Contracts awarded

Date of publication Simap: 31.01.2023

1. Contracting authority

1.1 Official name and address of the contracting authority

Contracting authority/Authority of assignment: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Procurement authority/Organizer: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, Bay’s Edgewater, 8th Floor, Plot 12, North Avenue,  0  Ghuslan 2, Dhaka,  Bangladesh,  E-mail:  sohel.ibn.ali@eda.admin.ch

1.2 Type of contracting authority

Confederation (Central federal administration)

1.3 Type of procedure

Open procedure

1.4 Type of order

Order for services

1.5 Scope of international treaties

No

2. Objects of procurement

2.1 Project title of the acquisition

Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) - Inception Phase and Main Phase 01 -Duration: Inception Phase: 01.03.2023 – 31.08.2023 (6 months) and Main Phase 01.09.2023 – 31.12.2026 (40 months)

Subject and scope of the contract :  With this Civic Engagement Fund (CEF), SDC and Sida intend to provide Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with funds and capacities to further develop its visions, increase outreach, and collaborate for maximum social impact in the field of human rights, women empowerment, rule of law, and democratic governance in line with SDG 16 and SDG 5. Besides, in the context of shrinking civic space, the CEF will provide a forum for collective voice in dialogue with the Government of Bangladesh. The CEF will mainly support local and national CSOs (grassroots NGOs, human rights defenders, think tanks, research institutions, advocacy networks, media, and private sector actors) that focus on women, children, youth, minority groups, climate justice, and human rights; that promote knowledge and innovation for the achievement of the SDGs; or that engage in evidence based policy dialogue to hold public institutions accountable.

2.2 Service category

Service category CPC:  [27] Other services

2.3 Common Procurement Vocabulary

CPV:	98300000 - Miscellaneous services

3. Decision of acceptance

3.1 Award criteria

According to the invitation to tender

3.2 Tenderer considered

Name: GFA Consulting Group GmbH, Eulenkrugstr. 82,  22359  Hamburg,  Germany
Price (total price):  CHF 2'535'400.00 without VAT
Additional information: The total project amount of CHF 6'035'400.00 includes an inception phase of CHF 295'660.00 as well as the execution of Main phase I of service costs CHF 2'239'740 and administered project funds of CHF 3'500'000.

3.3 Reasons for the decision to award

Reasons: After assessment of all evaluation criteria mentioned in tender document (qualitative criteria and price) the award is made to the tenderer, whose offer has received the most utility points. The offer of the winning tenderer convinced above all regarding: GFA shows that they have vast experience in handling similar funds / programmes in Bangladesh and other countries. They know the context very well and have extensive experience in working with CSOs and government entities. It is clear in the proposal that GFA will take a back-seat role (facilitation) which is very important for strengthening CSOs in Bangladesh. GFA have all extensive and relevant qualifications for their role as a FMA. They have a good balance with in-country staff / experts and need-based support from international advisors. They also have strong national and international networks, will be working in similar funds in other countries which will be useful for cross-learnings and capitalizing of experience. The cost structure and overall budget is realistic, transparent and efficient.

4. Other information

4.1 Invitation to tender

Publications from: 31.07.2022
Organ of publication: www.simap.ch
Number of publication 1274743

4.2 Date of the award

Date: 17.01.2023

4.3 Number of offers received

Number of offers: 6

4.4 Additional information

The contracting authority reserves the right to award subsequent mandates to the successful tenderer of this tender procedure if a change of tenderer for goods, work or services to replace, supplement or extend supplies already provided is not possible for economic or technical reasons, would cause considerable difficulties or would entail substantial additional costs.

4.5 Procedures for appeal

This is a public contract under Annex 5 no. 1 let. d PPA. There is no right of appeal.