Request for Proposals

Request for Proposals Focus Area: Data for Development Initiative DD-01: Data Analysis and Use Demonstrations May 2017

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 is staffed by a global team of technology researchers, developers, investors, negotiators, and policymakers. It is supported by world-class foundations and development agencies and guided by a board of leading emerging market entrepreneurs, technologists, and development experts. With this leadership, 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’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.

May 2017

Initiative DD-01: Data Analysis & Use Demonstrations

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DIAL is focusing its work in three areas: •

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.

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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 provided to the people they service.

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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 then convenes these groups that share advocacy agendas to drive collective impact.

DIAL’s Data for Development focus area has three main initiatives: 1.

Conduct demonstration projects providing evidence on the viability of platforms and business models for generating mobile and digital data based insights on development topics

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Deliver a foundational, common data architecture that is robust, scalable, interoperable, and provides open access for supporting programmatic partners’ efforts

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Support the enabling environment on regulatory and policy issues that prevent D4D ecosystem holders from achieving meaningful scale; develop, aggregate and disseminate social and business impact knowledge products for D4D

For the purposes of this RFP the Contractor shall focus on Initiative One, keeping in mind the strategic requirements for Initiatives Two and Three. The purpose of Initiative One is to experiment with models for on-demand digital data analytics and use by developing and testing a portfolio of analytics projects that will be used to inform system and functional requirements for developing the common data architecture of Initiative Two. From these tests, DIAL intends to develop insights from the holistic, but targeted use cases (e.g. using MNO data to provide useful insights derived from location data in public health) to build various technical, commercial and regulatory recommendations needed to scale and build a broader and more efficient D4D ecosystem. Initiative One broadly focuses on defining a common set of requirements to ensure data access, curation, insights development, governance and security and privacy requirements across mobile network operators (MNOs) and other digital data holders. This investment would be a significant step towards demonstrating a broader integration of data (within and beyond telecom data) and accelerating the development of an ecosystem of D4D applications.

May 2017


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Guiding principles DIAL is setup to solve upstream, systems-level barriers in the digital development sector. With that overarching goal, the D4D team is looking to develop partnerships with entities that: • Advocate ‘open’ data, ‘open source’, discoverable formats • Have flexibility and willingness to learn, share learnings and findings, and adapt to evolving needs and situations • Demonstrate enthusiasm for joint learning, collaboration and communication • Can use the power of digital and data to transform the sector and help scale solutions across multiple countries/ geographies • Bring ‘systems thinking’ and problem solving skills • Empathize with social development outcomes, while building the value chain capacity and incentive structures that enable profitable outcomes • Operate globally and emphasize local capability building • Demonstrate versatility and diversity in talent/ skills • Link outcomes and priorities for all stakeholders – from programmatic partners up to data holders • Drive advocacy and knowledge across communities • Share the results of the project to people most in need within developing countries • Promptly and broadly disseminate institutional knowledge and information gained from project

Scope of Work 1. Problem statement The potential of using data (mobile, satellite, digital, etc.) for development has been demonstrated, but limited traction has been achieved. What is missing is scalability and sustainability. To address this, DIAL needs to develop a key hypothesis on the pathways for architecting common data elements. With this particular investment, we are looking at standardizing and automating individual technical components and packaging them into a “ready-to-implement” set of modules which can be relevant for any mobile data-driven approach in a given country (and for a range of use cases). The first step requires the development of a specific use case in a particular development-sector focus area including but not limited to public health, agriculture, food security, education, etc. The project requires that the partner do the following: • Partner should demonstrate integration of data from multiple telecom operators, thereby enabling coverage across most the population in the country. • Partner should demonstrate large-scale integration demonstrating efficacy of telecom and satellite data in shared value scenarios • Partner should test and demonstrate commercial and business models that will enable matching of data supply with data demand • Partner should bring MNO relationships and access to call detail records (CDRs) and other datasets in selected markets, and work with DIAL and its ecosystem of partners to develop a roadmap for piloting and (eventually) delivering regional or country-level implementations.

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2. Goals of the project and key deliverables The goal of the project is to develop one holistic but targeted use case (food security) to address the requirements of DIAL D4D Initiative 1, keeping in mind the need to automate and standardize approaches, components and software modules that would be re-used in other contexts and programmatic use cases. This project would be a significant step towards demonstrating a standardized and leaner integration of data (within and beyond telecom data) and accelerating the development of an ecosystem of D4D applications and use cases. The objective of the work is to derive key technical insights to be leveraged for creating an industrialized approach. Such elements cover: • Identifying the key technical challenges and questions to cover per sub-element • Mapping of the technical elements to standardize • Listing the key features of the outputs to ensure relevance, replicability and scalability • Developing key learnings from piloting and training of use cases • Developing foundational and robust technical element to further enhance in the phase of industrialization The project and workflow should be organized in phases: 1. Use cases: leveraging insights to develop a bottom-up set of recommendations on building blocks as foundations, using food security value chain as the example 2. Platform: automating individual technical components 3. Ecosystem: developing an ecosystem based on multiple data sources and scalability needs, bringing together required actors, commercial structures and technologies. We expect the consultant to provide insights on creating a sustainable data for development business model engaging all actors (data holders, data analytics, and programmatic users) 3. Detailed objectives of the deliverables/tasks The objectives of the investment are to provide insights on three dimensions: • Technical dimension, such as algorithmic layers, challenges and key building blocks that include: o Tools to load, integrate and visualize the data • Ecosystem dynamics, including the following elements: o Building blocks of the ecosystem o Key processes to define and set up to secure sustainability o Legal and regulatory features to ensure feasibility • Absolute and relative value of telecom data, including the following elements: o Complementarity with other big data sources (e.g. satellite data, internet of things (IoT) data) o Biases from telecom data (e.g. unbalanced penetration, market shares) • Usage of additional data sources (e.g. survey data, GPS data, etc.)

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The intermediary goals and specific deliverables are identified below: • • • • • • • • • • •

Identify relevant generic aggregates derived from MNO data Set up relation with MNO to secure access to data Draft blog post for DIAL to announce project kick-off and share project details Develop algorithms to calculate relevant aggregates Define process to access aggregates for registered developers, e.g. academia, public administrations, researchers, tech partners, etc. Pilot the usage of the aggregates Adjust and optimize the algorithms Package the algorithms into modules to facilitate the work of industrialization Develop training guides Identify elements to standardize and develop key learnings for the industrialization phase Draft blog post and final deliverable (presentation, paper, etc.) for DIAL to share project outcomes and key learnings

4. Role of Consultant (including all individuals expected to be part of this work) The role of the consultant is to deliver on required work for the food security example, with insights generated from telecom & digital data and to develop relevant tools, software components, and methods. The specific task requirements and deliverables follow. 5. Project timeline Project should commence June 1, 2017 and be completed by October 31, 2017. 6. Project outcome/performance measures and key assumptions This project will be used to derive formative insights that will be incorporated into the building blocks of a sustainable ecosystem. The scope of this initiative needs to consider the end objective of these uses cases: a broader integration of data (within and beyond telecom data), a common data architecture as a public good, and acceleration of the development of an ecosystem of applications, with the underlying business models defined. The project will need to illustrate the value of digital data for decision making by documenting and disseminating key findings and learnings, within the food security domain. Success will be measured by the quality and quantity of knowledge products (e.g. tools, guidance, advocacy materials, economic models and/or global policy guidance, etc.) promoting responsible use of digital data and packaged public good assets (e.g. APIs, code, methodologies, etc.) for the data for development ecosystem. The outcome of the project will be not only to develop algorithms and visualization tools, but might serve as a first step for building a national data platform for the entire country. Such platform might be leveraged to address other use cases and might be complemented with other data sources (e.g. statistical analyses, surveys, etc.). DIAL aims to promote adoption of and enable sustained use of these working models via country-level demonstration models, pilots and eventual large-scale implementations.

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7. Intellectual Property (IP) considerations DIAL’s mission is to create public goods that enable a more efficient digital economy for everyone’s common benefit. To serve this goal in partnership with other organizations and individuals, DIAL funds the development of important hardware and software, databases, computer protocols, and useful industry standards. Intellectual property ("IP") is at the heart of all things creative and inventive. DIAL's IP policy is shaped by our key funders’ (i.e., the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) policies. DIAL’s work products thus must comply with BMGF’s “Open Access” policy. Further, any IP we fund should be licensed for free use worldwide. This is accomplished through open source and Creative Commons licensing and by open standards, unencumbered by restrictive copyrights and patents. The scope of work for this project and deliverables will, as such, abide by DIAL’s intellectual property (IP) policy and its donor’ compliance requirements. If special considerations are required, we will negotiate those on a case by case basis with selected vendors. As required by its donors, DIAL is committed to “Global Access”. As such, DIAL will ensure that knowledge and information gained from any project and any deliverable produced will be promptly and broadly disseminated under a creative commons license, and any funded developments will be made available at an affordable price to: a. People most in need within developing countries and /or b. In support of the U.S. educational system and public libraries, as applicable DIAL will take into consideration consultants’ intellectual property issues as part of the selection process.

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. #

Deliverable

Description

Estimated completion date

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Blog Post

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Back and Front End Development

Define agreements with data holders as project scope and implementation as designed Set up the required technical environment to access and host telecom & digital data Draft blog post for DIAL to announce project kick-off and share project details Develop demand and supply assessment tools

June 30

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Data Acquisition Negotiation and Functional Design Infrastructure set-up

May 2017

June 30 June 30 Aug 30


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Design of sustainable model

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Ecosystem collaboration

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Testing

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Packaging and agile implementation

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Insights generation

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Business Model development

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Training

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Blog Post and final deliverable

Develop collaboration plan with DIAL’s anchor technology partner that will provide program management & engineering support services to steer technical, programmatic, and implementation partners to develop the required infrastructural components and services Co-create and align on a set of DIAL partner-wide collaboration principles to help key actors lead the sector to realize this vision Test algorithms and visualization tools for optimization. Provide provisions for active feedback Package the algorithms into modules. Identify elements to standardize and key learnings. Summary of findings should be detailed in a final white paper Provide robust, ongoing mechanisms (APIs, end-points, dashboards, visualizations) for accessing and embedding insights by demand side partners Rigorously test ideas around creating a sustainable business model in the data for development ecosystem, (e.g. recommendations on scaling, compensating data holders) Ensure knowledge transfer to DIAL, its partners and community. Develop training guides Draft blog post final deliverable (presentation, paper, etc.) for DIAL to share project outcomes and key learnings

Aug 1

July 31

Sept 30

Oct 31

Oct 31

Oct 31

Oct 31

Oct 31

Project Period of Performance We expect the project will launch its preliminary phase by June 1, 2017 and expect the completion date to be October 31, 2017. Respondents are to provide a detailed implementation plan along with submission.

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Proposal submission requirements and Evaluation Criteria 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. • Mobile Network Operator Relationships – As we expect the consultant to bring data sources for this scope of this work, please provide the names and strength of relationship of various mobile network operators with whom you have data sharing agreements. Feel free to include options for other data holders (e.g., geospatial). For the data holders that you will use in the scope of this work, please provide a letter of recommendation or an existing contract as proof of an established working relationship. • 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. • Relevant experience – Demonstrate firm and key participants’ experience relative to the scope of work – Experience working with emerging markets and the field of global development – Experience in transferring, translating and diffusing knowledge products to broader community use • Demonstrate experience with operating models with the following characteristics – Deep technological expertise – Advocating ‘open’ data, ‘open source’, discoverable formats – Flexibility and willingness to learn, share learnings and findings, and, adapt – Joint learning, collaboration and communication – Scaling across multiple countries/ geographies – Empathizing with social development outcomes – Creating sustainable pricing mechanisms and commercial levers, as well as effective business models, especially for data monetization – Operating globally and emphasizing local capability building – Versatility and diversity in talent/ skills – Linking outcomes and priorities for all stakeholders – from programmatic partners up to data holders – Driving advocacy and knowledge across communities – Building out of demand side value chains • Budget – Provide a detailed budget, including assumptions and costs and level of effort for staff and any sub-contractors – Provide professional fees budget, including cost and level of effort per staff member – Provide separate line item for 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

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Staff and team structure – Identify the team structure, including roles, responsibilities, resumes and level of effort of staff and any sub-contracted resources. For sub-contracted resources please include resumes in the appendix of the proposal and letters of committment. – Provide rationale and background on any sub-contracted firms or individuals

Note: applicants must meet the minimum selection criteria in order to be considered for this project. 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 evaluate proposal based on the criteria listed above, and on the proportional value between competitive pricing and scope.

Submission format and timeline • • • • •

All submissions are due on May 18 2017 by 11:59 PM EDT. We expect the submissions to be in the 25 page range, but will not penalize submissions that are above or below this range. Questions and clarifications will be communicated to Respondents between May 19 - 22 with a kind request for prompt turnaround on part of the Respondents. The selected Respondents will be notified on May 26 by 6:00pm EDT Please send all EOIs and email submissions to [email protected] In case Respondents encounter a problem submitting, please contact Syed Raza at [email protected]

Questions and answers Please forward any questions to [email protected] by May 12, 2017. DIAL will make every effort to respond to questions within 24 hours, and will share the questions and answers from these bilateral discussions with other Respondents.

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

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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 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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