Expression of Interest (EOI) for Project Design Consultancy

Expression of Interest (EOI) for Project Design Consultancy

Phedi Integrated Mustard Processing, Storage, and Market Center

dZi Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization working with rural communities in Nepal to achieve prosperity by eliminating barriers to basic needs, fostering opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and building their capacity to catalyze transformational change. dZi adopts a five-year strategic objective (2024- 2029) guided by past learning, adaptation to the emerging policy and development contexts, and an improved focus on partnership, local ownership, and sustainability beyond external investment to realize the journey to shared prosperity.

1. Call for Consultancy:

dZi Foundation/ Nepal seeks the services of a qualified consultancy firm to design a high-impact, sustainable Integrated Mustard Processing, Storage, and Market Center in Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality, Khotang district, Koshi Province, Nepal. The project aims to significantly enhance the socio-economic status of local farmers through innovative agricultural practices and market linkages.

2. Project Objectives and Expected Results:

The project design should achieve the following measurable outcomes within one year of implementation:

• Increase the income of at least 200 target farmers by a minimum of 25% annually
• Establish a fully operational, climate-resilient mustard processing facility with a capacity of [TBC] tons per year
• Create at least 3 new market linkages for processed mustard products
• Implement sustainable agricultural practices that increase mustard yield by at least 20%
• Ensure 50% participation of women and marginalized groups in project activities

3. Scope of Work:

The consultancy firm will design a comprehensive project plan that includes:

• Sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure design
• Innovative agricultural productivity enhancement strategies
• Market development and value chain integration plan
• Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) integration strategy
• Financial sustainability and exit plan
• Monitoring and evaluation framework with clear, measurable indicators

4. Deliverables:

• Inception report outlining methodology and work plan
• Draft version of the detailed project design document with implementation strategies, technical designs for the mustard processing facility, training and capacity building program outline, market development and linkage strategy, financial model demonstrating project sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation framework
• Final version of all components (#b) incorporating the feedback from dZi Foundation.

5. Duration of the Consultancy:

2 months, between October 27, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

6. Required Team Composition:

The consultancy team should include the following key members:

• Team Leader with expertise in agricultural project design and management
• Agricultural Value Chain Specialist
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Engineer
• Market Development and Financial Modeling Expert
• Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist
• Monitoring and Evaluation Expert

7. Relevant Experience:

The firm should demonstrate:

• At least 5 similar agricultural value chain projects in Nepal
• Experience working with international development organizations and local government bodies, preferably designing a co-funding modality.
• Expertise in participatory project design methodologies.
• Proven expertise in climate-resilient infrastructure design.
• Experience in market development and financial modeling for rural enterprises.
• Strong background in gender and social inclusion in development projects.
• Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Khotang district.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication, and report-writing skills.

8. Evaluation Criteria and Scores:

• Technical Approach and Innovation (30 points)
  • Understanding of project objectives and context
  • Innovative strategies for achieving project outcomes
  • Clarity and feasibility of the proposed methodology
• Relevant Experience and Past Performance (25 points)
  • Quality and relevance of past projects
  • Demonstrated impact of previous interventions
  • Client satisfaction and references
• Team Composition and Expertise (25 points)
  • Qualifications and experience of proposed team members
  • Complementary skills and expertise of the team
  • Local knowledge and language capabilities
• Financial Proposal (20 points)
  • Cost-effectiveness and value for money
  • Clarity and justification of the proposed budget

9. Submission Requirements:

Interested firms should submit:

• A cover letter
• A technical proposal (max 10 pages) outlining the approach to achieve the stated objectives
• A financial proposal
• CVs of key team members (max 2 pages/each)
• Evidence of at least 3 similar assignments with quantifiable results
• Company profile with relevant certificates, and latest tax clearance.

Please submit your EOI electronically to procurement.np@dzi.org by October 21, 2024, with "EOI for Mustard Project Design" in the subject line. Ensure the attachment is not larger than 10 MB. dZi will entertain any query in relation to the EOI by October 9, 2024.

dZi Foundation is committed to selecting a consultancy firm that can demonstrate innovative approaches to achieve tangible, sustainable results for the target community. We reserve the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussion.