subsequent monthly recurring payment mechanism for MNOs in support of the LIXP’s operations. Digital Liberia also developed the LIXP implementation and pricing plan to present the benefits of a LIXP to key stakeholders through the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. The implementation plan provides roles, challenges, and guiding principles for policymakers and stakeholders on the LIXP’s maintenance, operation and development. The pricing plan provides guidance on how to transfer savings from the LIXP to the Liberian Internet ecosystem. Together, they provide a mechanism to assist the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and MOPT to effectively liaise with local ISPs and the Cable Consortium of Liberia as they identify challenges, develop definitive steps for implementation and work with stakeholders to operationalize local pricing. To boost usage of the exchange, Digital Liberia convened key stakeholders from LTA, MOPT, and ISPs to agree to install a Google Cache Server and high-end switch at the LIXP. The server enables Google services to be available locally, reducing latency for users as international transit is not required. Liberia’s Google Cache Server became operational in in FY 2018. Digital Liberia’s status as an independent party helped the process of convening fiercely competitive ISPs to engage in dialogue for improvement of the sector. Expected Result 10: Improved internet connectivity at prioritized County Service Centers As part of the Option year 2 modification, USAID requested that Digital Liberia support connectivity efforts at County Service Centers (CSCs) to complement work performed by the Inveneo Rural Connectivity Infrastructure project. However, GOL counterparts were unable to commit to ongoing support for internet connection fees, therefore reducing sustainability of these efforts. As a result, USAID removed this expected result from thFe Digital Liberia scope of work. Digital Liberia instead delivered a connectivity troubleshooting module in Inveneo’s scheduled training for CSC staff and local technical support envoys in Lofa, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Bong counties. SECTION 3. LEARNING AND ADAPTING Digital Liberia’s implementation resulted in several key project learnings, some of which required the project to shift course and adapt to a dynamic operating environment. ONE PROJECT, TWO CONTRACTORS USAID designed Digital Liberia using a unique contracting mechanism – it awarded two separate contracts for a single project. Chemonics International was responsible for overall management of Digital Liberia and delivering Objective 2 expected results, while IBI International was responsible for delivering Objective 1 expected results. Despite the potential for miscommunication and confusion over roles and responsibilities, Chemonics and IBI operated seamlessly, truly embracing the one team approach. A key reason for this ease of operations was the development of a memoranda of understanding between Chemonics and IBI that outlined exactly how the two implementing partners would cooperate to deliver Digital Liberia technical objectives. A cost-sharing agreement also allowed the two contractors to share costs, resulting in savings for the U.S. government. Additionally, several key personnel had previously worked together under the USAID GEMS project. These existing relationships allowed the team to quickly collaborate in a way that otherwise may have taken time to develop through purposeful team building exercises. STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS The value of an implementing partner serving as a liaison between private sector (CSquared) and public sector (GOL), was fully demonstrated over the life of Digital Liberia. Government decision making requires time, understanding and consensus, while CSquared decision making is vested in their representative, allowing immediate response and action. These differences increased relationship pressures and frustration. DIGITAL LIBERIA FINAL REPORT | 25