Request for Proposal (RFP): Service provider to organize training and communication events.

Introduction

Alinea International invites qualified vendors to submit proposals for organizing trainings and communication events aimed at raising consumer awareness, with a focus on women consumers, in selected markets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City under the SAFEGRO project. This RFP seeks vendors who can effectively fulfill the project's requirements and objectives. The document provides a detailed overview of our expectations and desired outcomes.

Project Overview

The Safe Food for Growth (SAFEGRO) technical assistance project, initiated in 2021, is a five-year initiative designed to enhance access to safe and competitive agri-food products in Vietnam. The project aims to improve consumer well-being and support stakeholders, including poor farmers. Key elements include the development of a risk-based food safety management system, with contributions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Alinea International, the University of Guelph (UoG), and other leading food safety organizations. The SAFEGRO project encompasses three interconnected components, all geared toward establishing a robust, internationally compliant food safety framework. More information is available at www.safegroproject.com [1].

Purposes

The selected vendor will provide expertise and support for organizing both training and communication events, ensuring smooth execution. Specifically, the vendor will manage the organization of four training courses and five communication events in five selected markets across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The vendor will work closely with the SAFEGRO team and the National Women’s Union (WU) to carry out these activities.

The vendor will also engage external consultants to develop communication programs, key messages, and materials for the five events.

Target Audience

The communication events will target individuals involved in the food safety sector, including:

• Vendors in the five selected markets
• Market management boards
• Representatives of local authorities
• Members of interdisciplinary inspection boards on food safety
• Local Women’s Union members

Scope of Work and Deliverables

The selected vendor will be responsible for:

1. Collaborating with WU experts to implement communication activities.
2. Providing administrative support for two training courses on food safety and women’s leadership for senior and mid-level leaders of the WU from 37 provinces.
3. Providing administrative support for two district-level training courses on food safety and women’s leadership in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Organizing five communication events focused on introducing food safety market models and raising consumer awareness regarding their right to access safe food at Binh Dien wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City, and Thuong Thanh, Kim Quan, Van Duc, and Duong Lam markets in Hanoi.

Technical Requirements and work schedule

The vendor will coordinate with the SAFEGRO project and Vietnam Women’s Union to execute the work according to the following tentative schedule:

Application Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Technical compliance with the outlined requirements.
2. Vendor’s ability to deliver quality services within the specified timeframe.
3. Pricing – vendors offering the most competitive prices will be prioritized.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience organizing training sessions for government officials and community events, with demonstrated success in handling complex logistics and diverse audiences.
• Proven experience working with development projects, NGOs, and government agencies, particularly the Women’s Union.
• Knowledge of and experience in setting up and managing audiovisual (AV) equipment, including the ability to troubleshoot technical issues during events.
• Strong references from previous clients demonstrating successful project management and client satisfaction.

Core Values and Competencies 

Vendors must share the core values and competencies of Alinea International, including:

• Core Values: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism
• Core Competencies: Gender Awareness, Accountability, Creative Problem Solving, Effective Communication, Inclusive Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement

Details of Submission and Point of Contact

Interested Vendor(s) is required to send application documents including:

• Letter of Interest
• Company profile/portfolio showcasing relevant experience
• Detailed quotation

Vendors are requested to send their electronic proposals to the SAFEGRO project mailbox at [email protected] [2].

The deadline for submission is on or before 12:00 PM September 4, 2024.

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact the following point of contact:

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung; Email: [email protected] [2], with copy to: [email protected] [3]

Please use the email subject: Service provider for communications activities.

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