Call for Expression of Interest (EoI): NGO partnership to implement SPICES project

CRS Nepal

Notice of Call for Expression of Interest (EoI) for NGO partnership to implement SPICES project

Date of Publication: April 10, 2025

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international humanitarian agency (NGO) based in the United States working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries regardless of race, religion or nationality. CRS programs in Nepal currently supports four strategic areas, including Homes and communities, disaster risk reduction and climate change, agriculture and livelihood, and anticipatory actions and emergency response. CRS strives to improve livelihood and resilience of marginalized and vulnerable communities by catalyzing innovation, excellence and system strengthening efforts toward improved integral human development. CRS aims to catalyze transformative changes in lives of marginalized and vulnerable households in country through improved access to safe and dignified housing, improved community resilience to disaster, shocks and stresses, and diversified livelihood opportunities, especially to women and youths. Building upon proven and new partnerships and expertise, CRS works with local partners and government to create long-term resilience for a brighter future for all.

Based on previous studies to identify potential climate-resilient solutions aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of communities heavily dependent on natural resources, CRS has plan to promote market-based multistory agroforestry and legume value chain model called SPICES (Securing and Protecting Investments & Capacities for Environmental Sustainability). By supporting the cultivation, processing, and marketing of identified value chain commodities, SPICES will help smallholder farmers to increase their productivity, income and household resilience building. In Saptari district, SPICE project will promote legume value chains through promoting climate smart practices and nutrition sensitive agriculture practices. 

CRS Nepal is seeking local organization as implementing partner for Saptari district to implement SPICE project. Interested organizations are requested to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) along with a brief concept note in a format given in annex C. The concept note should address the right value chain targeted for the district along with experience and capacity of partner to work with value chain actors to improve the targeted value chain.

EOI should be delivered to CRS before 5 PM (NST) on 25th April 2025 (Friday).

Organizations meeting the following criteria are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI). The omission of any of the following documents will result in automatic disqualification from the evaluation process.

Required criteria: Mandatory documents to be submitted with EOI

1. Valid Registration certificate with SWC.
2. Valid PAN certificate.
3. Authentic Audit Report for THREE Fiscal Years 2078/2079, 2079/2080 and 2080/2081.
4. Tax Clerance Certificate for Fiscal Year 2080/81.
5. Board-approved Financial Management Policy.
6. Evidence of program implementation experience in climate smart nutrition sensitive agriculture and legume value chain promotion.
7. Physical presence and registered in Saptari district as per SWC mandate

Preferred Criteria:

1. Experience working with women, youth, and vulnerable and marginalized farmer.
2. Partner must have strong organizational policies such as financial, HR, procurement and GEDSI, Safeguarding, etc.
3. Evidence of having strong financial management.

EOI Submission Procedure:

1. Eligibility: Local organizations who meet the required criteria above.

2. Where for EOI Submission: np_procurement@crs.org

3. What to mention in the subject line: EoI submission_Saptari_SPICES project _CRS

4. Ensure the below-filled appendixes along with above mentions mandatory documents

• Application form presented in Appendix A.
• Cover Letter by completing Appendix B.
• A brief concept notes not exceeding 2 pages using the template given in Appendix C
• Include documentation for any that may add value in the given sector.

5. For any unclarity or question related to EoI please emailed via np_procurement@crs.org before 20th April 2025. CRS will provide clarity as soon as possible before 21st April 2025.

Click on the link below to download Appendixes A, B, and C:

Link: https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1jd1bq0qhPPbXyEkbSvwDJmy2mnMzIMFC