Request For Proposal For Provision of Consultancy Services for Landscape Analysis of Digital Assistive Technology in Low and Middle-income Countries For ATscale

New clarification added: Question 19: Travel requirementsThe RFP suggests that “some travel may be necessary.” Are there specific expectations on in-country field visits, or can these engagements be conducted remotely?If travel is required, will UNOPS provide support in terms of local coordination?UNOPS Response: Remote engagement is accepted, however, travel is encouraged when necessary. The selected firm will be responsible for local coordination.Question 20: Budget expectations and cost structureIs there a predefined budget range for the consultancy that should guide the proposal?Will the financial proposal be evaluated primarily on cost-effectiveness, or is there an emphasis on value-added expertise?UNOPS Response: The evaluation will focus on cost-effectiveness in relation to the proposed methodology. The financial proposal will be assessed based on both the overall cost and the alignment of the methodology with the proposed costs.Question 21: Minimum experience for team membersThe RFP outlines minimum qualifications, but would UNOPS consider variations (e.g., a senior expert with more experience but no master’s degree)?Are there any specific language requirements (e.g., fluency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese for engagement in LMICs)?UNOPS Response:Yes, as outlined in the RFP schedule of requirements, a bachelor's degree with relevant years of experience is acceptable in place of a master’s degree (please refer the schedule of requirements for more details). There are no specific language requirements; however, the final deliverables must be provided in English.Question 22:can you kindly clarify if proposal needs to be submitted individually for each country or requires multi-country proposal. Which countries are included in low and middle income countries? Also we are a firm working in pakistan, can we submit it only for one country?UNOPS Response:A single comprehensive proposal should be submitted. For details on the countries included in the low- and middle-income category, please refer to the response to question 15 as well as the annex 1 in the schedule of requirements for the RFP where the list is provided. Question 23:Sustainability ConsiderationAre offerors required to complete and submit the Drive Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire with the Technical proposal? If so can you kindly provide the direct link to the questionnaire?UNOPS Response: The drive questionnaire is available in the tender under the Supplier  forms . Kindly  click on the vendor submission tab, then supplier forms.Question 24. Expected activitiesUnder the desk review the point on a. Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing information related to DAT, including types of DAT and their usage and success in LMICS and HICs.” Can we limit the scope to LMICs only?UNOPS Response: For the desk review, it would be helpful to include a list of few common/freely available digital assistive technology in high-income countries (HICs). However, when it comes to usage and success, the scope can be limited to LMICs only.Question 25. The RFP refers to a Technical Advisory Group in multiple places, but then under the payment scheduled table refers to a Technical Working Group. Are these two separate governance structures?UNOPS Response: The Technical Working Group (TWG) that the firms will be required to form is the only governance structure, and it is not separate from the Technical Advisory Group mentioned elsewhere in the RFP. 

New clarification added: Question 11:I’m reaching out to inquire about the impact of the State Department’s STOP WORK ORDERS on the consulting opportunity. Do you envision that the directive will result in the RFP being delayed or cancelled? We appreciate any insights you can provide as we determine our way forward as an applicant.UNOPS Response:Response: ATscale has not received a stop-work order. We do not anticipate receiving one, though we continue to monitor the situation closely. However, even if ATscale is not directly affected now, there could be repercussions related to funding in the coming years and we are aware that many of our partners are indeed affected already. We may have to make adjustments in general according to the developing situation.Regarding this specific tender, we would like to clarify that the procurement process we’ve published is based on the established guidelines and criteria specific to this opportunity.  At this time, all details and procedures in the published documents remain in effect. Should any developments arise that impact the process, we will communicate those changes through the esourcing.Question 12:Selection of focus countriesCan you provide further guidance on the selection of the three focus countries? Should they represent specific challenges (e.g., different regions, policy environments, or technology access levels)? Is there an existing shortlist of countries ATscale is particularly interested in?UNOPS Response:There is no predefined list of shortlisted countries. The selection can be made from all low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the chosen countries should represent different regions and vary in policy environments and assistive technology (AT) access levels. This approach will provide a broader understanding of the current state of digital AT access in diverse contexts.Question 13:Stakeholder engagementWill UNOPS facilitate introductions to key stakeholders (e.g., government agencies, NGOs, industry leaders) in the focus countries, or is this the responsibility of the consultant?Are there any priority groups (e.g., disability rights organizations, policymakers, tech firms) that must be engaged?UNOPS Response:The responsibility for stakeholder engagement lies with the consultant. However, if the selected focus countries are those where ATscale programs are active, ATscale can assist in facilitating introductions to relevant government agencies as well with our implementing partner ( which may include INGOs, NGOs, or UN partners). There are no specific priority groups, however, as outlined in the schedule of requirements, all relevant stakeholders must be engaged in the study to gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital AT landscape from multiple perspectives.Question 14: Data collection and researchIs there an expectation for primary data collection, such as interviews and surveys, or will this be predominantly a desk-based review?How much emphasis should be placed on quantitative vs. qualitative data?Will access to any UNOPS or ATscale internal research be provided?UNOPS Response: As outlined in the schedule of requirements, a mixed-method approach is expected, including interviews, surveys, and desk research, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital AT landscape.Question 15: Comparison with high-income countriesShould the research include comparative insights from high-income countries, or is the focus exclusively on LMICs?If so, is there a preference for specific comparator countries or models of best practice?UNOPS Response:The research should focus on LMICs, encompassing a range of scenarios, including those with best practices and those without, to provide a comprehensive understanding. Identifying a best-practice model within an LMIC would be particularly valuable. The ultimate goal is to determine the necessary steps to improve access to digital AT, therefore, understanding what is done well, what is not, what is working, and what is not across different contexts will be highly beneficial.Question 16:Catalogue of digital assistive technologies (DAT)The RFP mentions a minimum of 150 items in the catalogue—should this focus only on widely available products, or should it include early-stage innovations?Should the catalogue prioritize open source/free tools over proprietary solutions?UNOPS Response: The catalogue should include widely available digital AT products, whether open-source or proprietary. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall digital AT landscape, including its usage, benefits, and challenges. Restricting the scope to specific areas may not provide the comprehensive insights required for the study.Question 17: Digital platform recommendationsShould the final report propose a fully developed platform design (e.g., wireframes, technical specifications), or just high-level recommendations on structure, features, and accessibility?Will the consultant be expected to recommend a hosting model (e.g., UNOPS-managed, external partnerships, or open-source community-based)?UNOPS Response:A comprehensive recommendation is expected, covering the structure, features, and accessibility of the digital platform, as well as the hosting model, whether ATscale managed, based others as relevant. Question 18: Workshops and validation processHow many validation/dissemination workshops are expected, and will UNOPS/ATscale coordinate participant recruitment?Is there a preferred format for the final presentation of findings (e.g., in-person, virtual, executive briefing, interactive demos)?UNOPS Response: At least two validation/dissemination workshops are expected. ATscale will support participant coordination, but the selected firm is also responsible for inviting relevant participants. The final presentation will be conducted virtually and will include either an executive brief or a policy brief. 

New amendment added #2: Dear Bidders,The RFP has been amended to:1. Add the pre bid minutes2. Extend the tender deadline date to 2025-03-31  11:00 UTC3. Extend the tender clarification date to  2025-03-20  11:00 UTC4. Expected contract start date has been amended to  2025-05-155. The below statement in the schedule of requirement has been amended as :4. Develop recommendations for enhancing DAT adoption in LMICs: Based on the findings from the landscape analysis (objectives  1-3 above ), provide actionable recommendations aimed at improving the adoption, accessibility, and effectiveness of DAT in LMICsThe change has been highlighted in the revised schedule of requirement document. 

New clarification added: Question 1: Could you please confirm if there is a cap/limit on the indirect costs that can be applied to the budget? If so, could you share the applicable percentage or guideline?UNOPS Response:In the returnable bid forms, Table 2: Cost breakdown per component provides provision for personal costs and none personnel costs. The costs in table 1 and Table 2 should be similar.Question 2.    Are only low and lower-middle income countries eligible to be included in the 3 selected countries, per the table at the end of the schedule of requirements in the RFP? Some countries with ATscale investment are upper middle income, so we wanted to double check the eligible countries. UNOPS Response: Majority of the ATscale investment countries are LMIC, therefore its encouraged that countries selected are LMICS. Question 3.    The technical proposal returnable bidding form has a long, narrow column for bidder inputs. Is it possible for bidders to modify the template for better readability, and/or does ATscale have any plan to issue updated returnable bidding forms?   UNOPS Response: The bidders can widen/ edit  the column to fit their input.Question 4 .   Exclusivity- can we submit a proposal for the Landscape Analysis of Digital AT consultancy if we have already submitted a proposal for the Guidance on Mobile Phones as AT Programmes in LMICs consultancy? Can the same firm be awarded both?UNOPS Response: If the team composition is different and the same individuals are not working on both projects, you may submit proposals for both consultancies. Question 5 :In the inputs section, ATscale states that “Moreover, ATscale is currently conducting research on the impact of smartphones as AT on users and the findings of this work can be used to prioritize key mobile phones and softwares.” How else do you see this consultancy interacting with / informing the Guidance on Mobile Phones as AT Programmes in LMICs consultancy, or vice versa, if at all, including for Technical Advisory Group membership?UNOPS Response: This study can complement the mobile phone study by examining the use of mobile phones as assistive technology (AT) beyond the domains of hearing and vision. It can also explore various types of software that are readily available and widely accessible. The findings from this study, combined with those from the mobile phones as AT study, can further encourage countries to adopt the guidance on financing and integrating mobile phones as AT. Additionally, the study is expected to be conducted under the guidance and support of the Technical Working Group (TWG) that the firm will need to establish. Question 6: In the Inputs section, you state “The contractor will use a global approach, using communications technology to conduct remote interviews with stakeholders, including governments, researchers, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, industry consortiums, development agencies, etc.” Are you open to the bidder subcontracting with local collaborators for conducting key informant interviews in the 3 focus countries, especially for the caregiver and user categories of local informants? UNOPS Response: Yes. This is acceptable.Question 7: In the Schedule of Requirements, section III. Objectives, sub-section 4. Develop recommendations for enhancing DAT adoption in LMICs—it says “Based on the findings from the landscape analysis (objectives i-iv above)”—can you please clarify what “objectives i-iv” is referring to specifically? UNOPS Response: This has been updated as (objectives 1-3 above). Please review the updated bid documents.Question 8 : When ATscale says “landscape analysis to identify digital Assistive Technologies (DAT) with evidence of usage and benefits for different user groups readily available in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)” do you want us to look into the percentage/prevalence of use and/or use patterns? Are you interested in a national level estimate for each of the 3 chosen countries?UNOPS Response:The landscape analysis should ideally consider both prevalence of use (percentage of users within relevant populations) and usage patterns (how and for what purposes different user groups engage with DAT). Understanding both aspects will provide a more comprehensive picture of DAT accessibility, effectiveness, and gaps in LMICs.Regarding national-level estimates, obtaining country-specific data for each of the three chosen countries would be valuable, as it would allow for targeted recommendations and context-specific interventions. However, depending on the feasibility as well as availability of resources, national estimates could be provided for only one country and an alternative approach could be to use existing datasets, expert consultations, and qualitative insights to estimate trends and identify key barriers and enablers at a national level.Given the study’s objectives, particularly the goal of establishing a strong evidence base and providing actionable recommendations, a mix of quantitative (prevalence, distribution) and qualitative (use cases, challenges, impact) insights would likely be the most effective approach. Question 9   The RFP talks about exploring the impact of DAT products across diverse user groups, including individuals with disabilities related to hearing, vision, cognition, communication, and learning (e.g., dyslexia and autism) (page 3). Does this mean impact on their condition, quality of life, etc.?UNOPS Response:Yes, the impact of DAT products should be explored in terms of their effect on various aspects of users' lives, including their condition, functional abilities, quality of life, independence, and social and economic participation. This could involve assessing improvements in access to education, employment opportunities, communication, mobility, and overall well-being. Additionally, the analysis should consider any challenges or limitations users face when adopting and using DAT, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both benefits and barriers. Question 10 Do you know if the funding for this consultancy might be at any risk given the recent US Government Executive Orders?UNOPS Response: ATscale has not received a stop-work order. We do not anticipate receiving one, though we continue to monitor the situation closely. However, even if ATscale is not directly affected now, there could be repercussions related to funding in the coming years and we are aware that many of our partners are indeed affected already. We may have to make adjustments in general according to the developing situation.Regarding this specific tender, we would like to clarify that the procurement process we’ve published is based on the established guidelines and criteria specific to this opportunity.  At this time, all details and procedures in the published documents remain in effect. Should any developments arise that impact the process, we will communicate those changes through the esourcing. 

New clarification added: Dear Bidders ,Please be reminded of the pre bid meeting as per below details:Pre Bid Meeting-RFP/2025/55830-Request For Proposal For Provision of consultancy services for landscape analysis of digital assistive technology in low and middle-income countries For AT ScaleFriday, February 7 · 11:30am – 12:30pmTime zone: Europe/ZurichGoogle Meet joining infoVideo call link: https://meet.google.com/xhc-jdhb-uuuOr dial: ‪(CH) +41 31 560 24 00‬ PIN: ‪504 506 913 9768‬#More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/xhc-jdhb-uuu?pin=5045069139768

New amendment added #1: This amendment is created to update the Title of the RFP to "Request For Proposal For Provision of consultancy services for landscape analysis of digital assistive technology in low and middle-income countries For ATscale".