Request for proposals (RFP)

I.    ABOUT GAIN  

II.   BACKGROUND  

III.  SCOPE OF WORK 

IV.   DELIVERBALES

V.    Time Frame

VI.   PROPOSAL OUTLINE

VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA  

VIII. SUBMISSION GUIDELIENS  

1.  About GAIN

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, GAIN has Programmes and projects being carried out in a variety of other countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people.

At GAIN, we believe that everyone in the world should have access to nutritious and safe food. We work to understand and deliver specific solutions to the daily challenge of food insecurity faced by poor people. Our programmes in Africa and Asia enable better diets via nutritional products, such as fortified staples foods, including cooking oil and flour, and condiments like salt and soy sauce. We also support improved maternal and infant health by promoting breastfeeding and specialised products for infants over six months and young children. In addition, we partner with local businesses to improve the quality of food along agricultural value chains. By building alliances that deliver impact at scale, we believe malnutrition can be eliminated within our lifetimes.

By understanding that there is no “one-size-fits-all” model, we develop alliances and build tailored programmes, using a variety of flexible models and approaches. We build alliances between governments, local and global businesses, and civil society to deliver sustainable improvements at scale. We are part of a global network of partners working together to create sustainable solutions to malnutrition. Through alliances, we provide technical, financial and policy support to key participants in the food system. We use specific learning, evidence of impact, and results of projects and programmes to shape and influence the actions of others.

2.  Background

Pakistan's agricultural sector faces a significant challenge in post-harvest losses of fruits, with up to 30% of the harvest lost before reaching consumers. Globally, inadequate post-harvest handling and storage practices result in the loss of up to 45% of fruits and vegetables annually. However, initiatives like the development of nutritious fruit bars offer a promising solution to mitigate post-harvest losses and provide nutritious food options, particularly for low-income consumers. These initiatives not only reduce food waste but also enhance food availability and accessibility while promoting food security and contributes in the economic growth. Keeping this background in view, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Pakistan has launched a transformative project, "Nutritious Fruit Bars," aimed at revolutionizing the fruit value chain in Pakistan. This initiative is supported by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and leveraging SUN Business Network (SBN) to facilitate technical expertise and assistance from Arla Food Ingredients (AFI). The project will capacitate private sector members, particularly those involved in fruit processing, to develop innovative and affordable nutritious fruit-based products, with a focus on sustainability and collaboration.

A critical component of this project is ensuring optimal and sustainable packaging solutions that preserve product quality, ensure market competitiveness, and meet environmental standards.

The aim of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit research proposals from the qualified and experienced consultancy firms to identify, evaluate, and recommend innovative, cost effective, and sustainable packaging and labelling options/solutions for the local partners under our nutritious fruit bar project. This exploration will contribute to enhanced product quality and shelf life, market competitiveness and value chain strengthening.

3.  Scope of Work and Deliverables

The selected consultancy firm will be responsible for the following:

3.1. Packaging Consultancy for Nutritious Fruit Bars:

1. Mapping, identification and selection of 4-5 packaging companies that provide diverse solutions tailored to the needs of food/fruit processors.
2. Evaluate these companies based on their product offering, technological capabilities, sustainability practices and cost effectiveness and select two best companies for further work.
3. Identify and evaluate innovative and cost effectiveness packaging solutions.   
4. Facilitate connections between local processors and the selected packaging company/ies for understanding the needs and preferences of the partner fruit processors.
5. Provide trainings to local fruit processors on packaging technologies and practices and their short/long term impact on businesses, people and planet.  
6. Evaluate the packaging solutions of the selected companies considering preferences of the fruit processors, and factors like shelf life, branding requirements, food safety standards, cost, and environmental impact.
7. Present a comparative analysis of various options, including cost, feasibility, and sustainability aspects to local partner fruit processors.
8. Recommend optimal packaging solutions tailored to the specific needs of the local fruit processors (partners) and provide them technical assistance to adopt the most feasible solutions. Include hands-on demonstrations to ensure practical understanding and application.
9. Provide technical advice on packaging design to enhance brand visibility, nutrient composition, ease of use, and storage efficiency.

10. Advise on packaging options that optimize transportation and storage costs while ensuring product protection during transit to the supply chain actors and to the consumers.

11. Support pilot testing of the recommended solutions to ensure they meet project objectives.  

3.2. Labelling Consultancy for Nutritious Fruit Bars:

1. Review relevant local and international food labelling regulations and standards applicable to the product.
2. Conduct a brief market analysis to identify labelling trends and consumer preferences.
3. Train the local partner companies proper labelling techniques, regulatory compliance, and effective design strategies.
4. Assist companies in developing consumer friendly, attractive, and informative label designs that cater to target market needs and preferences.
5. Provide guidance on appropriate fonts, colors, and layouts that align with branding and product identity.
6. Ensure clarity and accuracy on content to avoid misleading claims or omissions.  
7. Include hand-on activities to enhance practical understanding and application.

4.  Deliverables

1. Inception Report
2. Mapping of Packaging Companies along with their offerings/solutions
3. Market Insight Report
4. Regulatory Compliance Guide
5. Training Report on Packaging
6. Training Report on Labelling
7. Packaging Recommendations
8. Label Design Concepts
9. Final Consultancy Report

5.  Time Frame:  

The required services for this consultancy need to be completed in a time of  6 months from the starting date of the consultancy.

6.  Proposal Outline

The consultant/service provider needs to prepare and submit a technical proposal with the following headings:

ü  Introduction of the consultancy firm/consultant

ü  Executive summary

ü  Objectives

ü  Methodology

ü  Scope of work including timeline and milestones

ü  Previous relevant experience

ü  Team member’s competencies/CVs with clear roles and responsibilities

ü  Deliverables

ü  References

The financial proposal should indicate the following details:

ü  Budget Items

ü  Unit Cost

ü  Activity Cost

ü  Personnel Cost

ü  Travel and Accommodation Cost

ü  Taxes

ü  Admin Cost

The total proposed budget should be in PKR and should include all items like fees, travel, trainings, demonstration, meetings/workshops, Taxes etc.

7.  Evaluation Criteria :

ü  Demonstrated expertise and experience in the relevant area.

ü  Clarity of the assignment and technical soundness of the proposal.

ü  Qualifications, and experience of the proposed team members with clear roles and responsibilities regarding this specific assignment.

ü  Alignment with project objectives and deliverables.

ü  Cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget.

ü  Timeline of the consultancy.