Request for Proposals, Baseline Study for Sanitary, Phytosanitary, and Food Safety Enhancement for Benin’s Agricultural Trade Project
Partners for Development
February 2025
Partners for Development (PfD) is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland and incorporated in Washington, D.C. PfD is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code. PfD’s mission is to work with underserved populations in developing countries to improve quality of life.
PfD seeks proposals from qualified entities to conduct a Baseline Study for the Sanitary, Phytosanitary, and Food Safety Enhancement for Benin’s Agricultural Trade Project (SAFE-TRADE). The Baseline Study is to establish baseline data for eight indicators and to objectively assess annual targets for the 26 indicators and SAFE-TRADE’s Theory of Change. Following completion of the Baseline Study, PfD shall then work with USDA to update all 26 indicators as necessary. (See in attachment for more details)
This five-year project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Food for Progress program and is expected to run from October 2024 through September 2029. The selected entity will be responsible for conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, analyzing key performance indicators, and producing actionable insights that will inform project implementation.
Submission Details:
Proposals should be sent via electronic mail to PfD-Benin@pfd.org with a copy to hr@pfd.org by 5:00 PM Benin Time on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
Any questions should be submitted to the same email address by 5:00 PM Benin Time on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. PfD shall email responses by Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
PfD and the selected entity will negotiate a contract for the baseline study services.
Format of Proposals for the Baseline Study:
Not including CV of proposed personnel and budget information, the proposal is limited to ten pages, PfD shall not review proposals exceeding this page limit.
1. Corporate Information/References:
Provide the legal name of the organization, the name of an authorized contact person, proof of business registration, a brief organizational history, the organization’s key objectives, and the names and contacts of two-three references. [Suggested half-page].
2. Technical Experience and Past Performance:
Detail relevant experience in SPS, food safety, quality infrastructure, or agricultural trade facilitation emphasizing any past work in West Africa. Include examples of two or more relevant baseline studies. [suggested two-three pages]
3. Personnel and Team Composition:
Applicants will need to possess proven experience in the implementation of baseline studies for agrobusiness development programs in West Africa, and preferably in SPS and food safety systems. Team make-up needs to demonstrate necessary familiarity with agro-business, SPS and food safety, laboratory development, animal science, especially related to cattle, port efficiency, statistics, and necessary computer skills. The Team Leader must be fluent in French and English and must have at least graduate level training and a minimum of five years of experience conducting evaluations. Data collectors/enumerators must speak French and the principal local language of the assigned region. [suggested one page, preferably via a table, and not including any CV]
4. Proposed Baseline Study Approach and Methodology:
Outline the proposed methodology for the Baseline Study, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness. This should encompass data collection techniques, analysis methods, risk mitigation strategies, and ethical considerations pertinent to the local context. [suggested up to four pages]
5. Work Plan and Timeline:
Present an activity-based work plan in Gantt chart format, detailing the timeline for all proposed activities and ensuring alignment with Section 4 of this RFP. [one page]
6. Budget: Provide total budget and breakdown and explanatory notes as necessary:
· Labor: Show by position, unit cost by hour, and number of units (level of effort)
· Travel: Detail any international and local travel, accommodations, meals, visa, etc
· Other: Detail any other costs envisioned as essential.
Criterion Value / Comments
1. Corporate Capabilities: (Technical Experience and Past Performance) 25%
2. Personnel and Team Capabilities: 30%
3. Proposed Baseline Study Methodology and Approach: 35%
4. Work Plan and Timeline 10%
5. Budget Reviewed but not scored
PfD is an international NGO with headquarters in the Washington, D.C. area. Its mission is to work with local and international partners to improve quality of life of vulnerable persons in underserved communities. PfD’s main interventions are public health, agriculture development, and economic empowerment, integrated as possible, and overarched by capacity building.
