DI Development, a business of DynCorp International, is working in Paraguay to strengthen control systems within the country in a fight against corruption.  As an implementing partner with USAID on “Programa Umbral,” DI supports the Paraguayan government on this international initiative.

Strengthening of Control Systems

With DI Development’s assistance,  Paraguayan government officials completed training at Universidad Católica in basic communication tools needed to strengthen anticorruption control systems. Eleven workshops throughout the country were held, and three hundred officials participated. In addition, technical experts from the Office of the Controller General of Colombia trained more than 3,000 Paraguayan government officials in the 29 standards comprised by the Internal Controls Model for Paraguay (MECIP) to fight corruption.

Control system strengthening accomplishments include:

• 90% progress was achieved in improving governmental auditing processes and forensic auditing.

• 80% progress in achieving certification of General Auditing of the Executive Power in ISO 9001 Standards.

• 33 government officials from the Office of the Comptroller of the Republic and from General Auditing of the Executive Power were trained in quality auditing techniques.

• 30 officials from the General Finance Office of the Republic and from other bodies were trained in techniques to expand non-participating entities of the Umbral II Program.

Partnership with Civil Society Organizations

DI Development partnered with two Paraguayan civil society organizations (CS0s) to help the Office of Support to Citizen Control strengthen operational procedures, improving its plan to promote participation, citizen control and free access to public information.

The CSOs developed an Accounts Reporting Manual for regional and local health councils to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of health services. A Citizen Oversight manual and website was developed, and two training workshops were held on how to use the manual and website.

A framework for a communications plan regarding equipment was delivered to the Public Health and Social Welfare Ministry. A sub-site that provides information on medication logistics reforms was developed, with inclusion of information on bidding and prices. An account reporting manual for regional and local Health Councils is being tested.

Campaign materials regarding circulation of reforms on medication logistics were produced, including six posters, two radio slots and on TV spot.

Future Activities

Some control system future activities include:

• Improving the quantity and quality of responses from Paraguayan government institutions regarding auditing recommendations.

• Redesigning a citizen control website to improve access to public information and encourage citizen participation.

• Improving CSOs’ ability to increase the number of regional public hearing activities and response rates to public complaint.