Global Alliance For Improved Nutrition (GAIN)- Request For Proposals For Systematic Review Of Digital Technologies Used In Food Fortification

DEADLINE: 13TH MAY, 2022
GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION (GAIN)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES─ SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES USED IN FOOD FORTIFICATION

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF WORK
(1) ABOUT GAIN
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. At GAIN, we believe that everyone in the world should have access to nutritious and safe food. We work to understand and deliver specific solutions to the daily challenge of food insecurity faced by poor people. By understanding that there is no “one-size-fits-all” model, we develop alliances and build tailored programmes, using a variety of flexible models and approaches. We build alliances between governments, local and global businesses, and civil society to deliver sustainable improvements at scale. We are part of a global network of partners working together to create sustainable solutions to malnutrition. Through alliances, we provide technical, financial and policy support to key participants in the food system. We use specific learning, evidence of impact, and results of projects and programmes to shape and influence the actions of others.

BACKGROUND
Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) and biofortification have been shown to significantly improve nutrition, health, and development outcomes. However, these interventions often do not achieve their desired effect – mediated through changes in dietary intake. Most limitations can be linked to gaps in the data value chain.

Data collection throughout various points of the food fortification value chain (Figure 1), i.e., from premix supply or seed distributors and aggregators to producer to processor and consumer are needed as is the linkage between data and decision making. Importantly, timeliness, completeness, transparency, and usefulness of information pertaining to the food, value addition and fortification processes are needed by value chain stakeholders/actors and ultimately, decision makers. Simply collecting and making data available is not enough to drive big change and improve health; data must be processed and reported in a timely manner, i.e., packaged in digestible, smart, and effective ways to various players and decision makers. In other words, the entire data value chain must be strengthened. To fill this gap, GAIN is conducting a review of digital technologies that are currently in use for fortification programs. As part of this work, GAIN seeks to engage the services of a Consultant to undertake a systematic review on the available digital technologies for data collection, synthesis, analysis, and visualization which focus on large-scale food fortification and biofortification.

GAIN will be the administrative lead organisation for this RFP.

OBJECTIVES
The main objective is to undertake a systematic review that will present a summary to date of previous and current digital technologies being used/being implemented to strengthen food fortification. This will include digital technologies for collection, synthesis, analysis, and visualization of data which focus on large-scale food fortification and biofortification.

The review must use transparent and reproducible methods in line with best practices for systematic reviews.

We will explore the possibility of conducting the review including only published literature but anticipate there may be a paucity of studies. The review is expected to generate a high-quality and comprehensive summary that will result in a manuscript to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES
SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant shall provide the following services:

• Work with GAIN on the development of a review protocol (methodology, search terms, databases, etc.), and finalize based on input from GAIN. Undertake keyword searches in relevant databases and search the websites of relevant organizations to identify relevant documents, clearly documenting the search methods.
• Screen all identified documents for inclusion using defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, clearly documenting reasons for exclusion.
• Review the title, abstract and full text of all relevant documents and extract relevant information using a standardized template.
• Regularly update GAIN on the progress of the review, including discussing initial screening and results and using those to adapt strategies if necessary.
• Document all steps of the review process.
• Compile PRISMA Flow Diagram detailing the number of records identified, included and excluded, and the reasons for exclusions.
• Contribute to reviewing and editing of the draft manuscript (initial draft to be written by GAIN).

GAIN expects that the output of this review will be a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, with the consultant as a co-author.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE
The timeline for completion of all aspects of the Scope of Work and submission of deliverables is outlined in the following table:

CONTACT
Key programme and technical staff from GAIN are part of the selection team of the organisation and will review the proposals. They will be available via email to respond to clarifications on this solicitation. Please direct all inquiries and other communications to rfp@gainhealth.org. Reponses will not be confidential except in cases where proprietary information is involved.

BUDGET
Applicants are required to provide GAIN with a detailed fee proposal in US Dollars, including the number of days of work projected and the daily rate. The final fee will have to be approved by GAIN prior to starting the project.

SUBMISSION
Interested applicants should prepare a proposal that consists of the following:

(1) a three-paragraph expression of interest including: reasons for interest in the task, qualifications conducting systematic reviews; estimated number of days and budget

(2) a brief (<3 pages) CV highlighting recent relevant experience and references; and

(3) a relevant writing sample (from similar work).

DEADLINE
Completed proposals should be submitted to rfp@gainhealth.org by 5:00 pm EST on 13 May 2022.

UNACCEPTABLE
The following proposals will automatically not be considered or accepted:

• Proposals that are received after the RFP deadline.
• Proposals received by fax or post
• Incomplete proposals.
• Proposals that are not signed.

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