Guidelines for Consultancy Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) Program Implementation

November 5, 2009

DOST MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 006-09

 

The CAPE Program aims to institutionalize effective farm management strategies to improve agricultural productivity. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) thru the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) provides consultancy teams to undertake productivity studies for qualified agri-based enterprises.

I. Background:

This guideline is being re-issued to provide supplemental information and update of the previously issued guidelines on the program.

II. Objective(s):

1. Improve productivity in the agricultural sector through judicious application of S&T innovations;

2. Creation/Accreditation of a pool of consultants to provide productivity consultancy services in agriculture; and

3. Encourage the private sector to tap government generated S&T innovations in agriculture.

III. Sectors Covered:

1. Aquaculture (prawn, milkfish, mudcrab, tilapia, etc.)

2. Horticulture (vegetables, fruits, ornamentals plantation crops, etc.) CAaSED

IV. Who Can Avail of the CAPE Program:

CAPE is open to any agri-based enterprises involved in the production of agricultural products within the program coverage.

V. How to Avail of CAPE Assistance:

Individual farmers, farmer cooperatives, NGOs and LGUs may contact the nearest provincial or regional DOST office for endorsement to TAPI. A formal request for CAPE assistance must then be submitted. The request should contain:

1. Background information of the farm;

2. Type of technical assistance needed; and

3. Expertise required

CAPE consultancy teams may also recommend farms for inclusion in the program. Participation to the program is free of charge. However, full commitment and cooperation of farm beneficiary is required specially in sharing relevant information to the study team.

VI. How are Farms Screened?

1. Farm owners/representatives are invited to a matching session. TAPI shall be responsible for the selection of farm beneficiaries.

2. Matching of farms with CAPE consultants is done in consultation with farm owners.

3. Farm beneficiaries signify their agreement to participate in the program by signing the Commitment Contract.

VII. Requirements for Farm Beneficiaries:

Costs involved in implementing the recommendations of the consultants to improve farm operations will be the farm owners' counterpart (i.e., cost of labor and farm inputs such as fertilizer, pesticide, etc.) The farm beneficiaries shall designate their own personnel as project counterpart.

VIII. Operating Procedures for the CAPE Program: CIDaTc

1. CAPE evaluates application for assistance.

2. If it qualifies and meets the requirements for assistance, CAPE organizes a team of experts that will visit the farm.

3. A matching session between the consultancy team, together with a team from TAPI or the DOST Regional or Provincial Offices and the farmer beneficiary is held to identify problems, possible areas for intervention and possible solutions/recommendations to the problems identified.

4. Consultancy Team submits an Inception Report containing brief description of the farm, technical problems identified, possible technical interventions, schedule of visits/activities, and costs and benefits expected from the proposed interventions. TAPI reviews said documents and submit recommendation to TAPI EXECOM for decision.

5. Upon approval of the Inception Report and budgetary requirement, TAPI enters into a Contract of Services (COS) with the Consultancy Group and the project is implemented. If disapproved, TAPI informs the proponent of the decision in writing.

6. TAPI releases fund for the project.

7. The progress report containing the accomplishments against the interventions recommended is submitted to TAPI within two (2) months after the effectivity of the Contract.

8. At the end of the study, a final report is submitted by the team to TAPI documenting the assessment, analyses, evaluation and recommendations made.

9. Upon completion of the project, TAPI shall assess the performance of the farms to see its effects against the targets contained in the inception report and as basis for future consultancy engagements.

IX. Criteria for Accreditation of Consultants: EAIaHD

1.	Technical expertise	50%
2.	Track Record	50%
		––––––
		100%

Other considerations:

3.	The technical expertise of the consultants and his ability to tap other consultants who can provide the other technical requirements of the farm.
4.	Relevance of the consultant's expertise to the technical requirements of the farm.
5.	Track record in doing agricultural productivity consultancy services in the past.
6.	The applicant-consultant must obtain a rating of 80% to be accredited.

X. Project Duration:

The consultancy team shall complete the study of the assigned farm/farms within a period equivalent to one complete cycle (i.e., one cropping season, one production cycle, etc.) from contract signing.

XI. Project Cost:

TAPI shall pay P45,000 to the consultancy team for each engagement exclusive of travel expenses.

XII. Monitoring and Program Updates:

TAPI and/or DOST Regional/Provincial Office representatives will conduct monitoring and validation of CAPE-assisted projects.

XIII. Effectivity:

This circular shall supersede the previously issued guidelines and shall take effect immediately.

Taguig City, Philippines, October __, 2009. DEIHSa

 

(SGD.) ESTRELLA F. ALABASTROSecretary