Invitation for Bids – Socio-Economic Consultant

Noonu Atoll Administration invites to join our team dedicated to developing a comprehensive Atoll Land Use Plan (LUP) and that addresses the evolving needs of Noonu Atoll communities. It aims to advance sustainable development, optimise land resource management, and effectively tackle pressing challenges, including climate change adaptation and local governance improvements.

To achieve these goals, we invite bids for the position of Socio-Economic Consultant, a pivotal role focused on ensuring that community needs and socio-economic perspectives form the foundation of the Atoll LUP. The selected consultant will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to deliver inclusive and impactful planning, benefitting the people of Noonu Atoll.

Project Overview

As the Socio-Economic Consultant, your role will encompass conducting detailed socio-economic analyses and tailoring strategies to reflect community priorities. Consultant will play a key part in identifying current and future socio-economic trends and addressing issues related to equity, resource distribution, and livelihoods within the Noonu Atoll. Consultant's insights will support a human-centered approach to sustainable development, ensuring no community is left behind. Specifically, will collaborate to integrate socio-economic dimensions into critical outputs, such as:

• Conducting a Community Needs Assessment that captures the diverse priorities across the atoll.

• Developing frameworks that promote Resilient Island and Atoll Communities, built on inclusive socio-economic planning.

• Shaping the Atoll Land Use Plan (LUP) to balance growth with social equity and environmental integrity.

• Developing key social business projects to be established by the Noonu Atoll Administration, focusing on proposals envisioned in the redefined plans.

To ensure comprehensive planning, the consultancy team will also include specialists in the following domains:

• Urban Planning

• Legal Framework

• Transport & Logistics

• Surveying

These experts' team will contribute critical insights and analysis, ensuring that the LUP is robust, inclusive, and tailored to the Atoll's diverse needs.

Scope of Work and Deliverables

The detailed deliverables and responsibilities for each consultancy role are outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) document. Interested consultants are required to review the TOR carefully before submitting their proposals.

All necessary travel, accommodation, and meals during visits to Noonu Atoll, as determined by the methodology and approved by the Noonu Council or LAC, will be covered by the Noonu Atoll Council/Noonu LAC and therefore must not be included in the proposed fees. Consultants are expected to submit their fees for the following deliverables:

The deliverables for the project are as follows, along with their respective proposed fees in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR):

1. Finalised Project Methodology

2. Community Needs Assessment

3. Acknowledgement of Guiding Principles

4. Development of Resilient Islands and Atoll Framework

5. Existing Resource and Land Use Evaluation

6. Administrative Framework Development

7. Development of the Atoll Land Use Plan

8. Integrated Atoll Development Forum

9. Drafting social business project proposals tied to Atoll Administration

Bidding Process

Key Dates and Times

1. Registration – 18th to 30th December 2024, 13:00

2. Bid Information Session – 31st December 2024, 13:00

3. Bid Clarifications – 1st to 4th January 2025, 13:00

4. Bid Submission Deadline – 5th January 2025, 13:00

Interested parties can register for the bid by submitting the form. The Bid Information Session will be conducted online. Upon registration, a confirmation email with the meeting link will be sent.

Bid Opening Process

Bids will be opened on 5th January 2025 at 13:00 in the presence of bidders. The process will take place at the Noonu Atoll Council Secretariat, Noonu Manadhoo, Republic of Maldives. Bids submitted electronically will not be accepted. All documentation must be submitted together in a single envelope labelled with the organisation’s or individual’s name and the tender reference number.

Reasons for Bid Rejection

1. Non-registered bidders will not be eligible to participate in the bid opening.

2. Attendance at the Bid Information Session is mandatory. Absentees will not qualify.

3. Late submissions, after the deadline, will be disqualified.

4. Missing any required documents specified in the submission requirements will result in rejection.

Submission Requirements

Interested consultants or firms must submit the following as part of their proposal:

1. Technical Proposal

• Detailed methodology and approach for all deliverables applied for.

• Comprehensive work plan and timeline.

• Composition of the consulting team (if applicable).

2. Financial Proposal

• Completed Deliverables Table for Fee Proposal, including proposed fees for all relevant deliverables.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• CVs of key personnel.

• Portfolio of similar projects successfully completed.

• References from prior clients.

4. Legal and Administrative Documents

• Organisation’s registration documents (if applicable).

• Valid GST Registration Certificate (if applicable).

• Tax Clearance Report with six months’ validity (if applicable).

• Contact information (name, role, phone, email).

• Tax compliance certificate (if applicable).

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated according to the following:

1. Technical Proposal (40%)

• Comprehension of project objectives and outlined scope of work.

• Quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology and work plan.

2. Qualifications and Experience (30%)

• Experience with similar projects.

• Expertise of proposed individuals or teams.

3. Financial Proposal (20%)

• Cost-effectiveness and value for money.

4. References and Past Performance (10%)

• Feedback from previous clients.

• Submission of a portfolio of similar work.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and collaborating with visionary professionals eager to shape a sustainable future for Noonu Atoll. Together, we can create a proactive and equitable approach to atoll development that prioritises community well-being.