Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6
The QDRP: How the MCA Accesses Funds
Every quarter, the MCA must submit a Quarterly Disbursement Request Package to MCC. Without it, there is no disbursement authority — no ability to access compact funds. This unit explains what the QDRP is, what it contains, and what it means for you.
Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6
What is the QDRP?
The Quarterly Disbursement Request Package (QDRP) is the formal quarterly exchange between the MCA and MCC. It serves two purposes at once.
For MCC: it provides the information needed to assess program progress, compliance with program requirements, and projected funding needs. For the MCA: it is the mechanism through which the MCA obtains disbursement authority — the legal permission to access MCC funds for the upcoming quarter.
The QDRP identifies the resources needed for program implementation in the upcoming quarter, based on the current status of projects and activities as reflected in the program’s work plans. It covers financial activities, procurement and grants actions, M&E progress, and the status of conditions precedent.
No approved QDRP = no disbursement authority. Until MCC reviews the submission and issues a Disbursement Response Letter (DRL), the MCA cannot access compact funds for the upcoming quarter. The QDRP is not a reporting formality — it is the gate through which funding flows.
Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6
The QDRP timeline
The QDRP follows a quarterly cycle aligned with the compact’s funding periods. The process begins well before the start of the quarter it covers.
MCC recommends submitting a draft QDRP for technical review approximately 10 days before the required submission date. The draft should include, at a minimum, the Detailed Financial Plans, the Indicator Tracking Table, the CP Report, Schedule A, and Explanatory Notes.
During technical review, MCC’s primary focus from a financial perspective is on the request for the upcoming quarter — not on deviations within the current quarter, since that financial data is still evolving at submission time.
Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6
The QDRP components
The QDRP is a package of documents — not a single report. Each component serves a distinct purpose. Select each tab to explore.
A succinct narrative covering the overall QDRP. Explains deviations between projected and actual disbursements and commitments, identifies key risks and constraints, presents trend data from prior quarters, and justifies the upcoming quarter’s funding request. The Explanatory Notes should align with all other documents in the package.
The financial core of the QDRP. Includes Schedule A (the current approved budget and any proposed reallocations), Detailed Financial Plans (DFPs — both cash and commitments), the Disbursement Request and signed form, and Contract Detail Reports (CDRs, for MCAs using SAP). Together these show financial activities over the current and previous quarters, plans for future quarters, and justify the disbursement authority request.
The MCA submits one consolidated PGPP per quarter covering all procurement and grants activity. The PGPP must be consistent with the Explanatory Notes — the activities and timelines described in the narrative must align with what has been approved in the PGPP.
Reports progress against the M&E indicators and targets agreed in the compact. The ITT is not required as a QDRP component until after the initial M&E Plan has been approved by MCC. Once required, it is submitted every quarter and is the primary instrument for demonstrating program results.
Tracks the status of all conditions precedent to disbursement. For each CP, it indicates whether the condition has been satisfied, remains pending, or has been waived or deferred by MCC. MCC cannot grant disbursement authority if applicable CPs have not been satisfied, waived, or deferred.
Three certifications are required: the Fiscal Agent Certificate, the Procurement Agent Certificate, and the Accountable Entity Certificate. Each certifies compliance with relevant compact requirements. Where MCC or its designee is acting as Fiscal or Procurement Agent for a given period, the corresponding certificate is not required.
Submitted as required by MCC. The QDRP should reflect the current status of projects and activities as captured in the work plans. Where there is a discrepancy between work plan commitments and what is reported in the QDRP, the Explanatory Notes must address it.
Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6
The Explanatory Notes: what MCC needs
The Explanatory Notes are not a program report. They are a targeted narrative that gives MCC the context it needs to review the rest of the package efficiently.
The Notes should briefly explain any deviations between current quarter projections and actuals, describe the significant factors behind the upcoming quarter’s funding request, and identify key risks or constraints to meeting expected commitment and disbursement targets. They should also present trend data from prior quarters and justify any reallocations or special requests.
Information may be presented in tables or short bullet points. Long text is not expected or helpful.
They should not provide detailed information on program progress or duplicate information available elsewhere in the QDRP or in contractor reports already shared with MCC. Restating what MCC can already read does not add value — it adds length.
The Explanatory Notes must align with all other QDRP documents — the DFPs, the CP Report, and the PGPP in particular. Contradictions between the narrative and the financial or procurement data are a common cause of MCC review queries and delays.
Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6
Non-financial and out-of-cycle QDRPs
Not every QDRP is a full financial submission. Two variations apply in specific circumstances.
- DFP — commitments
- PGPP
- ITT (if M&E Plan approved)
- Explanatory Notes
- DFP — cash
- Schedule A
- Disbursement Request
- Certificates
- CP Report
- Justification Memo
- OOC Certificate
- Updated financial data
- Full component set not required
Non-financial QDRP: Used when the MCA does not need to request funds for the upcoming quarter. This typically arises early in compact development or pre-implementation, or when a key CP has not been met and disbursement cannot proceed. A non-financial QDRP still requires a DFP (commitments) and the PGPP.
Out-of-cycle (OOC) QDRP: Used when funding needs change mid-quarter — for example, to request a change in disbursement authority or an adjustment to the existing authority. Requires a Justification Memo explaining the change and an OOC Certificate.
Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6
Your role in the QDRP
Project staff do not prepare the QDRP. The financial director, Fiscal Agent, and Procurement Agent lead the process. But the quality of the QDRP depends directly on the accuracy and timeliness of the inputs project staff provide.
The QDRP must reflect the current status of projects as reflected in work plans. That current status comes from you. If your project’s data is incomplete, late, or inconsistent with what has been reported elsewhere, the QDRP submission will show it.
- Progress updates on project activities for inclusion in the Explanatory Notes
- Contract status information for the Procurement and Grants Plan Package
- M&E data and results for the Indicator Tracking Table
- CP compliance status updates relevant to their project area
- Advance notice of any risks or delays that will affect the next quarter’s funding needs
Missing or inaccurate inputs from project staff delay QDRP submission. Delayed QDRP submission delays MCC’s review. Delayed review delays the DRL. A delayed DRL means the MCA cannot access funds — which means project activities cannot be paid for on time. The accountability chain runs in both directions.
Module 8 · Unit 2 of 6