Invitation for Bids – Socio-Economic Consultant

The Noonu Atoll Council is retendering its call for a Socio-Economic Consultant to support the groundbreaking "Reimagine Noonu Binaaveshi" project. This initiative seeks to craft a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable Atoll Land Use Plan (LUP) that addresses the evolving needs of the community while promoting balanced development, efficient land resource management, and holistic climate resilience strategies.

With community well-being and socio-economic equity at its core, the project prioritizes the development of frameworks that reflect local priorities while preserving ecological integrity for future generations.

Reason for Retendering

The decision to retender this critical role was made to ensure broader participation and inclusivity after limited bids were received during the initial invitation. This retender provides an additional opportunity for qualified and visionary professionals to contribute to a project that will shape the future of Noonu Atoll. Please note that previously registered parties do not need to re-register and remain eligible to participate in the revised process.

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

• Registration Period: 2nd Jan to 8th at 13:00.

• Bid Information Session: 9th Jan at 13:00 (conducted online).

• Bid Clarifications Period: 9th to 14th Jan at 13:00.

• Bid Submission Deadline: 20th Jan at 13:00.

Newly interested consultants can register for the bid by submitting the form. Registered participants will be provided with a revised Terms of Reference (TOR) document that outlines the updated scope, deliverables, and specific requirements of the bid prior information session. A confirmation email, including the link for the online Bid Information Session, will be sent. Attendance at the Bid Information Session is mandatory for both newly registered and previously registered participants.

Bid Opening Process

Bids will be opened on 20th 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.