Request for Proposals - Digital Impact Alliance

Request for Proposals Content development and rewrite in support of the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) May 23, 2017

Initiative Background Summary The Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) originated to bring together the public and private sectors to realize an inclusive digital society that connects everyone to life-enhancing and life-enabling technology. DIAL’s role is to convene the community, discover what works and what doesn’t, generate insights to help strengthen ecosystem partners, and advocate best practice recommendations. DIAL is positioned to serve as a neutral broker, bring together government, industry, and other development stakeholders to promote new solutions to old problems.

DIAL is focusing its work in three areas: •

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Platforms and Services (P&S): DIAL addresses reach and capacity challenges, working to help digital service providers design and deploy their services faster, at a lower cost, and to a wider audience in development markets. Data for Development (D4D): DIAL accelerates shared value scenarios in technology and economic models, working closely with MNOs and digital data holders. DIAL also supports discussions tackling sensitive privacy and security questions that hinder the public sector and development community’s access to and use of data to improve communications and services

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Content development and rewrite in support of DIAL

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provided to the people they service. •

Insights and Impact (I&I): DIAL produces, curates, and disseminates evidence-based good practices packaged in easy to understand guidance so that governments, technology companies, the development community, and other implementers can quickly use it to inform ongoing efforts to fund, design, and deploy digital services to more people. DIAL also convenes these groups to shape greater collective impact.

DIAL’s Insight and Impact (I&I) focus area has four main initiatives: 1.

Stewardship for the Principles for Digital Development. DIAL invests in a series of comprehensive, complementary global public goods for the digital development community to increase awareness and adoption of the Principles for Digital Development and maximize their impact.

2.

Operational How-to Guidance. DIAL is producing an operational how-to guidance for digital development practitioners that illustrates step-by-step approaches to implementation, grounded in the experiences and emerging good practices of digital deployments and digital development programs.

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Exploratory Research. DIAL undertakes independent research and support the efforts of other actors in to elevate new insights emerging from the digital development ecosystem.

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Donor Collaboration. DIAL works closely with donor organizations to assess the gaps in funder investment and collaboration for digital development.

DIAL is accepting proposals for content rewrite and development for the Principles for Digital Development (PDD) website, www.digitalprinciples.org. The overall goals of the PDD website are to (1) foster community engagement and interaction, (2) provide practical, relevant how-to guidance and resources for digital development practitioners, and engage a range of visitors, including implementing organizations (international and humanitarian NGOs), donors, and country governments, and (3) increase awareness about the Principles themselves. DIAL’s aim is to produce relevant and useful content organizations and individuals who are implementing digital development programs to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of their programs. The tone, examples and other references should resonate with the target audience and reflect their experience on the ground. The content rewriting and development is part of an ongoing effort by DIAL to steward the Principles for Digital Development. As stewards, we seek to create an interactive dialogue with practitioners that meets their needs, where they are. Content has been developed to date, but requires additional strengthening for an implementer audience. DIAL is seeking an experienced person who can research, write and edit content for the Principles for Digital Development website (referred to as “writer” in the remainder of the RFP.) The writer would rewrite and develop content, and provide a coherent editorial voice to link all reconstituted and new content on the redesigned Principles for Digital Development website. The

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writer will have access to all content that has been developed to date, including interview notes and other background information. The purpose of this RFP is to provide a fair evaluation for all candidates and to provide the candidates with the evaluation criteria against which they will be judged.

Scope of Work • • • •

Deliverables The following table reflects the anticipated deliverables and schedule required for this project. Respondents may suggest amendments as part of their proposals, for approval prior to contracting. All deliverables must also be submitted in widescreen format. Website Page Principles Principles Principles

Component

Description

What it Review and revise description of what the Principle means. means/Description Why it’s important Review and revise explanation of why it is important to consider each Principle. Project life cycle Review and revise the application of the Principles according to the program life cycle. Key considerations include: • Tone: ensure that the content strikes the right balance between informative and declarative statements, is respectful of the audience’s expertise and clear where a range of approaches may be effective. • Examples: The writer must provide a range of examples taken from the experience of implementing organizations across sectors and geographies. • Actionable guidance: The text should guide implementers in how to apply the Principles for Digital Development along the life cycle of a typical development program. • Links to other resources: Resources that are relevant and useful to the audience should be referenced and linked to throughout the content. In addition, a series of how-to’s and case studies have been developed (and require editing); links to these resources should be woven into relevant portions of the text.

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Library

How-to’s

Library

Case studies

Review and revise existing how-to guidelines (3-4) and create 1-2 new how-to guidelines. The topics of these how-to’s will be determined in collaboration with the DIAL team and writer. Modify the template for case studies (as appropriate) that allows organizations to share their experiences implementing the Principles. Review and revise 3 existing case studies, and write 3 new case studies identified in collaboration with the DIAL team. Case studies should be no more than 3-5 pages each, singlespaced.

We foresee there being a balance between both specific and general content in this work. The base information (about the Principles) should be general enough that it can be relevant to different stakeholders looking to better understand what the Principles are and how they can apply them. The examples are necessary to provide direction on how the Principles can be applied in different sectors or situations.

Proposal submission requirements Proposal submissions, which may be created in Word, PowerPoint, or a combination of the two, must include the following components. Respondents may include additional elements as needed. • Proposed approach – Demonstrate understanding of the project objectives – Describe approach and methodologies, as applicable – Describe project management approach, including timeline and any recommended updates to timeline provided above, including timing and level of effort on the part of the DIAL team, e.g. to participate in scoping and requirements workshops, iteration junctures, etc. • Staff and team structure – Identify the team structure, including roles, responsibilities, and level of effort of staff and any sub-contracted resources – Provide rationale and background on any sub-contracted firms or individuals • Relevant experience – Demonstrate firm and key participants’ experience relative to the scope of work – Provide at least 3 examples of similar work • Budget – Provide a detailed budget, including assumptions and costs and level of effort for staff and any sub-contractors – Provide expenses budget by type of expenses, e.g. travel, research, etc. Travel estimates should indicate the anticipated destination and duration of each trip • References – Provide names and email addresses of at least two prior client willing to discuss their experiences working with you.

Submission format and timeline This is an open and competitive process.

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Proposals received after 5:00pm EST on June 14, 2017 will not be considered. The price you quote should be inclusive. If your process excludes certain fees or charges, please provide a detailed list of excluded fees with an explanation of the nature of those fees. DIAL prefers a single point of contact who manages deliverables. If the execution of work to be performed by your company requires the hiring of sub-contractors, please clearly state this in your proposal. Sub-contractors must be identified and the work they will perform must be defined. DIAL will not refuse a proposal based upon the use of subcontractors; however, we retain the right to refuse the sub-contractors you have selected. Provisions of this RFP and the contents of the successful responses are considered available for inclusion in final contractual obligations. Please note that the RFP for content development/reorganization is being awarded in parallel to the website redesign. Both firms will be required to work together to complete the website redesign. Proposals can be submitted as standalones or two or more parties can form a partnership or joint venture for the purposes of submitting a proposal for this RFP and, if selected, would perform the contract as a single entity. In addition, the teaming arrangements must be identified, company relationships must be fully disclosed and respective responsibilities and method of work must be expressly stipulated. The joint venture or partnership agreement must include a full discussion of the relationship between organizations, including identification of the organization, which will have responsibility for negotiation of the resultant contract, which organization will have accounting responsibility, how work will be allocated, and profit or fee, if any, shared. In addition, the principles to the joint venture or partnership agreement must agree to be jointly and severally liable for the acts or omissions of the other.

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A description of the writer’s capabilities and qualifications of specific personnel proposed for this project A description of capabilities and success in producing content for advocacy, resource sharing and dissemination, and non-profit and/or community-focused projects. Provide three to four creative examples you have produced that best reflect your work and relevancy to this project. Briefly list the role(s) you have played in each project. Terms and conditions.

Length and font size: Please use fonts no smaller than 12 point. Maximum proposal length should not exceed 4 pages. Proposal: Discuss your proposed solution, including the features, benefits and uniqueness of your solution. You should also touch on your ability to deliver the project in the timeframe noted above. Qualifications: Provide the information requested. Budget and fees: List budgets as requested above. Identify staff you anticipate working on the project and their hourly rates for work that may be needed.

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Completed proposals: Each completed proposal must be delivered electronically with the subject line “Principles for Digital Development Website Content Proposal” by June 14, 2017 at 5:00pm EST to: Allana Nelson Program Manager, Principles for Digital Development [email protected]

Delivery Date May 31, 2017 June 14, 2017 June 16-20, 2017 June 23, 2017 Week of June 26, 2017 July 5, 2017 July 28, 2017

Deliverable RFP distributed Proposals due Calls with vendors and follow up questions Vendor selected and notified via email Kick off meeting First round of content due (1 Principles, 1 how to, 1 case study) Remainder of content due

Questions and answers Please forward any questions to [email protected] and [email protected] by June 7, 2017. DIAL will make every effort to respond to questions within 24 hours, and may choose to share the questions and answers from these bilateral discussions with other Respondents.

Evaluation Process DIAL will review all written proposals, and may request a phone or in-person interview and/or updated submission to address questions or provide clarification. DIAL will review all written proposals, and may request a phone or in-person interview and/or updated submission to address questions or provide clarification. The evaluation committee will use the following criteria to evaluate candidates’ response. The selection decision will be based on the following criteria: • Technical o Able to develop and release draft content by July 28, 2017 o Proposed work plan o Commitment to documentation o Project management and project progress monitoring and reporting systems o Demonstrated understanding of the requirements o “Value for money” – quality of the technical portion for the cost proposed, in relation to scope and extensiveness of proposed solution o Ability of proposed solution to be extendable and a platform to build on over the long term for both this site and DIAL’s o Thoughtful risk identification and mitigation strategies • Experience o Past experience in digital development projects, including demonstrated knowledge of common challenges facing digital development implementers in the field o Experience of proposed project management and technical staff, including subcontractors and external advisors, if relevant o Experience developing website content

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Experience working with emerging markets and the field of global development

Cost o Total cost compared with other bids

Intent and disclaimer This RFP is made with the intent to identify a consultant to deliver results as described in this RFP. DIAL will rely on Consultant’s representations to be truthful and as described. DIAL assumes it can be confident in Consultant’s ability to deliver the product(s) and/or service(s) proposed in response to this RFP. If DIAL amends the RFP, copies of any such amendments will be sent to all Respondents.

Contract terms DIAL will negotiate contract terms upon selection. A copy of the contract terms and conditions will be provided upon selection. All contracts are subject to review by UN Foundation’s Business Services Budget Reporting (BSBR) team. Once a draft contract is reviewed by BSBR, DIAL’s Grants Manager will contact the Consultant. The project will start upon the execution of the contract. The contract will outline terms and conditions, scope, budget, and applicable flow-down terms.

Release Consultant understands that DIAL has chosen to solicit an RFP for consulting services, and that Consultant’s response does not guarantee that DIAL will enter into a new contract with Consultant or continue any current contract(s) with Consultant. Consultant agrees that DIAL may, in its sole discretion: • Amend or cancel the RFP, in whole or in part, at any time • Extend the deadline for submitting responses • Determine whether a response does or does not substantially comply with the requirements of the RFP • Waive any minor irregularity, informality or nonconformance with the provisions or procedures of the RFP • Negotiate with all consultants UNF deems acceptable • Issue multiple awards • Copy the responses This RFP is not an offer to contract. DIAL assumes no responsibility for Consultant’s cost to respond to this RFP. All responses become the property of DIAL. The Consultant, by submitting a response to this RFP, waives all right to protest or seek any legal remedies whatsoever regarding any aspect of this RFP. Consultant represents that it has responded to the RFP with complete honesty and accuracy. If facts provided in Consultant’s response change, Consultant agrees to supplement its response in writing with any deletions, additions, or changes within ten (10) days of the changes. Consultant will do this, as

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necessary, throughout the selection process. Consultant understands that any material misrepresentation, including omissions, may disqualify it from consideration for a contract award. Consultant understands it may receive proprietary and confidential information from DIAL during the RFP process (“Confidential Information”). Consultant agrees to not use Confidential Information for any purpose other than its participation in the RFP process and to not reveal Confidential Information directly or indirectly to any other person, entity, or organization without the prior written consent of DIAL. Consultant further agrees to exercise all reasonable precautions to maintain the proprietary and confidential nature of Confidential Information where it can best demonstrate its value and capacity to delivery ecosystem-wide, meaningful value.

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