Request for Expression of Interest – EOI Lesotho
| Subject: | Data Collection and Analysis Consultant for Value Chain Assessment for the Community Engagement Project |
| Date of this EOI: | November 21st 2023 |
| Closing Date for Receipt of EOI’s | December 8th 2023 |
| Reference No.: | EOI – VCA – Community Engagement – 2023 |
- Introduction:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been actively working in Lesotho since 2003, focusing on a diverse range of projects from relief assistance and emergency response to household and community resilience building, microfinance, health, land restoration, agricultural value chains, and natural resource management. One of CRS’ significant initiatives in Lesotho is the Community Engagement for ICM, an action in support of ReNOKA (“we are a river”) – a national movement by the Government of Lesotho, aims to strengthen community-level livelihoods, emphasizing community mobilization and capacity building for ICM prevention measures.
The current Value Chain Assessment of Horticulture and other crops, including non-farm livelihoods in Lesotho, is an extension of CRS’ commitment to sustainable development and poverty reduction in the region. The assessment seeks to delve deeper into the horticulture sector, which plays a pivotal role in Lesotho’s economy, to identify challenges and opportunities for smallholder farmers. This SOW outlines the responsibilities of a consultant who will assist in data collection and analysis, ensuring that the assessment’s objectives align with the broader goals of CRS, ReNOKA, and the Community Engagement Project.
- Purpose: CRS seeks an Expressions of Interest (EOI) from interested consultants to support the Value Chain Assessment by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to horticulture and other crops’ value chains in Lesotho.
- Scope:
- Task 1: Data Collection Preparation:
- Collaborate with the Assessment Team to understand the objectives and requirements.
- Assist in developing interview guides and other primary data collection tools.
- Prepare a list of primary value chain actors and key informants to interview for each short-listed value chain.
b) Task 2: Data Collection
- Conduct interviews of selected value chain actors and stakeholders using the prepared tools.
- Engage with smallholder farmers, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and other relevant stakeholders to gather data.
- Ensure all collected data is gender-disaggregated and considers the needs of different groups, including male, female farmers, youth, and the disabled.
c) Task 3: Data Analysis
- Analyze the collected data to identify key attributes of each short-listed value chain.
- Assist CRS Technical Advisors during the prioritization of the short-listed value chains based on market opportunities, trends, and technical assistance needs of smallholder farmers.
- Assist CRS Technical Advisors during the Develop an upgrading strategy for selected value chains, considering market-based solutions and potential partners.
- Task 4: Reporting
- Compile notes and findings from interviews.
- Assist in preparing draft and final reports documenting the tasks and activities.
- Present key findings and recommendations to the CRS team and stakeholders.
- Expected Work Areas:
To support the implementation of the project: The company is expected to work in selected villages of Senqunyane, Likhetla, Makhalaneng, Maletsunyane, Khubelu, Hlotse, Metolong, Tshakholo, and Mohale’s Hoek areas of Lesotho starting in December 2023.
5a. Timeline for Contract: CRS desires to enter contract with the selected consultant from the 15th December 2023 for a period of 2 months ending February 2023.
- Special Procurement Conditions and Additional Information:
CRS invites interested companies capable of providing (from section 3 above) their EOI’s.
To be considered as a potential Companies, interested enterprises should submit their Expression of Interest including the following information:
How to apply
Interested companies are invited to apply for the consultancy role in VCA Data Collection. Applicants are required to submit two distinct proposals:
1. Technical Proposal: Detailing your team’s expertise, approach, and plan for executing the VCA Data Collection project. This should include information about the qualifications and experience of each team member, as well as a proposed methodology and timeline.
2. Financial Proposal: Providing a clear and itemized budget for the project. This should outline all costs associated with the consultancy, including fees for each team member, travel expenses, and any other relevant expenditures.
Please ensure that both proposals are comprehensive and adhere to the guidelines provided. Submit your complete application through by Dec 8, 2023.
Please note that responses received without the information below will not be considered.
- Certificate of Registration or legal business license that allows the service provider to work in Lesotho generally.
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
- Contact information (full name and address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail address, website, and contact person).
- Reference list demonstrating your qualifications for participating in this possible upcoming bidding process.
Expressions of Interest can be submitted to CRS via email to [email protected] with the subject line “EOI – VCA – Community Engagement – 2023”. For more questions regarding this expression of interest, contact the contact person stated in section 7 below. Please indicate Reference No: EOI – Community Engagement – ICM – 2023 on all submissions and communications. Only Local Companies to submit their applications.
Due to the high volume of communications, we will not issue confirmation of receipt of EOI’s.
A response to this Request for Expression of Interest does not automatically ensure that you will be selected to participate in the tender.
CRS reserves the right to change or cancel the requirement at any time during the EOI and/or solicitation process. CRS also reserves the right to require compliance with additional conditions as and when issuing the final solicitation documents. Submitting a reply to a call for EOI does not automatically guarantee receipt of the solicitation documents when issued.
- CRS Contact Information:
| Address: | P.O. Box 11471, Cathedral Area, Maseru Lesotho |
| Attention to: | Mr. Ehsan Rizvi |
| Telephone # | +266 22312750 |
| Email address: | [email protected] |