Joint Working Group: RFP Q&A

Question: Are organizations that participated in the verification activities eligible to submit a proposal?

Answer: As the verification activities were not primary research, organizations who participated in the verification activities are not prevented from submitting proposals under this RFP.
 

Question: Can the term “Associate” in the RFP extend to a local country qualified individual vs. engaging local country organization as the restrictions around eligibility requirements of organizations who have conducted cocoa studies that could involve child labor and challenges of sourcing credible, qualified non-governmental or quasi-government organizations limit options.

Answer: The term “Associate” includes qualified local individuals as well.
 

Question: Is there some specific budget format you wish us to use?

Answer: There is no template per se. Please refer to guidelines in Section 6, Page 12 for additional information.

Question: Page 10 states that “the appendix has a specific page limit that must be adhered to.” What is the page limit for the appendix? Also, should resumes be included in the narrative page limit?

Answer: The language on page ten that states “The appendix has a specific page limit that must be adhered to” should be considered in error as there is no specific reference in the RFP as to how long the appendix should be.

The proposal should consist of:

  • Title Page
  • Abstract (2 pages or under)
  • Table of Contents

  • A 25 page narrative including:

      • Understanding of the Issues Surrounding this Meta Analysis;
      • Project Implementation Plan, that includes: A work plan that identifies major project activities, deadlines for completing the activities, and person(s) or institutions(s) responsible for completing activities;
      • Organizational Capability / Experience;
      • Staff Qualifications; and
      • Budget Narrative and Budget Forms
  • Appendices including the Association agreements, information on previous contracts, documentation of the applicant's and partners' legal status, and copy of the recent audit
  • Key staff qualifications in narrative form should be included in the 25 page limit but that full resumes/CVs could be included in the appendices.