Request for Proposals
RFP Number: EAI-NG21-DC-2024-06 – Amendment #1
Services being Procured:
Final Performance Evaluation
of the Securing Nigerian Communities (SNC) Project – Amendment #1
Issued By:
Equal Access International
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 205
Washington, D.C. 20036
Key Dates:
RFP Issued: Friday, July 12, 2024
Deadline for Questions: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 12:00 noon EST
Amended Deadline for Submission of Proposals: Friday, August 2, 2024
Amended Anticipated Award Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2024
Amended Assignment Commencement Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2024
RFP #EAI- NG21-DC-2024-06
Background information
Equal Access International (EAI), a Washington, DC based non-profit invites qualified individuals or firms to submit a proposal to conduct an endline evaluation of the Securing Nigerian Communities (SNC) project to assess the final results and impacts of EAI’s interventions under the
program and help determine if desired outcomes were achieved. The evaluation will document key intended and unintended outcomes that emerged as a result of program interventions and distill lessons
learned that can inform future work in related program areas and use results to make decisions on scaling approaches in other areas funding permitting.
The SNC project is focused on strengthening community safety through inclusion of community members and stakeholders in the entire framework of the security architecture. The project established
a functional and sustainable Early Warning Early Response (EWER) reporting mechanism in the project targeted areas working to connect security agencies with Civilian Security by promoting the
involvement of all actors, especially women and youth, on issues of peacebuilding, safety, and security in their communities. The project worked to build the capacity of community members, stakeholders, and the Civilian Security Platforms (CSP) and Community Accountability Forums (CAF) on conflict transformation, social cohesion, and community resilience.
Section 1 – Instructions to Offerors
1.1 Issuing Office
Equal Access International
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 205
Washington, D.C. 20036 USA
Website: http://www.equalaccess.org/
Note: Questions or requests for clarification are only accepted in writing, EAI will not respond to any phone-call inquiries.
1.2 Anticipated Award Type
The award resulting from this RFP is anticipated to be an Infinite Delivery/Infinite Quantity
(IDIQ) contract. This is only the anticipated type of award and may be changed as a result of
negotiations. The anticipated award date is on or about August 5, 2024, with a period of performance
start date on or about August 6, 2024.
1.3 Period of Performance
The initial period of performance for these services is fifteen (15) weeks. This will include approximately two weeks of travel in Nigeria across the four project states and 12 corresponding LGAs.
1.4 Basis of Award
The award will be issued to the responsible and reasonable offeror who offers the best value to EAI using a combination of price and technical or non-cost/price factors.
1.5 Submission of Questions
EAI will answer questions regarding the requirements of this RFP. Questions may be submitted via email only at consultancies@equalaccess.org with the subject line title of “RFP #EAI- NG21-DC-2024-06 Final Evaluation Consultant” no later than 12:00 (Noon) EST Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Answers to all questions shall be provided to all offerors.
1.6 Submission of Proposals
Proposals must be submitted no later than 17:00 (5pm) EST, Friday, August 2, 2024, via email to consultancies@equalaccess.org. The subject line of the email should include the full RFP Number
and Title of “RFP- EAI-NG21-DC-2024-06 – Amendment #1 Final Evaluation Consultant_[VENDOR NAME]_Proposal”.
1.7 Interview/Clarification Questions and Answers
EAI reserves the right to ask questions of offerors and to conduct interviews regarding their proposal, particularly as related to the technical approach and key staff participating in the process, prior
to final evaluation and award. If EAI chooses to conduct interviews, they will be scheduled between Monday, August 5, 2024 and Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
1.8 Proposal Format
For EAI to conduct the most efficient proposal evaluation, bidders are required to include the
following information in their proposal as described below:
1.8.1 Technical Proposal
1. Technical Approach – Offerors must describe their proposed technical approach to providing an endline evaluation, as per the requirements found in Annex
1 Scope of Work
(SOW). Include a description of the activities undertaken to promote/ensure quality. Describe any existing or potential conflict of interest and conflict mitigation plan.
2. Key Personnel – Offerors must list their key personnel and provide CVs of their relevant work experience.
3. Summary of Consultant’s Experience – Offerors must provide a description of relevant past performance and experience with similar work. In addition, please provide three references that EAI can contact who have worked directly with you and/or your organization in providing
services like those outlined in Annex 1 – Statement of Work.
Page Limit: The Technical Proposal (exclusive of CVs and cover page) should not exceed six (06) pages single spaced and may be shorter.
1.8.2. Financial Proposal
Offerors must submit a budget proposal, including hourly rate(s) for the categories of services described in Annex 1 – Statement of Work. The Financial Proposal will not be counted in the Technical Proposal page limit. 1. EAI will cover the cost for travel to and from Nigeria and accommodation and
M&IE while in Nigeria.
1.9 Evaluation of Proposals
EAI will use best value determination for the award. A best value determination means that, in
EAI’s estimation, the selected offer will provide the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirements stated in this RFP. It may be in EAI’s best interest to consider an award to other than the
lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror.
The evaluation factors and allocated points are presented below.
1. Technical Approach (50 points) – Points for this section will be awarded based on the
information presented in the technical approach.
2. Relevant Key Personnel and Experience (50 points) – Points for this section will be based on the relevant experience of key staff and the offeror’s portfolio of relevant performance, including references of past clients.
3. Cost – The cost proposal will be reviewed and evaluated for reasonableness. EAI reserves the right to evaluate cost/technical trade-offs and will award to the firm providing the best value to EAI, cost and technical factors considered.
1.10 Validity of Proposals
Proposals submitted shall remain open for acceptance for a minimum of ninety (90) days from the Deadline for Submission of Proposals. The selected Offeror(s) shall supply the services requested at the proposed prices for the delivery/performance period specified in this Request for Proposal (RFP).
1.11 Minimum Bidder Qualifications
Bidders submitting proposals must:
1) Be officially licensed to do such business in the United States,
2) Not be debarred or suspended by the United States Government and must not appear on any excluded parties list or otherwise be ineligible for award. EAI shall not award a contract to any organization determined ineligible for award by the US Government.
3) Provide documentation to verify licensure (i.e., tax id, registration certificate, etc.)
4) Demonstrate adequate management, human, and financial resources to perform the contract
5) Satisfactory records of performance history, integrity and business ethics 1.12 Late Proposals
Proposals received after the submission deadline stated in the cover page of this RFP may not be
considered. Bidders will be held responsible for ensuring their proposals are received according to the
instructions stated herein. Late proposals may be considered at the discretion of EAI.
1.13 Modification of RFP Requirements
EAI retains the right to terminate this RFP or modify the requirements upon notification to
Offerors.
1.14 Right of Negotiation and Acceptance of Proposal
This Request for Proposal does not legally obligate EAI to award a contract. EAI reserves the
right not to make an award to any Offeror. No commitment is made, either expressed or implied, to compensate Bidders for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of their proposals.
EAI may reject any proposal that is nonresponsive. A responsive proposal is one that complies with all terms and conditions of the RFP as outlined in this document and any subsequent modifications
issued by EAI. A proposal must be complete, signed by an authorized signatory and delivered no later than the submission time and date indicated in Section 1.6. EAI may reserve the right to waive any minor
discrepancies in a proposal.
EAI reserves the right to issue an award based on the initial evaluation of proposals without discussion. EAI also reserves the right to enter best and final negotiations with any responsive Offeror for all or part of the proposed scope.
Nigeria continues to face persistent insecurity and unrest that affects everyone in the country, leading to tensions between ethnic, regional, and religious groups. As a result, people have lost faith in the ability of government security forces to provide adequate protection. Clashes in the country are often fueled by disinformation, resulting in further social fragmentation and mistrust.
In response to these challenges, Equal Access International (EAI) is implementing the SNC project since 2020 to contribute to reversing these trends by training and creating opportunities for women and youth to contribute to peace and security. EAI partnered with local stakeholders to create 12 tailored Local Action Plans (LAPs) under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325,
addressing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, and promoting women's roles in peacebuilding and governance. EAI and local partner CLEEN Foundation strengthened community-level early warning and early response (EWER) mechanisms by training members of the Civilian Security Platforms (CSPs) and Community Accountability Forums (CAFs). The project trained a total of 1,229 community leaders
(779 women and 450 youth) on EWER, trauma, non-violent conflict resolution, inclusive security practices, and social cohesion. EAI’s programs team also produced radio programming on EWER,
trauma, non-violent conflict resolution, inclusive security practices, and social cohesion.
