Request for Proposal (RFP)

Consultant for Plot-Based Data Collection to Assess Forest Carbon Sequestration in the Congo Basin.

SUMMARY OF PROCUREMENT

The World Resources Institute is seeking to award a fixed-price contract to an organization with relevant knowledge and expertise in forest inventory data collection based on plots and the calculation for forest carbon stocks in Congo basin. the data collection will be done in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo/DRC. The duration of the contract is two months, non-renewable, and the deadline for submission of proposals is September 16, 2024.

The quoted budget in the RFP is 72,000.00 USD.

1. Overview

WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet their development goals while protecting and restore naturing; and to stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. We aim to fundamentally transform the way the world produces and uses food and energy and design cities to create a better future for all. Founded in 1982, WRI has nearly 1,800 staff around the world, with country offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States and regional offices in Africa and Europe.

WRI’s recently launched 2023-2027 Strategic Plan | Getting the Transition Right for People, Nature & Climate which significantly shifts not only the impact that WRI aims to achieve but also demands increased collaboration across our distributed global network to deliver this impact. The strategy includes a strong argument for catalyzing financial flows to developing countries, to enable transitions in three Human-Centered systems: food, land, and water; energy; and cities.

The Congo Basin, encompassing the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, is a critical component of the global carbon cycle. It stores vast amounts of carbon and plays a vital role in mitigating climate change. Despite its significance, the region faces challenges in accurately monitoring forest carbon stocks and dynamics due to limited access to detailed, locally relevant, and spatially precise data. This project aims to address these challenges by integrating in situ forest inventory data with cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches and techniques.

2. The assignment

To carry out this study, WRI is seeking a nonprofit organization or research institution with relevant knowledge and expertise in forest inventory data collection based on plots and the calculation of forest carbon stocks for Central Africa. Specifically, they should be capable of collecting data from 65 sampling plots (10 plots in Cameroon and 55 plots in the Democratic Republic of Congo/DRC) that were established during the first forest inventory data collection in 2013-2014.

Under the supervision of the Data Lab lead for WRI Africa, two main deliverables are expected fromthe consultant are as follows:

• Deliverable #1- Methodology on how to collect, process and store data from at least 55 measured forest inventory sites in DRC and 10 measured forest inventory sites in Cameroon, using remeasured inventory data collection and also standard operating procedures.
• Deliverable #2- compilation of the data collected, which will be integrated into a global in situ forest inventory database.

The selected consultant will complete the assignment alongside the WRI team, especially the Data Lab Lead for Africa, Congo Basin Strategy and Engagement Lead, Country Managers and experts in the priority countries (Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon).

The contract period is for 02 months, start date October 15, 2024, end of contract: December 15, 2024.

3. Budget

The expected value of this contract is USD $72,000.00. WRI is strongly committed to attaining value for money in all aspects of our work.

• Pricing should be valid for sixty (60) days.
• A proposed budget with a breakdown of costs sufficient to assess reasonableness.
• Please also include a payment schedule associating amounts with work milestones.
• Provide pricing for all applicable costs associated with this solicitation. An estimate of the number of days required to carry out the activities is to be provided by the consultant in the proposal and must be reflected in the estimate. However, once the budget has been validated, the payment of the service will be conditional on the delivery of the deliverables and not on the number of days actually worked. All expenses (equipment, materials, supplies, consumables, insurance, travel expenses, etc.) necessary for the performance of the proposal should be reflected in the budget.

4. Timeline

Please submit your proposal by September 16, 2024. The top candidate will be selected and informed between September 20-30, 2024. The assignment is aimed to start by 15 October 2024.

Key Milestones & Dates:

Note: These milestones and dates are estimates and can be adjusted based on best practice and indicated in the proposal submitted by the Consultant.

Regular Check-Ins

In addition to the key milestones and dates above, the Consultant should propose a regular check-in with the project team to help guide the project. The Consultant is responsible for driving the agenda of these check-ins and key follow-up.

5. Guidelines for proposal submission

5.1Requirements

WRI aims to make its funding accessible to as many organizations and researcher as possible.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must:

• Be a non-profit entity, research institution. Individuals must apply through an institutional sponsor. Partnerships are strongly encouraged, but only the lead applicant will receive funds

• Have all necessary national or other approvals to conduct the proposed research.

• Be headquartered in or have a substantial partnership in the country or region where data will be collected.

• Experience working climate in the Congo Basin;

• Overall cost and reasonableness of the proposal;

5.2Expression of Interest, Deadline for Questions, and Proposal

All expressions of interest and questions about this RFP must be received via email to the contact below by 25 September 2024, 15:30 (Kinshasa, DRC). Answers to the questions will be shared will all parties who have asked questions or otherwise expressed interest.

Name Kenmoe Kendie

Title: Forest Atlas Technical Manager

Email: Kendie.kenmoe@wri.org

Name Teodyl Nkuintchua

Title: Congo Basin Strategy and Engagement Leader at WRI Africa

Email: [email protected]

All proposals must be sent by 15:30, 15 September 2024 (Kinshasa, DRC) in electronic format to the same contact listed above.[IOMF1][KK2]

5.3Format of Proposals

Prospective consultants should submit proposals that are no more than 5 pages in length with additional annexes as needed. Proposals should address the following components:

• A statement of interest describing the proposed team and how it meets the above
  requirements;
• The consultant’s unique interest in, and fit for, this project
• Approach and deliverables provided according to the Services mentioned above
• Detailed budget breakdown according to the Services mentioned above
• Relevant case studies and results from past work
• At least two references.

5.Selection process

No proposal development costs shall be charged to WRI / all expenses are to be borne by the bidders. WRI may award to the bidder offering best value without discussion. However, WRI reserves the right to seek bidder clarifications and to negotiate with those bidders deemed to be within a competitive range. WRI may, at its discretion and without explanation to the prospective consultants, choose to discontinue this RFP without obligation to such prospective consultants or make multiple awards under this RFP.

6. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

6.1Evaluation Criteria

The following elements will be the primary considerations in evaluating all proposals submitted in response to this RFP:

The bidder offering the best overall value based on the above criteria will be selected. For this procurement. WRI reserves the right to select, or not select, an organization for any reason.

6.2 Selection Process

No proposal development costs shall be charged to WRI / all expenses are to be borne by the bidders. WRI reserves the right to seek bidder clarifications and to negotiate fees with those bidders deemed to be within a competitive range.

During the final selection process, Consultants may be requested to present their bids to a select group of WRI staff.

WRI may, at its discretion and without explanation to the prospective consultants, choose to modify or discontinue this RFP without obligation to such prospective consultants or make multiple awards under this RFP. The terms of this document are not and are not intended to be binding on the parties. Any agreement between WRI and a successful consultant will be memorialized in a definitive written agreement signed by WRI and the consultant

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[KK2]Done