USAID VIETNAM LOW EMISSION ENERGY PROGRAM II (V-LEEP II)
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USAID VIETNAM LOW EMISSION ENERGY PROGRAM II (V-LEEP II) Quarterly Report for Year 1 Quarter 1 (October – December 2020) January 15, 2021 This report is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of Deloitte Consulting LLP and its implementing partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. 1
USAID VIETNAM LOW EMISSION
ENERGY PROGRAM II (V-LEEP II)
Quarterly Report for Year 1 Quarter 1 (October – December 2020)
Prepared for:
USAID/Vietnam, Environment and Social Development Office
Prepared by:
Contract No. USAID 7200AA19D00025 / 72044020F00003
January 15, 2021
This report is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this report are the sole
responsibility of Deloitte Consulting LLP and its implementing partners and do not necessarily
reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
iTABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ ii
Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... iii
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................ 1
2. Báo Cáo Tóm Tắt ................................................................................................................................. 2
3. Purpose and Approach ....................................................................................................................... 3
4. Progress Update ................................................................................................................................. 5
4.1 Towards Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Towards Approved MEL Indicators ............................................................................................. 10
4.3 Summary of Completed Interventions and Progress Towards Results ...................................... 10
4.4 Communications and Outreach Plan .......................................................................................... 10
4.5 Gender and Social Inclusion Action Plan .................................................................................... 11
4.6 Private Sector Engagement Plan ................................................................................................ 11
4.7 List of Services/Deliverables Completed in the Reporting Period .............................................. 11
4.8 Explanation of Quantifiable Outputs of the Tasks ....................................................................... 12
4.9 Reasons Why Established Targets were not Met (If Applicable) ................................................ 12
4.10 Short-Term Technical Advisor(s) Progress ................................................................................. 12
4.11 The Use of Small and Disadvantaged Business Relative to the Target
Identified ................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.12 Issues and Mitigation Measures.................................................................................................. 12
5. Upcoming Plan .................................................................................................................................. 12
5.1 Major Interventions Planned for the Next Quarter ...................................................................... 12
5.2 Indicators with Targets for the Next Quarter ............................................................................... 13
5.3 Projected USAID Approvals, Waivers or Deviation Requests Anticipated
During the Next Quarter .......................................................................................................................... 13
6. Status of Required Audit Processes (Including for Sub-Awardees) ........................................... 13
7. USAID Success Stories .................................................................................................................... 13
8. Status of Implementing Conditions Under IEE Asia 20-035 ......................................................... 13
iiACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ADB Asian Development Bank
ASP Activity Start-Up Plan
CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy
CO Contracting Officer
COGD Coal, Oil and Gas Department
COP Chief of Party
COR Contracting Officer’s Representative
DOI Department of Interior
DPPA Direct Power Purchase Agreement
EESD Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development
EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
ERAV Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam
EREA Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority
FY Fiscal Year
GVN Government of Vietnam
GW Gigawatts
IEE Initial Environmental Examination
ITAP International Technical Assistance Program
KWh Kilowatt hour
LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
MOIT Ministry of Industry and Trade
MW Megawatt
MWh Megawatt hour
O Objective
O1 Objective 1
O2 Objective 2
O3 Objective 3
ODA Official Development Assistance
PDP Power Development Plan
PDP-7 Seventh Power Development Plan
PDP-8 Eighth Power Development Plan
PSE Private Sector Engagement
PSS/E Power System Simulator for Engineering
Q Quarter
Q1 Quarter 1
Q2 Quarter 2
Q3 Quarter 3
Q4 Quarter 4
RE Renewable Energy
RFP Request for Proposal
RFQ Request for Qualifications
SOW Statements of Work
T Task
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USG US Government
V-LEEP Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program
V-LEEP II Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program II
vRE Variable Renewable Energy
Y Year
Y1 Year 1
iii1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
USAID’s Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program II (V-LEEP II) aims to advance the transition of
Vietnam to a clean, secure, and market-based energy sector by increasing the deployment of
advanced energy systems, improving energy sector performance, and increasing competition in
the energy sector.
During the first quarter of operation (i.e., from the program start date of September 30, 2020
through December 31, 2020) the V-LEEP II team focused on the rapid start-up of activities, such
as the timely establishment of an office and key technical, management, and logistical
requirements that include planning and scheduling for team members.
The team ensured that the Chief of Party was at post in Hanoi on the program’s first day and that
the home office leadership and management team was appointed soon after; with all these team
members formally approved by USAID. Drawing on the resources of the original USAID Vietnam
Low Emission Energy Program (V-LEEP; 2015 – 2021), V-LEEP II was able to ensure immediate
operational presence. To build out its team, the program coordinated with the Contracting Officer
(CO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to design and manage a robust process to
engage local resources.
The team immediately developed and launched its approach to secure approval as an Official
Development Assistance (ODA) program, a prerequisite for successful operation in Vietnam. This
included appointing a local coordinator, helping to ensure that a key champion for the program
emerged within the Government of Vietnam (GVN) and was appointed as the official focal point,
and utilizing both formal and informal channels to discuss GVN priorities and agree upon key
activities for V-LEEP II.
V-LEEP II is now poised for successful development and finalization of key program
underpinnings in the next quarter – including the foundational Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
(MEL) Plan and the first annual Work Plan.
12. BÁO CÁO TÓM TẮT
Chương trình Năng lượng Phát thải thấp Việt Nam II của USAID (V-LEEP II) nhằm mục tiêu thúc
đẩy quá trình chuyển đổi sang lĩnh vực năng lượng sạch của Việt Nam, theo định hướng thị
trường và đảm bảo an ninh năng lượng thông qua việc tăng cường triển khai các hệ thống năng
lượng tiên tiến, cải thiện hiệu quả hoạt động và nâng cao khả năng cạnh tranh trong lĩnh vực
năng lượng.
Trong quý đầu tiên sau khi dự án đi vào hoạt động (từ ngày 30 tháng 9 năm 2020 là ngày bắt đầu
chương trình đến hết ngày 31 tháng 12 năm 2020), V-LEEP II tập trung vào các hoạt động khởi
động dự án, ví dụ như nhanh chóng thành lập văn phòng dự án, triển khai các yêu cầu về kỹ
thuật, quản lý và hậu cần chính, bao gồm nhiệm vụ lập kế hoạch và xây dựng lịch trình cho nhân
sự dự án.
Nhóm triển khai dự án đã tiến hành các công việc nhằm đảm bảo Giám đốc Dự án có mặt tại Hà
Nội ngay từ ngày đầu tiên của chương trình; đội ngũ lãnh đạo và quản lý tại trụ sở được bổ nhiệm
ngay sau đó và được USAID chính thức phê duyệt. Được thiết kế dựa trên nguồn lực của Chương
trình Năng lượng Phát thải thấp Việt Nam ban đầu (V-LEEP; 2015 – 2021) nên V-LEEP II có thể
nhanh chóng sẵn sàng đi vào hoạt động. Trong hoạt động xây dựng đội ngũ cán bộ dự án,
chương trình phối hợp với Cán bộ Hợp đồng (CO) và Đại diện Cán bộ Hợp đồng (COR) xây
dựng, quản lý quá trình tuyển dụng nguồn lực địa phương một cách hiệu quả.
Nhóm triển khai dự án đã xây dựng và triển khai phương pháp tiếp cận cho quá trình xin phê
duyệt chương trình Hỗ trợ Phát triển Chính thức (ODA), là điều kiện tiên quyết để chương trình
có thể hoạt động thành công tại Việt Nam. Quá trình này bao gồm việc chỉ định một cán bộ điều
phối trong nước hỗ trợ xác định cơ quan đầu mối chính thức của Chính phủ Việt Nam (GVN),
huy động các kênh chính thức và phi chính thức để thảo luận về các ưu tiên của Chính phủ Việt
Nam, cùng thống nhất về các hoạt động chính của V-LEEP II.
V-LEEP II hiện đã sẵn sàng cho việc xây dựng và hoàn thiện các kế hoạch chính của chương
trình trong quý tới – bao gồm Kế hoạch Giám sát, Đánh giá và Học tập (MEL) và Kế hoạch Hoạt
động năm đầu tiên.
23. PURPOSE AND APPROACH
Problem Statement
As a result of Vietnam’s fast-growing economy and intensive energy consumption patterns, the
country’s energy demand is increasing at about 10 percent per year, among the highest rates in
the region and in the world. Furthermore, the country has become a net-energy importer,
increasing its dependence on external sources of energy while relying heavily on thermal (coal)
power.
The country will need US$8-10 billion annually in energy sector investment over the next decade
to account for the increasing energy demand and forecasted energy shortages. The GVN predicts
shortages of over 3.7 billion kWh in 2021 and 10 billion kWh in 2022.
Over the past three years, Vietnam has added almost 10 Gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity to its
power grid. However, poorly planned grid infrastructure resulted in massive renewable energy
curtailments. Robust long-term planning and appropriate policy incentives are needed to attract
critical private sector investment and move the sector toward a functioning power sector with
cleaner, more sustainable resources.
Supporting the Government of Vietnam to build their capacity to develop their long-term energy
plans, advance utility operation practices, and improve the enabling environment through private-
public partnerships will ensure that adequate capital is available for a diversified and more secure
energy system.
Theory of Change
Fueling sustainable economic growth and development in Vietnam will require meeting growing
energy demand through the provision of clean, secure, and market-based energy solutions. If
advanced energy systems are deployed, energy sector performance is improved, and competition
for energy services is increased, then Vietnam will transition to a more clean, secure, and market-
based energy sector.
Activity Goal
The primary goal of this activity is to advance the transition of Vietnam to a clean, secure and
market-based energy sector by increasing the deployment of advanced energy systems,
improving energy sector performance and increasing competition in the energy sector.
Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of this activity are to:
• Increase the deployment of advanced energy systems through improving enabling poli-
cies, laws, and regulations and mobilizing private investment.
• Improve energy sector performance through improving planning and operation practices.
• Increase energy sector competition by promoting transparent procurement practices and
increasing the availability of advanced energy skilled workforce, products, and services.
3Approach
Our approach to V-LEEP II stems from our deep understanding of the complexities of the
Vietnamese power sector that the delivery team has gained over the past five years under the
original V-LEEP. This knowledge, and the strong relationships we have developed across the
Vietnamese public and private sectors, has not only enabled multiple energy reforms under V-
LEEP; it will also help to accelerate V-LEEP II’s expanded objectives and outcomes.
To accomplish V-LEEP II’s aggressive objectives of increasing advanced energy systems
deployment (O1), improving sector performance (O2), and increasing sector competition (O3), we
have designed a series of program Tasks (T1-T8) to address the five key risks inherent to
Vietnam’s energy sector (Policy and Regulatory, Transactional, Planning and Operations,
Institutional, and Workforce). These five risks must be reduced to levels that support viable rates
of return for private investors, else third party capital is unlikely to be available to support new
generation, transmission, or gas-supply projects. Our Risk Framework aligns V-LEEP II’s
Objectives and Tasks with these five key risks, detailed below. Task activities will be prioritized to
address specific challenges, garner support from public/private stakeholders, and realize V-LEEP
II’s expected outcomes.
Policy & Regulatory Risk mitigation is the key to creating a functional Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG) market, thereby compensating for Vietnam’s declining domestic gas and expanding
variable renewable energy (vRE) balancing needs. Building on Department of Interior (DOI)
International Technical Assistance Program (ITAP) activities, Task 1 (T1) will support the
implementation of policy and regulations on LNG infrastructure development by helping the GVN
to promote cost reflective tariffs and flexible policies – thus accelerating scalable LNG capacity at
competitive costs (O1:T1).
Transactional Risk mitigation includes assistance in Task 2 to advanced RE developers to
navigate approvals and licensing procedures, plus promote the use of non-recourse project
financing, rather than relying on public debt and guarantees (O1:T2). We will continue USAID’s
active support for the soon-to-be launched Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) pilot
mechanism and a scaled-up DPPA 2 successor program under Task 5 (O3:T5), by which private
capital will finance more reliable renewable energy (RE) supplies for global manufacturers in
Vietnam to meet their sustainability goals.
Planning & Operations Risk mitigation is addressed via Task 3, which will provide inclusive
trainings and support to finalize and implement the eighth National Power Development Plan
(PDP-8) (O2:T3), address vRE grid integration challenges through better transmission planning
that reduces grid congestion and curtailment, and improve vRE predictions, scheduling, and
dispatch. Support will build on our established relationships and include training on PSS/E and
PLEXOS under Task 4 (O2:T4).
Institutional Risk: Provinces are slated to develop competitive procurement processes to
implement projects from PDP-8, but few have training or experience in the practicalities of project
development, tender management, or investor relations. Building upon our national-level work
under V-LEEP, Task 6 will build the capacity of provincial governments to adopt competitive
procurement processes. Deloitte will provide training, capacity development, and procurement
assistance, as appropriate and approved by USAID to promote transparent processes (O3:T6).
4Workforce Risk: Vietnam’s historical focus on hydropower, coal, and state-owned utilities has
resulted in a patriarchal/hierarchical sector at odds with today’s need for entrepreneurs familiar
with clean technologies and flexible markets. Using grants, bootcamps, and scalable business
models, Task 7 will create an entrepreneurial energy ecosystem that complements existing
structures via the use of advanced technologies (O3:T7). Under Task 8, we will promote the role
of women in energy by supporting internships, mentorship, and networking initiatives (O3:T8).
Our technical approach also incorporates gender and social inclusion as an integral part of task
design and implementation, resulting in reduced risks, more sustainable reform activities, greater
achievement of results for the program as a whole, and a more equitable distribution of benefits.
We will achieve these goals through the creation of gender and vulnerable populations’ action
plans (developed as part of the annual Work Plan process) that will inform stakeholder outreach
and engagement, policy design and implementation, institutional strengthening and workforce
capacity development, as well as results monitoring, evaluation and learning.
Our technical approach also considers Vietnam’s long-term energy sector sustainability by
proactively encouraging counterparts to balance security of supply, affordability, and
environmental factors with a commitment to institutional strengthening, leadership development,
and the adoption of leading practices. We will support private sector engagement by working
with diverse local partners, strategically using V-LEEP 2’s Activity Fund, and via engagement with
higher-education and other skills-building institutions.
4. PROGRESS UPDATE
4.1 TOWARDS OBJECTIVES
Overview
During the first 90 calendar days of the Task Order – which corresponds precisely with the first
quarter of program year one – the V-LEEP II Team focused on the rapid start-up of activities. As
specified in the Task Order and presented in the team’s Activity Start-Up Plan (ASP), rapid start-
up includes the timely establishment of an office as well as key technical, management, and
logistical (vehicle, office space, staffing, etc.) requirements, such as planning and scheduling for
the prompt mobilization of the Chief of Party (COP) and timeline for mobilization of other key
personnel and hiring of staff.
Context
V-LEEP II follows the 5.5-year US$15.9M USAID Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program (V-
LEEP) which began on September 1, 2015 and ends on February 28, 2021. V-LEEP has worked
with the GVN to create a robust enabling environment and attract private sector investment for
clean energy development. Initially slated to end on September 1, 2020, V-LEEP was extended
for an additional six months and will now conclude on February 28, 2021. This extension allows
for five months of overlap between V-LEEP and V-LEEP II.
Opportunities
The overlap period has allowed for continuity, rapid start-up, and efficiency as V-LEEP II benefited
from the availability of V-LEEP’s staff, office space, operations processes, and institutional
5knowledge. The team has drawn on the support of V-LEEP staff, and anticipates transferring
existing V-LEEP facilities (e.g., office space), systems, and equipment to V-LEEP II during the
start-up phase to conserve resources.
Authorization & Cost Allocation
Deloitte’s approach to leverage V-LEEP to start-up V-LEEP II is consistent with the V-LEEP Task
Order, which requires in its Statement of Work that “the Contractor must coordinate activities with
other USAID/US Government (USG) climate change and energy programs and collaborate with
other donors and implementing partners working in clean energy in Vietnam”.
Over its five-year duration, V-LEEP helped several USAID and USG programs address issues
related to startup, registration, and socialization. Most recently this included extensive support for
the Vietnam Urban Energy Security Program, which is implemented by DAI. Deloitte’s suggestion
that V-LEEP provide similar support to V-LEEP II was well-received by the COR and the CO in
the V-LEEP II kick-off call on August 11, 2020.
Following this kick-off discussion, on August 25, 2020 Deloitte submitted an initial budget and
expenditure projection for V-LEEP II for the period September 30, 2020 to February 28, 2021
showing the anticipated cost distribution between V-LEEP and V-LEEP II over that period. The
COR responded via email on August 25, 2020 confirming that this analysis was reasonable and
in line with USAID’s expectations. On October 27, 2020, Deloitte submitted its official Cost
Allocation Methodology via a letter to the CO. This methodology divides V-LEEP II’s projected
costs into four categories (labor, allowances, travel, and other direct costs) and broadly outlines
a specific approach for cost allocation to each.
On October 9, 2020 Deloitte requested approval from the CO that Mr. John Bruce Wells assume
his full-time role as COP for V-LEEP II effective November 1, 2020. In a concurrent letter to the
CO, Deloitte requested approval that Mr. Wells will cease his COP responsibilities on V-LEEP as
of November 1, 2020, while remaining available to provide any necessary leadership and
transition support for the original V-LEEP project. CO granted approval on October 15, 2020.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) Approval
Securing the official overseas development assistance (ODA) approval is a Vietnamese legal
requirement for development programs in Vietnam, prescribed by the Government of Vietnam
(GVN) through Decree No. 56/2020/ND-CP on the Management and Use of Official Development
Assistance (ODA) and Concessional Loans from Foreign Donors (Decree 56).
Prior to receiving ODA approval, USAID programs are limited in scope because their government
counterparts are reluctant to engage in joint activities, except for socialization and planning
activities. Effective operations are also hindered because ODA approval is generally required for
receiving the necessary approvals for implementing partners to operate in Vietnam (e.g.,
obtaining corporate seals, tax codes, visas, work permit exemptions, and bank accounts).
Despite this restriction, as V-LEEP II proceeds through the ODA approval process, a limited suite
of technical activities related to V-LEEP is expected to continue into the first half of 2021. The
continuing activities include ongoing support for the two highest-priority activities:
61) PDP-8 support to the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority (EREA); and
2) DPPA support to the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (ERAV)
Deloitte will also begin activities that focus on private sector support, such as “Provide one-on-
one transactional support for advanced clean energy developers” (O1:T2) and “Strengthen the
business ecosystem for clean energy entrepreneurs” (O3:T3). Consistent with precedent, these
activities are considered “preparatory works” and are well-received by the program counterparts
who value the continuity of support.
GVN recently updated and simplified the ODA approval process with the passing of Decree 56.
According to the recent analysis by the USAID Vietnam LEARNS project, the new process should
take approximately six to nine months as compared with the previous years-long process. Decree
56 removes two steps: the project proposal (old Step 2) and the review and approval by the
Vietnamese Prime Minister (old Step 3). As a result, the new process contains only the following
four steps (see Figure 1):
1) Engagement with GVN counterparts
2) Project documentation development
3) GVN review
4) Approval
Figure 1. Updated Project Approval Process under Decree 56
7V-LEEP II Approach
V-LEEP II has followed these four steps, centered around three core principles:
1) Appoint a local coordinator with specific responsibility to assist in the process
2) Identify a GVN champion within the designated counterpart
3) Consult intensively to secure support for V-LEEP II
1. Appointment of Local Coordinator: On October 7, 2020, V-LEEP II (through V-LEEP in its
coordination role) issued a Work Order to V-LEEP subcontractor RCEE-NIRAS to identify a local
resource to coordinate and consult with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) on the V-LEEP
II ODA approval process. Ms. Minh Cao Thi Tuyet was hired by V-LEEP as the “ODA
Coordinator” to assist V-LEEP II in securing ODA approval. She is well-suited for this role, having
worked closely with senior MOIT leaders from 2015 through 2020 on strategic and operational
planning and implementation of major programs. Her specific responsibilities as ODA Coordinator
include the following:
Coordinating the engagement and consultation process with relevant departments within the
MOIT, including the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority (EREA), the Electricity
Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (ERAV), the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development
Department (EESD), the Coal, Oil and Gas Department (COGD), and other Ministries and
agencies for development, consultation, and review of the V-LEEP II Project Document.
• Helping design and lead consultative processes that support the ODA approval process
(e.g., small meetings, focus groups, and stakeholder workshops).
• Managing the development of relevant V-LEEP reports that will be a part of the V-LEEP
II Project Document.
• Coordinating with the MOIT agency-in-charge and supporting the preparation of the V-
LEEP II Project Document and other required materials that reflect the planned activities
and modalities of V-LEEP II.
• Working closely with the MOIT agency-in-charge to secure approval of the V-LEEP II
Project Document.
• Coordinating with MOIT to secure its endorsement (e.g., via a letter to USAID) for contin-
uation of high priority/ongoing V-LEEP activities such as support for the Eighth National
Power Development Plan (PDP-8) and the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA)
while the process to obtain ODA approval for V-LEEP II is underway.
2. GVN Champion: It is the prerogative of the GVN to designate its own focal point who will lead
both the ODA approval process and the implementation of V-LEEP II. However, the team notes
that the successful implementation of V-LEEP can be a strong argument for maintaining the same
implementation arrangement as for the original program, namely the designation of the Energy
and Renewable Energy Authority (EREA) in MOIT as the focal point. Within the first half of the
first month of Q2 (i.e., by mid-January 2021), the team’s ODA approval activities will result in
EREA’s official appointment as the counterpart to V-LEEP II.
83. GVN Consultations: During the quarter, V-LEEP II paired formal consultations with other formal
and informal meetings with EREA and with other relevant teams within MOIT, such as ERAV,
EESD, and COGD. These meetings were all successfully completed – in close coordination with
USAID Vietnam. By the end of the first quarter, the V-LEEP II team had met both informally and
formally with each anticipated counterpart (EREA, ERAV, EESD, and OGCD) to present the
program, discuss GVN priorities, and agree on initial areas for V-LEEP II to support.
Engagement of Team Members
The team ensured that the Chief of Party – Mr. John Bruce Wells – was at post in Hanoi on the
first day of the program and secured official USAID approval for his role on October 15, 2020.
The team received technical concurrence from USAID’s COR for its designated Home Office
leadership and management team on October 28, 2020. The team members and their roles are
described below.
Engagement Director: David Spira. Mr. Spira will provide support and guidance to the COP on
overall technical delivery and implementation. He will manage communications and contractual
obligations with the USAID CO.
Project Manager: Whitney Muse. Ms. Muse will serve as home office management support for the
COP on technical, managerial, operational, and financial responsibilities, including:
• Setting up and managing the V-LEEP II processes for project management, knowledge
management, as well as financial and operations management
• Supporting the COP in development of the initial Work Plan and associated startup activ-
ities
• Supporting the COP to draft statements of work (SOWs), including for subcontractors,
and supporting in recruiting and budgeting for the SOWs.
• Supporting annual work plan development, reviewing quarterly reports, annual reports,
communications plan, financial reports, and other contractual deliverables
Startup Specialist: Elizabeth Gelb. Ms. Gelb will support the Project Manager and COP with
program startup and work planning. She will assist the COP in technical transition from V-LEEP
to V-LEEP II and support the drafting of contractual startup deliverables, such as the MEL Plan,
Private Sector Engagement Plan, Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, and Work Plan.
Additional team members are pending appointment.
Subcontracting
To identify, evaluate, and select local subcontractors for V-LEEP II, Deloitte initiated market
research that included: (1) desktop research and analysis to identify local consulting organizations
active in Vietnam’s energy sector; (2) requests for referrals from other donor-funded energy
programs and donor organizations active in Vietnam (e.g., the Vietnam Urban Energy Security
Program, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank); and (3) recommendations from
knowledgeable colleagues. Deloitte then issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) as a Phase I
solicitation approach detailing local support needs for V-LEEP II organized around the ten
identified/designated tasks in V-LEEP II’s Statement of Work. The team is currently evaluating
9RFQ responses based on the criteria stated in the RFQ: organizational overview, organizational
experience & capabilities, demonstrated past performance on projects, and illustrative resumes).
This evaluation will also include considerations of whether to hire staff directly in one or more of
the task areas as an effective alternative to subcontracting.
Next steps for this process include: (1) developing a list of qualified firms at the subtask level to
be invited for the submission of detailed technical and cost proposals against a Request for
Proposal (RFP) document; (2) evaluating and selecting one or more qualified subcontractor(s) to
support the implementation of V-LEEP II; and (3) negotiating a budget and proposed subcontract.
4.2 TOWARDS APPROVED MEL INDICATORS
To enable the program to adapt to changing conditions and adjust mid-course as needed, V-
LEEP II will develop a MEL Plan, consistent with ADS 201.3.4.10. This plan will outline how V-
LEEP II will collect data and information on program implementation in order to monitor and
improve performance and effectiveness as well as to inform planning and management decisions.
The MEL Plan will include specific benchmarks and indicators to measure progress for all
activities that are ongoing and to track progress against the USAID/Vietnam Country
Development Cooperation Strategies (CDCS), Clean Energy Transition Project Intermediate
Results, Asia EDGE/Indo-Pacific Strategy indicators, and USAID/Vietnam’s overall Performance
Monitoring Plan. The MEL Plan will also specify how data will be collected and analyzed. All data
will be disaggregated by gender and geographic location whenever applicable. The MEL Plan will
include a learning plan to fill gaps in technical knowledge and inform adjustments during
implementation of the activity.
V-LEEP II is currently drafting the MEL Plan, collaborating extensively with the MEL team from
the USAID Vietnam LEARNS program. As required in the Task Order, the team will submit the
MEL Plan in Q2, within 120 calendar days after the effective date of the Task Order.
4.3 SUMMARY OF COMPLETED INTERVENTIONS AND PROGRESS TOWARDS
RESULTS
The V-LEEP II first annual Work Plan and MEL plan are currently under development. Once they
are approved by USAID, V-LEEP II will begin to summarize its completed interventions and
progress towards results during each quarter.
4.4 COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH PLAN
V-LEEP II will design a Communications and Outreach Plan to describe how the program will
utilize appropriate outreach and communications tools and platforms to broadcast its message to
the public and the media. The Plan will include a Communications Calendar noting key elements
and activities warranting public information and outreach activities. Whenever possible, V-LEEP
II will coordinate and collaborate with other USAID/Vietnam and USG implementing entities
working in the energy sector to highlight and host joint efforts aligned with the program’s
objectives. The Communications and Outreach Plan will comply with USAID’s Branding
Implementation Plan and Marking Plan, which describe how programs, including V-LEEP II, must
communicate to beneficiaries and stakeholder audiences that the work of this contract is from the
American people per the Branding Strategy and USAID Branding Guidelines.
10The Communications and Outreach Plan will be designed by the Field Office Cross-Cutting
Specialist with support from the Home Office Communications Specialist. As required in the Task
Order, the team will submit the Communications and Outreach Plan within 45 days after approval
of the first annual Work Plan.
4.5 GENDER AND SOCIAL INCLUSION ACTION PLAN
V-LEEP II’s first annual Work Plan will include a specific Gender and Social Inclusion Action Plan
to outline its inclusion strategy for project implementation. This section of the Work Plan will
include V-LEEP II’s guiding principles and general approach for ensuring that project activities
are conducted in the most inclusive manner possible. Led by the International Gender and Social
Inclusion Specialist, V-LEEP II will bring international leading best practices to its inclusive
implementation. As required in the Task Order, the team will submit the Gender and Social
Inclusion Plan (embedded in the first annual Work Plan) within 120 calendar days after the
effective date of the Task Order.
4.6 PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT PLAN
In the first six months of operation, V-LEEP II will develop a Private Sector Engagement (PSE)
Plan outlining potential private sector companies and organizations to engage, their potential roles
and contributions to the program, and potential approaches to engage them. The PSE Plan will
describe the planned scopes of the partnerships with each potential private company and
organization. The PSE Plan will identify value propositions, provide a methodology for calculating
private sector contributions, and estimate the value of leveraged resources to achieve V-LEEP
II’s objectives. The plan will incorporate a sustainability approach to build capacity and enhance
program results drawing on lessons learned from around the world. The PSE Plan will describe
how V-LEEP II plans to use data to scale-up private sector engagement. During V-LEEP II’s first
90 calendar days, activities for this deliverable will include:
• Compiling a list of “lessons learned” for effective private sector engagement
• Conducting a PSE landscape assessment at the national and regional level across Vi-
etnam to identify potential partners
• Designing a sustainability approach
V-LEEP II will engage a designated Private Sector Engagement Specialist from the Home Office
guiding the work with the support of the Startup Specialist. As required in the Task Order, the
team will submit the Private Sector Engagement Plan within 180 calendar days after the effective
date of the Task Order.
4.7 LIST OF SERVICES/DELIVERABLES COMPLETED IN THE REPORTING PERIOD
The team submitted its Activity Start-Up Plan (ASP) to USAID on October 29, 2020 and is
presently awaiting any comments.
The team submitted its Concept Note and Agenda for a Start-Up Workshop on November 6, 2020.
In this submission, V-LEEP II suggested conducting the workshop on November 24, 2020, within
the first 60 days as required by the Task Order. USAID, however, suggested deferring the
11schedule to accommodate other priorities. As a result, this event is now scheduled to be
conducted in the first month of the second quarter (i.e., January 28, 2021) as a “back-to-back”
event with the Co-Planning Workshop.
Deliverable Submission Date
Activity Start-up Plan (ASP) October 29, 2020
Start-up Workshop Concept Note and Agenda November 6, 2020
4.8 EXPLANATION OF QUANTIFIABLE OUTPUTS OF THE TASKS
The V-LEEP II MEL Plan is currently under development. Once the indicators and targets are
presented in the MEL Plan and approved by USAID, V-LEEP II will begin to list and explain the
quantifiable outputs of each task in this section.
4.9 REASONS WHY ESTABLISHED TARGETS WERE NOT MET (IF APPLICABLE)
The V-LEEP II MEL plan is currently under development. Once the indicators and targets are
presented in the MEL plan and approved by USAID, V-LEEP II will begin identifying and
explaining any occasions when it fails to meet its established targets. There are no issues of
problems affecting the schedule or impact of services.
4.10 SHORT-TERM TECHNICAL ADVISOR(S) PROGRESS
Due to restrictions on entry into Vietnam during the Covid-19 pandemic, V-LEEP II has not yet
fielded any short-term technical advisers.
4.11 THE USE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS RELATIVE TO THE
TARGET IDENTIFIED
V-LEEP II has not yet engaged any subcontractors for the program. The team remains confident
that it will make robust and effective use of small and disadvantaged businesses in future work.
4.12 ISSUES AND MITIGATION MEASURES
There are no such issues to report.
5. UPCOMING PLAN
5.1 MAJOR INTERVENTIONS PLANNED FOR THE NEXT QUARTER
Work in the next quarter (Q2) will focus on completion of start-up activities – particularly advancing
toward ODA approval and developing an approved Work Plan and MEL Plan. These activities
require considerable engagement with counterparts and stakeholders, which V-LEEP II will
achieve through its mix of formal and informal means. See list of planned start-up activities below.
As V-LEEP II proceeds with this start-up focus, the team will also seek opportunities to launch
private sector oriented “one-on-one” support that does not require ODA approval; provided the
GVN counterparts are amendable to such support.
12Table 1: Upcoming Start-Up Related Activities and Deliverables
Activity Date
Start-Up Workshop January 28, 2021
Co-Planning Workshop January 28-29, 2021
Deliverable Date
Year 1 Workplan January 28, 2021
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan January 28, 2021
Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan January 28, 2021
Grants Manual January 28, 2021
Gender and Social Inclusion Action Plan January 28, 2021
Emergency Contact Plan January 28, 2021
5.2 INDICATORS WITH TARGETS FOR THE NEXT QUARTER
The V-LEEP II MEL Plan is currently under development. Once the indicators and targets are
presented in the MEL Plan and approved by USAID, V-LEEP II will begin reporting on its progress
towards meeting them and its goals for each quarter.
5.3 PROJECTED USAID APPROVALS, WAIVERS OR DEVIATION REQUESTS
ANTICIPATED DURING THE NEXT QUARTER
V-LEEP II anticipates submitting the following requests to USAID during the next quarter:
• Consent(s) to Subcontract for Local and International Subcontractors
6. STATUS OF REQUIRED AUDIT PROCESSES (INCLUDING FOR SUB-
AWARDEES)
There are no pending audit processes that have been required or initiated under V-LEEP II.
7. USAID SUCCESS STORIES
V-LEEP II has not yet prepared or submitted any success stories.
8. STATUS OF IMPLEMENTING CONDITIONS UNDER IEE ASIA 20-035
V-LEEP II will comply with the requirements under 22 CFR 216 and in particular the threshold
determinations and related conditions in Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Asia 20-035.
This IEE determined that a Negative Determination with conditions applies to certain types of
activities under V-LEEP II, including: (1) Support bond issuance for transmission company to
mobilize capital investment for transmission projects; and (2) Pilot or demonstration for innovative
business models, technologies of advanced energy systems
Within the first four months of V-LEEP II operations and in conjunction with the Work Plan
development process, the Team will draft an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
13(EMMP), which will translate applicable IEE conditions and mitigation measures into specific,
implementable, and verifiable actions for V-LEEP II. The EMMP will be integrated into and serve
as a key component of the V-LEEP II Work Plan. It will: (1) identify measures to minimize or avoid
adverse effects to human health and the environment; (2) delineate environmental monitoring
indicators and reporting frequency; and (3) establish the roles and responsibilities of V-LEEP staff
and partners relative to Regulation 216 compliance and implementation of mitigation measures.
The EMMP will include applicable environmental and social screening templates and checklists,
illustrative environmental standard operating procedures, and other guidance for the V-LEEP II
team. As part of the Year 1 and subsequent annual Work Planning processes, V-LEEP II will
evaluate all proposed and ongoing activities against applicable USAID and Vietnamese
environmental rules, regulations and requirements. The EMMP will serve as a live document that
will continually be assessed and updated as needed, in consultation with USAID. During V-LEEP
II’s first 90 calendar days, activities for this deliverable included:
• Reviewing the detailed IEE determinations, conditions, and recommendations
• Identifying and mapping applicable Work Plan activities that may pose adverse impacts
to the IEE conditions
• Identifying and reviewing applicable USAID regulations and guidance as well as GVN
environmental impact legislation and related regulatory requirements; integrating these
requirements into the EMMP
• Developing illustrative mitigation measures for relevant activities and impacts and inte-
grating into the EMMP
• Developing plans for training of V-LEEP II staff on environmental compliance
V-LEEP II’s Environmental Mitigation and Management Senior Advisor will lead the drafting of the
EMMP with support from the field-based Cross-Cutting and Start-up team. As required in the Task
Order, the team will submit the EMMP Plan within 120 calendar days after the effective date of
the Task Order.
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