The efficiency of the FLEGT licensing scheme and effectiveness of the Legality, Assurance System assessed through the services of on Independent Auditor– EDF 10

A. Description: The purpose of this contract is to: Assess the efficiency of the FLEGT

licensing scheme and effectiveness of the Legality Assurance System (LAS) and improve the credibility of the LAS established under the VPA.

B. Overall Objective: The overall objective of the project of which this contract will be a

part is as follows:

i. The forest sector contributes to sustainable socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and economic growth in Liberia.

C. The specific objective of this project is as follows:

i. Strengthened forest sector governance and law enforcement through support to the

implementation of the VPA.

D. Beneficiary Institution: Forestry Development Authority

E. Total cost: 1, 900,000

F. Contract value: EUR 1,387,200.00

G. Duration: 36 months Signature Date: March 6, 2017 End Date: March 6, 2021

(Addendum-One Year Extension)

H. Next Step:

i. Independent Auditor to conduct 5th Audit after the submission and approval of the

ToR and work schedule by the Independent Audit Working Group

ii. NAO and EUD/IAWG to approve Audit 4 Report

I. Status: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Independent Auditors are working from home preparing the modalities for the 5th Audit and final reporting. Four (4) Audits have been produced to date, and the FDA has addressed and continues to address some of the issues raised in the audits. During this period, the 4th Audit and 5th Interim Reports were submitted.

J. Contractor/Implementer: SOFRECO