Last updated: 9 December 2020
GENERAL QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING CALL FOR PROPOSALS:
- Assessment on Agricultural Techniques and Technologies to Mitigate the Potential Negative Effects of Climate Change in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV Countries)
- Assessment on Nutrition Surveillance and Mechanisms to Reduce Malnutrition in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV Countries)
- Assessment on Strengthening Public Health Security to Prevent Infectious Disease through the Adoption of Digital Technology in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV Countries)
- Assessment of Smallholder Farmers’ Productivity and Access to Markets in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam
- Assessment on the Adoption of Digital Technology by MSMEs in CLMV Countries and Integration of CLMV MSMEs into Global Value Chain
Question: What is the scope of the study – national, meso (provincial/District)?
Answer: While the study looks at status and progress in relevant sectors at the national and CLMV level, it is recognized that meso-level data (or sample of data) may be required. The consultant is free suggest the most strategic level of data collection and analysis, based on his/her knowledge, experiences and consultation in the respective countries.
Question: Is the consultant expected to travel to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam?
Answer: Not at this moment due to the widespread travel restrictions across the region due to the pandemic. Only when travel restrictions are relaxed, the consultant would be allowed to travel. Ideally, the consultant should have existing networks/ associates in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam to facilitate consultation and data collection.
Question: Are the number of days, as a whole or per component/ activities, negotiable?
Answer: The number of person-days are included in the Terms of Reference to provide a rough estimate on the load of work envisaged for each activities. The consultant is free to suggest the appropriate number of days, according to their proposed approach and methods in undertaking the assignment.
Question: Can the IAI Work Plan IV, as well as other documents mentioned in the Terms of Reference, be shared to the consultant via email or download link?
Answer: The IAI Work Plan IV is downloadable from ASEAN’s website. Other non-public documents will be shared with the select consultant after the signing of the contract. The consultant will be advised if the documents are confidential and should be used only for the purpose of the project.
Question: Can the consultant propose extension of the timeline of the project?
Answer: The result of this project will be used for the next activity of the project on “Work Planning Assistance for Initiative for ASEAN Integration 2021-2025” and any delay on the assessment will affect the timeline of the subsequent activity. However, proposal for extension will be considered if there is valid reason.
Question: Can the consultant propose an adjustment in the scope of the assessment?
Answer: The result of this project will be used for the next activity of the project on “Work Planning Assistance for Initiative for ASEAN Integration 2021-2025”. Consultant may propose adjustment in the scope of the assessment, with justification for the changes.
Question: Are there any background researches, data and studies done in the specific countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam?
Answer: The consultant will be directed to the desk office in ASEAN to check any available research, data and studies relevant to the assessments, and be advised to follow the confidentiality protocol for non-public document.
Question: Noting that firms located outside ASEAN member states and consortiums are eligible to apply for AADCP II-support consultancy projects, are international NGOs captured under this definition for the purposes of applying to these opportunities?
Answer: Yes, international NGOs that meet the qualification can apply.
Question: Is there an estimated budget or budget range for this consultancy?
Answer: No. Each bidder should propose their budget and financial proposal is one of the considerations for scoring, along with technical proposal.
Question: What is the expected timeline from proposal submission, to evaluation and selection, and start of the assessment?
Answer: It is anticipated to take 7-8 weeks from proposal submission deadline to the start of the assessment, if all goes well.
Question: Is it possible to provide any cost and contract regulations that will apply to this consultancy?
Answer: A guideline containing rules and requirements for reimbursable costs will be provided to the most preferred bidder, once selected. Similarly, a draft contract will be provided to the awarded bidder, once selected.
Question: Is there any limitation to the number of team members?
Answer: No.
Question: Given the pandemic and associated travel challenges, is it possible to propose a mixed approach that includes virtual activities for the assessment if necessary?
Answer: Virtual activities are acceptable, but bidders with local affiliates/offices are preferred.
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO PROJECT 1 (P1) : Assessment on Agricultural Techniques and Technologies to Mitigate the Potential Negative Effects of Climate Change in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV Countries)
P1.1. Question: What is the size of the farms assessed: large, medium, small scales?
Answer: The consultant should suggest the most strategic scale for the intervention in each country that will bring the most impactful leverage.
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO PROJECT 2 (P2) : Assessment on Nutrition Surveillance and Mechanisms to Reduce Malnutrition Reduction in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV Countries)
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SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO PROJECT 3 (P3): Assessment on Strengthening Public Health Security to Prevent Infectious Disease through the Adoption of Digital Technology in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV Countries)
P3.1. Question: Does applying for and subsequently conducting the Assessment on Strengthening Public Health Security to Prevent Infectious Disease through the Adoption of Digital Technology in CLMV Countries render an organization ineligible to apply for subsequent opportunities/activities under the IAI Work Plan?
Answer: No. Winning/applying for the assessment does not make an organization ineligible for the subsequent opportunity.
P3.2. Question: Have similar assessment consultancies already been awarded for the other IAI Work Plan IV Project areas and if so, is there publicly available information regarding these awards including the winning contractor?
Answer: No other AADCP II-supported assessment consultancies have been awarded for projects under IAI Work Plan IV.
P3.3. Question: Is there an established assessment tool that is already identified for these assessments? Given the short period to conduct these assessments and the importance to have a standardized approach this will be critical.
Answer: No. We expect bidders to propose the tools.
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO PROJECT 4 (P4): Assessment of Smallholder Farmers’ Productivity and Access to Markets in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam
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SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO PROJECT 5 (P5): Assessment on the Adoption of Digital Technology by MSMEs in CLMV Countries and Integration of CLMV MSMEs into Global Value Chain
P5.1. Question: What does this statement in the generic criteria mean? “A discussion on how measures to ensure the future sustainability of the outcomes of the project will be addressed”
Answer: Your proposal should contain the proposed approach and recommendations that will ensure a sustainable outcome(s).
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- Are firms located outside ASEAN member states eligible to apply for AADCP II-supported consultancy project?
Yes. - Can consortiums apply to AADCP II-supported consultancy project?
Yes. - Can AADCP II provide budget estimate for the project?
No. - Is there a format or template for the proposal/ bid submission?
No. Any format, including text and slide handouts, is acceptable as long as the document contains the required information as requested in the Terms of References (TOR).
- It is stated in the Terms of Reference that “Costs will be based upon prevailing ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) rates.” What costs does this sentence refer to?
This sentence refers to reimbursable costs, which include per-diems (daily subsistence allowance/DSA), transportation and other non-services costs. This does not include professional fees. In relation to this, reimbursable costs do not need to be included in the proposal/bid, since this will not affect the assessment of the proposals.
- What is the ASEC rate?
ASEC have annually-set guidelines and rates in calculating per-diem, which will apply to all AADCP II projects and consultants. The guidelines and rates will be made available to the winning bidder at the contracting stage.
- What should be included in the professional fee?
The professional fee should include the service fee of experts and any applicable management fee and personal/travel/health insurance. ASEC does not withhold any kind of taxes/levy, income whatsoever, therefore any applicable tax should already be included in the professional fee. - Can costs be quoted in currencies other than US Dollars (USD)?
No. All costs should be quoted in USD.