IDF-Monitoring and Evaluation for Development Programs (MEDP) TF090554 The objective of the proposed IDF is to build the capacity of the Project and Investment Analysis Department (PIAD) of the Turkish State Planning Organization (SPO) and key line Ministries (health, labor and social security, transport and infrastructure, education and environment) in Managing for Development Results or MfDR. The MfDR principles form the basis for sound performance management - focusing on all elements of the project cycle (design, implementation and completion). In managing for results, it is important to have a coherent approach: (a) ex ante, at the strategy and planning phase, when expected results are articulated and their likely costs and expected impact on poverty reduction and development are analyzed, (b) during program/project implementation, when monitoring is needed to assess progress and identify necessary mid-course corrections, (c) ex-post, upon completion, when the results are assessed against objectives and other factors, and (d) also when sufficient time has passed to allow an assessment of sustainability.  The MfDR principles are well-suited for implementation in the context of Turkey where the SPO provides the overall macro framework for planning investments and evaluating project proposals on the basis of this framework, while line ministries are responsible for developing the proposals and project implementation. The choice of the sectors is predicated on the following: (i) Ministry of Transport (MOT) accounts for 50 percent of the total investment budget; (ii) Ministry of Environment (MOE) needs to undertake major investments to meet EU environmental standards; and (iii) social sectors since these sectors exhibit a time-lag between interventions and observed outcomes and require special techniques for MfDR. The proposed IDF grant aims at strengthening the capacity of the Project and Investment Analysis Department (PIAD) of the Turkish State Planning Organization (SPO) in Monitoring and Evaluation for Development Programs (MEDP).  A secondary objective of the IDF is to contribute to greater transparency and accountability for the use of public funds through information sharing.  The MEDP principles form the basis for sound performance management, focusing on all elements of the program/project cycle. In monitoring and evaluation, it is important to have a coherent approach: (a) ex ante, at the strategy and planning phase, when expected results are articulated and their likely costs and expected impact on poverty reduction and development are analyzed; (b) during program/project implementation, when monitoring is needed to assess progress and identify necessary mid-course corrections; (c) ex-post, upon completion, when the results are assessed against objectives and other factors; and (d) also when sufficient time has passed, to allow an assessment of sustainability.  The MEDP principles are well-suited for implementation in Turkey where the SPO provides the overall macro framework for development plans (recently the Ninth Development Plan), prepares medium term and annual programs, and public investment programs in close cooperation with line ministries and public institutions. Line ministries and public institutions are responsible for developing sector-specific strategic plans linked to performance-based budgtes and for identifying and implementing detailed programs and project proposals. Presently, the weakest link in the program/project cycle is in the M&E phase. Therefore, for sound oversight and assessing progress and accomplishment of plans, programs and projects, the capacities for MEDP in SPO and line ministries are to be progressively strengthened.  The development objectives of the proposed IDF are as follows;  1. Assist the Government to develop and implement MEDP in Turkey  2. Improve access of user groups to primary data and ensure effective dissemination of results.