Alliance For A Green Revolution In Africa (AGRA)- Request For Proposal For Consultancy To Enhance The Capacity Of National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) To Deliver Effective And Efficient Seed Regulatory Service

DEADLINE: 31ST MAY, 2022 ALLIANCE FOR A GREEN REVOLUTION IN AFRICA (AGRA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR A CONSULTANT TO ENHANCE THE CAPACITY OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SEEDS COUNCIL (NASC) TO DELIVER EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT SEED REGULATORY SERVICE

SYNOPSIS OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Solicitation Reference No. RFP/072/SEED/2022 Title of Solicitation A consultancy to enhance the capacity of National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) to deliver effective and efficient seed regulatory service Issuing Office & Address Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)Website: www.agra.org Point of contact for clarifications, questions and Submission of Proposals AGRA General Procurement, Procurement@agra.org Location of the assignment Nigeria Solicitation Issue Date May 17, 2022 Confirmation of interest in this consultancy Interested consultants/bidders are requested to register on the link below by close of business, May 23, 2022, 12:00PM East African Time. Any additional communication will be shared with those that will have registered on the link below. For Registration Link click: HERE Deadline for submission questions and clarifications May 23, 2022 12:00PM East African Time Please include “RFP/072/SEED/2022” on the subject line in the email Deadline for Answering questions and clarifications May 25, 2022 5:00PM, East African Time Deadline for Submission of Proposals May 31, 2022; 5:00PM, East African Time. Type of consultant INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT Anticipated Award Type CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT Procurement Method INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT Evaluation Criteria Mandatory Eligibility Requirements: a) Detailed Curriculum Vitae b) Academic and Professional Certificates c) National Identification card or Passport d) Technical Approach/methodology Proposal e) Financial Proposal

Evaluation Criteria a) Consultants academic and professional qualification………………………………………..20% b) Experience of consultant in similar assignments ……..………………………………….……40% c) Proposed approach, methodology and workplan……………………………………………….30% d) Language and Experience within the region……………………..…………………………….…10% Total:………………………………………………………………………………………………..100%

NB. 1. Minimum technical pass mark for technical evaluation is 75% 2. AGRA will negotiate with the consultant who attains the best technical score

TERMS OF REFERENCE A consultancy to enhance the capacity of National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) to deliver effective and efficient seed regulatory service

(1) Background Nigeria is one of AGRA countries that have already conducted the SEEDSAT assessments in 2021. Outcomes of this this assessment revealed that study did show that glaring gaps exist in the areas of EGS, seed quality control, as well as the policy and regulatory aspects and policy areas related to commercial seed production, distribution, and access. In the area of EGS production and distribution, weaknesses the key gaps and weaknesses included issues of were identified related to parental line purity, quality, maintenance, weak capacity of start-ups and upcoming seed companies, gaps in and institutional arrangements for access of EGS by private sector, with relationships between breeders and seed companies is being largely informal, and hence below internationally accepted standard.

Among the key recommendations made by the Seed SAT assessments was the need to second recommendation following SEEDSAT was to strengthen NARS and the oversight role of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) which has the mandate to regulate seed industry in Nigeria. There is a great need to improve purity and quality of EGS with the different stakeholders involved. NASC role needs to be strengthened to ensure a to have an operational central and functional database for EGS and Certified Seed requirements for informed planning on seed needs, and a functional seed demand forecasting and seed production planning.

Currently, the effective demand forecasting and production planning activities to coordinate across crops and institutions are non-existent. There is a dire need for NASC to coordinate seed planning supported by Seed Information, Data Management and Capacity Building Department to provide real-time tracking and reporting of seed volumes (including EGS) produced, available, and demanded at a variety level. Third, NASC is currently not accredited to international bodies (ISTA, OECD, UPOV), a major requirement for healthy competition and seed trade, and lacks the full capacity to combat anti-counterfeit seed.

The project takes a holistic approach to seed sector support and will therefore target critical gaps in the areas of EGS and Commercial seed; and in Quality production, Quality Assurance, as well as the strengthening the capacity of NASC must be addressed. The consultancy is expected to contribute towards strengthening of Nigeria’s seed system by facilitating the development and strengthening of the needed regulations, guidelines, and procedures to ensure effective and efficient delivery of seed to the farmers and aimed at raising agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) an agency of the government of Nigeria with the responsibility to regulate the production, marketing, trade and use of seeds in the country. Established by the Act 72 of 1992, NASC addresses the following as key objectives: facilitating the timely and appropriate access of farmers to quality seeds; facilitating local and international seed trading through the application of regionally agreed principles and rules; creating an enabling environment for private investment in the seed industry; facilitate a broader selection of seeds available to farmers; and promote partnership between the public and private sectors. NASC responsibilities include, certification and quality control of seeds, Seed industry development & technical support services, coordination and monitoring of Breeder, Foundation & Certified seeds production and utilization, information, planning and data management, collaboration in the registration, release and publication of new varieties approved for commercialization in Nigeria, assistance in the development of private sector participation in seed production, receipt and processing of applications for seed import and export, seed law enforcement, capacity building and training of stakeholders in the seed industry.

(2) Objectives of the assignment The overall objective of this assignment is to enhance the capacity of National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) to deliver effective and efficient seed regulatory service.

(3) Scope of Work This consultancy will:

(1) Scoping report of status quo on national seed production, demand and planning, seed certification service including EGS, and the extent of counterfeit and mitigation measures.

(2) Support in building the capacity of NASC to coordinate the national planning of EGS and certified seed production

(3) Support the enhancement of NASC service delivery capacity by upgrading of 2 national seed testing laboratories to international level

(4) Support in building the capacity of NASC to establish and implement anti-counterfeit seed measures

(4) Expected Deliverables The consultancy will be expected to deliver, the following outputs:

(1) Deliverable 1-Scooping Report: Preparation and presentation of scoping report on the status quo on national seed production, demand and planning, seed certification service including EGS, and the extent of counterfeit and mitigation measures to AGRA

(2) Deliverable 2-Training report: Highlighting gaps and technical content, methodology, repeatability and tools, stakeholder participation and list, discussions and lessons, options for digitization of the seed plan tool; Capacity building of NASC to coordinate the national planning of EGS and certified seed production-

(3) Deliverable 3-Training Manual on Enhancing NASC service delivery capacity by staff training and upgrading of 2 national seed testing laboratories to international level

(4) Deliverable 4: Training Report-Building the capacity of NASC to establish and implement anti-counterfeit seed measures

(5) Deliverable 5: Final Comprehensive report

M&E- Key measurable Outputs: (1) A functional national seed planning platform established

(2) A well -documented Road Map showing vision (demand vs supply) for seed sector

(3) National seed production and demand data made available to stakeholders

(4) 2 national seed testing laboratories upgraded and become ISTA members

(5) Purchase, installation, and commissioning of seed lab equipment

(6) Seed laboratory testing and quality assurance protocols

(7) 16 NASC laboratory staff trained on seed testing and quality assurance

(8) The level of counterfeit seed in the market established and control measures proposed

(9) Reduced cases of counterfeit seed for increased farmers confidence in quality seed

All deliverables should be succinct but informative, and key points should be easily understandable to a wide range of AGRA teams. Deliverables should be submitted in English.

(5) Reporting Line The consultant will report to Head of Seed Research and Systems, and Country Manager in Nigeria.

(6) Duration of the Assignment and Proposed Timetable

The assignment is estimated to take 40-man days including travel, spread over a 2-calendar month period estimated to commence in June 2022 to complete activities described above.

Deliverables Expected date of completion of deliverables (indicative) Inception Report June 20, 2022 Deliverable 1-Scooping Report: Preparation and presentation of scoping report on the status quo on national seed production, demand and planning, seed certification service including EGS, and the extent of counterfeit and mitigation measures to AGRA June 30, 2022 Deliverable 2-Training report: Highlighting gaps and technical content, methodology, repeatability and tools, stakeholder participation and list, discussions and lessons, options for digitization of the seed plan tool; Capacity building of NASC to coordinate the national planning of EGS and certified seed production Deliverable 3-Training Manual on Enhancing NASC service delivery capacity by staff training and upgrading of 2 national seed testing laboratories to international level July 30, 2022 Deliverable 4: Training Report-Building the capacity of NASC to establish and implement anti-counterfeit seed measures Deliverable 5: Final Comprehensive report August 2022

(7) Proposed payment terms Below is the proposed payment schedule.

Deliverables Payment % Inception Report 20% Deliverable 1-Scooping Report: Preparation and presentation of scoping report on the status quo on national seed production, demand and planning, seed certification service including EGS, and the extent of counterfeit and mitigation measures to AGRA 30% Deliverable 2-Training report: Highlighting gaps and technical content, methodology, repeatability and tools, stakeholder participation and list, discussions and lessons, options for digitization of the seed plan tool; Capacity building of NASC to coordinate the national planning of EGS and certified seed production Deliverable 3-Training Manual on Enhancing NASC service delivery capacity by staff training and upgrading of 2 national seed testing laboratories to international level 20% Deliverable 4: Training Report-Building the capacity of NASC to establish and implement anti-counterfeit seed measures Deliverable 5: Final Comprehensive report 30%

(8) Location and nature of the assignment: The assignment approach is as per the above schedule. The consultant is expected to have check in calls and consultations with the AGRA Team in carrying out the assignment.

(9) Copyright All materials/documents arising out of this consultancy work shall remain the property of AGRA.

(10) Qualifications and Requirements of the individual consultant The consultant should have the following qualifications/competencies:

(1) At least a Master degree (PHD added advantage) in any of the following disciplines: Agricultural economics, Agricultural sciences, Seed Regulatory Frameworks, Seed Certification Service, Policy, Development, Business and Environmental related studies.

(2) Individuals with other relevant university degree and relevant consultancy work experience in agriculture value chain and supply chain, Agricultural economics and Climate smart agriculture related qualification and experience.

(3) Preferably a minimum of (10) years relevant professional experience in the studies on Agricultural economics, Seed Regulatory Frameworks and Strengthening of Seed Certification Service

(4) Prior demonstrated experience in undertaking similar assignments and evidence of reports of the studies undertaken.

(5) Extensive knowledge of productivity, soil fertility, economics, value addition and market competitiveness constraints, value addition hindering Agriculture in Kenya

(6) Knowledge/hands-on experience in undertaking similar studies on productivity, soil fertility, economics, value addition and market competitiveness assignments

(7) Proven ability for teamwork, facilitation, presentation, communication, and client orientation.

(8) Proven experience in working with county governments and other partners and in-depth knowledge on county ministry structure and functioning

(9) Meaningful knowledge on Agriculture, climate change, water management related policies both at the national and county level

(10) Experience working with diverse cultural and skills background and good interpersonal skills

(11) Evaluation Criteria Interested individual consultant shall be evaluated against the following technical criteria:

(1) Consultants academic and professional qualification……………………20%

(2) Experience of consultant in similar assignments ……………….……40%

(3) Proposed approach, methodology and workplan……………………….30%

(4) Language and Experience within the region………………………….…10%

Total:…………………………………………………………………………100%

(1) Procurement method: Individual Selection Method

(2) Consultants may or may not be required to make presentations as part of due diligence process.

(3) Only the candidate with the best technical proposal equal or above 75% shall be considered for financial negotiations.

(12) Application Submission Requirements Interested and qualified individual consultants are invited to submit their proposal(s) comprising of the following:

(1) Technical Proposal (1) Detailed CV of the individual consultant

(2) Academic and professional qualifications

(3) Technical approach/Methodology and work-plan for performing the assignment

(4) Samples of similar assignments done or detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments along with clients contact details.

(5) The technical proposal shall not exceed 20 pages. CVs and copies of academic certificates may be attached as annexes.

(2) Financial Proposal (1) Professional Fee quoted shall include all applicable Withholding TAX.

(2) If the financial proposal is silent on taxes, AGRA shall assume that these are inclusive

(3) Prices must be quoted in USD ($). Contracting and Payment will be made in USD and bidders are encouraged to have a USD bank accounts

(4) The financial proposal shall be sent as a separate attachment and MUST be password protected.

(5) Consultancy fee for the assignment with detailed budget breakdown.

(6) A dully filled in Bio Data form as per attached template

(13) Guidelines for Preparations and Submission of Proposals (1) The Proposals shall be prepared in English Language.

(2) The proposals SHALL be submitted to procurement@agra.org by the deadline indicated in the synopsis.

(3) The technical proposal shall not exceed 20 pages.

(4) The proposal and ALL Attachments submitted via email SHALL NOT exceed 10MB.

(5) VALIDITY of the proposal shall be for a period of 90 days from the date of bid closure.

(6) Financial proposal shall be sent as a separate attachment and MUST be password protected. The password shall be requested from the best evaluated consultant who meet the minimum technical score of 75%).

(7) Financial proposals will not be opened until the conclusion of the technical evaluation and then only for those proposals that are deemed qualified and responsive.

Click to Download RFP Document

Alliance For A Green Revolution In Africa (AGRA)- Request For Proposal For Consultancy To Enhance The Capacity Of National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) To Deliver Effective And Efficient Seed Regulatory Service

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