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SCALA: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS
CALL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCALA KNOWLEDGE OBSERVATORY: SCALA -IDN
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
1. INFORMATION ON IDRC, MIF/IDB AND THE CITI FOUNDATION. 2. BACKGROUND, LOGIC OF INTERVENTION AND KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE CALL 3. MAIN ACTIVITIES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES 4. DELIVERABLES AND SCHEDULE 5. DURATION AND SCOPE OF FUNDING 6. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 7. SELECTION PROCESS 8. REQUIREMENTS AND FORMAT OF THE PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS 9. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 10. QUESTIONS AND QUERIES 11. REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND ELIGIBILITY OF COUNTRIES 12. TERMS OF IDRC’S CONTRIBUTION 13. COMMUNICATING `THE RESULTS’ 14. USE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE INFORMATION 15. ANNEX 1 – COVER LETTER FOR THE PROPOSAL 16. HYPERLINKS TO ANNEXES
Publication Date: June 2nd, 2015 Deadline for submission of Proposals: 6 July 2015 at 4pm (GMT-05:00) – Proposals to be sent to: [email protected]. Deadline for submission of questions: 15 June 2015. Answers will be posted at: http://bit.do/scala-call on June 20th, 2015 – Questions to be sent to: [email protected].
The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank, the Citi Foundation and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), hereinafter the SCALA Committee, have joined forces for this competition to select an institution that will carry out the project for the implementation of the SCALA Knowledge Observatory, a key component of the knowledge strategy of the Program titled “Promoting the Economic Empowerment of Low-Income Populations through Inclusive Distribution Networks – SCALA”. SCALAseeks to increase income levels among poor and less advantaged populations through their access to business opportunities based on the distribution of products/services that contribute to improve the quality of life in poor communities.
The SCALA knowledge strategy seeks to generate, consolidate and disseminate results and lessons learnt
from projects proposing the scaling up of inclusive distribution networks (IDNs) funded as part of SCALA as
well as other IDN initiatives implemented in Latin America and elsewhere. This strategy is based on
articulation and collaborative work with the stakeholders involved in IDNs, which includes private
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companies, social entrepreneurs, microfinance institutions, NGOs, academia, government institutions,
donors, and population of the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) among others. Its ultimate goal is to support a
benchmark institution in the region that, once funding has been completed, will continue the actions
initiated during SCALA implementation to demonstrate its effectiveness and position IDNs as effective
instruments for poverty reduction.
1. Information on IDRC, MIF / IDB and the Citi Foundation:
1.1. A key component of Canada's foreign policy is to support research in developing countries. To this end, IDRC supports research to promote growth and development in these countries that results in innovative, lasting solutions aimed at improving people’s lives and livelihoods.
1.2. The MIF promotes economic development and poverty reduction in Latin America and the
Caribbean (LAC) through the promotion of private sector development by supporting and funding innovative business models that will benefit entrepreneurs and poor households on low incomes. To do this, it builds partnerships with a variety of private and public sector institutions and civil society organizations, assesses the results of the models implemented and shares lessons learnt.
1.3. The Citi Foundation promotes the economic empowerment and financial inclusion of the poor and
those on low incomes, especially in the area of microenterprise development.
2. Background, Objectives intervention logic and the Call key
2.1. In line with the mandate of MIF, IDRC and the Citi Foundation, the three institutions have joined forces for the implementation of the Program "Promoting the Economic Empowerment of Low-Income Populations through Inclusive Distribution Networks" - SCALA, aimed at promoting the creation of business opportunities for low-income individuals by scaling up innovative IDNs based on partnerships between private and social businesses, NGOs, microfinance institutions and people at the bottom of the pyramid.
2.2. SCALA is based on a multi-partnership approach as a strategy for scaling up IDNs and positioning
them as an alternative that will contribute to poverty reduction. Its hypothesis for the economic
and social sustainability of these models is underpinned by capacity-building and empowerment of
micro entrepreneurs – the focus of the intervention – and the establishment of win-win business
models for all the stakeholders: (i) low incomes people, who gain access to stable businesses with a
high growth potential, which increase their income; (Ii) poor communities, who gain access to
goods and services with a social impact that would otherwise be inaccessible for them; (Iii) private
and social businesses, which expand the distribution of their products/services into new markets;
(Iv) microfinance institutions, which increase their service portfolios and customer base; and (v)
NGOs, which strengthen their capacities and provide microentrepreneurs with business
development services.
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2.3. To achieve its objectives, SCALA comprises two components:
2.3.1. Funding of projects that propose scaling up innovative IDN models
SCALA provides non-reimbursable funds for projects that expand IDNs based on multiple partnerships.
The models must provide microentrepreneurs, especially female heads of households and young
people, with skills and access to funding to ensure proper, successful and profitable running of their
business, while overcoming sustainability challenges relating to the distribution of goods and services
that contribute to the welfare of communities. At present, one project is being implemented
(http://www.iadb.org/es/proyectos/project-information-page,1303.html?id=DR-M1045) and four
others are in different design stages.
2.3.2. Knowledge and communication strategy for the positioning of IDNs
SCALA seeks to demonstrate the positive impact of IDNs on poverty reduction and promote their adoption/replication in the region and the world. For that purpose, it advocates the establishment in the region of a resource centre/observatory and the creation and growth of a community of practice around the topic of inclusive distribution as a tool for poverty reduction (SCALA-IDN). The observatory will include updated information on experiences, results, best practices and trends in the application of IDNs, including evidence based on the result of rigorous impact assessments which will help reduce knowledge gaps identified in these models, such as its effectiveness in empowering low income populations, what models are most effective, which of them have the greatest potential for scaling and which facilitate financial inclusion (Knowledge Gap Matrix - SCALA). This call aims to select the institution that will implement and monitor the SCALA-IDN resource centre/observatory.
Through its knowledge strategy, SCALA seeks to promote the observatory and the community of
practice and create in the region the institutional framework that is required for continuity in the
consolidation and positioning of IDNs as an effective poverty reduction instrument. For this purpose, it
promotes the identification of synergies and complementarities with other existing initiatives and
ecosystems that support the development of populations at the bottom of the pyramid or systems in
support of the poor. Its principles are co-design, collaboration and the articulation of different
stakeholders, on the understanding that the selected institution will also propose a scenario for
cooperation and the contribution of resources. A proposed preliminary plan is already available (SCALA
Strategic Roadmap) which sets out the main lines of action for the implementation of the strategy and
the scope of the intended objectives. This is a valuable starting point for the project under this call.
2.4. The general objective of this call is to select an institution in the LAC region for the implementation
of the SCALA knowledge observatory in order to disseminate the challenges and benefits of IDNs,
systematizing models with the potential to be scaled up in the region and the world.
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2.5. Specific Objectives:
2.5.1. To develop the Inclusive Distribution Network Observatory and lay out the foundations for its
continuity/sustainability.
2.5.2. To build an active Community of Practice on IDNs.
2.5.3. To produce and systematize knowledge based on projects supported by SCALA and other similar
IDN initiatives in the world and become the main benchmark for research on issues of inclusive
distribution.
2.5.4. To facilitate the exchange of experiences through the organization of internships, workshops and
meetings.
2.6. The selected institution shall work in close coordination with the entity responsible for
implementing the SCALA communication strategy in order to position the observatory, release its
research findings/knowledge emerging from innovative IDN models and lay out the foundations for
its sustainability.
3. Main activities and expected outcomes:
3.1. The following are the proposed activities for the development and continuation of the Observatory.
These activities are grouped into the following lines of action: 1. IDN Research Networks, 2.
Knowledge-Observatory, and 3. Sustainability. Please Note: these areas/activities are only
proposals and new approaches may be put forward by proposing institutions.
3.1.1 IDN Research Network. In this area, the institution coordinating the Observatory is expected
to identify and build partnerships with audiences interested in inclusive business models and
networks specializing in researching innovative initiatives with an impact on populations at
the bottom of the pyramid, and define a framework of cooperation and exchange of
knowledge that will generating and position the concept of Inclusive distribution networks
(IDNs) in the academic community. This includes, among other things:
• Identifying potential audiences (e.g., academics, researchers, knowledge managers,
experts, donors, etc.) interested in the improvement and application of methodologies for
poverty reduction. (Audience Matrix - SCALA). This will result in a list of prospects for each
type of audience and the strategy/actions to be used for their capture/involvement.
• Identifying opportunities for collaboration/establishing partnerships with BoP initiative
research networks.
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Expected outcomes
• A list of audiences in LAC and at the global level (donors, research networks, implementers,
etc.) interested in the development of knowledge in innovative methods for alleviating
poverty.
• A strategy for the identification of interests, main motivations and activities for their
recruitment and involvement in the IDN community.
• At least 5 strategic partnerships built with networks of universities and research centres
interested in producing models/knowledge for poverty reduction.
3.1.2 Knowledge-Observatory. In this area, the institution is expected to develop and implement
the IDN Observatory. This includes, among other things, the consolidation and posting on the
observatory of existing knowledge and the production of new knowledge through the
coordination of assessments, research, laboratories, etc. resulting from the SCALA projects
(the SCALA committee will propose the projects to be assessed) and other IDN initiatives
existing in the Region and the world. The coordinating institution must develop a network of
consultants/assessment experts interested in participating in assessments/preparation of
case studies and must, once approved by the SCALA committee, arrange for and monitor
their development. Assessments of results and processes of SCALA projects are being
contemplated. It must also propose appropriate methodologies for the systematization of
the knowledge produced. It must consider, the following, among other things:
• Management of a repository with content generated under this project and from other
sources (experiences, best practices, news, events, tools, courses, assessments of processes,
impact assessments, case studies, videos, etc.)
• Creating a network of researchers/consultants interested in and familiar with IDNs, who
would be the main source for carrying out project evaluations (process, results and impact
evaluations), case studies, research and other knowledge products related to experiences,
learning, comparative analyses and results in the area of IDNs.
• Designing and monitoring knowledge laboratories, conducting research on issues related to
inclusive distribution.
• Research into and development of knowledge products (case studies, concept, results and
impact evaluations, etc.)
Expected outcomes
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• Network of researchers/consultants to prepare knowledge products required as part of the
SCALA projects and other IDN initiatives within and without the Region.
• At least 30 knowledge products of its own (result, process and impact evaluations, results
of the knowledge laboratories, case studies, result reports on knowledge transfer/immersion
experiences, etc.)
Some key questions for the observatory’s research agenda include:
How to scale up an inclusive distribution network in a sustainable way?
How can multi-stakeholder partnerships facilitate the sustainable development of
inclusive distribution networks?
What is the impact of inclusive distribution networks on micro distributors and
microfinance institutions?
More questions considered within the observatory research agenda are available at
Knowledge Gap Matrix - SCALA):
3.1.3 Sustainability. Ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the Observatory after the end of
SCALA funding. For this purpose, it is necessary, among other things:
• To design, in coordination with the entity responsible for implementing the SCALA
communication strategy, a business model and service portfolio that will maintain the value
proposition offered by SCALA-IDN to each of its audiences.
• Build the capacities required by the institution to ensure the continuity, updating,
adaptation and integration of the Observatory into IDN trends/new BoP models.
Expected results
• Continuity/sustainability plan under way.
4 Deliverables and Timeline Products:
4.1 The following are the main products to be delivered:
4.1.1 Product 1. Project Plan agreed with the SCALA Team.
It must include the approach to be used to carry out the project, its general plan of
activities/responsible officers, milestones/targets for measuring progress, budget and governance
structure for the management of the project and the continuity of results. It must also include
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specific sections for each of the areas listed in section 3 or other alternatives proposed by the
proposing institution (Research Networks, Knowledge-Observatory, and Sustainability).
4.1.2 Product 2. Strategy for the identification and establishment of partnerships with research
networks.
Document identifying BoP research networks in LAC and the world and defining an approach to build
partnerships and share knowledge.
4.1.3 Product 3. Operational Observatory.
Observatory implemented, including the contents and services specified in section 3.1.2. Knowledge-
Observatory.
4.1.4 Product 4. Knowledge products
Knowledge products/publications/content resulting during the execution of the project (process,
result, and impact evaluations, results of the knowledge laboratories, case studies, reports on results
of knowledge transfer/immersion experiences, etc.). The following are expected at the very least:
• Five (5) process (qualitative) and results evaluations (qualitative and quantitative) for SCALA
projects) and two (2) assessments of similar projects not funded by SCALA. This includes:
- A report on baseline results for each evaluation (7 altogether)
- A follow up report for each evaluation (7 altogether)
- An exit survey analysis report for each evaluation (7 altogether)
• 15 case studies with an analysis of best practices.
• 5 reports on the systematization of knowledge resulting from the assessments and case studies.
4.1.5 Product 5. Observatory Sustainability Plan
A document prepared with the entity responsible for implementing the SCALA communication
strategy to define the proposal for the continuation and expansion of SCALA-IDN and its results and
impacts. It must include the proposed business model, business plan and actions for implementation.
4.1.6 Other Products
• Half-yearly technical progress project reports
• Half-yearly financial management project reports
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4.2 The institution may use the methodologies and tools it considers most suitable to carry out the
activities and produce the expected results.
4.3 The institution must have a monitoring system that will provide timely, accurate information on the
technical and financial progress of the project and its results.
4.4 The following is a timetable showing project duration and deliverables:
5. Duration and Scope of Funding.
5.1. The institution interested in developing and leading this platform will receive funds totalling up to
US$700,000. An analysis has been conducted of the estimated budget per item, which will be discussed
with the successful institution/consortium. The institution is expected to make counterpart contributions to
complete the needs of the project plan to be submitted to and agreed with SCALA.
5.2. This budget will cover the direct and indirect expenses incurred by the institution in carrying out the
project, with the proviso that only up to 13% of this budget may be used for administrative and general
expenses.
5.3. The implementation period for the project is thirty-six (36) months. This includes the completion of all
activities and the submission of final reports.
5.4. The funds for financing the project will be disbursed gradually according to the financial needs of the
activities to achieve the milestones/intermediate outcomes set out in the project plan.
Product Semester
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 Project Plan agreed with the SCALA Team
2 Strategy for the identification and creation of
partnerships with research networks
3 Operational observatory
4 Knowledge products generated
5 Observatory Sustainability Plan
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5.5. The obligations undertaken by IDRC and the MIF are subject to the availability of sufficient funds from
the Parliament of Canada and to the availability of funds from the MIF/IDB, respectively.
5.6. The financial proposal must include all costs associated with the project, including: staff remuneration,
costs of outsourcing local consultants and institutions, other expenses such as travel expenses, per diem or
accommodation, international and domestic transport, costs of organizing events, the number of office and
field working days and all the costs of research such as surveys, focus groups, etc.
5.7. The interested institution shall submit the financial bid in US Dollars. This proposal may not exceed the
available budget of USD $ 700,000 and must include a proposal for the disbursement of resources,
including frequency and amount of payments.
5.8. The counterpart contributions provided by the applicant organization will be considered an additional
effort within this call and should be presented in detail as part of the proposal.
6. Eligibility Criteria:
6.1. The institution must be a university, a network of universities, research centre or a consortium
comprising an academic institution and other private sector organizations (businesses, NGOs, etc.) led by
the academic institution.
6.2. The institution/consortium must be legally established in one of the Latin American or Caribbean
countries that are members of the group of countries borrowing from the Inter-American Development
Bank. (http://www.iadb.org/es/acerca-del-bid/paises-miembros-prestatarios,6005.html).
6.3. The institution/consortium must have proven experience in the management and implementation of
knowledge management systems, inclusive business models, and the implementation of similar projects. It
must also have experience of working with key SCALA audiences (Audience Matrix - SCALA) and have
established partnerships with academic institutions/research centres within and without the region.
Previous experience in the management of regional research projects and development of communities of
practice, as well as work with multilateral organizations and on regional projects in Latin America and the
Caribbean would be an asset.
6.4. The institution/consortium must have a physical infrastructure and be able to allocate resources to
research into inclusive distribution models, building partnerships with other stakeholders and the
expansion of the community of practice.
6.5. The project team should be interdisciplinary and its coordinator should ideally hold a PhD or Masters
degree in a related field. Its members must have experience in Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) models and
inclusive business, process and impact assessments and working with private companies, and be fluent in
English and Spanish.
6.6. Only proposals from institutions/consortia that meet the eligibility criteria set out above will be
considered.
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7. Selection Process:
7.1. The main aspects to be considered during the selection process will include the merit of the proposal
and its potential impact on development, including capacity building. The selection process may also be
influenced by operational considerations such as Canadian legislation, knowledge on research
environments, ability to monitor research activities, and/or conditions that would make difficult, costly,
dangerous or onerous for IDRC/MIF to achieve their objectives or manage properly their resources.
7.2. The proposals will be assessed and selected within a period no longer than two weeks after the close of
the process by a selection committee composed of members of the SCALA Committee.
7.3. Incomplete proposals and proposals received after the closing date will not be considered. Those
interested should submit the proposal in Spanish or English, including all the required information, to the
following email addresses [email protected].
7.4. The deadline for submission of applications is July 6, 2015 at 4pm (GMT-05: 00).
7.5. The proposal may be treated as 'unresponsive' if it fails to include a point in the terms of reference, and
if no proposal reaches the minimum score, the SCALA Committee reserves the right to declare the call void
and negotiate with the entity that has received the highest score.
7.6. The call will be made in one single step, with the proposals received being distributed to the committee
members for their review. Applications that are consistent with the requirements of the call will be
assessed in accordance with the process described below:
7.6.1. Preliminary assessment of the applications to verify that they are complete and meet the established
requirements.
7.6.2. Review of Proposals: The successful applications will be technically reviewed by the SCALA
committee. A score will be assigned based on the assessment criteria set out in paragraph 9 below.
7.6.3. Those applications selected during the technical review process may be required by IDRC or the MIF
to conduct an institutional risk assessment. This step analyses the potential risk of material loss of IDRC or
MIF resources due to the institution’s limited ability to manage or report financial aspects of the project
activities; or due to economic and political conditions related to the institution’s operating environment.
This review assesses the measures to be applied to minimize this risk in three major areas: investment, the
applicant institution’s managerial capacity, and the general environment in which the organization
operates.
7.6.4. IDRC or the MIF reserves the right to cancel the process at any time without notice and/or at its
discretion to award all or none of the benefits under this process.
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8. Requirements and format of the proposal documents:
8.1. The interested institutions must prepare two proposals – a technical one and a financial one - in
Spanish or English, to be assessed by means of a comparison of scores depending on compliance with the
criteria defined in article 6 of these terms of reference.
8.2. The documents listed below should be e-mailed to [email protected] before 4 pm (GMT-05:00) on 6
July 2015.
8.3. These documents should be sent in a compressed file in one single email. If it is necessary to send more
than one file, the organization must send an email specifying the number of files and emails sent with the
information requested in these terms of reference. Once the call has been closed, only the proposals that
contain all the complete documents will be assessed.
8.4. The following are the minimum specifications that the proposal must meet for inclusion in the
assessment process:
8.4.1. Cover Letter for the Proposal: The proposal must be accompanied by a Cover Letter signed by the
legal representative. See Annexe 1.
8.4.2. Certificate of Existence and Representation: The applicant must attach the certificate of existence
and representation issued by its local Chamber of Commerce, with a date of issuance not older than sixty
calendar days, counted retroactively from the date of submission of the proposal.
8.4.3. Financial Statements: The proposing organization must submit its most recent financial statements
and the report of the latest audit.
8.4.4. Technical Proposal and Supports: The technical proposal cannot exceed the limit indicated below for
each point. It must be single-spaced, with a one-inch margin, Times New Roman 12 point font and include a
cover and a table of contents. Attachments such as CVs are not included in the page limit. The technical
proposal must show an understanding of the products listed in article 4 and the institution’s team’s
capacity to do the job.
The organization shall submit its technical proposal and accompanying documents, providing the
information mentioned below:
• Brief description of the organization’s experience of implementing contracts and tasks similar to the
stipulations of the objectives in these terms of reference nature, listing and describing projects that show
its expertise in comparative studies between projects. (No more than 3 pages).
• Description of how the project is in line with the strategic priorities of the proposing institution (No more
than 1 page).
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• At least two (2) letters of recommendation issued by state or private institutions for contracts
implemented within five years prior to the closing date of this call and commenting on earlier work
undertaken by the institution.
• Description of the methodology and work plan proposed by the organization for the project (no more
than 7 pages).
• Monitoring and assessment systems proposed for the project (1 page).
• Identification of risks and mitigation actions (no more than 2 pages).
• List of the services and facilities made available by the organization for project implementation. (These
services and facilities may be considered part of the counterpart).
• List of consultants or consultant proposed by specialty, responsibilities and activities assigned to each
member of the team, with a specification of their role, percentage of time that each person will be involved
in the project (specifying the number of working days), and their level of responsibility in performing the
different tasks.
• CVs of the professionals that will be part of the team. The key information should include number of years
working for the firm/entity, activities and position.
• In addition the following information must be disclosed /revealed in the technical proposal:
- Any information about the team that might hinder its ability to provide the requested service over
time.
- A statement that the information submitted is true and complete and that it is understood that any
misrepresentation will result in the institution being disqualified.
8.4.5. Financial proposal: The financial proposal must be sent separately, be in US dollars and in the format
regularly used by the institution, giving enough detail for comparison and assessment. The proposal must
clearly specify, for each of the three proposed areas (IDN Research Networks, Knowledge-Observatory and
Sustainability), the following costs, considering the estimated overall budget included in Section 5, including
fact sheets supporting it:
Personnel: Includes all remuneration, allowances, and benefits paid to staff and advisors hired for a specific
project. Project advisors are people hired for long periods (more than 1 year) and paid on a regular basis.
The payment of replacement salaries (to release academics from teaching commitments) or of core salaries
(i.e., of existing staff) must be justified in the context of research capacity building. As a general rule, IDRC –
MIF do not pay salary supplements, i.e., honorarium for full-time employees in addition to their regular
salaries or higher salaries than the institution would normally pay.
Consultants: Consultants provide expert professional advice and usually work on a fee-for-service basis.
Compared with project advisors (see Personnel and Research Expenses), consultants are contracted for
shorter periods to work on specific assignments. Payments to consultants include all expenses related to
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the services of a consultant for a specific activity within the project. Please use a budget note to: (1)
indicate the daily rate used to calculate the consultant’s fee; (2) estimate travel costs (if applicable); and (3)
list other related consultant costs.
Evaluation: Includes the systematic assessment of a project, program, policy, or strategic issue to assess
either progress toward achieving objectives or the quality and effects of IDRC-MIF funded activities.
Evaluation may occur during an activity or after its completion. Evaluation costs can include: consultant
fees; travel expenses; and dissemination of the evaluation findings. In projects where evaluation is the
primary objective, costs may also include: research expenses; training; and salaries and benefits for
personnel directly involved in the evaluation. Please use a budget note to: (1) indicate the daily rate used
to calculate the consultant’s fee; (2) estimate travel costs (if applicable); and (3) list other related
consultant costs.
Equipment: Includes equipment that has a useful life of more than 1 year and costs more than 5,000
Canadian Dollars per item. Costs may include the basic purchase price, related Canadian sales taxes (net of
government rebates), freight costs, and other costs associated with purchasing the equipment. IDRC does
not pay foreign taxes, import duties, or equipment insurance after delivery. The recipient institution is
responsible for all subsequent insurance coverage.
International Travel: Includes all costs related to international travel incurred by Project Personnel listed in
the Personnel category of this budget proposal. Allowable costs include ground transportation,
accommodation, meals, airfare, departure taxes, and other related expenses. Daily costs cannot exceed
IDRC per diem rates.
Training: Includes a trainee’s registration and tuition fees; living and other allowances; research and
training expenses; and travel costs during the trainee’s participation in degree or diploma programs, short
courses, student field work, postdoctoral training, or other scholarly activities. The training budget should
be reported in four sub-categories based on the type of training being supported:
PhD — study leading to a PhD degree;
Masters — study leading to a Masters’ degree;
Short Course — study leading to a diploma or certificate;
or Other — all other scholarly activities (e.g., field work or postdoctoral study).
Training for project staff that relates to the implementation of research activities should be shown under
Research Expenses. Please use a budget note to: (1) estimate travel costs (if applicable); and (2) list other
related training costs.
Research Expenses: Includes services and materials required to carry out the research. Costs include
remuneration of persons who gather data and information or provide casual labour, maintenance and
operation of project vehicles, consumable goods and non-capital equipment, computer services, training
for project staff for implementation of research activities, in-country travel, reference materials, rent paid
for land or premises used in a research activity, and translation of project-related documents.
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Indirect Costs: Includes administrative costs not directly related to the research. Costs may include clerical,
accounting, or secretarial help, general office expenses, office rental and utility charges, non-capital office
furnishings, communications costs, and photocopying. IDRC expects the recipient to absorb the indirect or
administrative costs of a project as part of its local contribution. In exceptional cases, IDRC will consider a
contribution towards indirect costs. The maximum contribution is 13% of all recipient-administered costs.
8.4.6 Optional documents that may be submitted with the proposal. Links or annexes that support the
organization’s application, based on the criteria established in this call. The organization can also attach
letters of intent from other institutions with which it has worked, expressing their interest in supporting the
implementation of the Project.
8.4.7 Payments will be made taking into account the products listed in article 4 on products and
milestones/targets of the work plan approved by the SCALA Committee.
8.4.8 The institution will be responsible for direct and indirect taxes resulting from the implementation of
the contract.
8.4.9 These terms of reference are not a contract or suggest any commitments, and in no way do they
require the MIF/IDB, the Citi Foundation or IDRC to award the contract or reimburse costs related to the
preparation of the proposal.
9. Evaluation Criteria:
9.1. The selection of the institution in charge of leading the development of the Observatory will be made
by the SCALA committee – composed of members of MIF, IDRC and the Citi Foundation – taking account
the following criteria:
9.1.1. Experience and technical capacity: Institution’s track record conducting studies on inclusive business
in Latin America and the Caribbean. Assessment experience will be an asset. This criterion carries a top
score of forty-five (45) points and will be marked as follows:
Sub Criterion Description Score
Experience in studies on inclusive business and project assessment
Evidence of having been successfully implemented at least three similar contracts (assessment of projects on inclusive business).
5
Comparative studies The applicant has a record of working in several countries conducting and facilitating comparative studies on inclusive business between countries.
5
Experience in learning The applicant has vast experience of leading learning platforms and/or networks.
5
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Experience in the region
The applicant has extensive experience of conducting studies and making assessments in Latin America.
5
Technical Proposal Methodology and work plan proposed for project implementation
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Total 45
9.1.2. Track-record and recognition: The institution applying in this call must demonstrate that it has a
good reputation.
9.1.3. Regional Scope: Evidence of having partnerships with research institutions with a presence in various
countries in the region.
9.1.4. Team: The team is composed of recognized academics and experts in the field of Inclusive Business
for the BoP.
Sub Criterion Description Score
Experience in the research team’s topic
The team has professionals with at least 5 years’ experience in Inclusive Business Models and, more in particular, IDNs. The team has a lead researcher who is highly recognized in the field and has at least 5 years’ experience. At least two (2) team members have doctoral and/or postdoctoral degrees.
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Communication The team has professionals and resources for an effective communication strategy
6
Sub Criterion Description Score
Partnerships
The organization has repeatedly implemented several projects with recognized multilateral development NGOs and/or foundations focusing on inclusive business for the BoP
5
Recommendations Letters of recommendation issued by state or private entities regarding related contracts
5
Total 10
Sub Criterion Description Score
Partners
Has established partnerships with institutions on issues related to the call in different countries in the region and has capacity for networking.
10
Total 10
16
Publications Team members have published articles in indexed journals on inclusive business for the BOP (within the last 3 years).
2
Number of members There will be at least three people (2 senior and 1 junior) assigned to coordinate the Observatory – at least two of them full time.
3
Total 20
9.1.5. Operation and finances: It is financially and administratively strength enough to implement 2-year
programmes and has budgets of over a million dollars.
Sub Criterion Description Score
Operation It has implemented projects involving over one million dollars.
10
Finances Its financial statements demonstrate financial strength. 5
10. Questions and Queries:
10.1. Questions should be submitted in writing until June 15th, 2015 to [email protected].
10.2. The replies will be posted online on June 20th, 2015 at http://bit.do/scala-call
11. Regulatory Frameworks and eligibility of countries:
11.1. IDRC has signed framework agreements for technical and scientific cooperation with a number of
governments. These agreements set the framework for IDRC’s cooperation with that country, defining
rights and obligations for both IDRC and the government. In accordance with the above, the applicant
institution may be asked for the country’s approval before any IDRC funds are received.
12. Terms of IDRC’s Contribution:
12.1. The selected institution/consortium will sign the IDRC standard contributions agreement, to be
regularly updated by IDRC. For an example of the standard agreement and its terms and conditions, follow
this link: http://www.idrc.ca/EN/Funding/Guides_and_Forms/Documents/MGC-Att-A-e.pdf
13. Communicating the results:
13.1. The selected institution will be informed on July 20, 2015, via email.
17
14. Use and access to information:
14.1. By submitting its proposal under this call, the applicant agrees to the disclosure of documents
submitted to the evaluators involved in the selection process, both within IDRC and the SCALA committee
and externally. Additionally, the proponent agrees to the disclosure of the name of the applicant, the name
of the main researcher and the name of the proposed project in any advertisement for the selected
proposals.
14.2. All personal information collected by IDRC on the applicants’ grants and scholarships/subventions is
used to review applications, manage and monitor stimuli, and promote and support research for
international development in Canada and in the regions where IDRC operates. In line with these purposes,
the applicants should be aware that the information gathered by IDRC may be used and disclosed in
support of its activities.
15. Annex 1 –Cover Letter for the Proposal:
Dear Sir or Madam,
IDRC and MIF/IADB
Re: Scala-IDN Observatory
The undersigned, acting on behalf of _________________________, hereby presents a proposal for
participation in the Call: xxx, through which the SCALA (IDRC, IDB; CITI) selection committee seeks to select
an organization responsible for implementing the stipulations of the Call.
I do hereby declare that:
a) We have studied the Terms of the call and its clarifications and amendments, and expressly declare we
agree with and will comply with said documents for the submission of our proposal.
b) We accept the terms and requirements contained in the call and in other documents complementing or
amending it.
c) We are committed to maintaining our proposal for a period of two (2) months, to be counted from the
closing date of the selection process, or the expiry of its extensions, if any.
Faithfully yours,
_________________________
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Name of Legal Representative
Identity card number
Contact information
16. Hyperlinks to Annexes:
• Audience Matrix - http://services.iadb.org/mifdoc/mif/call/SCALA-Audiencias.pdf
• Knowledge Gap Matrix - http://services.iadb.org/mifdoc/mif/call/SCALA-MatrizBrechasConocimiento.pdf
• Strategic Roadmap – http://services.iadb.org/mifdoc/mif/call/SCALAStrategicRoadmap.pdf