1. How is partner risk determined in OneGMS?

The Risk Level on the OneGMS is determined by assessing both the capacity and performance of each potential eligible partner and Implementing Partner. Initially, a Capacity Assessment (CA) is conducted to categorize eligible NGOs into specific risk ratings, which dictate the operational modalities they must follow, with higher risk partners requiring more stringent assurance mechanisms. As partners receive funding and implement projects, their risk rating is increasingly influenced by their performance, evaluated through the Partner Performance Index (PPI). This system allows partners to improve their risk level by enhancing their capacity and demonstrating good performance. Over time, the initial CA score diminishes in significance, eventually being replaced entirely by the performance-based scores in determining the partner's Risk Level.

2. Capacity Assessment Score

The Capacity Assessment (CA) evaluates an organization’s institutional, managerial, financial, and technical expertise to determine its capacity. Based on the CA score and the Funds’ scoring table and thresholds, partners are categorized as Non-Eligible or Eligible. Eligible partners are further rated as High Risk, Medium Risk, or Low Risk.  

A few elements to note in the Capacity Assessment form:

• Your Fund’s specific scoring table can be viewed here (1).
• The CA can be selected out the 3 available options (2).
• If Internal CA on GMS is selected, the score will automatically be calculated as the form is being filled out (3). If CA offline is selected, you will be able to enter the score manually (3).
• The Adapted CA Score is automatically calculated once the total score is inputted (4).
• The risk level can be manually selected from the drop down (5).
• If the partner is being re-assessed, select [Create Version] to keep track copies of all CA forms for later consultation (6). 
• A screenshot of a computer
• Description automatically generatedUse the Documents tab to upload any relevant documents used to assess the partner during the CA (7). 

3. What is the Adapted CA Score?

The Adapted CA score, displayed next to the CA score after completing the CA Questionnaire on OneGMS, was introduced to harmonize CA scores and facilitate the comparison of partners’ risks across different funds. This score is calculated using a fund-specific 'multiplier' that translates the CA country score to its global weight equivalence without altering the risk level. The Adapted CA score is used in calculating the Partner Performance Index Adjusted Risk Level.

4. Performance Index (PI) Score

The performance of an Implementing Partner on a project is assessed using a set of pre-determined questions established by the CBPF, which are consistent for all partners. These questions are presented to the HFU as specific milestones are completed throughout the project lifecycle. At Project Closure, once all questions have been answered and saved, the performance index score is calculated.

5. Partner Performance Index (PI) Adjusted Score

The overall Partner PI adjusted score is determined by combining the different project PI scores of a partner with their original CA score. The weight of each project in this calculation increases with the number of projects completed by the partner, giving more significance to recent projects. The CA score is excluded from the PI adjusted risk calculation after the partner's 5th project.  

The Partner’s PI adjusted score, derived from the combination of project PI scores and CA results, corresponds to a specific risk level defined by the Global Risk Range. OneGMS automatically calculates this score and corresponding Risk Level. HFUs can then approve the PI adjusted risk from the Partner Performance Index Risk Management page.