Recruitment of a consulting firm for the Extension of the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System with WhatsApp, Short Message Service (SMS), and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data Functionalities for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION THROUGH QCBS)

Country: Republic of Sierra Leone

Name of Project: The West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-2)

Project ID: P178132

Assignment Title: Recruitment of a consulting firm for the Extension of the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System with WhatsApp, Short Message Service (SMS), and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data Functionalities for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Reference No.: SL-MAFS-431955-CS-QCBS

EOI Issued Date: 6th August,2024

EOI Closing Date: 11th September,2024

The Government of Sierra Leone through Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-2) for Global Agriculture and Food Security Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for Consulting Services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the Extension of the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System with WhatsApp, SMS, and USSD Functionalities for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The objectives of the assignment are expanding the reach of the IVR system, provide multi-channel access to agricultural advisory services, enhancing convenience and inclusivity and Provide tailored agricultural informatio on; weather updates, market prices, and other relevant information beneficial to farmers generally.

The implementation period for the assignment is Three (3) Months and is expected to Commence in October,2024. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) and expression of interest document for the assignment can be obtained via email: [email protected]/[email protected] or the address given below.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) through Food Security and Resilience Program 2 (FSRP-2)14 Pipe- Line Off-Wilkinson Road, Freetown Sierra Leone now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services.

Interested Consultants must provide specific information (academic/ professional certificates and updated CVs) which demonstrate that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience required Skills and specialized techniques to perform the Services.

The shortlisting and selection criteria for the firm shall be based on the following minimum qualification and experience:

• A Minimum of 5 years proven experience expertise in software development and integration with WhatsApp, SMS, and USSD platforms Excellent knowledge in the execution of surveys using electronic data collection tools/platforms.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing IVR systems, preferably in the agriculture sector.

• Experience in conducting training sessions and preparing technical documentation.

• Knowledge of the agricultural landscape and information needs of stakeholders in Sierra Leone is an advantage.

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated July 2016 and revised in November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e., 0900 to 1700 hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in sealed envelopes marked with the assignment title or by e-mail to the address below by 4:00 Pm local time on Wednesday 11th September,2024.

Attn:

Project Manager/Procurement Specialist

The West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-2)

Project Management Unit

(Ground Floor – Youyi Building) Freetown, Sierra Leone

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected]