REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ)

CRFQ-HQ-0396

RFQ Number: CRFQ-HQ-0396

Description: White Paper on the DDR Process, Peace and Security in Mali

RFQ Release Date: July 15, 2021

RFQ Closing Date: July 28, 2021

RFQ Closing Time: 04:00PM Eastern Standard Time

From: Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization, and Reconciliation (Mali PSR)

Funded By: USAID Contract # 72068818C00002

Creative Associates International, Inc., acting on behalf of the Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation project in Mali is soliciting offers for technical expertise in accordance with the Scope of Work included in Attachment 1, and Creative’s Consultant Agreement Terms and Conditions.

All correspondence and/or inquiries regarding this Request for Quotations (RFQ) must reference the above RFQ number and be directed via email to: [email protected]. Creative intends to award a Level of Effort consultant agreement but reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award.

Please submit the following documents to provide a quote in response to this RFQ:

1) Confirm that you have the qualifications and experience to perform the work as defined in the scope of work AND are available to perform the work during the period of performance required.

2) Confirm that you can perform the work within the not-to-exceed level of effort (LOE) stated in the scope or provide an alternate LOE and justify. Also include any non-labor costs expectations.

3) An updated CV that reflects the education, skills, and experience required in Attachment 1, and demonstrates the ability to carry out the scope of work;

4) An English writing sample of no more than 5 pages on a topic relevant to the Goal outlined in Attachment 1

A Budget Template is also provided. You are not required to use this template and can submit pricing in any format that allows Creative to evaluate the realism and reasonableness of your price in relation to the work required.

Selection will be made on the basis of technical capability and overall best value. Modifications to this RFQ, including closing date extensions, will be posted on the Creative website. Please check the website for updates.

ATTACHMENT I: SCOPE OF WORK

White Paper on the DDR Process, Peace and Security in Mali

Consultant will undertake research that will lead to the development and publication of a white paper on the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) process, peace, and security in Mali.

Estimated Period of Performance: The estimated period of performance is August 2 – September 30, 2021.

Estimated Level of Effort: The level of effort anticipated for this project is 30-40 days.

Estimated Total Costs: The total costs anticipated for this project is $10,000 USD.

Introduction:

Creative Associates International (herein referred to as Creative), is implementing the USAID-funded Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation Project (Project de Consolidation de la Paix or Mali PSR) which is a 5-year project (2018-2023) created to support the Government of Mali (GoM) in the implementation of the Algiers Peace Agreement and to contribute to building resilience and peacebuilding in the North, Center and South of Mali. Mali PSR is implemented by a consortium of Creative, Think Peace and the Association Malienne pour la Survie au Sahel across 43 communes predominantly in the central and northern regions of Mali (Ségou, Mopti, Timbuktu, Taoudénit, Gao, Menaka and Kidal). The project works with communities to address the following key factors: conflict mitigation and management, promoting inclusive governance, strengthening civic engagement, and empowering young people.

In April 2020, the project pivoted and expanded its program mandate and geographic scope to address two concurrent and urgent challenges in Mali. First, to support the efforts of the Malian government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and flatten the curve in Mali PSR’s 43 communes in the North and Center, and in the South: Bamako, Koulikoro, Sikasso and Kayes. Since the onset of the novel Coronavirus, Mali PSR has been implementing a series of activities to address the immediate needs and the second order effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, following the coup in August 2020 and the establishment of a transitional government in Mali, Mali PSR has been tasked with supporting the democratic transition process as Mali prepares to hold elections in 2022. Mali PSR will integrate and leverage program activities that are improving inclusive governance and that strengthens the resilience of Mali and ensures that stabilization and peacebuilding objectives are upheld during the transition process.

Goals:

Under Mali PSR Objective 2, Creative is undertaking research that will lead to the development and publication of several ‘white papers’ as part of a series of public policy-oriented papers aimed to support the U.S. Government (USG) and stakeholders in the region planning and/or undertaking similar efforts by enhancing understanding of key political, security, stabilization and peacebuilding processes taking shape in the country.

The White Paper will address the status of implementation of the Algiers Peace Agreement and outline the key challenges to the design and implementation of the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) process in Mali. The research team from Creative will work in consultation with the National Commission for DDR (NCDDR) throughout the course of the research and writing process. The White Paper will examine the relevance of the DDR process within the context of Mali’s peace process.

Working under the direct supervision of the Creative Associates Senior Advisor for this effort, the consultant will be supported through both ad hoc and weekly update and planning meetings through Zoom or a similar virtual platform. The Senior Advisor from Creative Associates will provide subject matter expertise (SME) and thematic knowledge on DDR processes designed to assist the consultant in their desk and field research. The consultant will not be responsible for copy editing, or for writing the final report. This will be the responsibility of Creative Associates. Creative Associates will also lead the development of key informant interviews (KIIs) questions and establish the protocols for conducting KIIs. The consultant will be asked to provide their expert opinion on theKII questions and will lead the KIIs with support from Creative Associates. The consultant will be responsible for developing a summary report and annotation reports for submission to Creative. Creative will provide timely feedback on the reports so that a solid draft can be developed by the consultant.

Objectives:

Objective 1.0: To understand the operational and program aspects of the DDR process in Mali and to determine under what conditions the DDR process would support peacebuilding, stabilization and reintegration in Mali;

Objective 2.0: To examine reintegration and DDR with and without peace accords.

2.1: To determine if, and why, traditional DDR or contemporary Disengagement & Reintegration (D&R) would be suited for Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.

2.2: To gain a deeper understanding of the implications of the DDR process for the advancement of the Algiers Peace Agreement.

Objective 3: To offer a menu of policy options for the GoM, ECOWAS, G5 Sahel, and USG on risks and opportunities to engage in DDR and D&R processes in Mali and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

The consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks in close collaboration with Creative Associates Lead Researcher:

· Conduct desk research related to the DDR component of the Algiers Peace Agreement and the understanding of the peace process by Malian citizens.

· Assist in the design and validation of data collection tools.

· Undertake data collection with 10-12 Key Informant Interviews.

· Undertake data analysis based on field research.

· Development of summary findings report and produce annotated outlines for review and approval by Creative Associates and USAID.

· Provide periodic briefings to Creative Associates, USAID, and the NCDDR (TBD) at each stage of the program as directed by Lead Researcher under this effort.

· Present findings/recommendations to Creative Associates, CNDDR, USAID, Mali PSR project team and other key stakeholders.

Deliverables:

The consultant will be responsible for submitting the following deliverables:

· Workplan, outlining research, data collection and analysis and submission of written materials with timetables.

· A 5-7 page summary report of preliminary findings that integrates the results of field research with the desk review.

· A 3-page annotated outline of the white paper (draft 1) and 4-page revision that incorporates feedback from Creative Associates (draft 2) with full transcript of interviews in English or French.

· Development and delivery of 2 PowerPoint Presentations to stakeholders, e.g., USAID, Creative Associates, GoM.

Desired Qualifications:

· Understanding of the complex political milieu in Mali with an acumen to work with a diverse set of stakeholders with varied political views and interests.

· Ability to work, coordinate and liaise with senior personnel from government, civil society and the formal and non-formal security sector.

· Demonstrates a basic understanding of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) processes in Mali.

· Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of Mali’s conflict dynamics with a strong understanding of stabilization and peacebuilding approaches in the country and region.

· Ability to independently conduct in-depth research and synthesize and distil findings based on analysis.

· Professional experience developing data collection, analysis and synthesis including developing data collection tools, carrying out field research, compiling and summarizing findings.

· Excellent report writing and editing skills.

· English language skills with ability to research, write and communicate verbally at a professional level.

Other Matters:

· Approved costs incurred for the purpose of data collection and analysis will be reimbursable upon submission of invoice and receipts.

· The consultant will have a dual reporting responsibility to the lead researcher Dean Piedmont and Musu Clemens, Chief of Party, Mali PSR.