Global Alliance For Improved Nutrition (GAIN)- Request For Proposal For Consultancy To Support The Sun Business Network Team To Conduct An Assessment On Its Members’ Commitments Implementation Progress And To Assist In The Development Of Businesses In The Nutrition Directory

DEADLINE: 27TH JANUARY, 2023
GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION (GAIN)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFPs)CONSULTANCY TO SUPPORT THE SUN BUSINESS NETWORK TEAM TO CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT ON ITS MEMBERS’ COMMITMENTS IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS AND TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESSES IN THE NUTRITION DIRECTORY
ISSUED BY: GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION (GAIN)
PROJECT: SCALING UP NUTRITION BUSINESS NETWORK (SBN) IN NIGERIA

(I) Summary of Deadlines

Proposal Submission Deadline: 27 January 2023

Award of Contract: 3 February 2023

All deadlines are described in detail under section VI (line d).

As part of the selection process, GAIN reserves the right to request clarifications regarding bids that substantially qualify. Questions in the technical review are at GAIN’s discretion and will only be directed to bidders who have submitted substantially responsive bids.

The final award is subject to other terms and conditions included in this solicitation, as well as the successful final negotiation of all applicable terms and conditions related to the awarded contract.

(II) ABOUT GAIN AND THE PROJECT

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is an alliance driven by the vision of a world without malnutrition. Created in 2002 at a Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Children, GAIN supports public-private partnerships (PPP) to increase access to the missing nutrients in diets necessary for people, communities, and economies to be stronger and healthier.

GAIN and the World Food Program (WFP) co-convene the SUN (Scaling Up Nutrition) Business Network (SBN), which is one part of the wider SUN Movement. The SBN is a global programme that was established in 2012 with an initial focus on recruiting and developing an international network of pioneering multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the food groups that supports the private sector to make a positive contribution to malnutrition. It now has over 500 corporate members worldwide, from multinational to national companies.

The SUN Movement, of which SBN is a part, recognizes that malnutrition is a complex problem and, if it is to be eradicated, requires the skills and expertise of all sectors of society. Any long-term solution is only possible if the private sector can play a full and active part in addressing malnutrition and the challenges in the availability and affordability of safe and nutritious foods in Nigeria.

Effective collaboration with the private sector is essential to reaching scale and achieving sustainable improvements in nutrition, particularly for low-income consumers. The way the private sector produces, manufactures, stores, and markets this food has a significant impact on its nutritional value.

Launched in April 2016, SBN Nigeria has been inspiring actors in the private sector, including but not limited to Small and Medium Scale enterprises, to invest in nutrition by making commitments that eventually result in improving demand for and access to nutritious food in the country, we have also established partnerships and collaborations that have provided an enabling environment for all kinds of businesses while strengthening Public-Private Partnership towards improving Nutrition in Nigeria.

Through this initiative, GAIN Nigeria will contribute to growing a sustainable market for nutritious, affordable foods for consumers as part of a strategy led by the Government of Nigeria to reduce malnutrition in its population. It will create opportunities for wider participation of the private sector to engage and make commitments in nutrition through the development of the SBN platform, as well as providing advice and services to private sector companies wanting to improve nutrition in the workplace.

Over the past 7 years, SBN Nigeria has focused on the following:

• Increasing private sector participation in the nutrition platform
• Sensitize private sector companies/employers to improve their workforce nutrition
• Engage the private sector in identifying and developing nutrition-related products and services and
• Increase consumption of nationally produced nutritious foods, focusing on those likely to be highly acceptable to low-income households.

(III) ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) constitute a country’s development centre, as they contribute to the generation of jobs, stimulate and make products available, thus increasing the economy’s competitiveness. In Nigeria, SMEs contribute 48% of the national GDP and account for 96% of businesses and 84% of employment.1

The role and importance of SMEs can be classified into four dimensions: in the creation of jobs, in the country’s competitiveness, in the diversification of the national economy and consequent stimulation of innovation and creativity, and finally, in the mobilisation of resources, whether social or economic. While the importance of SMEs is widely recognised, many challenges remain for the development of SMEs in Nigeria, which inhibits this segment’s growth.

A study by PWC Nigeria1 identified the main challenges that inhibit the development of SMEs. Among those challenges, the following were rated as critical: lack of skilled manpower, the multiplicity of taxes, high cost of doing business, among others.

Considering the challenges mentioned above, the SUN Business Network (SBN), within the framework of its mandate to demonstrate the economic, financial, and social contribution of the private sector to the national nutrition agenda, is committed to taking holistic actions aimed at improving the above-mentioned business environment framework.

Since its launch in 2016, SBN Nigeria constantly recruits companies, mostly SMEs as members. At the enrolment phase, each business voluntarily chooses a set of SMART nutrition-oriented commitments to implement as part of the company strategy to contribute to the nutrition agenda in the country.

Envisioning an assessment of the progress made by SBN members in implementing and attaining nutrition-oriented commitments

GAIN, as lead co-convener of the SBN is looking for an individual consultant to assist its monitoring and evaluation of the SBN members to conduct the above-mentioned assessment. Additionally, the consultant is expected to assist the SBN team to develop a business directory of companies operating along the food systems.

(IV) OBJECTIVES

The assignment will achieve the following objectives:

(1) Overall

To provide consulting services for the assessment of SBN members’ commitments progress and development of a business directory on companies operating along the food systems.

(2) Specific objectives

(a) Assist with testing and finalizing the assessment questionnaire

(b) Organize meetings and interviews with SBN selected members representatives to collect relevant information to aid the assessment.

(c) Conduct fieldwork related to the assessment in selected states in Nigeria

(i) assessing progress in implementing and attaining commitments selected at enrolment or another phase using the indicator on the membership form as a metric for gauging achievements

(ii) Understanding the challenges, needs, and opportunities in implementing commitments.

(iii) Elaborate an action plan together with the SBN member as the next steps in cases where commitments have not been achieved or seem to struggle with the nutrition commitment

(d) Compile a report on commitments progress; Based on the commitments progress findings, propose specific actions to support the members to improve or scale up the attainment of commitments.

(e) Assist the SBN team with compiling data on businesses operating along the food systems aiming to develop a business directory.

(V) SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

(1) Assess business nutrition-oriented commitments progress

• The consultant should assess the business members’ progress on commitments submitted at the enrolment phase.
• The consultant should assess the business members’ progress on other commitments NOT necessarily submitted at the enrolment phase but implemented by the members.
• The consultant should assess SBN members’ challenges in adapting and implementing the commitments into its business models and make recommendations on how companies can address those challenges. The focus should be given to the following questions:
• Does the company have a clear understanding of the purpose of the SUN Business Network?
• The business management team is clear about what commitments they submitted within the SBN context.
• What strategies or action plans have the companies implemented to reach their commitment goals?
• What are the challenges faced by members in implementing and attaining commitments?
• Which opportunities exist to overcome the challenges members face in implementing commitments?
• What actions are required to drive the company to implement the selected commitments?
• What additional support/skills do the companies need?
• What are the key internal risk factors that need to be overcome to reach the commitments impacts?

(2) Develop an action plan with the SBN member using the commitment indicator to attain outstanding commitments by November 2023 and agree on a trimestral monitoring plan with the member.

The consultant will assist the SBN team on:

(a) Collecting businesses data on production capacity, target markets, and investments needs.

(a) Deliverables:

• Deliverable 1: Provide a timeline (detailing all activities) and the revised methodology after the kick-off meeting in English
• Deliverable 2: Draft report on commitments progress per company interviewed.
• Deliverable 3: Signed and stamped action plans per company interviewed drafted by the consultant together with the SBN member (with the member provided a copy)
• Deliverable 4: Final report on commitments and a Presentation: incorporating the actual stage of commitments progress, as well as a proposal of action plans to assist each SBN member assessed to achieve the goals on commitments assumed, including a costed detailed monitoring plan; This deliverable should be presented and written in English.

(b) Budget

The bidding process is competitive; therefore, the winning bid will be determined on the evaluation criteria detailed in section VIII (line d).

(c) Competencies

Qualifications

• Proven ability to conduct a business assessment
• Proven experience in monitoring & evaluation and developing action plans
• Specialist in Business Development in Nigeria and the surrounding regions is preferable
• Good reporting and writing skills
• Proven track record capacity to deliver the task.
• Legally licensed to operate in Nigeria.
• Fluency in at least one of the 3 major local languages in Nigeria and in English

Experience:

• Experience in undertaking business development consultancy, as well as, in mobilizing investments for SMEs.
• This experience must be relevant to operations in Nigeria.

Applicants can also apply to this RFP solely as individual consultants.

(d) Timelines

The assignment must take a maximum of 10 weeks from the day the contract is awarded. The comprehensive table of the assignments is expected to be as follows:

The proposal submissions must be received via email by GAIN on or before 05:00 pm on Friday, January 27, 2023.

(e) Unacceptable Proposals

The following proposals will automatically not be considered or accepted:

• Proposals that are received after the RFP deadline
• Incomplete proposals
• Proposals that are not signed

(f) Revisions

Proposals may be revised by electronic mail provided such revision(s) are received before the deadline.

(3) INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDING

(a) Contact details for submitting the technical and financial proposals:

Submission of the technical proposal and of the financial proposal should be made separately and in accordance with the specification below:

Completed Proposals will comprise of a technical proposal and a financial proposal. Both proposals can be submitted by email.

The proposal should include the contents below and not exceed 15 pages, excluding appendixes and CVs of consultant(s).

Cover page: Summary with basic information such as names, addresses, and contact information for the institution.

Capacity Statement: A brief capacity statement as to why the consultant(s) or institution (if a consultancy company is applying) is well-positioned to conduct this assessment. This capacity statement should refer to the areas of expertise and qualifications of the candidate(s). The capacity statement should mention relevant work conducted.

Design and methodology: Outline the proposed assessment (and outcomes), in line with the guidelines outlined above, and the specific methods to be used. This section should form the bulk of the proposal. GAIN is open to all suggestions. The technical proposal must clearly identify if and where the assessment requirements may be difficult to fully satisfy and provide alternative suggestions that can achieve the above-listed requirements.

Work Plan: Proposed work plan broken down by weeks, which should include detailed activities and timeline. If more than one person is assigned to this consultancy, it should also include the time allocation of key personnel.

Budget: financial proposal broken down by phase and clearly separating the fees of the consultancy and other administrative costs related to each Objective A & B.

In the appendix, the consultant should provide a track record of delivering similar assignments and provide references (contact information) of clients for whom similar work has been executed.

GAIN will not necessarily accept the lowest bidder, or any proposals submitted except when the requirements are fully met.

b. Proposal Completion

• Proposals must be submitted on the official letterhead of the consultant and must be signed by the applicant.
• In case of errors in calculating overall costs, the unit costs will govern.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to understand the requirements and instructions specified by GAIN. If clarification is necessary, applicants are advised to contact GAIN through the email indicated in section VII (line a) above, prior to submission.
• While GAIN has used considerable efforts to ensure an accurate representation in this RFP, the information contained in this RFP is supplied solely as a guideline. The information is not warranted to be accurate by GAIN; Nothing in this RFP is intended to relieve applicants from forming their own opinions and conclusions with respect to the matters addressed in this RFP.
• By responding to this RFP, the applicant confirms their understanding of the RFP conditions; failing to comply may result in the disqualification of their submission.

(c) Right of rejection

• GAIN reserves the right to reject any or all submissions or to cancel or withdraw this RFP for any reason and at its sole discretion without incurring any cost or liability for costs or damages incurred by any applicant, including, without limitation, any expenses incurred in the preparation of the submission.
• The applicant acknowledges and agrees that GAIN will not indemnify the applicant for any costs, expenses, payments, or damages directly or indirectly linked to the preparation of the submission.

(d) References

GAIN reserves the right, before awarding of the contract, to require the applicant to submit such evidence of qualifications as it may deem necessary, and will consider evidence concerning the financial, technical and other qualifications and abilities of the applicant.

(e) Release of Information

After awarding the contract and upon written request to GAIN, only the following information will be released:

• Name of the successful bidder; and
• The applicant’s own individual ranking.

(4) TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS SOLICITATION

(a) Notice of Non-binding Solicitation

GAIN reserves the right to reject any and all bids received in response to this solicitation and is in no way bound to accept any proposal. GAIN additionally reserves the right to negotiate the substance of the successful applicant’s proposal, as well as the option of accepting partial components of a proposal if appropriate.

(b) Confidentiality

All information provided as part of this solicitation is considered confidential. In the event that any information is inappropriately released, GAIN will seek appropriate remedies as allowed. Proposals, discussions, and all information received in response to this solicitation will be held as strictly confidential.

(c) Right to Final Negotiations on the Proposal

GAIN reserves the right to negotiate the final costs and the final scope of work of the proposal.

GAIN reserves the right to limit or include third parties at GAIN’s sole and full discretion in such negotiations.

The payment will be structured based on the delivery of the milestones stated in section VI (line a).

To trigger the disbursement, the Deliverables shall be approved in writing (including by email) from GAIN.

(d) Evaluation Criteria (EW- Evaluation Weight)

Proposals will be reviewed by a special Review Committee. The table below indicates a list of the significant criteria against which proposals will be assessed.

The above table will combine weighting with a “point” scoring system, as followed:

(e) Mandatory Requirements

In addition to the evaluation criteria outlined above, the applicant’s proposal should also respond to the following mandatory requirements:

• Fees: The fees shall be quoted as a fixed sum inclusive of all applicable taxes and/or institutional overhead. The fees must be quoted in NGN (Nigerian Naira);
• Experience: Current curriculum vitae/resumes for key team members;
• Capacity of the consultant to provide the required services: Team members with relevant experience must be available for each identified position. The proposal should map function(s) to the team member(s)
• References: A list of references that can be contacted to discuss the team members’ relevant related experience or for the firm.

GAIN reserves the right to contact the individuals and contractor(s) to verify the information provided in the Proposal.

(f) Expectations of Applicants

The successful applicant (s) will:

• Work closely with representatives from GAIN and its partners (selected business to be assessed and technically assisted): A lead contact will be designated for the purposes of regular communication and monitoring of deliverables.
• Meet with representatives from GAIN shortly after the contract is awarded, following which a work plan will be developed detailing the objectives, deliverables, timelines, and budget for each of the parts outlined in the Scope of Work.

• Be prepared to meet with GAIN representatives during the consultancy
• Submit deliverables and reports according to the agreed-upon schedule in the revised work plan.

(g) Review Process

The review process will involve a review panel with participants selected by GAIN.

(h) Limitations regarding third parties

GAIN does not represent, warrant, or act as an agent for any third party as a result of this solicitation. This solicitation does not authorize any third party to bind or commit GAIN in any way without GAIN’s express written consent.

(i) Final Acceptance

Award of a Proposal does not imply acceptance of its terms and conditions. GAIN reserves the right to negotiate the final terms and conditions, including the costs and the scope of work, when negotiating the final contract to be agreed upon between GAIN and the applicant.

(j) Validity Period

The Offer of Services will remain valid for a period of 30 days after the Proposal closing date. In the event of award, the successful applicant will be expected to enter a services contract subject to GAIN terms and conditions.

(k) Intellectual Property

Subject to the terms of the contract to be concluded between GAIN and the applicant, the ownership of the intellectual property related to the scope of work of the contract, including technical information, know-how, processes, copyrights, models, drawings, and specifications developed by the applicant shall vest exclusively and entirely with GAIN.

Subject to the terms of the contract to be concluded between GAIN and the applicant, the applicant is required to adhere to and comply with the following:

• GAIN’s Design Application or Branding guidelines.
• Although the service provider can put their logo in the document produced, GAIN’s logo should be the one standing out as the owner of the intellectual property.

(l) Scope of Change

Once the contract is signed, no increase in the liability of GAIN or in the fees to be paid by GAIN for the services resulting from any change, modification, or interpretation of the documentation will be authorized or paid to the applicant, unless such change, modification or interpretation has received the express prior written approval of GAIN.