-topic.  The CEO and other representatives of the Millennium Challenge Corporation will post blog entries or pose questions on other social media sites on a variety of topics in the future.

To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers or email addresses in the body of your comment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this comment policy. We encourage your participation in our discussion and look forward to an active exchange of ideas.

 

About MCC

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is an innovative and independent U.S. foreign aid agency that is helping lead the fight against global poverty.

Created by the U.S. Congress in January 2004 with strong bipartisan support, MCC is changing the conversation on how best to deliver smart U.S. foreign assistance by focusing on good policies, country ownership, and results.

Planning for Results

Compact Programs

Countries identify the constraints to their country’s economic growth and use those as the basis for determining the projects defined in the country’s compact proposal. MCC collaborates with the country to study the cost-effectiveness of the projects outlined in the proposal, focusing on the ability of these projects to sustainably increase the incomes of that country’s citizens.

This information is translated into a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan for monitoring progress as the projects are implemented and evaluating whether they have achieved the targeted results once they are complete.

Threshold Programs

During the development of a threshold program, MCC provides a country’s government with an MCC Indicator Analysis.  This analysis identifies the policies and events that may have affected the country’s standing on the MCC eligibility indicators,  specifically focusing on those indicators where the country fell below the median.

Although the Indicator Analysis is not prescriptive,  it provides a roadmap for developing a Threshold Country Plan targeting the weaknesses highlighted by the MCC eligibility indicators. The partner government defines clear objectives and benchmarks to track program progress.

Beneficiary Analysis

Beneficiary Analysis is most commonly used to estimate the impact of projects on the poor, but it can be more broadly by measuring impact on other populations.

Understand beneficiaries

Economic Rates of Return

MCC is making available its Economic Rate of Return (ERR) data via interactive, downloadable spreadsheets.

Learn ERR’s

Monitoring and Evaluation

Understand how MCC tracks performance on processes, outputs, and outcomes throughout the life of a compact.

Discover the M&E plans

 

Impact Evaluations

Impact evaluations measure the changes in individual, household or community income and well-being that result from a project.

Understand impact evaluations

Fact Sheets

Discover easy-to-understand information—prepared as 2 to 5 page PDFs—about MCC, its projects, its country partners, and its programs.

Read fact sheets

 

Infrastructure Business Opportunities

Infrastructure constitutes more than 60 percent of total MCC compact commitments. Private sector participation (PSP) can help ensure sustainability and mobilize additional sources of funding. PSP in MCC’s existing infrastructure portfolio is concentrated in outsourced management of assets constructed or rehabilitated with compact funding.  In the future, MCC expects compacts to increasingly mobilize private debt and equity finance while incorporating increased risk transfer to the private sector.

Provide Feedback

Business Opportunities

These business opportunities aim to:

  • Incite trade and investment within or alongside compact-funded projects,
  • Leverage and sustain compact funding, and
  • Maximize poverty reduction through economic growth

Current opportunities, limited to compact programs, include:

  • Infrastructure: consist of public-private concession, lease and management opportunities in energy, transport, water, and facilities;
  • Agriculture: offer trade and investment opportunities in specific agricultural value chains.

Board of Directors

The MCC Board of Directors is composed of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Treasury, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Administrator of USAID, the CEO of the MCC and four public members appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate.

The Secretary of State is the Chair of the Board and the Secretary of Treasury is the Vice Chair.

Plug-Ins

Some of the content on this Web site requires the use of a free plug-in in order to be accessed. Links to and descriptions of those plug-ins are provided below.

Plug-In Description
Get Adobe Reader The Adobe Acrobat Reader is free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files on a variety of hardware and operating system platforms.
Get Adobe Flash Player The free Adobe Flash Player allows you to view and use interactive multimedia content and applications.

No Fear Act

On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the ‘‘Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002’’ which is now known as the No FEAR Act. One purpose of the Act is to ‘‘require that Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.’’ Public Law 107–174. In support of this purpose, Congress found that ‘‘agencies cannot be run effectively if those agencies practice or tolerate discrimination.’’ The Act also requires Federal agencies, including the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), to provide this notice to Federal employees, former Federal employees and applicants for Federal employment to inform you of the rights and protections available to you under Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.

Antidiscrimination Laws

The Millennium Challenge Corporation cannot discriminate against an employee or applicant for Federal employment with respect to the terms, conditions or privileges of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or political affiliation. Discrimination on these bases is prohibited by one or more of the following statutes: 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1), 29 U.S.C. 206(d), 29 U.S.C. 631, 29 U.S.C. 633a, 29 U.S.C. 791 and 42 U.S.C. 2000e–16. If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability, you must contact an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselor within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action, or, in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the action, before you can file a formal complaint of discrimination with your agency. See, e.g., 29 CFR part 1614. If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, you must either contact an EEO counselor, as noted above, or give notice of intent to sue to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action. If you are alleging discrimination based on marital status or political affiliation, you may file a written complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) (see contact information below).

Whistleblower Protection Laws

An MCC employee with authority to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action must not use that authority to take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, a personnel action against an employee or applicant because of disclosure of information by that individual that is reasonably believed to evidence violations of law, rule or regulation; gross mismanagement; gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, unless disclosure of such information is specifically prohibited by law and such information is specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs. Retaliation against an employee or applicant for making a protected disclosure is prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8). If you believe that you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation, you may file a written complaint (Form OSC–11) with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel at 1730 M Street, NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036–4505 or online through the OSC Web site.

Retaliation for Engaging in Protected Activity

MCC cannot retaliate against an employee or applicant for employment because that individual exercises his or her rights under any of the Federal antidiscrimination or whistleblower protection laws listed above. If you believe that you are the victim of retaliation for engaging in protected activity, you must follow, as appropriate, the procedures described in the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws sections of this notice.

Disciplinary Actions

Under the existing laws, MCC retains the right, where appropriate, to discipline an employee for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws up to and including removal. If OSC has initiated an investigation under 5 U.S.C. 1214, however, according to 5 U.S.C. 1214(f), MCC must seek approval from the Special Counsel to discipline employees for, among other activities, engaging in prohibited retaliation. Nothing in the No FEAR Act alters existing laws or permits MCC to take unfounded disciplinary action against a Federal employee or to violate the procedural rights of a Federal employee who has been accused of discrimination.

Additional Information

For further information regarding the No FEAR Act regulations, refer to 5 CFR part 724, as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Staff at MCC. Additional information regarding Federal antidiscrimination, whistleblower protection and retaliation laws can be found at the EEOC Web   site and the OSC Web site.

Existing Rights Unchanged

Pursuant to section 205 of the No FEAR Act, neither the Act nor this notice creates, expands or reduces any rights otherwise available to any employee, former employee or applicant under the laws of the United States, including the provisions of law specified in 5 U.S.C. 2302(d).

Dated: December 14, 2007

 

Contact MCC

To contact MCC, please complete the following form.

Standard Bidding Documents

Listed alphabetically. All links are Microsoft Word documents.

Procurement Guidance Papers

The MCC Program Procurement Guidance papers expand upon provisions of the MCC Program Procurement Guidelines which require interpretation or clarification for implementation.

Listed alphabetically.

Website Privacy, Policies & Notices

Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) website and reviewing our Privacy Policy. This policy describes how we handle the personal information you provide to us via our web page and online forms.

Federal law requires us to tell you how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information. Federal law also limits how we can use your personal information.

Personal information may include your name; email, home, and/or business address; phone numbers; Social Security Number; Passport Number; or other information that identifies you personally.

Information Collection and Use

If you visit our site to read or download information, such as country information about one of our projects, we collect general log information but do not collect personal information.

General log information collected may include, but is not limited to:

  • Internet Domain (e.g. “yourcompany.com” or “youruniversity.edu”)
  • Internet Protocol (IP) address
  • Operating System
  • Brower used to access the site (e.g. MS Explorer, Safari, Firefox)
  • Date & Time of access
  • Pages viewed upon visit

We use this information to measure the number of visitors to the different sections of our site, find out what information is most viewed, and to help us make our website more useful to our visitors.

Except for oversight, law enforcement investigations, or protection of the MCC information technology infrastructure as authorized by law, we make no other attempts to identify you or your usage habits.

We use general logs for no other purposes than the purposes described above, and we regularly destroy these logs in accordance with General Records Schedules published by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and agency record control schedule requirements.

If you leave a comment or utilize one of our online forms and voluntarily provide your personal information, we will only utilize the information you provide to respond to you or process your request.

Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

In general, our website does not use “cookies” that many websites use to gather and store information about your visits to their sites.

There are two common kinds of Cookies:

  • A Session Cookie is a line of text that is stored temporarily in your computer’s random access memory (RAM). A session cookie is destroyed as soon as you close your browser.
  • A Persistent Cookie is a line of text that is saved to a file on your hard drive and is called up the next time you visit that website. This lets the website remember information about your previous visits and use of the website.

Persistent cookies are not used by MCC or other Federal government websites, unless there is a compelling and authorized reason for their use. If any MCC web page uses a Persistent Cookie, then the Privacy Policy for that Web page will clearly state the purpose and legal authority for such use.

Please be aware that some of the links on the MCC website may point you to a non‐MCC site that may place persistent cookies on your computer. You can expect to be notified that you are leaving the MCC site when you select one of these links.

For more information on how to “opt-out” of cookies, please view the following detailed page on USA.Gov: http://www.usa.gov/optout_instructions.shtml

Third-Party Website Measurement and Customization Technologies

Some pages on our site may include web content or functionality from third parties, such as embedded videos hosted by non-MCC services.  For example, as of May 25,  2012, content or functionality from the following third parties may be present on some mcc.gov pages:

This list will be updated on a regular basis to reflect the third party providers of content or functionality that are commonly used on our website.  If you would like to receive content that is posted using one of these third-party providers without utilizing the third-party provider, please contact us at http://www.mcc.gov/pages/contact. 

These third parties may use web measurement and customization technologies (such as cookies) in conjunction with the provision of this content or functionality.  You should consult the privacy policies of these third parties for further information.  We do not knowingly use third-party tools that place a multi-session cookie prior to the user interacting with the tool, for example by playing an embedded video.  If you become aware of a third-party tool on mcc.gov that places a multi-session cookie prior to any user interaction,  please contact us at http://www.mcc.gov/pages/contact.

Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or otherwise provide your personal information to outside marketers or third parties. Information collected via the MCC website may be shared with employees, contractors, and other service providers (such as other U.S. Government agencies) only as necessary to respond to a request, provide a service, or as otherwise authorized by law.

Visiting Official Millennium Challenge Corporation Pages on Third-Party Websites

The Millennium Challenge Corporation maintains official pages or accounts on several third-party websites in order to better engage with the American public. Those websites are listed below.  Your activity on those third-party sites is governed by the security and privacy policies of the third party sites.  Users of third-party sites are often sharing information with the general public, user community, and/or the third-party operating the third-party site.  These actors may use this information in a variety of ways.  Consequently, you should review the privacy policies of third-party sites before using them and ensure that you understand how your information may be used.  You should also adjust privacy settings on your account on any third-party site to match your preferences.

Information which you voluntarily submit to or publish on an MCC page or a third-party site may be treated as public information.  We may, for example,  publish compilations of comments collected through these MCC pages or provide them to national leaders, members of the press or other individuals outside of the federal government. 

We exercise discretion to protect voluntarily submitted information if its disclosure would raise privacy concerns.  Except as described above, we do not sell,  rent, exchange, or otherwise disclose this information to persons or organizations outside MCC.  In some cases, we may share information with other federal agencies in response to lawful law enforcement requests or to protect mcc.gov from security threats. 

If you seek assistance on a matter within the jurisdiction of a federal agency, we may share your information with that agency for the limited purpose of addressing your request for assistance.

Below is the current list of official MCC pages on third-party websites:

Social Networks

Video &  Multimedia

Use Limitation

We limit the data collected from our website to meet specific business needs and to protect your privacy. From the general log information, we may be able to determine the path(s) you took on our website, but we do not know who you are, unless you voluntarily provide and consent to give that information to us, for a specified purpose.

Accessibility

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In order to ensure that MCC meets or exceeds the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, we continually review our site and modify pages to remove accessibility problems for people with disabilities.

Linking Policy

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MCC links to other U.S. Government websites (domain names usually ending in “.gov”) and private organizations that we believe are relevant to our mission (domain names usually ending in “.edu,” “.com,” etc.). Once you connect with one of these linked sites, you are subject to the disclaimers, security, and privacy policies of that site.

You may link to the MCC website or any of its content. MCC requests only that your identify that the link is to an Internet resource.

Disclaimers

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General Disclaimer

Information presented on the MCC website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied freely unless identified as being subject to copyright protection. In return, we request only that MCC be cited as the source of any information, photos, and images copied from this site and that any photo credits or bylines be similarly credited to the photographer or author.

We strongly recommend that MCC data be acquired directly from this website and not through other sources that may change the information in some way or exclude material crucial to the understanding of that information. While we make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, some information may change between site updates. Substantive changes may be noted when content is next updated.

Disclaimer of Endorsement

The documents posted on the MCC website may contain hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for visitors’ convenience. We do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any linked information. Further, the inclusion of links or pointers to websites other than a MCC‐managed website is not intended to assign importance to those sites and the information contained therein, nor is it intended to endorse, recommend, or favor any views expressed, or commercial products or services offered on these outside sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites, by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise.

Reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the site’s visitor’s, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or MCC.

The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Government or the MCC, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Disclaimer of Liability

Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information. However, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this website and expressly disclaim liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this website.

With respect to the content of this site, neither the United States Government, nor MCC, nor their employees and contractors make any warranty, expressed or implied or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non‐infringement of third party rights, title, and the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to content available from this MCC website or other Internet resources linked from it. Additionally, neither the U.S. Government nor MCC assume any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process disclosed herein nor freedom from computer virus, and do not represent that use of such information, product, or process would not infringe on privately owned rights.

Security Notice

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MCC is required to protect the information we collect and maintain about you, and we will not use the web to do business with you unless we can do so in a secure manner. We take reasonable precautions to maintain the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the information collected via the MCC website.

Below are some of the steps we take to secure the information we collect:

  • Employ role‐based access controls to ensure that the only people who see your information are those with a need to do so to perform their official duties;
  • Train personnel on our privacy and security policies to know requirements for compliance;
  • Secure the areas where we retain paper copies of any of the information we collect online;
  • Perform regular backups of the information we collect online to ensure against loss;
  • Use technical controls to secure the information we collect online including, but not limited to:
    • Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
    • Encryption
    • Firewalls
    • Password protections
  • Employ external safeguards to identify and prevent unauthorized tries of outsiders to “hack” into, or cause harm to, the information contained in our systems.

Unauthorized attempts to upload or change information on this site are strictly prohibited and may be punishable/subject to prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act.

Copyright Notice

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Unless a copyright is indicated, information on the MCC website is in the public domain and may be reproduced, published or otherwise used without MCC’s permission. We request that MCC be cited as the source of the information and that any photo credits or bylines be similarly credited to the photographer or author or MCC, as appropriate. If a copyright is indicated on a photo, graphic, or any other material, permission to copy these materials must be obtained from the original source. This copyright notice does not pertain to information at websites other than this website. 

Compact Procurement Guidelines

The MCC Program Procurement Guidelines define the procurement policies and procedures for MCC partner countries with signed Compacts. MCC countries establish “accountable entities” or “MCA Entities” to implement the Compacts and conduct the procurement of:

  • Goods,
  • Works,
  • Consultant, and
  • Non-consultant services.

The Guidelines become effective once a Compact is signed with an MCC partner country.

Background

Licensed from the World Bank, the MCC Program Procurement Guidelines are based largely on the World Bank’s Guidelines for the Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers and Guidelines for Procurement under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits.

The MCC Program Procurement Guidelines differ from the World Bank guidelines in five key ways:

  1. Provides broader advertising requirements for procurement opportunities;
  2. Tightens restrictions on currency use;
  3. Prohibits national preference in the procuring of goods, works and services;
  4. Includes the excludes parties list under U.S. laws and policies;
  5. Identifies English as the official operating language for MCC funded procurements.

In addition to these major differences, the MCC Program Procurement Guidelines include implementation requirements, an approvals matrix, and a glossary of terms.

 

 

Consultant Opportunities

From time to time, and for various needs, MCC requires the establishment of contractual arrangements with Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) or other independent consultants.

Starting October 1, 2012, new opportunities will be posted to Federal Business Opportunities.

Threshold Program Procurements

MCC’s Threshold Program procurements are listed on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) web site and managed by other U.S. government implementing partners. Beginning in May 2008, each implementing partner agreed to tag threshold program procurements listed in FedBizOpps with the term MCC Threshold Program.

On FedBizOpps, do a keyword search by putting MCC Threshold Program in quotes. All available Threshold Procurements will display.

Visit FedBizOpps

Business and Procurement

Doing Business with MCC Countries

  • Compact Procurements

    Procurements from countries with signed Compacts are listed here, at dgMarket and U.N. Development Business.

  • Threshold Procurements

    These procurements are managed by other U.S. government implementing partners.

 

Private Sector Initiatives

MCC programs are designed to reduce poverty through economic growth.  MCC is well aware that the key driver of economic growth is the private sector, and has a number of initiatives to integrate the private sector into compact program development and implementation. Working with businesses, business associations, and foundations, MCC is:

Promoting private sector trade and investment opportunities that spring from MCC investments

Like any investor, the MCC rewards performance and results. Only the “best of the poorest”—those countries that are actively reforming, fighting corruption, helping their people and encouraging business development—are able to participate. These same characteristics make MCC countries attractive to the private sector. With this in mind, MCC organizes Investment and Procurement Forums in conjunction with each compact signing and conducts private sector outreach with and on behalf of its partner countries throughout compact development and implementation.

Highlighted in this outreach to the private sector are trade and investment opportunities directly related to compact programs. These opportunities are for companies looking to enhance their “double bottom line”: that is, investments that are both commercially viable and improve a country’s standard of living. Agribusiness, transport and logistics, and other sectors are featured in materials that are distributed through roundtables, conferences, and other channels. An example of these materials can be found here.

Identifying innovative models to leverage and sustain MCC investments through private sector collaboration

MCC’s partner countries have an opportunity to leverage their compact funding with private sector investment and financing. To help them take advantage of this opportunity, MCC’s private sector initiatives toolkit identifies innovative models of private sector collaboration that can enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of MCC programs. The models illustrated in this toolkit include Private Finance of Infrastructure, Outsourced Management, Output-Based Aid, and Social Service Franchises.

Engaging in private sector dialogue during compact development to identify opportunities for collaborative investments

When developing compact programs, MCC partner countries conduct intensive consultative processes with their private sector and civil society to identify key constraints and opportunities for growth. MCC has developed a process for international private sector dialogue to provide feedback on proposed projects and identify leverage opportunities. Through this dialogue and the compact programs that result, MCC partner countries can address issues of concern to the private sector, which in turn can stimulate private sector interest.

Inspiring opportunities for public-private collaborations toward mutual goals

On October 22, 2007, MCC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Microsoft and other U.S. government agencies to promote international development in areas such as economic growth, health, governance, and education. On April 2, 2008, MCC signed an MOU with the General Electric Company (GE) to capitalize on the strengths, expertise, and experience of both organizations’ work worldwide. MCC is always looking for opportunities to develop public-private collaborations and recognizes the potential contributions of a wide range of organizations, including U.S. and non-U.S. private businesses, multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, business and trade associations, labor unions, foundations, and philanthropic leaders, including venture capitalists.

Enhancing awareness, transparency, and promotion of compact, threshold, and corporate procurement

MCC is continually building awareness, transparency, and promotion in procurement. Holding “Doing Business with MCC” events has expanded awareness. The redesign of MCC’s procurement webpage has increased transparency. And Investment and Procurement Forums in conjunction with each compact signing have better promoted specific country procurements. Other MCC initiatives in progress aim to further enhance communication with potential vendors.

 

 

 

 

 

Contracts and Grants

Procurements at FedBizOpps

The Millennium Challenge Corporation headquarters awards contracts to complete its mission of helping the world’s poorest countries reduce poverty through economic growth.  These contracts provide opportunities to work directly with MCC and are governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Visit FedBizOpps website

MCC’s contracts, grants, and procurements are listed on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) web site.

Business Forecast

Public Law 100-656, Section 501, requires that Federal agencies make available their Business Forecast to the Small Business Administration and to interested businesses. This forecast is for informational and marketing purposes only and does not constitute a specific offer or commitment by the MCC to fund in whole or in part any agency requirements referenced herein. It should be noted that the mission of MCC is to reduce poverty in foreign countries through economic growth. Therefore, the majority of MCC contract requirements are for services and goods to support numerous activities in low income, foreign countries. MCC does have a few, domestic, contracted base operation requirements.

This forecast includes anticipated contract actions that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000. This listing is not all inclusive. It does not include anticipated actions that will be satisfied through calls or task orders against MCC contract vehicles.

Procurement Principles

  • Open, fair and competitive procedures used in a transparent manner to solicit, award and administer contracts to procure goods, works and services.
  • Solicitations for goods, works and services shall be based upon a clear and accurate description of the goods, works or services to be acquired.
  • Contracts shall be awarded only to responsible suppliers and contractors that have the capability and willingness to perform the contracts in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable contracts and on a cost effective and timely basis.
  • No more than a commercially, reasonable price (as determined, for example, by a comparison of price quotations and market prices) shall be paid to procure goods, works and non-consulting services

Compact Procurements

Countries with signed Compacts solicit, award, and administer procurements for goods, works and services based on the programs designed in their Compact. These procurements are awarded and administered by the country through an “accountable entity” (also known as an “MCA Entity”) the organization established by the country to manage the programs identified in their Compact. MCC is not a party to these contracts.

Recipient countries are required to post procurement notices at official websites:

Each procurement notice includes a point of contact for any questions.

MCC makes payments via The Common Payment System directly to vendors contracted with partner-country MCA entities to implement activities under the MCC-funded compacts.

Real-time open and planned contract opportunities, available for free at http://mcc.dgMarket.com (also available for a fee at http://www.devbusiness.com).

Planned Procurements

Updated quarterly. Updated through June 2012.

Contract Awards

Updated quarterly. Updated through June 2012.

Agriculture Business Opportunities

Investing in agricultural productivity and related infrastructure is a major priority of these country-led partnerships, inspiring MCC to launch an innovative Agribusiness Development Initiative.  MCC can better sustain the impact of its investments in partner countries to fight poverty and promote economic growth if those investments are linked to complimentary private sector investments. Investment promotion and facilitation efforts will target private businesses to provide complementary goods and services in the value-chains associated with MCC’s compacts.  The focus countries for the pilot period are Ghana and Morocco.

Provide Feedback

Results

MCC is committed to delivering results throughout the entire lifecycle of its investments. From before investments begin to their completion and beyond, MCC’s robust and comprehensive “continuum of results” framework seeks to measure, collect and report on policy reforms associated with MCC compact eligibility and program investments, inputs and outputs that indicate whether projects are on track, interim outcomes as programs reach completion, and impacts as measured through independent evaluations. MCC’s continuum of results is designed to foster learning and accountability, and served as a model for global dialogue about development results at the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan, South Korea in November 2011.

Program Procurement Guidance Papers
MCC Guidance On Template
Excluded Parties Verification Procedures in MCA Entity Program Procurements Eligibility Verification Template
Preparing the Procurement Performance Report
Reporting and Considering Past Performance by Contractors in MCA Entity Program Procurements Form for Reporting and Considering Past Performance by Contractors in MCA Entity Program Procurements

Progress Towards Results Across Compacts To Date

There is already significant progress towards long-term impacts. Above are the latest results in five key sectors – Agriculture and Irrigation, Education, Property Rights and Land Policy, Roads, and Water and Sanitation – demonstrating milestones achieved and people reached. More detailed information on these and other higher-level outcomes to track progress towards changes in income are collected at the country level. In all of these sectors, MCC plans to track not only outputs, but also outcomes and impacts across Compacts. Those higher-level results materialize as compacts mature and will be published as soon as they are available.

SME & Corporate Sector Development/Assets & Products

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  • El Salvador - Productive Development Project

    Objective: Assist with the development of profitable and sustainable productive business ventures, with a primary focus on assisting poor farmers shift to the cultivation of high-value crops, and other productive enterprises.

    Activity:  Business development support for micro, small and medium enterprises in high-value agriculture,  tourism, and handicrafts.  Collaboration with USAID resulted in a Global Development Alliance grant of US $500,000 to help build out the cold-storage chain for the commercialization activities of El Salvador Produce—a beneficiary owned company.

  • Ghana – Agriculture Project - Irrigation Activity

    Objective: Enhance the profitability of staple food and horticulture crops and improve delivery of business and technical services to support the expansion of commercial agriculture among farmer-based organizations (“FBOs”).

    Activity:  The rehabilitation of a large irrigation scheme in the North of the country and the construction of a new public scheme in the Volta Region.  Both schemes involve a transition of management to a private operator and include the participation of private sector anchor farmers and the establishment of outgrower schemes with the participation of small holder farmers.

  • Ghana – Rural Development Project  - Strengthening Rural Financial Services Activity

    Objective:  To extend the depth and value of financial services provided to rural populations including farmers by reinforcing their integration into the cash economy, as well as widening their access to savings, credit and cash transfer services.

    Activity: Support for the software to introduce check truncation and hardware to modernize a system for the automated clearing of electronic payments.

  • Morocco -Artisan and Fez Medina Project

    Objective:  Stimulate economic growth by leveraging the links between the craft sector, tourism, and the Fez Medina’s rich cultural, historic and architectural assets.

    Activity:  Support the design and reconstruction of historic sites within the Fez Medina, including the funding of an international architectural design competition for one of the most prominent sites.

    Activity:  Development of new tourism circuits in Fez and Marrakech as well as the promotion of artisan products and circuits in those cities. 

  • Namibia - Tourism Project

    Objective:  Assist Namibia in building conservancy capacity to protect natural resources, attract investment,  and achieve financial sustainability so that households in communal conservancy areas (or conservancies) can receive a greater share of revenues.

    Activity:  Provide partial grant funding for joint venture lodges on conservancy land in order to incent private sector investment and create jobs in rural Namibia.  Grant funding will also fund game relocation and community projects to reduce damage from wildlife, e.g. waterhole protection.

  • Namibia – Tourism Project

    Objective:  Increase tourist arrivals to Namibia by expanding marketing of Namibia as a tourist destination,  developing and marketing local and regional tourism route packages, and developing a fully interactive website for the Namibia Tourism.

    Activity:  Support the development of a Namibia Tourism Board interactive website and a marketing program target at North American tourists and outbound tourism businesses.

  • Namibia – Agriculture Project - Indigenous Natural Products (INP) Activity

    Objective:  Increase economic opportunities for INP stakeholders through improved organizational,  business and technical capacities along the value chain. 

    Activity: Supporting via the INP Innovation Facility a series of “call for proposals” that solicit interest from public and private entities to develop innovations for broad application in the INP industry and essential to short-term and long-term competitiveness of in the global market place.

  • Indonesia -

    Objective:  Reduce and prevent low birth weight and childhood stunting and malnourishment of children in project areas, and to increase household income through cost savings, productivity growth and higher lifetime earnings.

    Activity: Stimulate market-based responses to identified demand for nutrition and sanitation interventions through a grants program that leverages private sector capital. 

SME & Corporate Sector Development/Technical Assistance &  Training

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  • Morocco - Enterprise Support Project

    Objective:  Improve entrepreneurship sustainability, particularly for new enterprises created by recent graduates.

    Activity:  Provide individualized coaching during a two-year pilot period to 600 new, small enterprises to help reduce the rate of business failure and raise incomes relative to a comparable control group.   If the pilot is successful, more entrepreneurs will receive similar coaching.

  • Morocco - Artisan and Fez Medina Project

    Objective:  Enable artisans to increase the quality of their goods by providing training in modern production techniques and business management.

    Activity: Train potters in new techniques and designs and technologies to improve product offerings to the tourism market in Morocco and abroad.   

  • Burkina Faso  - Access to Rural Finance Project

    Objective:  Improve access to rural finance to increase medium- and long-term credit in the four western regions of Sud-Ouest, Hauts Bassins, Cascades, and Boucle du Mouhoun.

    Activity:  Technical assistance through Burkina business services providers to support rural farmers, farmer groups and enterprises in developing investment projects and accessing credit. 

  • Namibia – Agriculture Project - Indigenous Natural Products (INP) Activity

    Objective:  Increase economic opportunities for INP stakeholders through improved organizational,  business and technical capacities along the value chain. 

    Activity:  In coordination with the US Department of Agriculture, conduct an assessment of US market demand for Devil’s Claw as a dietary supplement and veterinary herbal remedy and if promising develop a US Market Entry Strategy.

  • Armenia - Irrigated Agriculture Project

    Objective:  Address the physical, managerial and financial investments needed to generate sustainable increases in rural incomes through irrigated agriculture.

    Activity:  Build the management capacities of the Water Supply Agencies and Water Users Associations and providing training and access to credit for member farmers to transition to more profitable, market-oriented agriculture.

SME & Corporate Sector Development/Institutional & Policy Reforms

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  • Armenia – Irrigated Agriculture Project - Water to Market Activity

    Objective:  Address the physical, managerial and financial investments needed to generate sustainable increases in rural incomes through irrigated agriculture.

    Activity:  Reform of water laws and provision of technical assistance to enhance capacity and sustainability of Water Supply Agencies (the providers of irrigated water) and farmer owned and controlled Water Users Associations and build the production capacity of farmers.

  • Benin - Access to Justice Project

    Objective:  Faster, fairer and cheaper access to judicial decisions through courts throughout Benin

    Activity: Improved laws, regulations,  processes and physical infrastructure and IT for courts and related judicial services.  Six new court buildings (including establishment and construction of Legal Information Center).  Improved case management. Extensive training of judges, court staff, and lawyers in commercial law.

    Outcome: Modernized Administrative Code (first since independence), modern case management rules, automation of case management, five new courthouses (including several entirely new jurisdictions), expanded access to legal information for lawyers and broader public.

    Objective:  Creation of Center for Arbitration, Mediation and Conciliation to facilitate expedited and inexpensive resolution of commercial disputes. 

    Activity: Hire and train staff, arbitrators and businesses in alternative dispute resolution. Equip center, develop processes and rules.  Facilitate transfer of cases from courts. 

    Outcome: Established institution receiving large number of cases.

  • Lesotho – Private Sector Development Project - Civil Legal Activity

    Objective: Speed, simplify and reduce costs for commercial dispute resolution.

    Activity: Development and construction of new Commercial Court; development and implementation of computerized case management system in High Court,  Commercial Court and Magistrates Court; development of pre-trial, court-annexed mediation system; Creation of Small Claims Process.

  • The Philippines - Revenue Administration Reform Project

    Objective:  Raise tax revenues and reduce tax evasion and revenue agent-related corruption.

    Activity:  Increase the efficiency and sustainability of revenue collection through a redesign and computerization of business processes at the Bureau of Internal Revenue.  The Compact supports a resident advisor from IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Division to assist with policy redesign and other tasks.

    Activity:  Support a public awareness campaign to encourage voluntary compliance and broadcast taxpayer information regarding tax procedures and enforcement.

    Objective:  Enhance capacity of Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) to detect and pursue corruption and malfeasance in revenue agencies. Support increased collection of government revenues.

    Activity:  Strengthen RIPS through new rules to provide enhanced autonomy, greater power and improved transparency.  Provide case management system software and computer equipment.

  • Honduras – Rural Development Project - Secured Transactions Registry Activity

    Objective: Enhance financial inclusion through modernizing secured transactions.

    Activity: Secured transactions reform including the development of a national registry.

    Outcome: Registry became operational January 2011 with over 600 registrations as of March 2011.

Financial Sector Development/Financial Services & Products

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  • Moldova - The Transition to High Value Agriculture Project  - Access to Agricultural Finance Activity

    Objective:  Provide term financing needed to support increased investment in the high value agriculture supply chain to facilitate transition to wider production of high value agriculture.

    Activity:  Provide term loan (three to seven years) via the High Value Agriculture Post-Harvest Credit Facility will through participating financial institutions (“PFIs”) to fund post-harvest supply chain investments.

  • Morocco - Financial Services Project

    Objective:  Assist microcredit institutions in Morocco to lessen their dependence on donor funding and rely to a greater extent on commercial funding sources.

    Activity:  Provide up to $25 million in subordinated loans to Jaida, a microfinance intermediary.   Jaida in turn accesses senior debt from commercial banks and uses the total proceeds to lend to Moroccan microcredit institutions.

  • Ghana - Agriculture Project

    Objective: Increase profitability of groups of small holder farms in support of the expansion of commercial agriculture.

    Activity: Augment the supply of, and access to, credit provided by financial institutions operating in the intervention zones.

  • Madagascar - Financial Sector Reform Project

    Objective:  Improve a weak banking system; make essential financial services available to rural areas,  advance credit skills, and cut delays and risks in payments for goods and services.

    Activity:  Provide financing and technical assistance to four microfinance institutions in the rural areas supported by the Compact’s agriculture-related activities.

  • Burkina Faso – Agriculture Project - Access to Rural Finance Activity

    Objective: Increase medium-  and long-term credit in the four western regions of Sud-Ouest, Hauts Bassins,  Cascades, and Boucle du Mouhoun.

    Activity: Provide a $10 million on-lending facility for participating financial institutions to provide medium to long-term loans, particularly to farmers and small and medium-sized,  rural and agricultural enterprises.

  • Honduras - Rural Development Project

    Objective:  Increase the productivity and business skills of farmers who operate small- and medium-size farms and their employees.

    Activity: Make available loans, in an aggregate principal amount of $6 million, through an on-lending facility to financial institutions to provide loans to horticulture and high-value agriculture producers. 

    Outcome:  By the end of the program, the credit facility provided more than $10 million in lending at market rates to horticulture and high-value agriculture producers, increasing access to credit for agriculture and agribusiness throughout Honduras. 

  • Cape Verde - Watershed Management and Agriculture Support Project

    Objective:  Increase agricultural productivity in three rural intervention watershed areas.

    Activity: Provided a $600,000 credit facility for microfinance institutions to finance drip irrigation, working capital and agribusiness investments targeting farmers in the intervention watershed areas. 

    Outcome:  The credit facility resulted in 225 loans for a total of $617,000 in lending to farmers to install drip irrigation, invest in production, and market produce.   

  • El Salvador  - Productive Development Project

    Objective: Increase lending and access to credit and other financial services and to improve the risk profile of micro, small and medium producers and rural entrepreneurs in the Northern Zone.

    Activity: Support two credit guarantee programs, one targeting micro-enterprises that are predominantly farm-based, and the other for small and medium-sized enterprises to generate increased lending activity by banks and non-bank financial institutions in the Northern Zone.   

  • Georgia - Enterprise Development Project

    Objective:  Provide risk capital and technical assistance to SMEs, primarily in the regions outside Tbilisi, where access to credit is a constraint to growth.

    Activity:  Created a new investment fund, Georgia Regional Development Fund (GRDF), that was permitted to draw up to $30 million to fund eligible projects and up to $2.5 million to provide technical assistance to investees.   More than half the portfolio was to consist of investments in businesses engaged in agriculture and tourism.

    Outcome:  At the time of the end of the Compact GRDF had invested over $32 million in 14 SMEs (with the amount over $30 million funded by returns from earlier investments) and had also provided almost the full amount of budgeted technical assistance.  During the five years following the end of the Compact, investments will wind down and the proceeds used to fund scholarships in Georgia.

  • El Salvador  - Productive Development Project

    Objective:  Increase production and employment in the Northern Zone through the provision of investment capital to competitively selected applicants for business activities located in and benefiting poor inhabitants of the Northern Zone.

    Activity: Establish an investment support fund—FIDENORTE— to provide medium-term investment capital at market rates to competitively selected applicants for commercially-viable activities by the private sector in the Northern Zone.

  • Morocco - Fruit Tree Productivity Project

    Objective: Increase the yield and quality of fruit production in order to modernize and unlock opportunities in the olive value‐chain, particularly in the export market by increasing quality and quantity of olive and date production.

    Activity: Through a Catalyst Fund, provide partial grant financing to newly formed olive oil cooperatives for the purchase of olive oil filtration and related equipment.  These grants will augment loans from Credit Agricole du Maroc and allow cooperatives to extract greater value from their crops.

  • Benin - Access to Financial Services Project

    Objective:  Strengthening the capacity of financial institutions for the expansion of already existing services or for the development of new services for the advantage of micro,  small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthening the capacity of the MSMEs to access extended financial services and use them efficiently by improving their solvency.

    Activity: Funding a Challenge Facility which supports a demand-driven and competitive mechanism that co-funds with participants technical assistance and capacity building for both financial institutions and business development services providers.

  • Nicaragua - Rural Business Development Project

    Objective:  Facilitate increases in the production of high-value goods and the profits and wages of farmers, agribusinesses and other non-farm businesses in Western Nicaragua.

    Activity:  Provide technical assistance and grants to co-finance up to 30% of the total cost of new investments by farms and rural businesses. 

    Outcome:  Selected farmers and businesses successfully executed business plans developed under the Rural Business Development Services program. 

  • Indonesia - Green Prosperity Project

    Objective:  Financing of low-carbon development projects through the establishment of a financing facility.
    Activity:  Provide funding to hydro, biomass, and other renewable energy and natural resource management sectors in select districts through a grant-making window and a commercial window.

Financial Sector Development/Technical Assistance & Training

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  • Cape Verde - Private Sector Development Project

    Objective: Increase access to credit by supporting the development of microfinance institutions (MFIs).

    Activity: Provided technical assistance to MFIs to take advantage of expanded deposit-taking powers and ease the transition to a new regulatory environment, provided software to support the record-keeping associated with those deposit-taking powers, and improved operational and financial sustainability.

    Outcome: By the end of the program five out of the five participating MFIs were rated as operationally sustainable and three of the five at financially sustainable—a significant improvement in the strength of the microfinance sector in Cape Verde. 

  • El Salvador  - Productive Development Project

    Objective:  Increase lending and access to credit and other financial services through technical assistance to support increased lending activity by banks and non-bank financial institutions in the Northern Zone.

    Activity: Provide specialized, short-term technical assistance to bank, non-bank and non-governmental financial intermediaries in the Northern Zone that are working to expand rural finance and improve credit analysis, introduce new technologies into their service delivery, or develop specialized products (such as leasing,  savings, or specialized agricultural credit products) that increase access to financial services.

  • Morocco - Financial Services Project

    Objective:  Support the microcredit institutions of Morocco to increase access to funding, assist with the transformation to deposit taking institutions, and provide other forms of assistance.

    Activity: Provide technical assistance to microcredit institutions to help them strengthen management systems and product offerings in preparation for a possible transition to a deposit taking institution and the increased regulatory oversight that that would entail.

  • Honduras - Rural Development Project

    Objective:  Increase the productivity and business skills of farmers who operate small and medium-size farms and their employees.

    Activity: Technical assistance to help financial institutions to better analyze credit risk and administer credit in rural communities.

    Outcome: Created innovative programs with input suppliers and triangulated lending systems between financial institutions, producers, and buyers of horticulture products.  With technical assistance from the Compact,  Bayer launched the Agroempresarios de Éxito pilot project in which a full technical assistance package (credit bureau access, credit management, accounting system, accounting management) was rolled out to five Bayer retailers.  Bayer presented Agroempresarios de Éxito to its regional president and it received approval to expand their experience to other countries.  

  • Burkina Faso  - Access to Rural Finance Project

    Objective:  Improve access to rural finance to increase medium- and long-term credit in the four western regions of Sud-Ouest, Hauts Bassins, Cascades, and Boucle du Mouhoun.

    Activity:  Support to build capacity within financial institutions to profitably and securely expand rural lending.

  • Benin - Access to Financial Services Project

    Objective:  Identify and support legal and policy changes that are needed to facilitate the deepening and expansion of the financial sector in Benin particularly the strengthening of microfinance supervision.

    Activity: Build the capacity of the Consortium Alafia (a microfinance trade association) credit information bureau.

Financial Sector Development/Institutional & Policy Reforms

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  • Lesotho - Private Sector Development Project

    Objective:  Increase private sector activity in Lesotho by improving access to credit, reducing transaction costs and increasing the participation of women in the economy. 

    Activity:  Funding for the production and issuance costs for national id cards, including hardware, software, data capture, staff training; consultation to develop necessary legal and regulatory reforms; and the development and execution of a public awareness campaign.

    Activity:  Introduction of automated clearing and alternative payment options, including using smart-cards to improve financial services delivery to rural areas, to reduce payment and settlement times and lessen the use of cash and checks.    Reviewing and updating the legal and regulatory structure governing domestic and cross-border payments; and harmonizing laws regarding cross-border payments and currency controls.

  • Ghana - Rural Development Project - Strengthening of Rural Financial Services

    Objective:  Strengthen rural institutions that provide services complementary to, and supportive of, agricultural and agri-business by strengthening rural financial services and improving the national payments systems to serve people currently not served or under-served.

    Activity:  Provide technical assistance to propose amendments to existing payments’ system legislation and regulations to accommodate new payment streams and methods enabled by MCC supported automated clearing and check truncation systems. 

  • Cape Verde - Private Sector Development Project

    Objective:  Developing a competitive, private-sector driven economy through a focus on the priority sectors.

    Activity: Remove constraints to investment and stimulate the priority sectors of the economy by reducing early-stage project development risks that dissuade both domestic and international private investors.

    Outcome: With the technical assistance of the International Finance Corporation’s credit bureau team, Cape Verde completed the preparatory work and attracted an international investor to launch the first private credit bureau in the country.  This reform will have a direct impact on Cape Verde’s Doing Business rank. 

  • Morocco - Financial Services Project

    Objective:  Support the microcredit institutions of Morocco to increase access to funding, assist with the transformation to deposit taking institutions, and provide other forms of assistance to improve access to services and management.

    Activity:  Provide partial grants for the purchase of mobile banking units that can provide intermittent banking services to remote populations.

  • Benin - Access to Financial Services Project

    Objective: Identify and support legal and policy changes that are needed to facilitate the deepening and expansion of the financial sector in Benin

    Activity:  Support for Cellule de Microfinance, the microfinance supervisory authority in the Ministry of Finance.

  • Benin - Access to Justice Project

    Objective:  Expansion and reform of business registration center.

    Activity:  Develop new rules and processes, fund establishment of new offices, and provide computer systems to manage registration system.

    Outcome:  Faster, simpler and cheaper registration of businesses – from street vendor to joint stock company.

  • Honduras - Rural Development Project

    Objective:  Increase the productivity and business skills of farmers who operate small- and medium-size farms and their employees.

    Activity: The expansion of the national property registration system to include a new registry of movable property and liens, interconnecting this new registry with the land title registry and commercial (mercantile) registry, and connecting registry system offices with each other and key clients

    Outcome:  The Secured Transaction Law was ratified on January 28, 2010 and the subsequent launch of the Movable Property Registry was launched on January 28, 2011.  The law and registry together allow movable property such as equipment, shop inventory, future crops, tractors, supply contracts, sewing machines, accounts receivable, and other non-real property or other real estate assets as collateral when applying for access to credit.  More than 200 registrations were logged in the first month of operations. 

  • Madagascar - Financial Sector Reform Project

    Objective: Reduce the cost of payment systems in Madagascar and increase the value and range of related products. 

    Activity:   Equipping and modernizing the interbank payment system to reduce risk and reduce delays in settlement from 45 days to 3 days.

    Outcome:  At the time the Compact ended, the equipment was in place and training had been completed.

  • Madagascar - Financial Sector Reform Project

    Objective:  Improve financial system safety and efficiency by modernizing laws regulating financial instruments and payment systems.

    Activity:  Provided technical assistance to redraft payments systems laws.  This was a counterpart activity to the Compact support for the physical modernization of the payments system.

    Outcome:  Drafts of new payment systems laws were presented to Parliament but not voted on by the end of the Compact.

  • Cape Verde - Private Sector Development Project

    Objective: Support financial sector competitiveness by enabling domestic, non-bank investors,  including individuals and corporations, to access the primary market for government securities.

    Activity: Provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance to assist with the development of new auction procedures and related matters such as the design of a registry of ownership and the role of financial intermediaries.

    Outcome: The legislation permitting the sale of securities to individuals was passed in November of 2009.    

  • Benin - Access to Financial Services Project

    Objective: Improve the financial sector regulatory environment.

    Activity:  Support for financial sector regulatory changes by funding the analysis of and advocacy for such changes.

  • Cape Verde - Private Sector Development Project

    Objective:  Increase access to financial services and improve financial intermediation.

    Activity: Policy reform supporting the regulation and expansion of deposit-taking powers to micro-finance institutions (MFIs).

    Outcome: In September 2007, the Cabinet of the Government of Cape Verde approved a microfinance law that regulates the institutions and authorizes MFIs to collect savings.

Private Sector Participation/Assets & Products

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  • Benin – Access to Markets Project - Port of Cotonou’s South Wharf

    Objective:  Expand capacity,  reduce costs, and improve the operating performance of Benin’s Port of Cotonou.

    Activity: In coordination with MCC, the Government of Benin engaged the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to structure and manage the competition for the award of the South Wharf concession, signed on September 10, 2009. The new container terminal is expected to generate up to $30 million in new revenues annually and $256 million in complementary investments from the concessionaire, Groupement Bolloré-SMTC. In addition to the various fees that will be paid over the life of the concession, Groupement Bolloré-SMTC has agreed to more than double container traffic by year 2020, and will also finance landside infrastructure improvements. Based on IFC’s analysis, the concession will generate a positive fiscal effect exceeding $1.5 billion for the country over the 25-year life of the concession

  • Mali – Bamako-Senou Airport Improvement Project

    Objective: Remove constraints to air traffic growth and increase the airport’s efficiency in both passenger and freight handling through airside and landside infrastructure improvements, as well as the establishment of appropriate institutional mechanisms to ensure effective management, operation,  and maintenance of the Airport facilities over the long term.

    Activity: Provides technical assistance to establish a model for the management of the Airport and the long-term future status and organizational structure of Aéroports du Mali, including provision for eventual private sector participation. Bamako Airport concession will be operated based on a public private partnership model after compact-funded rehabilitation is complete.

  • Mozambique – Water and Sanitation Project

    Objective:  Improve sustainability of delivery of urban water services.

    Activity:  Funding for water supply networks in large and mid-sized cities, which will be leased to private operators, and networks in smaller cities and towns, which will be pooled so as to facilitate operations and maintenance by the private sector through a management contract.

  • Malawi  - Mini-grid Project

    Objective:   Support renewable energy-based rural electrification by providing early-stage seed capital for private investors.

    Activity:  MCC competitively a tendered grant of $2 million in pre-Compact funding to provide a private project developer with early-stage project development capital for a renewable energy-based mini-grid project. 

    Outcome:  With MCC’s catalytic funding, Rural Electric is now continuing its project development efforts in northern Malawi using its own capital.

  • Morocco – Artisan and Fez Medina Project

    Objective:  Stimulate economic growth by leveraging the links between the craft sector, tourism, and the Fez Medina’s rich cultural,  historic and architectural assets.

    Activity:  In the Medina of Fez, supporting the design and reconstruction of five historic sites, including the funding of an international architectural design competition for the largest and most prominent of the sites.  The sites will contain mixed uses, including artisan production facilities, shops, open public spaces, restaurants, cafes,  training facilities, a boutique hotel and tourist support facilities.  MCC funding supports development of notional business plans and real estate management structures for the sites. 

  • Jordan - As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Expansion Project

    Objective:  Facilitate the expansion of a wastewater treatment plant on a build-operate-transfer (BOT)  basis, by providing a grant to buy down the capital costs of the project and increase its affordability for the government.

    Activity:  MCC approved a grant of $93 million towards the construction cost of expanding the As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant under a public-private partnership with a private sector operator, which will mobilize a debt and equity funding for the project.

  • El Salvador - Human Development Project

    Objective: Increase access to basic services and community infrastructure.

    Activity: The Rural Electrification Sub-Activity will extend electricity to at least 97 percent of the estimated 47,000 households in the Northern Zone that currently are not connected to local power distribution networks, including investment in new rural electrification lines, connections, and extensions of existing lines co-financed and operated by local subsidiaries of Arlington, Virginia-based AES Corporation.

Private Sector Participation/Technical Assistance & Training

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  • Benin – Access to Justice Project

    Objective:  Promote formalization and growth of micro and small enterprises

    Activity:  Legal Aid program and assistance to Mediator of the Republic provided legal training and simplified documentation to thousands of entrepreneurs (in several languages).

    Outcome:  Enhanced understanding of legal obligations (such as business registration)  allowing large numbers of small businesses to legally participate in commerce.

  • Mozambique – Water and Sanitation Project

    Objective:  Improve sustainability of delivery of urban water services.

    Activity:  MCC funding,  together with World Bank support, is helping to build the capacity of local institutions to develop policies and manage programs consistent the Government’s policy for delegated management to the private sector.

  • Jordan – As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project

    Objective:   Enhance the ability of the Government to negotiate and close a BOT project.

    Activity:  MCC provided the Government with funding to procure technical, financial, and legal advisors to assist the Government in structuring, negotiating, and closing the expansion of the As-Samra Waterwater Treatment Plant on a BOT basis.

  • Jordan – As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project

    Objective:  Enhance the ability of the Government to manage the BOT contract during the construction phase of the project.

    Activity:  An Authority Engineer will be hired to advise the government on matters related to the Restated Project Agreement for the BOT project, and to certify construction progress for monthly disbursements of the MCC grant.

  • Mali – Alatona Irrigation Project

    Objective: Increase production and productivity, increase farmer incomes, improve land tenure security, modernize irrigated production systems and mitigate the uncertainty from subsistence rain-fed agriculture.

    Activity: Develop a private sector participation strategy to attract potential investors to further develop and manage areas of Alatona with irrigation infrastructure and agricultural production. 

Private Sector Participation/Institutional & Policy Reforms

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  • Malawi - Power Sector Revitalization Project

    Objective:  Strengthen for the Government’s policy reform agenda and build capacity in pivotal sector institutions including ESCOM, the national power utility, and MERA, the regulatory authority.  

    Activity:  Strengthen the financial and operational performance and governance of Malawi’s power utility and to develop a regulatory environment that supports the Government’s policy reform goals for the sector, including increasing power system capacity,  access, and private sector participation.

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‘Milestones’: MCC’s Print Newsletter

Milestones is MCC’s quarterly printed newsletter. Delivered toward the end of each quarter, the newsletter includes:

  • Major achievements
  • Project round-up from countries around the world
  • Staff perspectives

Previous Issues

Download previous issues:

MCC forms partnerships with some of the world’s poorest countries who are committed to good governance, economic freedom, and investment in their citizens.

Threshold Program

A Threshold Program agreement is a contract between the United States and an eligible country through which MCC provides financial assistance for targeted policy reform efforts. More

What the spreadsheet data represents

  • An overall impact estimate. The spreadsheets provide MCC’s best estimate of the likely economic impact of the project, both during project implementation and for a period of years beyond it.
  • Estimated benefits. The spreadsheets estimate the expected increases in either incomes or value added of individuals, households, firms or sectors of economic activity.
  • A counterfactual scenario. Potential benefits are compared against what is likely to happen without the project (e.g., a growing economy would be expected to continue growing, even without the project).
  • A snapshot in time. The spreadsheets reflect the best data available to MCC at the time that the ERR was calculated.

What the spreadsheet data does not represent

  • The sole reason for an investment decision.  Although ERRs are an integral part of MCC’s decision-making process, other factors are taken into account when MCC decides whether or not to undertake a project.
  • A detailed beneficiary analysis. The ERR spreadsheets portray the overall economic impact of a project rather than apportioning the income gains along various demographic dimensions.
  • Up-to-the-minute information for projects in implementation.  ERRs are projections of estimated net benefits over time, rather than measurements of actual net benefits as they occur.  Many of the parameters that are used in these estimates change, so ERRs may not reflect the actual implementation experience. When project designs or model parameters change significantly, MCC may revise these models; updated information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Low Income Countries vs. Lower Middle Income Countries

In FY13, there were several changes to how MCC uses income categories to fund countries and create scorecards. Learn more about how MCC determines income categories.

Use of Supplemental Information

MCC’s Board of Directors may also take into account other quantitative and qualitative information. The Board uses supplemental information to inform its understanding of a country’s policy performance relative to its peers, and MCC’s ability to reduce poverty and generate economic growth in a country.

There are elements of the eligibility criteria set out in MCC’s legislation for which there is either limited quantitative information or no well-developed performance indicator, so MCC may turn to supplemental sources for assessments of these policy issues. In addition, the Board may consider whether there are data gaps or lags in particular indicators that can be addressed by supplemental information.

Supplemental information used by MCC may include (but is not limited to):

Internships

Recruitment for the MCC Student Volunteer Internship Program Spring 2013 session is closed. Check back regularly for postings for the Summer 2013 session.

What is distinctive about MCC?

MCC is a prime example of smart U.S. Government assistance in action, benefiting both developing countries and U.S. taxpayers through:

  • Competitive selection: Before a country can become eligible to receive assistance, MCC’s Board examines its performance on independent and transparent policy indicators and selects compact-eligible countries based on policy performance.
  • Country-led solutions: MCC requires selected countries to identify their priorities for achieving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. Countries develop their MCC proposals in broad consultation within their society. MCC teams then work in close partnership to help countries refine a program.
  • Country-led implementation: MCC administers the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). When a country is awarded a compact, it sets up its own local MCA accountable entity to manage and oversee all aspects of implementation. Monitoring of funds is rigorous and transparent, often through independent fiscal agents.

MCC forms partnerships with some of the world’s poorest countries, but only those committed to:

  • good governance,
  • economic freedom,
  • and investments in their citizens.

MCC provides these well-performing countries with large-scale grants to fund country-led solutions for reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth.  MCC grants complement other U.S. and international development programs.There are two primary types of MCC grants: compacts and threshold programs.

  • Compacts are large, five-year grants for countries that pass MCC’s eligibility criteria.
  • Threshold Programs are smaller grants awarded to countries that come close to passing these criteria and are firmly committed to improving their policy performance.

What is MCC achieving?

MCC has approved over $8.4 billion in compact and threshold programs worldwide that support country-determined projects in such sectors as:

  • agriculture and irrigation,
  • transportation (roads, bridges, ports),
  • water supply and sanitation,
  • access to health,
  • finance and enterprise development,
  • anticorruption initiatives,
  • land rights and access,
  • access to education.

The aggressive implementation of compacts and threshold programs is promoting growth opportunities, opening markets, raising the standard of living, and creating a more prosperous future for some of the world’s poorest people:

  • More than 148,000 farmers have been trained and more than 82,000 hectares of land are under production.
  • More than 4,900 kilometers of roads are under design, and road construction is underway.
  • Over $65 million has been disbursed in agricultural loans.

MCC is managed by a chief executive officer, who is part of the nine-member Board of Directors. The Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the USAID Administrator serve on the board along with four private sector representatives.

 

Mailing address

875 Fifteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20005-2221

Phone Numbers

Main: 202-521-3600
Legislative: 202-521-3850
Press: 202-521-3850

Subscribe to MCC’s Outreach Email List

Complete this form to join our Outreach Email List.  This list is used to distribute event notifications and invitations, press releases, the monthly email newsletter, and information about doing business with MCC.

Report Fraud & Corruption

MCC takes all reports of suspected fraud and corruption seriously. In order to help MCC timely and accurately process your report of suspected fraud and/or corruption in an MCC program or project, please complete this form

You may also contact MCC’s Office of the Inspector General directly

 

Procurement Guidelines for Compacts Not Converted to the MCC Procurement Guidelines

MCA entities which have not been converted to the MCC Procurement Guidelines must comply with procurement guidelines similar to the MCC Program Procurement Guidelines but written specifically for their Compact.

MCA Entities’ Procurement Guidelines, Web Sites and Awarded Contracts
Country Web Site Guidelines Awarded Contracts
Namibia MCA - Namibia    
  • Large Procurements

    MCC lists its large contracts through FedBizOpps, the standard listing agent for government.

  • Small Procurements

    MCC lists its small contracts here giving companies the chance to work directly with MCC.

  • Consultant Opportunities

    Occasionally MCC contracts with expert consultants to help achieve its mission.

Doing Business with MCC

 

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