Request for Proposal (RFP) for EU - DEVCO_Procurement of VSLA Kits for 160 Groups at Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian non-profit organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We support children’s rights from birth until adulthood and enable them to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination.

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 70 countries, driving changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. Plan International is registered in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Request for Proposal (RFP) for EU - DEVCO_Procurement of VSLA Kits for 160 Groups

Tender Notice Number: PIN/CO/025/022
Locations: Sokoto and Kano

Summary of the Requirements

• The EU’s Northwest Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities project in Sokoto, Kano, and Jigawa aims to empower the poorest and most marginalised populations, including women, girls, youth, and nomads, by providing access to quality, inclusive, gender- sensitive education and livelihood opportunities. 
• The project recognises the challenges faced by rural communities in these regions, where poverty, limited access to formal education, and social exclusion are prevalent. 
• By focusing on underserved groups, the initiative works to break down barriers to education, especially for girls and young women (GYW), as well as persons with disabilities, ensuring they have the opportunity to improve their lives. The project promotes education that is both conflict-sensitive and responsive to the specific needs of these vulnerable groups.
• In addition to enhancing educational opportunities, the project supports financial inclusion through the introduction of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). 
• These community-based savings and credit systems allow members to pool resources and access loans, which helps in managing financial risks and supporting small businesses. 
• The project will provide VSLAs with essential kits, including training materials for financial management and entrepreneurship, alongside safe space kits (containing items like cardboard, colouring pencils, and first aid kits) to support community engagement. 
• The inclusion of life skills and entrepreneurship manuals for 160 individuals aims to build resilience and self-sufficiency. These resources will help GYW and other marginalised community members make informed decisions, fostering greater social cohesion and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. 
• Safe spaces will ensure that activities are inclusive, accessible, and designed to empower GYW and people with disabilities, providing them with the tools to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

The procurement of these items will;

• 160 quality VSLA tools that meet the Plan International standard are procured and delivered to safe spaces as scheduled.
• Safe spaces for GYW are provided with the right tools that promote the project objectives.
• Safe space facilitators are provided with social life skills and entrepreneurship manual, VSLA manual to deliver structured sessions at the safe space.

Delivery Location

• The delivery Location is in Sokoto and Kano States. 
• All goods are to be delivered at the place (DAP)

 ITT Overview and Instructions
Overview:

• Plan International are inviting interested parties to submit a proposal/tender as part of a competitive process for the supply of Procurement of VSLA Kits for 160 groups (Sokoto and Kano).
• Successful Bidder(s) will be expected to enter into a formal contract for fixed goods and/or services with our organisation. 
• Plan International reserves the right not to award a contract as a result of this Invitation to Tender, or to award to multiple successful Bidders.

Pricing

• Bidders are required to complete the pricing schedule attached separately in ‘Annexe B –Pricing Schedule.’ All prices must be quoted in Naira (NGN) and exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).
• It is expected that prices will be fixed for the duration of the contract, and quotes will be valid for a maximum period of 90 calendar days following the Closing Date of this tender. If, for any reason, you are unable to guarantee fixed pricing for the duration of the contract, any projected price increases should be clearly stated in your tender. 
• To ensure a fair and transparent process, Plan International will not be able to divulge budget information relating to this tender or associated Projects. It is expected that Bidders submit their best possible financial offer at the point of submission.
• The successful Bidder will be required to pay their staff who work on this contract at least the National Living Wage.

Specification and Scope of Requirement

• Please refer to ‘Annexe F - Specifications’ for full details of the requirement.

Terms & Conditions:

• By submitting a Bid as part of this Tender process, you also acknowledge and understand that:
• Plan International will not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred in the preparation of your offer
• You or your company will undergo vetting checks against an Anti-Terrorism and
• Sanctions Database as part of due diligence protocols 
• Plan International reserves the right to keep confidential the circumstances that have been considered for the selection of the offers
• Part of the evaluation process may include a presentation from the Bidder and a site visit by Plan International staff, where applicable and necessary
• Plan International reserves the right to alter the schedule of tender and contract awarding
• Plan International reserves the right to cancel this tender process at any time and not to award any contract
• Plan International reserves the right not to enter into or award a contract as a result of this invitation to tender
• Plan International does not bind itself to accept the lowest, or any, offer
• Any attempt by the Bidder to obtain confidential information, enter into unlawful agreements with competitors or influence the evaluation committee or Plan International during the process of examining, clarifying, evaluating and comparing tenders will lead to the rejection of its offers and may result in the termination of a current contract, where applicable
• You accept in full and without restriction the conditions governing this tender as the sole basis of this competition, whatever its conditions of sale may be, which you hereby waive
• You have examined carefully, understood and complied with all conditions, instructions, forms, provisions and specifications contained in this tender dossier. 
• You are aware that failure to submit a tender containing all the information and documentation expressly required, within the deadline specified, may lead to the rejection of the tender at Plan International’s discretion
• You are not aware of any corruption practice in this competition. Should such a situation arise, we shall immediately inform Plan International in writing
• You declare that you are affected by no potential conflict of interest, and that you and our staff have no particular link with other Bidders or parties involved in this competition.
• Should such a situation arise during performance of the contract, you shall immediately inform Plan International in writing
• You accept Plan International’s standard terms of payment, which are 30 days after the end of the month of receipt by Plan of a proper invoice or, if later, after acceptance of the Goods or Services in question by Plan International Ltd

Plan International’s Ethical & Environmental Statement:

• The organisation should establish environmental standards and good practices that follow the principles of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems, and in particular to ensure compliance with environmental legislation
• The organisation should seek to set reduction targets in areas where the organisation’s activities lead to significant environmental impacts

Evaluation of Offers

• The Tender Panel will review all Bids to ensure they meet the minimum requirements listed under the ‘Compliance’ section in the above table. 
• Following this, each Bid will be assigned a score based on predetermined criteria and its associated weighted scoring.
• The contract(s) will be awarded to the Bidder(s) who represent the best overall value for Plan
• International in terms of the evaluation criteria set out above. By participating in this tender, you acknowledge and understand that Plan reserves the right to:
  • Decide not to award to any supplier
  • Decide to award to one or more suppliers
  • Decide to re-advertise the opportunity
  • Not necessarily accept the lowest cost offer
  • Notification of the award of the contract will be issued via e-mail.

Key Dates and Timelines  

• The following table outlines the key dates and timelines associated with this tender process. 
• Plan International reserves the right to change these at any time as the tender progresses.
• To maintain transparency, fairness, and adequate time to prepare your offers, Plan International will inform all interested Parties of any changes to these key dates and timelines simultaneously and in a timely fashion.
  • Issue of Invitation to Tender: 12th May 2025
  • Deadline for supplier submission of clarification questions: 19th May, 2025.
  • Deadline for Plan to respond to clarification questions: 22nd May, 2025.
  • Deadline for submission of offers: 26th May, 2025.
  • Plan Review of Offers: 27th May, 2025 to 8th June, 2025
  • Supplier short-list notification: 11th June, 2025
  • Contract Award: June 20.