Call for Business Advisory Service Providers for MSMEs

RFP No: RFP-CATALAYZE-217772-Ethiopia-2023-0135

USAID CATALYZE Market Systems for Growth (CATALYZE MS4G) is an Activity funded by USAID/Ethiopia focusing on strengthening and mobilizing the private sector to deliver improved food security and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes for all Ethiopian people. To achieve these goals, the activity engages youth, mobilizes capital, increases access to finance, and supports stakeholders to self-advocate toward policy change which will promote opportunities for the private sector community. CATALYZE MS4G is responding to the impact of supply disruptions, which have caused a sharp increase in food price, and the cost of agricultural production in Ethiopia. and to address the issue, CATALYZE MS4G is placing a special focus on activities and partnerships with Ethiopian private sector actors to help increase farmers’ access to and ability to afford both chemical and biological fertilizer, to enhance the reliance of enterprises impacted by the rising cost of fertilizer, and strengthen Ethiopia’s fertilizer and supply chain over the long term.

Company Information:

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with corporations, governments, foundations, investors, communities, and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental, and financial benefits.

Purpose

The purpose of the RFP is to establish a network of business advisory service providers (BASPs) that provide quality services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by helping them develop and execute solutions that drive sustainable business growth in MS4G priority sectors (i.e., WASH, food security, and fertilizer).

Specific objectives include:

1. Improve the performance capacity and revenue of MSMEs and smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

2. Increase access and availability of finance for MSMEs and smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

3. Accelerate recovery and increase the economic resilience of MSMEs and smallholder farmers in conflicted affected areas of Northern Ethiopia.

Type of Contract

Palladium intends to issue multiple awards under this RFP, as follows:

• For individual offerors (consultants), Fixed Price Independent Consultant Agreement.
• For organizational offerors (businesses or firms), Firm Fixed Price subcontract.

Anticipated Contract Period of Performance

The contract is expected to occur over a period of no more than 24 months.

Place of Performance

The activities to be performed under this RFP will take place in Ethiopia, including in conflict-affected areas of Amhara, Tigray, and Afar regions.

Important notes for interested bidders:

1. This RFP was released on November 09, 2023, on the CATALYZE website, interested bidders can access the RFP by clicking the link: https://catalyze-procurement.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RFP-CATALYZE-Ethiopia-2023-0135-BASP_clean.pdf
2. The full RFP with its relevant Attachments can be found by visiting the CATLAYZE procurement website link My CMS (catalyze-procurement.com)
3. Questions or clarifications can be forwarded electronically to: EthiopiaMS4G.procurement@thepalladiumgroup.com till November 19, 2023, at 5:00 PM, Addis Ababa (UTC+3) or call phone number +251 118 220 830.  Late questions will not be accepted and entertained.
4. Virtual Bidders will be conducted on November 20, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Addis Ababa (UTC+3) with interested bidders who registered emailing to EthiopiaMS4G.procurement@thepalladiumgroup.com
5. Answers will be shared through a Q & A template as well as posted on the CATALYZE website as an addendum to this RFP.
6. Proposal submission:
   1. Electronically (e-mailed) to: ethiopiams4g.procurement@thepalladiumgroup.com with the RFP number “ RFP-CATALYZE-217772-Ethiopia-2023-0135” in the subject lines.
   1. Submission Due Date/RFP Closing Date: December 15, 2023.
   1. Late bid submissions will not be considered.

Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of USAID CATALYZE MS4G, nor does it commit USAID CATALYZE MS4G to pay for any costs incurred in preparing and submitting an application. Further, USAID CATALYZE MS4G reserves the right to reject any or all applications received. Applications are submitted at the risk of the Applicant, and all preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant’s own expense.

This RFP is also posted on the 2merkato.com business portal website and can be accessed using the link https://tender.2merkato.com/tenders/654de6fcaa03e53b907c8c61