TWINNING PROJECT FICHE

1. Basic Information1.1 Programme: ENPI 20091.2 Twinning Number: GE11/ENP-PCA/OT/12

1.3 Title: Promote the strengthening of E-Governance in Georgia (E-Government Georgia)

1.4 Sector: Other1.5 Beneficiary Country: Georgia (Ministry of Justice of Georgia, the Data Exchange Agency of Georgia)

Objectives

2.1 Overall Objective(s):Based on best EU practice to build capacity of Georgian Administration in Implementation of reforms and democracy for the benefit of people by using of ICT

2.2 Project Purpose:Strengthen the capacities of Data Exchange Agency to consequently implement the best and the most suitable e-policies in Georgia based on EU practice

2.3 Contribution to the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement and the European Neigh-bourhood Policy Action Plan

Article 65 of the EU-Georgia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) promotes cooperation between the contracting parties in support the development of modern methods of information handling, including media and stimulate the effective mutual exchanges of information.

The Twinning Project will be particularly relevant for Chapter 4.6.4 “Information Society and media” of EU-Georgia European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan adopted in November 2006. The EU welcomes Georgia's readiness to enhance cooperation in all domains covered by the Action Plan and was invited for “further progress in electronic communications policy and regulations, development and use of Information Society applications”. The ENP Action Plan requires Georgia to:

- Adopt a national policy on the development of telecommunications and IT sectors and further develop comprehensive regulatory framework including numbering, users’ rights, and privacy protection and data security;

- Promote the use and exchange of views on new technologies and electronic means of communications by businesses, government and citizens in areas such as e-Business (including standards for e-signatures), e-Government, e-Health, e-Learning, e-Culture;

- Continue to develop and implement reform of public administration with a view to its modernisation, accountability and transparency; strengthening the already functioning training centres;

- Establish an electronic database for the monitoring of migration flows;-Improve the registration process in line with EU standards for companies, notably by

strengthening administrative structures involved in company registration; facilitate

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establishment, in particular with regards to access to companies’ basic legal and financial information, transparency of legislation, etc.

This Twinning Project should contribute favourably to the above Action Plan priority actions and objectives through concrete and measurable results. Through the support of a well-established Member State Institution(s), the Data Exchange Agency (DEA) will, inter alia, be able to: 1) develop the e-Government policy papers, legal and regulatory framework to effectively coordinate e-governance applications development in the country, ensuring provision of secure, effective and efficient e-services, 2) provide for necessary platform in setting up institutional capacities to develop, implement and promote interoperability framework and standards, 3) establish the information security infrastructure to ensure rapid and efficient response to possible cyber-attacks.

3. Description 3.1. Background and justification:

According to EC Progress Report Georgia Implementation of the European Neighbour-hood Policy in 2009, “overall, Georgia made progress in the implementation of the ENP Action Plan priorities throughout 2009, especially in the areas of rule of law, reform of justice system, fight against petty corruption, trade facilitation and improvement of business climate”.On its way to implement the provisions of strategic documents, Georgia has made significant progress and it continues to take next steps in implementation of reforms strengthening the capacities of the key institutions based on ICT tools.

Over the last several years, the Government of Georgia (GoG) has moved rapidly to take advantage of the underlying dynamics associated with ICTs, specifically telecommunications. It has moved to open the environment and licensed three nation-wide mobile. In addition, the Government of Georgia has awarded contracts to private sector companies for two nation-wide broadband Internet initiatives, one for connecting all schools and the other for linking government offices. These initiatives ultimately lead to broadband Internet availability country-wide operators (The Internet penetration rate in Georgia is now around 30%,1 and this is a critical precondition to uptake the e-services by the users). Further, there are a range of e-Government projects currently underway where the government is seeking to improve its own efficiencies and effectiveness through automation, as well as extending government services through the Internet to citizens and businesses.

During the last years the initiatives of the Georgian Government authorities to use ICT tools and applications for supporting good governance, strengthening existing relationships and building new partnerships within civil society have had important impact on reforming numerous governmental agencies. With the assistance of development partners, Georgia has already implemented ICT based tools to enhance functionality of various ministries and state agencies (i.e. the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Finance, General Prosecutor’s Office, Civil and Public Registry, Notary Chamber, National Archives and others). Currently main fundamental registers for e-government such as Real Estate Registry (Donor SIDA, USAID), Civil (Donor USAID) and Business Registry (Donor USAID, GoG) are created and successfully operating in Georgia.

A range of e-Governance projects (more than 25) have been recently finalised, are in progress or ready to be launched. The main registers used for e-services are: Public (Real Estate) Registry,

1 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/icteye/Reporting/ShowReportFrame.aspx?ReportName=/WTI/ InformationTechnologyPublic&ReportFormat=HTML4.0&RP_intYear=2009&RP_intLanguageID=1&RP_bitLiveData=False

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Civil Registry, Vehicle Registry, Pledge Registry, State Archives, Registry of Entrepreneurs, Re-gistry of Non-entrepreneurial Legal Entities, Registry of Debtors.Registry for Citizens’ political unification (parties); Registry for licenses and authorizations; Registry of Controlling Units; Normative Acts’ Registry; etc. (for more see p.3.2).However, the results achieved so far were based mainly on initiatives of different agencies without any documented/approved e-Government strategy. Various governmental E-services are placed in different sources, in some cases with lack of mutual access, making them less user-friendly. The lack of interoperability framework between institutions creates many problems in exchanging information. Currently, from e-government legislative point of view, Georgia is sig-nificantly below the European standards. Evidently, in Georgia legal framework regulating e-government issues does not exist. There are some fragmented laws/sub-laws adopted governing certain portions of e-initiatives, different norms on e-government are scattered in separate legis-lative acts which in many cases do not correspond to one another conceptually. Most of the exis-ted laws are old and these archaic laws are applicable only to paper-based relations thus not cov-ering electronic communications. To solve the above mentioned problems, the Data Exchange Agency (DEA) was established un-der the Law and officially started its operation on January 1, 2010. The aim of the Agency is to support the process of electronic data exchange through coordination, acting as a Georgian gov-ernmental gateway, as well as focusing on information and cyber security policies (www.e-gov-ernment.ge).The information security issue is one of the most important tasks of the Agency taking into account lessons learned from 2008 cyber war. To prevent information fraud, the Data Exchange Agency created CERT.gov.ge (Computer Emergency Response Team). The primary mission of CERT includes: monitoring of the Georgian Governmental Network, defending critical infrastructures, incident analysing, responding to cyber-attacks and enhancing information security environment. As of January, 2010 DEA employed 25 persons, in total. New recruitment procedures have been launched and the number of staff is expected to reach 35 persons by the end of 2011. To fulfill their tasks established by the Law, DEA is in urgent need of further development of its staff competences. Especially critical is the accumulation of specific knowledge in relation to information security topics (security management, security audit, security certification, risk and information systems control review, service operations management, etc.). To ensure this required capacity developed and built within DEA, relevant specialists of the Agency need to undergo training in a specialised institution having adequate infrastructure to deliver such training, e.g. similar to the European offices of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). In addition, participation in such events as ones of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA)2 are important for sharing experience and further upgrade of the knowledge base. It should be noted that the Law also requires the DEA information system auditors to be certified in accordance with international practices. Other Governmental organisations have the same requirement to have qualified and certified staff in certain fields. They have also obligation to ensure their staff’s professional development. The training of trainers (ToT) approach will be applied: the trained and certified staff of DEA will pass their knowledge to responsible persons (Chief Information Officers) from other Georgian government institutions, thus ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of means.This Twinning Project is expected to support the DEA in institutional and capacity building, in coordination of e-Government development as well as in creation of enabling legal/regulatory/technical environment for enhanced interoperability between the government

2 European Network and Information Security Agency, http://www.enisa.europa.eu/

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institutions and institutionalised information security infrastructure. Study tours, internships and training of Georgian experts in EU Member State’s institutions should be seen as an important mean to promote the European approach on e-Governance and information security issues. Increasing number of services provided electronically requests for further development of interoperability framework, based on the best EU MS practices. To cope with highly demanding tasks to be performed by DEA, an involvement of its staff in the project activities shall be made to the widest possible extent: development and implementation of legal/regulatory framework, regulations and security standards; participation in international events and other project activities, as well as seminars/training/workshops for other public authorities in e-services and information security issues.

3.2 Linked activities In the recent years, as mentioned in section 3.1, a significant number of projects financed by dif-ferent donors have been contributing for development and strengthening of ICT based applica-tions. EU funded project Support to the Transformation of the State United Social Insur-ance Fund of Georgia (HESPA) (April 2007-July 2009). The overall objective of this project was to improve the health of the people of Georgia through a reformed health purchasing system and improved access to high quality health services. The technical support for development and building of the HESPA purchasing system and technical support to HESPA in organisational ca-pacity building and management and recommendations for technological architecture were provided. The Integrated Information System of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has undergone a major IT transformation under this project. The Ministry is continuing to consolid-ate all of its databases into one unified system. They have standardized on Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and .Net 2.0. Five modules of the new system have been fully implemented. Training has been performed for staff. The implemented system substantially reduced operational costs (by four times3).

Introduction of Identity Card (e-Card) in Georgia Project is in on-going phase leaded by Civil Registry Agency, funded by the GoG. The CRA is in the process of offers evaluation to select the implementation partner. The card has contact Interface – Personal Identification Data, Qualified Certificate for Digital Signature, Unqualified Certificate for Authentication, additional space for post-issuance Applications. The card will have 2 chips and will allow access to all services. The deadline for project implementation and of starting ID cards issuing–June 2011.

Integrated Criminal Case Management System of Georgia(GICCMS) developed and implemented with the USAID support by the Ministry Of Justice in coordination with the representatives of Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry Of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Finance and other enforcement bodies. The system eased the work of law enforcement authorities and eliminated the most part of paper work. The system gives the users the ability to search any person in the pool of entire cases and thus immediately gains the information if the person has ever been part of any case with any status. Project was finalised in 2010.Overall project duration – 10 months.

Electronic Procurement System of the State Procurement Agency Project implemented by the State Procurement Agency with the support of World Bank (WB).The web-based e-procure-ment platform, available 24/24/7, accessible via standard web browser. Any document related to the tenders shall be uploaded and made available to any interested person, without any require-

3 Source: Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, presentation on GITI 2010

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ment for registration or cost. All the process enhanced substantially the procurement process. The opening and evaluation processes are supported through recordings in the system. All docu-ments related to the particular tender (including evaluation procedures and the contract) are up-loaded immediately through the system. The project is finalised in 2010.

Electronic Budget and Electronic Treasury Project financed by World Bank, started in April 2010 represents part of the Electronic Public Finance Management System and is designed for State Budget structures (ministries, agencies, etc.). These services are available online and sus-tain full cycle of budget preparation process by the Budgetary organizations (E- Budget) and ex-penditure management process (E-Treasury).The system provides capability for all government-financed organizations to present forms and documents in electronic format and perform online transfers at any time24/24/7, the Treasury is processing data during the working hours. Submit-ting documents in electronic format increases data accuracy, information exchange process ef-fectiveness reduces organizations’ workload and administrative costs.

Assessment of the local self-governments capacity for introduction of the e-governance sys-tem Project supported by GTZ and implemented by Civil Registry Agency in coordination with the Ministry for Regional Development has been started in November 2010. Scope of work: Analysis of self-governance business processes and recommendation on main directions of pos-sible modernization/optimization. The gaps in organisation, infrastructure, legislation, financing will be assessed and in several municipalities. Concrete services must be identified to be provided to citizens/business companies through usage of e-governance system and action plan for successive introduction of these services must be defined. The project will be finalised on March 2011.

The Project Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) is in progress under the “Capacity Building and Improved Client Services at NAPR of Georgia” project. The CORS project is aimed to get access to high quality coordinates by GNSS-measurements and to establish of a national reference system connected to the European ETRS 89.It is financed by Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and World Bank (WB). The implementation is performed in co-operation with Lantmäteriet, the Swedish Mapping, Ca-dastral and Land Registration Authority, which is providing advisory and training. By an estab-lishment of a CORS-system it would be possible to get access to high quality co-ordinates by GNSS-measurements or combined GNSS/total station measurements. A CORS-system will also facilitate the establishment of a homogeneous reference system connected to the global ITRF ref-erence system and will be the most cost efficient and effective way to improve the parcel regis-tration process at NAPR. The project is in progress now, installing the equipment.

The “Development of Uniform Public Information Registry (Register of Registries) in Georgia” Project was initiated by DEA. The project aims to conduct assessment of: i) legislative and other regulatory framework, identify gaps and to establish solid legal basis for the Registry of Registers (legal review); ii) current management setup, document workflow, information man-agement standards and other technical aspects (technical review); iii) develop, discuss and dis-seminate uniform standards for information exchange related to the Registry of Registers (concept/strategy and action plan). Implementation of this project will create a solid basement for the attainment of this project result 2. The project has not been started yet.

The Project “Introduction of e-Governance System model for Capacity Building in the Local Governance” was recently initiated by Civil Registry Agency to make further steps in e-Governance implementation. In Georgia one of the weak sides of the situation in terms of e-gov-

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ernance is unequal application of the ICT by the public institutions, especially in rural areas at local level that is an obstacle for the government in approaching the efficiency of the e-gov-ernance. The project aims to create a proper environment and improving capacity of the local self-governments for introduction of e-governance system based initially on CRA capacities, spreading knowledge and building local capacities in use of ICT tools in governance. The project is at the fundraising stage. The Project “Implementation of new software for HR management” in all state authorities was launched and will be administered by the Civil Service Bureau, is funded by the GoG. On the first stage this software will be implemented in several ministries. By the beginning of the 2011 it is planned to have this software launched in all state authorities. This is expected to sim-plify and enhance work for the HR managers of the state authorities. The software will enable creation of electronic file for each civil servant.

During its first 6 months the Economic Prosperity Initiative (EPI) began identifying certain Government of Georgia (GoG) ICT assistance areas in the economic sector governmental agen-cies and offices. Possible assistance initiatives identified so far are: 1) a State Property Manage-ment system for the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development; 2) an e-filing system for Sakpatenti; 3) business processes automation of tax audit at the Revenue Service; 4) a poten-tial TradeNet (single window trade support system) for the Data Exchange Agency; and 5) a Market Information System for the Ministry of Agriculture. So far, initial steps have been taken to map and reengineer business processes within Sakpatenti, and business process automation advisor is currently engaged at the Revenue Service. In May and June 2011 EPI will be develop-ing an e-Government Assistance Action Plan that will more concretely specify and prioritize EPI’s eGovernment support activities in the economic sector. These activities remain subject to USAID approval.

It should be highlighted that the Twinning Project must as well be fully coordinated with the European Commission's activities, notably with regard to the implementation of the Digital Agenda for Europe4and of the DECISION 2004/387/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 21 April 2004 on interoperable delivery of pan-European e-Govern-ment services to public administrations, businesses and citizens (IDABC)5.

3.3. Results

Based on the gap analysis, five mandatory results have been identified for this twinning project:

1. Legal, regulatory framework on e-Government (including e-Commerce Law, Information security /cyber security Law)developed, discussed and agreed by main stakeholders;

2. Interoperability Framework between Government institutions established; 3. Knowledge and skills in: e-Governance, Georgian Government Network Management/

monitoring, information security issues handling acquired and promotion of information security enhanced;

4. Strategic paper on development of E-Georgia and Roadmap (Action Plan) on e-Governance developed, discussed and agreed by main stakeholders;

5. Communication Plan with special emphasises on information security adopted and implementation started (including planned awareness actions undertaken).

3.4 Activities:

4 http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/digital-agenda-communication-en.pdf 5 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2004:181:0025:0035:EN:PDF

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The Twinning Project will allow for the development of a close relationship with a relevant body (bodies) responsible for e-Government Policy, legal, regulatory and interoperability framework implementation and Information security handling of an EU Member state6. It is expected to es-tablish of Cooperation and Partnership with respective EU twinning Country, to work with European experts and institutions to build CERT Georgia and Training capacity for Cyber Secur-ity, to learn from best practices within theoretical and practical trainings, study visits and intern-ships to the twinning country, experts visits, workshops and evaluation of current development of E-Georgia initiatives in the country.The listed activities and the proposed means and activities for achieving the results are indicative and can be revised in the framework of the preparation of the contract between the twinned insti-tutions.A.0 General Activities

A.0.1 Kick-off Workshop

MethodThe first month of the project will be used to allow the installation in Georgia of the Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA). The RTA will have to be installed in his/her office at the DEA. S/he will be introduced to the BC stakeholders of the project and to his counterparts and staff. He will also hire an Assistant (RTA Assistant) through an appropriate selection procedure.A one-day kick-off meeting will be organised in the first month aiming at launching and present-ing the project to the stakeholders, the media and the public at large. In order to guarantee large public information about Benchmarks: stakeholders, media and public informed about the start and content of the project by start of month 2.

Resources: RTA, PL translation, interpretation, rent of premises7.

A.0.2 Final Closing ConferenceMethod During the last two months of the project, a closing conference will be organised at which the results of the project will be presented. The state of play in the areas of the project’s interven-tions will be discussed with the beneficiary (DEA), the Georgian Government, the civil society and other donors. The conference will be concluded with some recommendations for possible follow-up and lessons learnt for similar projects.Benchmarks: Closing Conference organised

Recommendations and Lessons learnt formulated and discussedStakeholders, media and public informed about the results of the project at its end.

Resources: RTA, PL, translation, interpretation, rent of premises

Component 1. Legal/regulatory Framework

6 Several MS, in case of a consortium7 Note: The Data Exchange Agency is a newly established institution and does not have its own premises conference/meeting rooms for the

seminars, workshops for more than 10 persons; therefore rent of premises is necessary. All training seminars/workshops with DEA staff will be organised in DEA premises.

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A1.1. A three days seminar on best EU practices in e-Government legislation for representatives of all government bodies involved in e-Governance.Method: EU expert will develop necessary material and carry out seminar for field specialists on how relevant EU directives are being transposed in several EU member states.Benchmarks Presentations materials prepared and provided.Resources RTA, STE, Interpretation, Translation, rent of premises

A1.2. Perform the Peer-assessment advice on legislation approximation approach and identifica-tion of priorities in legal acts revision/drafting. Method: EU MS Expert will assess the legislation and prepare proposals, discuss with DEA and other authorities, after discussions and review expert will finalise the draft document.Benchmarks List of legislation and priorities agreedResources RTA, STE, translation, interpretation

A1.3. Draft e-Commerce Law, Law on e-Government, Law on Information SecurityMethod: EU experts will prepare comments based on best practice e-Commerce Law in EU and will present in 2 workshops for each law: one 1X2 day workshop with DEA staff and one 1X 1 day workshop with all stakeholders. After discussions and review expert will finalise the draft document.Benchmarks Workshops organised, Materials prepared and presented, Com-

ments provided. Proposed changes agreed. Draft Law amended ac-cordingly

Resources RTA, STE Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises

A1.4. Study visit in the MS authorities responsible for legal/regulatory acts in e-Governance de-velopment and implementationMethod:During the legal/regulatory framework drafting period four specialists in charge of this task in the DEA will undertake 1 study visit in a similar institution of the EU. They will discuss the MS experience in the sector as well as draft documents, enforcement issues. Benchmarks Report and recommendations preparedResources 4 flights, 20 per diems

A1.5. Draft of other legal acts on e-GovernmentMethod: 2 EU experts will prepare draft acts based on best practice in EU and will present in 4 5 day workshops with stakeholders. After discussions and review experts will finalise the draft documents.Benchmarks Workshops organised, Materials prepared and presented, Com-

ments provided. Proposed changes agreed. Draft acts amended ac-cordingly

Resources RTA, STE Translation, Interpretation, Venue cost

Component 2. Interoperability Framework

A2.1 Performing peer-assessment of the local situation in interoperability issues. Advice on pri-ority actions to be undertaken based on the approaches stated in European Interoperability Strategy and European Interoperability Framework.

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Method: EU MS Expert will assess the situation and prepare proposals on necessary documents. After discussing the proposals with DEA and other authorities representatives the expert will fi-nalise the documentBenchmarks Recommendation on Interoperability framework documents priorit-

ies list prepared /discussed/finalisedResources RTA, STE, translation

A2.2. Advise on CERT capacities building to react in real-time conditions, to become a well-functioning institution, cooperating with MS CERT and with wider network of Computer Emer-gency Response Teams.Method: EU MS Expert will assess the situation and prepare proposals on Action Plan based on EU best practice. After discussing the proposals with CERT and other authorities’ representat-ives the expert will finalise the document. Then, 2 additional visits of the same STE for evalu-ation the practical skills of CERT team and advising on necessary actions to be undertaken Benchmarks Recommendations to CERT team discussed action plan developed

and submittedResources RTA, STE, translation

A2.3. Preparation of DEA business/institutional development planMethod: EU MS Experts will assess the situation, will carry out SWOT analysis, human and technical capabilities analysis, and political environment analysis and prepare proposals and re-commendations on Plan content. After discussing the proposals with DEA leadership the expert will finalise the plan.Benchmarks Plan developed and agreedResources RTA, STE, Translation

A2.4. Seminars/workshops on Technical Interoperability Framework, on Information Interoper-ability Framework, on Business Process Interoperability Framework (BPIF)Method: EU expert will develop necessary material and carry out seminars with stakeholders on relevant issues. S/he will undertake two visitsBenchmarks Materials prepared and presented. Seminar deliveredResources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises.

A2.5. Study Tour in MS for four representatives of DEA involved in Interoperability framework activities Method: During the interoperability framework drafting period 4 specialists in charge of this task in the DEA will undertake 1 study visit in a similar institution of the EU. They will discuss the MS experience in the sector as well as draft documents, enforcement issues. They will study the issues connected with implementation of the European Interoperability Strategy and European Interoperability Framework;Benchmarks Report and recommendations prepared and submittedResources 4 flights, 20 per diems

A2.6 Draft the set of Interoperability Regulation documentsMethod: EU MS Expert will draft (or in case some documents are drafted will revise) the set of documents based on EU best practice. S/he will pay two visits at BC to attain the task.

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Benchmarks Comments, proposal/draft document submittedResources RTA, STE, Translation

A2.7 Review the interoperability standards to be approved as Georgian Standards.Method: EU MS Expert will review the set of relevant for Georgia Interoperability Standards based on EU best practice. S/he will pay two visits at BC to attain the task.Benchmarks List drafted/revised and deliveredResources RTA, STE, Translation

A2.8 Draft the Information security Policy paper, methodologies for addressing different kinds of information security incidents. Method: EU MS Experts will draft the set of documents based on EU best practice. 3 visits will be undertaken during the project. After discussing the draft documents with DEA CERT and other stakeholders the experts will finalise the documents.Benchmarks Policy paper drafted and delivered, Methodology drafted and de-

liveredResources RTA, STE, Translation

Component 3. Knowledge acquiring

A3.1. Performing Peer-assessment on capacity building and a develop/revise the Capacity build-ing Action PlanMethod: EU MS Experts will assess the needs and draft the document based on EU best practiceBenchmarks Needs assessment undertaken. Action Plan preparedResources RTA, STE, translation

A3.2. Training seminars/ workshops e-Governance/e-Government in EU MS best practices im-plementation monitoring and evaluation tools, information security polices, regulations, stand-ards, handling information issues and Information Security Audit in public sector and critical in-frastructure, in GGN management/monitoring procedures and tools. Method: EU experts will develop necessary material and carry out seminars/workshops on rel-evant issues

Benchmarks Materials prepared. Training provided. Certificates issuedResources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises.

A3.3. Training seminar/ workshop in ICT Operations Management Method: EU experts will develop necessary material and carry out seminar on managing in-formation technology (IT) systems, philosophically centred on the customer's perspective of IT's contribution to the business.Benchmarks Workshop delivered, Feedbacks collected, Recommendations pre-

paredResources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation,

A3.4. Study visit for DEA staff members involved in design/implementation of e-services to learn from best practices – technical approaches from the respective EU MS ExpertsMethod: DEA staff members will visit organisational structures in the area in 2 MS to learn from the best practice, to discuss the e-services implementation issues.

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Benchmarks Study visit performed. Report prepared and lessons learned incor-porated. Report disseminated. Recommendations made.

Resources 5 flights, 30 per diems

A3.5. Internship/training (certified) in MS institutions’ (CERT) or/and at the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) for 3 Georgian specialists dealing with information security issues handling (CERT members).Method: Georgian specialists will participate practically in the process of addressing Informa-tion security issues in relevant Centre and will be trained at the MS training facilitiesBenchmarks Internship performed. Courses finalised. Certificates obtained. Re-

port prepared and disseminated. Recommendations made.Resources 3 flights, 3 X 6 (18) per diems

A3.6. Trainings and certification of Georgian specialists (Training Provider ISACA- Informa-tion Systems Audit and Control Association) for:

-Information security audit, (CISA- Certified Information Systems Auditor Review Courses) - Information security management (CISM-Certified Information Security Manager Review Courses)Method: Georgian specialists will be trained and certified in specialised MS institutionBenchmarks Training Provided, Certificates issuedResources 5 flights, 30 per diems

A3.7 Performing peer-assessment of the local situation in technical documentation writing pro-cedures and compare business processes in this respect with MS practice. Advice on priority ac-tions to be undertaken based on the best practice and IT system technical documentation writing standard/methodologies. Method: EU MS Expert will assess the situation and prepare proposals on necessary documents. After discussing the proposals with DEA and other authority representatives the expert will fi-nalise the documentBenchmarks Analysis performed. Recommendations for methodology develop-

ment/standard procedures/documentation providedResources RTA, STE, translation

A3.8.Draft the Technical Documentations of DEA on ICT systems/projects and relevance with international standards/methodologies.Method: EU MS Expert will review Technical Documentation of DEA based on EU best prac-tice. S/he will pay two visits at BC to attain the task.Benchmarks Standard translation, Recommendation on development of the

Technical Prescription: “Requirements for Technical documenta-tion for the life cycle of IT systems”

Resources RTA, STE , translation

Component 4. Strategic Paper “e-Georgia”

A4.1. Three days seminars/training workshops on National Strategies in Information (know-ledge based) Society and e-Governance/e-Government policies and Roadmap development. Practice in Digital Agenda for Europe implementation.Method: EU experts will develop necessary material and carry out seminar on relevant issuesBenchmarks Seminars/training organised, Materials prepared and distributed.

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Resources RTA, STE, rent of premises, Translation, Interpretation

A4.2. Review/draft Strategic Paper “e-Georgia” aiming on harnessing the full potential of ICT and much better address some of country most acute societal challengesMethod: EU experts will review/draft the Strategy Paper based on the latest EU documents in-cluding Digital Agenda for Europe. Task groups will be established per Strategy chapters. After discussing the draft documents with Task groups, DEA and other stakeholders, the experts will finalise the document.Benchmarks Draft Strategy Paper reviewed/drafted. Paper discussed in Task

groups meetings, commented, amended and agreedResources RTA, STE, Translation

A4.3. Review/draft e-Government Roadmap (Action Plan)Method: EU experts will review/draft the document based on the latest EU documents including Digital Agenda for Europe. After discussing the draft documents with DEA and other stake-holders the expert swill finalise the documents.Resources RTA, STE, TranslationBenchmarks Draft Roadmap reviewed/drafted. Paper discussed in Task groups

meetings, commented, amended and agreed

A4.4. Study tour for four Georgian officials to analyse MS best practice in monitoring/evalu-ation mechanism of e-developmentMethod: Peer-to-peer discussions on statistical indicators on information Society development and collection methodsBenchmarks Monitoring /evaluation tools discussed. Recommendations pre-

paredResources 4 flight tickets, 24 per diems

A4.5. Five day Seminar for DEA Staff on assessment/monitoring tools in e-DevelopmentMethod: The expert will present to the DEA principles, methodology, and basic indicators for monitoring/evaluation/assessment of e-development and will advise on actions to be taken to improve the country ranking in international Reports Benchmarks Seminar organised. Recommendations providedResources RTA, STE Translation, Interpretation

A4.6. Review /draft the monitoring/evaluation mechanism of e-Development GeorgiaMethod: EU experts will review/draft the mechanism based on the MS best practice as well as propose a set of indicators to be monitored. Responsibilities of institutions in monitoring/collec-tion of information will be proposed. After discussing the draft documents with DEA and other stakeholders the expert swill finalise the documents. Benchmarks Monitoring/Evaluation mechanism revised/discussed/agreedResources RTA, STE Translation, Interpretation,

A4.7. Two conferences on discussion of strategic documentsMethod: EU experts will prepare presentations on reviewed/drafted documents and provide them for participantsBenchmarks Conferences organised. Recommendations gathered

Document reviewed.Resources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises.

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Component 5. Communication Strategy

A5.1. Training seminars/workshops on communications methods, tools and skills for the repres-entatives of public bodies involved in e-GovernanceMethod: Communication specialists from EU MS will prepare materials and provide training in the modern communication tools (Press Releases, Interviews, Articles, flyers, TV shows etc.)Benchmarks Materials prepared. Training provided. Certificates issuedResources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises.

A5.2. Undertake peer-assessment on e-Government awareness actions and review/draft the Communication/awareness Strategy Paper and Action planMethod: EU experts will assess the situation and present their findings and proposals on review/draft documents. Benchmarks Materials prepared Communication/awareness Strategy Paper and

Action Plan drafted and commented.Resources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation

A5.3. Study Tour for four relevant Georgian representatives to learn from MS communications and awareness tools in e-Government services and information security mattersMethod: Peer-to-peer discussions. Analyse of MS Plans and practices in communications/awarenessBenchmarks Discussion with MS partner on Communication Strategy, Mission

Report preparedResources 4 flight tickets, 20 per diems

A5.4. One workshop presenting the draft Communication/awareness Strategy Paper and Ac-tion PlanMethod: EU experts will prepare presentations on reviewed/drafted documents and provide them for participantsBenchmarks Workshop organised. Comments gathered. Documents amended

accordingly.Resources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises.

A5.5 Assess the level of communication with International Institutions which are collecting data, are surveying and preparing world reports in the area of ICT/Information Society/e-Governance and provide recommendation on actions in improving communication with such institutions. Method:1.In the first mission the expert will assess the reporting mechanisms in Georgia to different international institutions and based on the assessment will help DEA to establish institutionalised liaison with respective international bodies/institutions like ITU, INSEAD, OECD, that are gathering statistical and other information about/from the countries .2. In the second mission the expert will assess the mass media role in ICT/e-governance reflection and provide a 1 day workshop for the journalists explaining the role of mass-media in international ranking of the country.Benchmarks Assessment undertaken. Recommendation prepared and submittedResources RTA, STE, Translation

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A5.6 A range of training and educational seminars/ fairs for mass-media representatives (Radio and TV, Newspapers and News Agencies, Social Media-bloggers)Benchmarks Training delivered, Feedback gatheredResources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises.

A5.7. Media Contest for the best project-related TV coverage, paper article, radio story, photograph and social media writing in ICT/e-Governance mattersMethodThe conditions at the beginning of the project for the contest will be prepared and published. Winners will be revealed by the trusted jury comprised of field professionals. The Contest has to be institutionalized to be organized annually and awards will be offered in the Annual Conference (Possible within GITI Conference)Benchmarks Publications Contest results Resources RTA, STE, Translation, Interpretation, rent of premises.

3.5 Means/Input from the MS Partner Administration

3.5.1 Profile and tasks of the Project Leader (PL)

The PL will be expected to devote a minimum of 3 days per month to the project in his home ad-ministration. In addition, he will coordinate, from the Member state side, the Project steering Committee (PSC), which will meet in Georgia every three months.

Profile:

at least 5 years’ experience, preferably either in the field of e-Governance/ICT Strategy/Policy, or related fields, in formulation and implementation and monitoring, drafting legal and regulatory documents, as well as in the area of Information security issues with good understanding of other subjects and, during that period, he/she must be in an active senior management position in the Member State institution for at least 3 years;

Have experience in the field of project management, institutional issues and organisation of e-Government applications in line with the European requirements;

excellent command of English

Tasks: Overall coordination, guidance and monitoring of the project; Preparation of project progress reports with support of RTA; Timely achievement of the project results; Co-Chairing of project steering committees; Provision of legal and technical advice and analysis whenever needed.

3.5.2 Profile and tasks of the RTA One Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA) over a period of 18 months as well as medium/short term experts will implement the above-listed components. The RTA has the responsibility to

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guide the work of the team and provide support in elaboration, implementation, auditing and peer-eval-uation of DEA institutional performance.

The RTA is expected to fill the following profile:

Legal background (preferably), minimum 7 years of experience in the field of e-Gov-ernance and ICT Policy/Strategy development and implementation;

Sound comparative knowledge of relevant EU legislative and institutional requirements related to the various components of this project;

Wide knowledge of related good practice/Acquis communautaire and demonstrated ex-perience on adoption of directives on ICT/e-Governance/ Information security into na-tional legislation;

Solid knowledge of ICT/e-Governance legislation, e-Governance Interoperability Frame-work principles and procedures;

Previous experience in project management would be an asset; Experience in working on similar projects in transition countries would be an asset; Good training, public speaking, diplomatic and written communication skills; Excellent computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point); Excellent command of spoken and written English; Fluency in Georgian would be an asset;

Tasks: Overall supervision of the project implementation and coordination of all activities, as

well as management of the project administration; Coordination of the activities of the team members in line with the agreed work pro-

grammes to enable timely completion of project outputs; Provide technical input to the project whenever needed and provision of advise in his

field of expertise; Liaise with MS and BC Project Leaders and daily contacts with BC RTA counterpart; Co-preparation of project progress reports with Project Leader; Liaison with EU Project Manager; Liaison with other relevant projects and Georgian institutions.

3.5.3 Profile and tasks of the medium/ short-term experts

Tasks of medium and short term expertise

Terms of Reference for short-term adviser(s) will be elaborated by Project Leader/RTA at the work plan preparation stage.

The exact number of STEs per activity should be agreed during the contract negotiation process.

Profile of short-term expertise

There should be a pool of short term experts to ensure smooth implementation of the project dur-ing the overall implementation period. STEs should be identified by the Project Leader/RTA and have to be agreed with the Beneficiary administration in the course of designing and delivery of the project. The STE's shall have:

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a university degree in a relevant subject; a minimum of five years experience in their respective field; an excellent command of written and spoken English; Georgian language knowledge would be an asset; experience in Phare/ENP-East countries or in other international projects relat-ing to quality infrastructure development/management would be an advantage.

In order to achieve the result No 1, STEs involved shall have: Legal background, knowledge and experience in formulation, development, ana-

lysis, evaluation of e-government, ICT and information security laws, concepts and policies.

Knowledge of acquis communautaire in the electronic communications/ ICT/e-government field

Profound experience in drafting respective legal frameworks, concrete laws; practical skills in legislation approximation process; Experience in performing impact assessment; Good writing and presentation skills and be familiar with various approaches in

implementation of the EU legislation.

In order to achieve the result No 2, STEs shall be specific knowledge and experience in setting up Government Interoperability

Framework, specific knowledge in Information security issues handling, Specific knowledge in Government networks management and monitoring, good communicators and motivators and

Specifically for the task:2.5.3 - the STE shall have profound knowledge of Technical Interoperability Framework2.5.4. - the STE shall have profound knowledge of Information Interoperability Framework2.5.5. - the STE shall have knowledge of Business Processes Interoperability Framework

In order to achieve the result No 3, Depending of specific tasks STEs shall have training and facilitation skills experience in ISO/other relevant standards implementation in the information se-

curity field , experience in Government Network management/monitoring experience in design/implementation of e-services experience in ICT/e-government/e-Governance Strategic planning experience in technical documentation writing; experience in ICT operations management.

In order to achieve the result No 4, STEs should have

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specific knowledge and experience in ICT/e-Governance Policy/Strategy Paper development issues,

Specific knowledge in Action plans development especially with regard to the interest of economic operators. good writing, training and presentation skills, experience in coaching/mentoring.

In order to achieve the result No 5, STEs should be good communicators and should have experience in communication tools training and facilitation skills Experience in training of public servants in communicating Experience in public awareness methods.

In addition to their missions in Georgia, the short-term experts are expected to contribute act-ively to elaborating the programmes of the foreseen study visits and internships.

4. Institutional Framework:

In terms of institutional set-up, the project beneficiary-Data Exchange Agency was established by Law of Georgia “On the Creation of the Legal Entity of Public Law (LEPL) – Data Exchange Agency” on July 17 2009 and started its operation on January 1, 2010 under the governance of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The Law empowers the Agency to:a) Develop IT (systems) and state policy on e-governance;b) Ensure information security, including implementation of awareness raising activities in pub-lic, as well as the civil sector;c) Perform monitoring of the functioning of the integrated government network;d) Establish the integrated data exchange system and ensure access to information resources;e) Facilitate the development of IT (systems);f) Develop the standards necessary for the development of IT (systems);g) Perform the monitoring of the matters related to the security of the officer issuing the elec-tronic signature certificate;h) Support development of innovative technologies;I) perform audit of IT (systems) in order to identify the risks of information securityj) Establish relations with local, international and foreign organizations, public institutions and subjects of private law that operate in the field of IT (systems);k) Take part in local, regional and international programs in the IT (system) field;l) Develop drafts of the legislative acts that govern the IT (systems) field;m) Exercise other powers envisaged by the Legislation of Georgia aimed at the support of the de-velopment of IT (systems).The Agency exercises its powers through its structural units:

a) Data Exchange Infrastructure Division;b) Information Security and Policy Division;c) Legal Division;d) Financial Division;e) Administrative Division;

The project beneficiary has all necessary legal authority for successful project implementation to achieve the project purpose. The other stakeholders as the Ministries, public agencies, NGOs and

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private organisationsfrom the sector as well as universities will be involved in the project activi-ties and events, especially in wide discussion of draft legal/regulatory documents.

5. Detailed budget (indicative)The beneficiary will provide in kind contribution in the form foreseen in the twinning manual. The maximum total budget available of the action is € 1.27 million.

6. Implementation Arrangements

6.1. Implementing Agency

The European Union Delegation in Tbilisi will be responsible for tendering, contracting, pay-ments and financial reporting, and will work in close cooperation with the beneficiary. The person in charge of this project is:Mr. Philippe BernhardProject Manager Delegation of the European Union to Georgia38 Nino Chkheidze str., 0102 Tbilisi, Georgia. Tel: + 995 32 943 763 Fax: +995 32 943 768 E-mail: philippe.bernhard@eeas.europa.eu

PAO will support the TWG Project implementation process together with the EU Delegation. The person in charge of this project is: Mr Roman KakuliaPAO DirectorProgram Administration Office (PAO) in GeorgiaOffice Address:Office of the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration#7, Ingorokva Street, Tbilisi 0134, GeorgiaOffice tel./fax: (995 32) 92 26 09 / 93 14 02E-mail: pao@eu-nato.gov.ge

6.2 Main counterpart in the Beneficiary Country:

Project leader: Mr. Irakli Gvenetadze, Chairman LEPL Data Exchange Agency of Ministry of Justice of Georgia2 Snt. Nikoloz/Nino Chkheidze str., Tbilisi 0102, Georgia Tel.: (+ 995 32) 143983; (+ 995 32) 143981; Email:  igvnenetadze@dea.gov.ge

RTA counterpart:Ms. Nata GoderdzishviliHead of Legal DivisionLEPL Data Exchange Agency of Ministry of Justice of Georgia2 Snt. Nikoloz/Nino Chkheidze str., Tbilisi 0102, Georgia  Tel.: (+ 995 32) 143983; (+ 995 32) 143981;

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Email:  ngoderdzishvili@dea.gov.ge

6.3. Contracts:

The project will be implemented through one twinning contract.

6.4. Project Steering Committee:

A Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be established for the control and supervision of the project activities and the mandatory results. The Steering Committee will meet at regular inter-vals and will submit by the end of the meeting (as recorded in the minutes of meeting) an ap-proval/not approval of the project reports. Official minutes of the PSC meetings will be kept in English and distributed to all parties within 15 days after the PSC meeting.In addition, monthly progress monitoring meetings should be held. As a gathering of RTA, RTA counterpart, PAO and EU Delegation representative the meetings are to monitor progress and solve any emerging operational problems on a monthly base. As the outcome, it is recommended to record proceedings of the meetings in one-page minutes

7. Implementation schedule (indicative)

7.1. Launching of the call for proposals (June 2011)7.2. Start of the project activities (May 2012) 7.3. Project completion (November 2013) 7.4. Duration of the execution period (number of months) 21 months with an implementation period of 18 months (presence of the RTA in Georgia)

8. Sustainability:

The sustainability of the project will be achieved through a suitable implementation of the pro-ject activities and availability of trained personnel in the e-Government interoperability and in-formation security infrastructure. Furthermore, needs of public authorities and other entities in coordination of e-government projects, monitoring and evaluation tools, solving the interoperab-ility and information security issues and participation in (inter)national activities are expected to contribute to maintaining high level services on a constant basis in DEA. The deliverables pro-duced by the project (legal and regulatory, documents, standards, training materials, etc.) will be published on DEA web site for public access. The Training of Trainers approach will be applied: DEA experts benefitting from trainings will be in charge of subsequent training of their col-leagues. DEA management will find appropriate ways and means (including inter alia salary gratifications, various incentives, written agreements with staff benefiting from training, prepara-tion of manuals, creation of networks) to avoid excessive staff turnover and loss of know-how acquired in the beneficiary administration during the Twinning Project. In the final report, Twin-ning partners will include concrete recommendations and strategies for safeguarding the achieve-ment of the mandatory results in the beneficiary administration and will develop the Sustainabil-ity plan.Besides, the sustainability will be ensured through:

Established and functioning legal/regulatory framework and monitoring mechanism; Interoperable institutions producing better services that will increase the demand and

quality services requirements;

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Established information security infrastructure ensuring safer and secure information ex-change and trust of people;

Strategic paper with implementation (including financing) mechanisms in place; Trained, knowledgeable and motivated personal, that will ensure enhanced functionality

of the institution; Implemented actions of the Communication Plan enhancing awareness and society know-

ledge on information society benefits and issues; Government continuous support to e-services implementation; Development of follow-up institutional building assistance to consolidate and magnify

the Twinning results through TAIEX, SIGMA instruments, or further bilateral projects with the initial or other MS.

9. Cross cutting issues

9.1. Equal Opportunity

The principle of equal opportunity will be integrated into all stages of the project implementa-tion.

9.2. Environment

NA

10. Conditionality and sequencing

There is no precondition set for this twinning project

11. Abbreviations

AP – Action PlanBC – Beneficiary countryBPIF- Business Process Interoperability Framework BTI- Technical Inventory Bureau CERT - Computer Emergency Response TeamCORS- Continuously Operating Reference StationsCRA- Civil Registry AgencyCSB- Civil Service BureauDEA- Data Exchange AgencyEC- European CommissionENISA-European Network and Information Security Agency ENP - European Neighbourhood PolicyEPI - Economic Prosperity InitiativeETRS 89- The European Terrestrial Reference System 1989EU MS European Union Member StateGNCC- Georgian National Communications CommissionGNSS - Global Navigation Satellite System (today GPS + GLONASS)GoG- Government of GeorgiaGTZ- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit-The German Agency for Technical Cooperation

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HESPA- Health and Social Programs AgencyICT- Information & Communication TechnologiesINCEAD- The Business School for the WorldISACA - Information Systems Audit and Control AssociationIT –Information TechnologiesITRF-Terrestrial Reference FrameITU –International Telecommunication UnionMoF –Ministry of FinanceMS-European Union Member StateNAPR- National Agency for Public RegistryOECD-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentPAO-Program Administration OfficePCA –Partnership and Co-operation AgreementPL – Project LeaderPSC - Project Steering Committee RTA – Residential Twinning AdviserRTK- Real Time Kinematic, method of reducing error sources related to GPS observations in

real time. RTK generally gives centimetre accuracySIDA- Sweden International Development AgencySTE – short term expertUNDP- United Nations Development ProgrammeUN-United NationsUSAID- United States Agency for International DevelopmentWB- World Bank

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