REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

FOR

“Development of Content to Advance Youth Agri-preneurship”

RFP-KCDMS-FY2020-029

USAID Feed the Future Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems Activity Issuance Date: May 8, 2020 Closing Date for Questions: May 15, 2020 Closing Date for Submission: May 22, 2020, (exact time e.g. 17h00 (Nairobi Time, GMT +3)

Subject: The Kenya Crops and Dairy Market System (KCDMS) Activity Request for Proposal no. RFP-KCDMS-FY20-29 entitled “Development of Radio Content to Advance Youth Agri-preneurship”

The USAID-funded Kenya Crops and Dairy Market System Activity (herein and after: KCDMS) invites qualified media service providers to carry out the development of media and radio content aimed at advancing youth entrepreneurship in agribusiness as per the detailed Statement of Work, and in accordance with the RFP provisions provided herein.

Interested service providers legally registered in Kenya can submit their offers on or before May 22, 2020 at 17h00, Nairobi time, to the following email address:

[email protected] Subject Line: “RFP-KCDMS-FY20-29 – PROPOSAL – [OFFEROR ORGANIZATION NAME]”

Any proposal received after the exact time specified in the Closing Date for Submission above shall be considered as late and shall not be evaluated.

Interested service providers shall submit its best offers in accordance with the Proposal Instructions (Appendix A) and the Statement of Work (Appendix B); their offers shall contain the following:

1. Cover Letter signed by a person authorized to sign on behalf of the offeror; 2. Technical Proposal describing an approach for completing the deliverables in the statement of work, listing current and previous relevant services/projects; 3. Three Performance References for similar work; 4. Cost Proposal/Budget submitted in a template provided as Appendix C, along with a narrative that explains the rationale behind the budgeted amounts.

All questions related to this RFP must be sent prior to the Closing Date for Questions shown above to the following email address: [email protected]; the subject line should read: “RFP-KCDMS-FY20- 29 – Question – [OFFEROR NAME].” No questions will be answered over the phone or in person. Pursuant to the standard procedures, all inquires and questions will be compiled into one list, answered, and emailed to all offerors.

While submitting their offers, interested service providers should consider all information provided herein. Please carefully follow all instructions located in the solicitation package concerning the content, format, and submission of your quote in order to qualify for the evaluation.

This RFP shall not be construed as a contract or commitment of any kind, and in no way obligates KCDMS to award a contract nor does it commit to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal.

No gifts of any kind and any value shall be exchanged between bidders and the KCDMS personnel. Discovery of the same will be grounds for disqualification of the offeror from participation in any KCDMS’s procurements and may result in disciplinary actions against the KCDMS personnel involved in such discovered transactions.

KCDMS provides equal opportunity to all service providers and does not discriminate based on gender, ethnicity or religion.

APPENDICES

A. Proposal Instructions B. Statement of Work C. Budget Template D. Selection Criteria and Scoring

APPENDIX A: Proposal Instructions

1.0. Program Background The Kenya Crops and Dairy Market System (KCDMS) is a five-year (Oct 2017– Sept 2022) Activity of the USAID funded Feed the Future initiative implemented by RTI International. KCDMS works to facilitate improved productivity and development of competitive, resilient, and sustainable dairy and horticulture market systems in selected counties in the Eastern and Western regions of Kenya. The Activity is capitalizing on the facilitation of private sector market-driven partnerships and investments that promise the development of high-value value chains through higher productivity, quality improvements, and greater supply chain efficiency.

KCDMS actively works to support young women and men to engage in profitable agricultural value chains. The KCDMS recognizes that youth engagement in agriculture can be limited, thus seeks to support their participation through a variety of activities, which includes supporting messages that promote youth's meaningful involvement in agriculture.

KCDMS is seeking qualified media service providers with interest in undertaking this technical assignment as under the Scope of Work attached, to apply as per the requirements below:

2.0. General Requirements All bidders must have prior experience in developing media and radio content packages in Kenya and should demonstrate experience in designing and developing content related to agriculture and youth engagement in agri-business. Successful bidders will participate in a negotiation with KCDMS to undertake the assignment, with agreed deliverables and budget.

3.0. Required Documents

3.1. Cover Letter: The cover letter will include project title, name of organization/company, contact details – the name of a contact person, physical address, phone number, and email address. It should be signed by a person authorized to sign on behalf of the bidder. The cover letter must include a validity clause of the proposal, which should be at least 30 days from the closing date of this RFP.

3.2. Technical Proposal: The technical proposal will address all issues related to the assignment activities and approach to producing the deliverables outlined in the Scope of Work attached. The bidder should provide a detailed description of the media package, the development process, and dissemination plan.

3.3. Performance References: Bidders should submit 3 (three) performance references for similar work conducted in the past five years. The references will be evaluated and scored during the bid evaluation.

3.4. Cost Proposal/Budget: Bidders should submit a detailed budget in excel format (template provided), accompanied by a narrative that explains the basis of the estimate for each line item.

If content development is a standard product offered by the bidder, the bidder must provide evidence of the standard pricing for such a product, and evidence of previous contracts to provide the service at that price.

4.0. Proposal Review & Selection Criteria The KCDMS Bid Review Committee will evaluate all proposals according to the Evaluation Criteria provided in Appendix D, that include the following major parts:  Technical Approach: Bidders should describe their approach/methodology for undertaking this assignment. The approach should also include a detailed work plan with specific timelines, activities, and deliverables.  Organizational Capacity: Bidders must provide CVs for technical staff or consultants as an annex to the proposal.  Past Performance and Experience: Bidders can show both previous and relevant experience in managing and delivering similar processes and products. Accordingly, they should provide three performance references relevant to this work.  Budget: All bidders should include a detailed itemized budget in excel as per the activities proposed using the budget template. Bidders should submit written requests for the excel budget template to [email protected]

Successful bidders will be invited to negotiate with KCDMS the terms and conditions of the assignment; to agree upon deliverables and timeline, as well as the final budget. Proposals with accompanying documentation will not be returned to unsuccessful bidders. KCDMS shall not use the proposed creative concepts and ideas from unselected proposals in any form, under any circumstance, without prior written permission by corresponding bidder.

The selected bidder will be required to sign the following Certifications prior to Award:  Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters - APR 2010. (FAR Reference 52.209-5),  Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers. (22 CFR Part 140),  Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing. (Implementation of Executive Order 13224),  Anti-Kickback Procedures – OCT 2010. (FAR Reference 52.203-7), and,  Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to influence Certain Federal Transactions - SEP 2007 (FAR Reference 52.203-11).

KCDMS may provide copies of the Certifications upon request to all interested parties; please contact: [email protected] to obtain a copy of the certifications.

5.0. Eligibility Eligible bidders include any legally registered organization that has experience in the areas laid out in the attached Scope of Work. Bidders must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of and practical experience working in radio content development, agriculture, and preferably tailoring messages for youth. The bidder must also demonstrate a thorough understanding of agribusiness, market linkages, media development, , and youth-targeted communication strategies.

6.0. Duration of Assignment The expected period of the contract is six (6) months from the date of contract signing. The contractor is expected to complete all deliverables outlined in the Scope of Work herein, within this timeline. Nevertheless, in view of the present situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential disruption of the project implementation, KCDMS, and the contractor may, by mutual written agreement, extend the contract duration for an additional period, at any time prior to the expiration of the initial term, if deemed necessary. Nevertheless, the contractor should demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing schedules, controlling expenditures, and balancing workloads throughout the project implementation.

7.0. Budget and Pricing The award will be a Fixed Price Contract up to 20,000 USD with payment based on the successful delivery of deliverables. All proposed expenditures will be reviewed for reasonableness and evaluated on value for money. The successful bidder will be required to provide a reasonable budget covering the cost of the entire contract. Budget: All bidders should include a detailed itemized budget in excel as per the activities proposed using the budget template. Bidders should submit written requests for the excel budget template to [email protected]

8.0. Submission Guidelines The proposals must be submitted using the English language and must not exceed eight (8) pages (excluding annexes). The proposal should include a cover letter, technical proposal, and financial proposal and submitted to [email protected] with ‘RFP-KCDMS-FY20-29: Development of Radio Content to Advance Youth Agri-preneurship’ in the subject line reference by May 22, 2020.

Submit questions relating to this RFP to [email protected] by May 15, 2020. Bidders may submit written requests for the excel budget template and EBD forms to [email protected].

Disclaimer: Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of KCDMS nor commit the project to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, KCDMS reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Similarly, an invitation for further negotiation or to submit a full proposal is not a commitment to fund that application.

APPENDIX B: Statement of Work for Development of Radio Content to Advance Youth Agri-preneurship

1.0 Project: Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) 2.0 Staffed by: Social Inclusion Team 3.0 Reports to: DCOP 4.0 Location: Twelve (12) Selected FtF Counties contained in appendix 1 5.0: Value chains: Value chains contained in appendix 2 6.0 Start date: Upon USAID approval – tentatively July 2020 7.0 Duration: 6 months, 2020

8.0 About KCDMS Activity and Background: The Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) Activity is a component of the USAID-funded Feed the Future project implemented by RTI International. The project is working in selected counties in the Eastern and Western regions of Kenya to facilitate improved productivity and development of competitive, resilient, and sustainable market systems in the dairy, feed/fodder, and horticulture value chains. KCDMS seeks to include women and youth into market systems, thus makes investments to increase their interest in agriculture and reduce barriers and constraints that limit their presence.

KCDMS’s goal is to transform agricultural market systems to enable intensification and diversification into higher-value commodities and non-farm activities. The project actively encourages and supports the engagement of young women and men in profitable agricultural value chains. KCDMS recognizes the limitations of youth's involvement in agriculture can be limited due to: 1. barriers and constraints of entry and participation; 2. mixed perception of agriculture; 3. limitations in exposure and knowledge to the vast number of opportunities in agriculture; and 4. uncertainty of the next steps or connections to engage or deepen engagement in agriculture.

In March 2020, KCDMS engaged over thirty youth and agriculture champions in a co-creation process that identified essential content, modes of communication, and guiding principles for developing messages targeted at increasing youth participation in agriculture. Noted below are the outcomes of this workshop.

Key Discussion Points Potential Outreach Platforms 1. Agriculture is NOT just for poor people  Local radio 2. Agriculture offers opportunities for fast cash  Facebook 3. There are many money-making  WhatsApp opportunities in value addition activities  Bulk SMS 4. Agriculture provides food security  Roadshows 5. Agriculture allows for self-employment 6. Agriculture does not have to be Rules for how to talk to youth money/resource-intensive  Youth testimonials  Short and snappy messaging  Money matters  Illustrate specific linkage

KCDMS not only seeks to build upon the efforts from the March 2020 co-creation workshop but also aims to support farmers (youth and adults) as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis. As agriculture is an essential service, KCDMS will work to support the protection of agriculture workers by promoting safe practices and starting conversations in agriculture communities about providing an essential service during a crisis. Additionally, KCDMS recognizes the COVID-19 crisis changes the paradigm of youth and agriculture, making it both more attractive and more challenging, thus seeks for all content to be relevant to the current global situation.

9.0 Activity Objective The purpose of this activity is to advance the outcomes of the March 2020 co-creation workshop by developing and disseminating messages targeting youth’s engagement in agriculture on local radio stations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KCDMS seeks to integrate critical messages concerning healthy and safe practices during COVID-19 and support agriculture workers as essential service providers during this time. KCDMS seeks a partner who will collaboratively develop media content, develop four radio resource packages for local radio stations, disseminate media packages to local stations, and support local stations in their rollout of the broadcasing resource packages.

10. Scope of Work The scope of the assignment will include: 1. Provide an outline of radio content packages and the development process 2. Virtually co-create content for four reserouce packages with the Social Inclusion team and one-two youth champions. These four packages are: a. Why and how youth should/could get involved in agriculture b. Making money safely from agriculture during COVID-19 c. Family farming: succession planning and shared decision making within the family farm d. Safe VSLA management during COVID-19 3. Support the integration of COVID-19 messaging into radio packages and provide guidance to local radio stations about safe journalism and work practices during COVID-19. 4. Transfer content into easy-to-use broadcasting resource packages for local radio stations. This content should also support radio stations in producing radio material through safe social distancing practices. Packages should include: a. Backgrounder documents which orient broadcasters to themes noted above by providing them with key information and resources; b. Interview scripts from specialists and interview questions for live interviews with youth and family members; c. Drama scripts that use fictional characters to illustrate particular issues; d. Related news stories e. Theme packs - a one-stop shop of existing and new resources on themes noted above; and f. Announcer “Tip Scripts” . These are related filler pieces that capture key information for approx.. 30 seconds of radio program time. 5. Disseminate radio packages to at least 25 local radio stations in KCDMS target counties. 6. Support uptake of content by local radio stations and adaptation to local context and languages 7. Gather feedback and support content refinement as necessary. 8. Measure the uptake of media packages by local radio stations.

Expected deliverables: 1. Implementation plan for implementation, including the co-creation process 2. Development of four easy to use content packages for local radio that has a content focus on youth’s engagement in agriculture and COVID-19 messages for agriculture workers. Details of subject matter to be agreed in consultation with KCDMS and based on the information provided above. Note, content packages will need to get USAID approval before dissemination. 3. Guidance to local radio stations on safe work practices during COVID-19 4. Disseminate broadcasting packages to at least 25 local radio stations within KCDMS target counties 5. Monitor uptake of content packages (at least 70% of local radio stations use content) 6. Final report

Outline of activities, deliverables, and projected timeline: Activity Deliverable Estimated Timeline Establishing expectations, share 1. Implementation Plan July 2020 examples, and enabling virtual co- creation Co-create radio broadcasting package as 2. Four Radio Broadcasting Aug – Sept 2020 outlined in Section 10 above for Packages as outlined above engaging youth and agriculture, and key COVID-19 messaging Support dissemination of broadcasting 3. Distribution of packages to at Sept 2020 packages to at least 100 local radio least 100 local radio stations stations and support their uptake and with at least 70% uptake localization 4. Guidance for Local Radio Stations on Operating during COVID-19 Monitor uptake, collect feedback and 5. Adjust radio broadcasting Oct-Dec 2020 update material as necessary packages Closeout 6. Final Report (see Section 11) Dec 2020 Final reporting due Jan 5, 2021

11. Final Report The final report will be no more than ten pages, excluding annexes. It must include: • Executive Summary • Summary of the product development and implementation process • Report any critical issues identified including challenges and learning aspects • Summary of feedback on content and use from local radio stations • Key outcomes • Relevant photos • Separate attachment: final four content packages • Separate attachment: guidance to local radio stations on operations during COVID-19

12.Assignment Duration The duration of the assignment shall be six months from time of contracting.

13. Supervision of the Consultant The contractor will work under the direct supervision of the SI Component lead under the duration of the contract and will work closely with the technical teams in the three regions.

14. Total Assignment Cost The total assignment cost is up to 20,000 USD. The cost is subject to Withholding tax. The quoted price should be inclusive of VAT where applicable.

15. Confidentiality All information collected and products developed through this contract shall be the property of KCDMS.

16. Conflict of Interest This execution of this assignment will be per the terms of reference contained in the contract entered into during partnership engagement. Any adjustment must be agreed upon by all parties in advance before the execution of the issue at hand. No conflict of interest is anticipated in the course of undertaking this assignment.

Appendix B1: Selected KCDMS counties for the VSLA strengthening activity

A2: Eastern Kenya HR 1: Nyanza Area HR 1: Western Area 1. Kitui 1. Kisumu 1. Kakamega 2. Makueni 2. Homa Bay 2. Bungoma 3. Taita Taveta 3. Migori 3. Busia 4. Kisii 4. Vihiga 5. Siaya

Appendix B2: Priority Value Chains for KCDMS Activity

1. Dairy 2. Animal feed/fodder 3. Mango 4. Banana 5. Avocado 6. Pineapples 7. Passion Fruits 8. Sweet potatoes 9. Indigenous vegetables 10. Green grams 11. Poultry

APPENDIX C: Budget Template

Bidders should submit written requests for the excel budget template to [email protected]

APPENDIX D: Selection Criteria and Scoring

Maximum Description of No. Criteria Guidelines/Questions Possible Criteria Score PART I: Formal Review of Proposal Completeness and Validity I-1 Completeness The proposal package is complete and it includes the Pass/Fail* following required documents: 1. Cover Letter 2. Technical Proposal 3. Three References 4. Cost/Budget Proposal and Narrative [Yes/No] I-2 Validity Is the proposal submitted before the deadline? Pass/Fail* Is the proposal valid for 30 days from the closing date of this RFP? [Yes/No] *”Fail” leads to disqualification of the bids for incompleteness and/or invalidity. PART II: Technical Approach II-1 Understanding of  Does the proposal clearly demonstrate the 20 RFP Requirements offeror’s understanding of the required media and Compliance and radio content related to agriculture and youth engagement in agribusiness?  Does the proposal address these requirements as set forth in the SoW?  Does the proposal provide technical solutions related to development of the media and radio content packages? II-2 Methodology,  Does the offeror’s approach appear to be logical, 20 Soundness of thorough, and well organized? Approach  Are the proposed activities feasible?  Does the proposal include a methodology related to the subject matter?  Is the necessity of proposed activities well described and justifiable?  Does the proposal include a work plan on how to accomplish the requirements set forth in the SoW?  Does the offeror’s plan demonstrate that appropriate personnel and equipment will be engaged efficiently to conduct the required activities?  Is the proper level of effort allocated toward the development of the media and radio content packages related to agriculture and youth engagement in agribusiness?

Maximum Description of No. Criteria Guidelines/Questions Possible Criteria Score II-3 Creativity and  Does the offeror’s approach appear to be unique 10 Uniqueness or innovative, or is it just a reiteration of the tasks listed in the RFP?  Does the offeror propose any creative solutions and/or tools in developing the contents? II-4 Risk Management  Does the offeror demonstrate a solid grasp of the 10 proposed work and associated risks and issues likely to be raised?  Does the proposal include a sound risk management plan?  Are there any mitigation measures proposed in regard with potential risks e.g. COVID-19 related risks that may affect the work performance? PART III: Organizational Capacity III-1 Personnel Furnished resumes for proposed key personnel, both 15 Experience and supervisory and technical, must include education, Expertise experience, background, accomplishments, and other pertinent information. The offeror’s key personnel must demonstrate the capacity to perform the required work, and the resumes should support their stated expertise. III-2 Past Performance The offerors must have prior experience in 15 developing media and radio content packages in Kenya. They should document their performance history on similar projects in the past five years by providing three performance references from pervious clients. PART IV: Budget IV-1 Relevance, The budget ceiling is set at USD 20,000. Accordingly, 10 reasonableness, all offerors are required not to exceed the ceiling and efficiency of amount in their offers. The offerors should include a the budget detailed itemized budget as per the activities proposed. All costs must be reasonable and relevant to the activities provided in this RFP. The budgets will also be evaluated for efficiency. MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE: 100