The development coordination offices (DCOs) were created with the objectives of enhancing the relationship between Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the participating governments. This included improving partner coordination and the ADB portfolio performance for each country.

SDF conducted a thematic study in 2014 to review the performance of the DCOs across nine countries in the Pacific: Vanuatu, Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga. Field visits were conducted in the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Samoa.

The services, funding models, practices and quality of work delivered were assessed in the study, which comprised analysis of secondary documents and data, and consultations with key stakeholders during field visits. A final report including recommendations was provided for the strengthening of the DCOs and their operations.