ALIVE & THRIVE. Request for Proposals (RFP)

Transcription

1 Issued on: 4 October For: ALIVE & THRIVE Request for Proposals (RFP) Formative Assessment to Explore Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition & Early Child Development Behaviors in Indonesia Deadline: 26 October Background Alive & Thrive (A&T) is an initiative that began in 2008 aimed at saving lives, preventing illness, and ensuring healthy growth and development. Good nutrition in the first 1,000 days, from conception to two years of age, is critical to enable all children to lead healthier and more productive lives. A&T is scaling up improved infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and maternal nutrition through large-scale programs in several countries in the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) and Economic Community of West African States regions, and through strategic technical support and the dissemination of innovations, tools, and lessons worldwide. A&T is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the governments of Canada, Ireland and Madagascar and anticipates receiving funding from the Tanoto Foundation in Indonesia. Disparities in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) indicators are prevalent across Indonesia due to significant inequities in wealth, infrastructure, and levels of urbanity/rurality, with malnutrition worst in areas with limited access to schools, markets, and hospitals. The Government of Indonesia issued a Presidential Decree no. 42/2013 to launch Gerakan Nasional Percepatan Perbaikan Gizi (National Movement to Accelerate Nutrition Improvement) focused on the first 1,000 days of life, in line with the global SUN Movement and launched the National Stunting Reduction Movement in Social and behavior change (SBC) was identified as a priority for interventions to address stunting, including implementation of a national campaign focusing on knowledge, political commitment, and accountability for stunting reduction. A newly awarded World Bank (WB) project in Indonesia, Investing in Nutrition and Early Years, is expected to facilitate extensive multi-sectoral activities to improve nutrition and child development. The intention is to converge priority nutrition interventions across health, water and sanitation, early childhood education, social protection, and food security. Data shows that only 8 percent of children aged 0 2 years have been reached through existing early childhood education and development (ECED) services, although ECED facilities are now available in almost every Page 1 of 11

2 village. 1 The program also highlights the use of citizen engagement tools to increase awareness and resources at the community-level for health and education priorities. One of these resources will be a new cadre called the Health Development Workers (HDWs) who will be deployed and scaled to every village to increase and improve the delivery, monitoring, and uptake of key interventions across health, early childhood education, social protection, and water and sanitation sectors. The project is expected to work within a comprehensive national SBC strategy (to be developed) that integrates advocacy, mass media, and interpersonal communication (IPC) with a focus on local adaptation of content. To contribute to these national efforts, and particularly the SBC strategy, A&T recently conducted a desk review based on existing literature on MIYCN and nutrition-sensitive practices in Indonesia. The review aimed to identify priority areas where gaps existed in our understanding of MIYCN and child development practices. Gaps were apparent in understanding the reasons and potential solutions to a lack of child dietary diversity, and the widespread use of processed snack foods. Diets of women during pregnancy and lactation also suffer from the same diversity and low quality of foods consumed, as well as adequate quantities. Most women also do not take iron-folate acid (IFA) supplements during pregnancy, despite receiving antenatal care. The review also pinpointed important nurturing care practices like responsive feeding and early stimulation that are not the norm, yet could improve child development and health outcomes. Issues were also noted around service delivery and quality in health facilities for pregnant and lactating women, including related to the marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) with impacts on breastfeeding practices. A&T is planning to conduct a formative assessment to better understand priority MIYCN and ECD behaviors, and test new, improved practices. The results of this assessment will be used to inform national strategies and program activities within substantial investments to improve maternal and child health and development. To conduct the assessment, we seek an experienced, and innovative group to work in close consultation with A&T to: organize and facilitate national level stakeholder consultations before and during the assessment process; develop and test protocols and instruments; recruit participants; conduct data collection activities sub-nationally in four different provinces; and analyze data and produce interim and final reports and presentations. The detailed scope of work is below. Assessment Objectives The overall objectives of the assessment, and initial proposed areas of inquiry are identified below. The areas of inquiry will be further refined and focused through the initial stakeholder consultation, and in collaboration with A&T staff. Gain a deep understanding of key MIYCN and ECD behaviors among different population groups distinguished by where they live, socio-economic status, ethnicity, religion, other characteristics in Indonesia 1 The World Bank,. Investing in the Early Years project document. Available at: Accessed on 08/16/. Page 2 of 11

3 Identify and test a set of new, feasible, and effective practices that improve on a sub-set of behaviors, with program beneficiaries playing an active role in the process to drive and develop solutions. Develop recommendations for SBCC strategies, based on the findings from the assessment, that will help to promote and support new, improved, feasible MIYCN and ECD practices. Initial proposed areas of inquiry 1. Complementary feeding practices for children 6-23 months focusing on: a. Reducing the use of processed, packaged snack foods; identifying acceptable, improved choices for complementary foods b. Continuing breastfeeding especially in the first year of life c. Improving the diversity of complementary foods d. Addressing feeding style and responsive feeding challenges 2. Maternal nutrition practices a. Increasing quality, caloric intake for pregnant and lactating women b. Ensuring consumption of IFA during pregnancy. 3. Early child cognitive and socio-emotional development a. Increasing activities that provide stimulation and play opportunities for young children and positively engaging with caregivers, including fathers, within the context of IYCF. b. Increasing activities that promote cognitive, linguistic and socio-emotional development (e.g. Responsive breastfeeding, scaffolding language development) 4. Health/nutrition facility and workforce practices related to breastfeeding and complementary feeding a. Improving promotion and support of early initiation of breastfeeding at delivery, aligned with updated essential newborn care protocols. b. Ensuring no inappropriate use or promotion of BMS or other supplemental feeds in the health facility setting c. Improving interpersonal counseling for maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, and complementary feeding Methodology Assessment design The assessment will be conducted in phases, using a mix of methods (see list of potential methods listed below). The bidder is expected to choose methods that they have experience with and/or others that they feel will best meet the objectives and areas of inquiry covered in this assessment. A&T can provide training and support to supplement a bidder s experience. Below are suggested potential methods to consider, but this is not an exhaustive list, nor is it requested to include each Page 3 of 11

4 one listed here in a proposal. Innovative approaches and participatory consultative techniques are preferred. Data Analysis The assessment will utilize methods for rapid appraisal and real-time analysis. The assessment teams will be seeking key insights from target audiences to help catalyze behavior change. The teams will not use transcripts but may make audio recordings as a back-up to detailed notetaking during activities. The teams will also use analytical matrices to organize important findings and daily debriefs with data collection teams to elicit themes and provide an opportunity to adapt tools and areas of inquiry for subsequent data collection activities. Exact analysis methods will be determined based on the final method mix. Table 1. Methods to consider for each phase Phase Method Use I--exploratory Individual interviews using projective techniques Homogenous group discussions with projective techniques With mothers to understand what is done on a daily (or frequent) basis and less frequently; understand the reasons for practices, influences on practices, and the context in which decisions are made. With other family members, as needed to understand nurturing care practices for children 0-23 months. With pregnant women to understand perceptions of healthcare/nutrition services, quality, especially related to antenatal care and nutrition education/counseling. And, also their dietary choices, influences, constraints. With ECED workers/informants, to understand challenges faced in service delivery, and suggestions for improving services To uncover social and cultural norms related to specific desired or undesired behaviors, but not on individual practices Observations Of healthcare providers to assess practices, policies, and the enabling environment. Food attributes and availability exercises Assess the community and home enabling environment To identify key foods and their characteristics that are offered to children in different age ranges, explore the conditions and changes required for caregivers to offer different/nutrient-rich foods to children including availability, cost and seasonal factors. Page 4 of 11

5 II testing Concept testing in focus groups Co-creation workshops with end users Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) To concept test new alternatives to improving complementary foods, maternal diets, parenting programs or other challenges. Problem-solving collectively with beneficiaries to develop and design solutions to key issues such as complementary feeding, maternal diets, and early stimulation and play Test out new or modified household practices to gain additional insight into how programs and efforts to support them could best be designed Geographic Scope Locations and recruitment for data collection should ensure representation taking into consideration: rural/urban divide, socio-economic status, ethnicity, other relevant characteristics that differentiate populations in Indonesia. Provinces should be geographically and culturally diverse and selected to align with the government s priority nutrition districts and priority locations for other related nutrition investments. The final selection of provinces and districts will depend on stakeholder guidance. Bidders should consider accessibility and other factors when choosing sites, to ensure that the data collection is feasible within the given timeframe, while considering data needed to represent different populations. Scale of the Assessment The exact number of respondents will be finalized after the assessment objectives, methods, and geographical area have been agreed with stakeholders during the initial consultation. Preliminary estimates of the scale of the assessment suggest a sample of approximately 30 to 40 participants per district across a proposed 8 districts; 2 in each of 4 provinces. This will include a larger sample for the exploratory phase, and a smaller sample for testing. Target Respondents The firm will be responsible for recruiting ample participants for all methods used in the assessment. In the table below, categories of respondents have been identified. Bidders should rationalize sample size, and choice of respondents, based on the methods proposed. A&T will confer with the selected firm on the final target respondent list. Table 2: Summary of respondents by sample sizes (preliminary) Respondent Type Approximate number of participants by geographic area Province 1 Province 2 Province 3 Province 4 Approximate Page 5 of 11

6 District 2 District 1 District 2 District 1 District 2 District 1 District 2 District 1 Alive & Thrive, Southeast Asia Number of Participants Phase 1: Exploratory Mothers/primary caregivers of children different age ranges of children TBD Pregnant women Healthcare providers Other informants TBD 15 Phase 2: Testing Pregnant women Healthcare providers Mothers/caregivers of children 6-23 months old Approximate total number of participants 247 Scope of Work The research is an exploratory study using consultative and innovative qualitative research methods. Bidders are requested to propose details on suggested assessment methods taking into consideration the geographic scope and scale of the assessment. Bidders should propose audience segmentation characteristics and audience profiles to best reflect different contexts. Bidders should also provide details on composition of the data collection teams considering the need for blended teams to include team leader, local experts, translators, formative research experts, etc. Other considerations including timing for each phase, logistics, mechanisms to best coordinate and collaborate with A&T and other stakeholders during the process, and other factors should be articulated in the bidder s proposal. Specific tasks are listed below details for each should be elaborated in the proposal: 1. Facilitate initial stakeholder consultation. The areas of inquiry and methodologies will be refined, and the geographic areas in which to conduct the assessment finalized through an initial consultation with stakeholders. 2. Finalize the methodology. These tasks will be done in a collaborative process with A&T. a. Develop the assessment protocol, data collection instruments, and consent forms. b. Facilitate required scientific and ethics approvals. 3. Training of data collection team and pre-test. A&T will collaborate in this process as needed. a. Conduct training for data collection teams including on new methodologies, as needed will be supported by A&T b. Pre-test data collection instruments and finalize Page 6 of 11

7 4. Data collection phase 1 (exploratory). Refer, and consider the timeline for the assessment, and number of respondents needed. a. Recruitment of participants for each assessment activity according to the final, agreed methods. Assessment team is responsible for procurement, compilation, and administration of recruitment lists. 5. Data analysis and preliminary report writing. Data collection and analysis will be done in a phased approach and include rapid analysis techniques to facilitate the ability to use findings to inform subsequent assessment activities. A preliminary report on the findings of Phase 1 will be developed. 6. Preparation for phase 2 (testing). Based on the findings from the exploratory phase of the assessment, the specifics of phase 2 will evolve. a. Refine/revise methods and data collection instruments a collaborative process with A&T based on the findings and priorities identified through phase 1. b. Conduct training for data collection teams on new methodologies and support from A&T as needed. Data collection teams are expected to be blended teams, combining global behavior change and design technical assistants with the bidder to conduct workshops and other activities to elicit and test locally-designed solutions. 7. Data collection phase 2 and analysis a. Recruitment of participants for each assessment activity according to the final, agreed methods. Assessment team is responsible for procurement, compilation, and administration of recruitment lists as well as meeting any additional needs for ethical approvals. 8. Consultative meeting to share findings. A second stakeholder consultation may be held as a consultative meeting to share findings for feedback before finalizing a report. 9. Develop draft versions and a final written report. The research firm shall prepare a final report that includes a detailed description of the assessment processes and presentation of the findings for each phase, and recommendations resulting from consultative meetings. Draft version of the report shall be submitted for feedback and review by A&T and stakeholders prior to finalization. The final report should be a written report with an accompanying presentation. Any process documents and data such as recordings, notes, and completed consent forms must be provided to A&T in the final documentation. Anticipated Period of Performance: November to August 2019 Approximate Deliverables Timeline: The timeframe for this scope of work is approximately November to August The following deliverables will be due within and agreed timeline, that is open to negotiation based on the recommendations and expertise of the bidder. No. Deliverable Due Date 1 Participation in initial stakeholder consultation November 2 Final methodology with assessment protocol, data collection instruments and consent forms for Phase 1 December Page 7 of 11

8 3 Translation of agreed protocol, data collection instruments and consent forms in local languages. January Draft report of preliminary findings from Phase 1 March Final methodology with data collection instruments and tools for Phase 2 March Second consultation with stakeholders June Draft final report and presentation(s) June Comprehensive written report of final results with accompanying presentation. August 2019 Desired skills and experience: A&T is seeking a formative research firm with experience in innovative and effective assessment methods that can generate insights and learning from women, healthcare providers and others on household practices, and care-seeking behaviors, related to nutrition preferred, but not required. We seek a firm that is open to new thinking and processes and with the energy to find ways to make them work in the Indonesian context. We are looking for strategic thinkers and innovators that are open and collaborative. The bidder should show that they are experienced in innovative approaches, that bring together complementary disciplines with out-of-the-box thinking, drawing on the range of options across private sector market research, anthropological and participatory approaches. Experience conducting qualitative research and analyzing qualitative data are required. The data collection teams should be fluent in local languages and the bidder should have a presence and expertise in Indonesia and the capacity to mobilize teams at sub-national level. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS To be considered, bidders must provide the following: 1. Detailed description of methodology and proposed approach for each phase of the assessment as described in the Scope of Work section above. 2. Company profile with solid background/knowledge in public health, maternal and child health, and nutrition in Indonesia. 3. Solid experience in conducting formative research studies of sizeable scale and complexity. 4. Demonstrated ability to use innovative methods; working closely with respondents in applying methods 5. Experience working collaboratively with a variety of national-level organizations in carrying out formative research assessments. Experience with international technical assistance a plus. Page 8 of 11

9 6. Agency must provide a detailed plan for the implementation/logistical aspects of the proposed assessment process, that adheres to the overall timeframe of this RFP. 7. Please submit the cost proposal in the format of the budget template provided. All quotes must be in US Dollars. Payments are anticipated to be made via wire transfer from the US please specify in the cost proposal if your organization is an INGO that has a US office, or if your organization is an Indonesian organization that is able to receive payments as described above. To the extent that indirect costs are applicable, they are subject to the following limits: 0% for government agencies, other private foundations and for-profit organizations up to 10% for U.S. universities and other academic institutions Up to 15% for all other non-u.s. academic institutions and all private voluntary and nongovernment organizations, regardless of location. Indirect cost rates (and the limitations) apply both to the primary applicant organization and any sub-grantees and/or sub-contractors that are part of the proposal. 8. Three references, including contact information for each. The references should be for past customers for whom similar work was done. 9. The address that A&T may send a confirmation of receipt of your submission. 10. Based on MIA Regulation 38/2008, FHI Solutions would be deemed as an international aid recipient for the purposes of this subcontracting activity and therefore subject to requirements below. If the bidder is an Indonesian-domiciled company, please provide documentation and a brief discussion to support the point(s) that appl(y)ies to your organization s situation from the list below (this is a required part of the submission documents): (a) (b) (c) (d) If the bidder is an Indonesian Local NGO is in the form of foundation, then it must be duly registered with the MOLHR; If the Indonesian Local NGO is in the form of foundation and it has received aid in the amount of IDR 500 million or more, then it must publish its audited annual financial report in the newspaper; If the Indonesian Local NGO is in the form of civil organization, then it must be duly registered with the MIA; and The Indonesian Local NGO must be able to evidence (i) the aid conforms with its scope of activities, (ii) it has the ability to carry out the activities intended by the aid, and (iii) the accountability of the aid and the activities carried out based on the prevailing laws. Page 9 of 11

10 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION Bids will be evaluated and ranked by a committee on a best value basis according to the criteria below. Only offerors able to provide all of requirements listed above will be considered. Selection shall be based on the following weighted categories: 1. Methodology and Proposed Approach for the Assessment: 40% 2. Capacity and Experience: 30% 3. Completeness and Appropriateness of the Budget: 20% 4. References: 10% NOTE: A&T will not compensate the company for its preparation of response to this RFP nor is the issuing of this RFP a guarantee that a contract will be awarded. Anticipated Contractual Mechanism A fixed obligation grant is the anticipated contractual mechanism for an award. It is intended that the grant will be issued in US Dollars to the responsive offer that is selected on a best value basis. Once an award is issued, it will include a schedule of fixed price payments based on completion of deliverables/milestones identified in the scope of work. Instructions and Deadline Responses to this RFP should be submitted by to the A&T office at ntmien@fhi360.org no later than October 26, at 5 p.m. Hanoi (Viet Nam) time. Please follow the instructions carefully. Proposals which do not follow these instructions will not be reviewed. Offers received after this date and time will not be accepted for consideration. Alive & Thrive will acknowledge receipt of your proposal by . Proposals must be submitted in electronic format using Microsoft Office compatible software. Any questions or requests for clarification need to be submitted in writing to the address ntmien@fhi360.org by October 15, at 5 p.m. Hanoi (Viet Nam) time. Answers will be shared with all firms that have submitted questions or expressed interest, as well as posted on the website. No telephone inquiries will be answered. Please include VAT in the cost proposal. Withdrawal of Proposals Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice, or facsimile received at any time before award. False Statements in Offer Page 10 of 11

11 Offerors must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and its attachments. Proposals become property of Alive & Thrive. DISCLAIMERS AND PROTECTION CLAUSES A&T may cancel the solicitation and not make an award A&T may reject any or all responses received Issuance of a solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by Alive & Thrive A&T reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on offeror failure to follow solicitation instructions A&T will not compensate offers for response to solicitation A&T reserves the right to issue an award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion A&T may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple awards based on the solicitation activities A&T may request from short-listed offerors a second or third round of either oral presentation or written response to a more specific and detailed scope of work that is based on a general scope of work in the original RFP. A&T has the right to rescind an RFP, or rescind an award prior to the signing of a subcontract due to any unforeseen changes in the direction of Alive & Thrive s donor, be it funding or programmatic. A&T reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition A&T will be contacting offerors to confirm contact person, address and that bid was submitted for this solicitation. END OF RFP Page 11 of 11