UPDATED WITH EXTENDED DUE DATE - Alive and Thrive



21234403937000UPDATED WITH EXTENDED DUE DATERequest for ProposalsSubject:Develop, build and maintain an India specific eLearning Course on Maternal and Infant Young Child Nutrition Issued on: July 17, 2019Anticipated Period of performance:September 2019 – February 2020Application Submission Deadline:August 15, 2019BACKGROUNDAlive & Thrive (A&T) is a multi-year global initiative to save lives, prevent illness, and ensure healthy growth and development. During 2009 – 2017 (Phase I and II), A&T has established the proof of concept that the improvement of maternal, infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN) practices at scale is possible through large scale programs in several countries in Asia and Africa. Today, A&T is building on the successes and learning of Phases I and II, reaching new countries and regions, and improving the overall enabling environments for nutrition policy/advocacy and programming. A&T is managed by FHI 360 and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Irish Aid, the Tanoto Foundation and UNICEF.In India, A&T aims to contribute towards strengthening policies and systems to deliver to women and children the nutrition they need for healthy lives and accelerate scale-up and coverage of MIYCN interventions at the national level and in selected high burden states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Jharkhand and Rajasthan. A&T (operating since 2015) is providing high quality technical support to government, development partners, technical assistance organizations, academia and professional bodies to strengthen policies and program agenda on MIYCN using the learnings and best practices from global work and generating new evidence as proof of concept for adaptation to the India-specific context.Undernutrition has been associated with under-5 mortality and poor health outcomes among children, preventing them from reaching their full potential. Good nutrition for young children starts with good maternal nutrition during pregnancy which leads to better birth outcomes for children and reduces pregnancy-related complications for the mother. The prevention of maternal, infant and young child undernutrition is a worthwhile long-term investment that would benefit children and their families, as well as a country as a whole. A critical component towards improving maternal and child nutrition is the capacity of healthcare providers for delivering quality MIYCN services by increasing knowledge and translating knowledge into practice. There is a felt need in India to build the capacities of healthcare workers, medical undergraduate and postgraduate students, nursing staff, as well as all those working in the field of public health nutrition so that they are sensitized towards the importance of MIYCN, with specific emphasis on breastfeeding, complementary feeding and maternal nutrition, along with effective integration of nutrition counselling in service delivery. A&T and partners aim to launch an online capacity building course in India which would encompass modules related to the above-mentioned topics around MIYCN. This course would include not only theoretical sessions, but also relevant practical demonstrations related to MIYCN service delivery skills. The India-specific course will be mainly adapted from an existing eLearning course on nutrition and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) developed by A&T at the global level and other existing eLearning courses. Course objectivesThe India-specific eLearning course aims to build capacity of the enrolled participants in the area of MIYCN. It would provide comprehensive knowledge and skills related to optimal IYCF practices including breastfeeding practices, complementary feeding, and the importance of nutrition of the pregnant mother during pregnancy and recommended nutrition practices for both pregnant and lactating mothers. This would be integrated with other relevant aspects of nutrition, such as nutrition during specific health conditions (e.g. HIV infection), as well as global and national programs and policies related to nutrition.This course, set up in a module format, would be designed to be useful for those who are directly connected or intend to work with delivering nutrition specific services. It would also be useful for policymakers and program managers at multiple levels. Examples of intended course participants are presented below. Course participantsThe intended audience is Indian nationals including, but not limited to:Pre-service participants Undergraduate medical students (MBBS) Post-graduate students (Community Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology and Public Health) Undergraduate & Post-graduate (Nutrition & dietetics) studentsNursing students Home Science students Undergraduate & postgraduate social work/sociology students In-service health and nutrition practitionersMedical Practitioners: General PhysiciansObstetrics/GynecologistsPediatriciansPublic health specialistsAYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani Siddha & Homoeopathy) practitionersNursing professionals/midwivesNutritionists and dieticiansLactation / Nutrition CounsellorsPublic health and nutrition program managers and policymakersDevelopment of course contentsWhile the understanding of importance of good nutrition during first 1,000 days of life (from conception to a child’s second birthday) has grown amongst key stakeholders, comprehensive training opportunities for capacity building as well as updating existing knowledge and recent advances made in the field of nutrition including exposure to successful nutrition/MIYCN interventions is missing as part of various preservice or in-service programs in the public health and nutrition sector. MIYCN as a topic for undergraduate medical and nursing students is not prioritized among students and the teachers, and often not considered as an important clinical subject to be taught. In many countries, in-service training for health and nutrition workers, nurses and midwives are critical components of nutrition programming, but often difficult to scale up and sustain due to budget constraints, shortages of technical resources and logistical hurdles. In addition, while training workshops can impart valuable knowledge and skills, they need to be reinforced with ongoing standardized and accessible technical guidance and resources, including supportive supervision and strategic use of data.Existing maternal nutrition and IYCF social and behavior change communications and training material tend to rely on flip chart counseling tools, printed text-heavy manuals, and the ability of facilitators to adapt the material to their context. While much of this material is valuable, there is a gap in using digital assets to bring standardized material to online platforms, to be able to reach a much larger audience and in the long run, be more cost effective in reach and distribution.As Internet connectivity increases in India, eLearning is a feasible solution to address the important sustainability and scaling-up issues for ensuring multiple types of health workers, nutritionists, and program managers are equipped with standardized and updated technical skills and knowledge. The eLearning course would be jointly developed by subject experts through a Core Working Group and a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) including members of various professional medical associations, representatives of apex medical/public health/nutrition institutes, United Nations agencies such as WHO & UNICEF, technical support organizations and senior officials of Child health and Maternal health division of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, among others.Substantial content for the course can be adapted from the A&T global eIYCF course (attached as annex 1). A lot of content is available, and the adjustments and additions required include mostly creating multi-media approach, and a few changes to adjust content to the required setting.PURPOSETo design, develop, build and maintain a certified eLearning course in English, based on the WHO/UNICEF global training packages and Alive & Thrive MIYCN resources that is accessible, practical and relevant for the identified target audience of health professionals.SCOPE OF WORKBased on an existing scoping of relevant online tools and resources, including A&T’s eIYCF course and under the technical guidance of a core group of experts, adapt existing MIYCN content into an interactive, engaging and user-friendly online eLearning course that provides a modular format and an evaluation and certification process for each module. Also, based on the scoping develop materials for missing topics, if any (this will be on the basis of structure of courses mentioned below)For health care providers, nutritionists, nurses, lactation/nutrition counsellors, dieticians, under-graduate and post graduate students of relevant fields and others working to support MIYCN behaviors and practices, this online learning course should provide a tool kit of practical and skill-based resources. Using the existing materials developed by Alive & Thrive and based on global standards, the modules should include a multi-media approach, using a combination of technical interviews explaining the theory, practical application of how to provide those services and interactive ways to check and assess knowledge and skill acquisition.As many audiences will not have English as their first language, materials should use in simple digestible language, be visual where possible, especially in demonstrating skills and be efficient in its presentation style and content. It should distill technical information and summarize effectively key points. An additional resource section can be included to complement the core content.The course will be based on MIYCN in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life (from the start of pregnancy to the first two years). Methodology for the eLearning course, as stated above will be adapted from existing courses and for any new module, will be proposed by the applicant but should include practical sessions and interaction between learners and lecturers. Applicants are advised to refer to A&T IYCF eLearning course at of the existing eIYCF course is the 9 modules as listed below. Please refer to the “eIYCF Module Outline and Sessions”, provided in Annex 1 for details on the course structure, content and learning methodologies, learner evaluation and certification process. Course overviewCounselling skillsBreastfeeding basicsBreastfeeding advancedComplementary feedingGrowth assessmentHIV and infant feedingPolicies and programsSupportive supervisionIn addition to these nine modules, a tenth module on Maternal Nutrition will be developed by adapting existing Maternal Nutrition content including class-room training materials developed by A&T and other relevant organizations. The expected sessions for the module are listed below:Maternal NutritionRecommended nutrient and dietary needs during pregnancyRecommended nutrition interventions during pregnancy and lactationNutritional assessment during pregnancy including gestational weight gainManagement of nutrition related deficiencies and conditions (anemia, gestational diabetes)Recommended dietary diversity and locally available high nutrient rich foods Assessment of dietary practices and counselling on locally available diversified diet Importance of micronutrients (especially iron folic acid and calcium) Importance of early and exclusive breastfeedingEnvisioned Module Structure: (the agency can propose modifications)Each module starts with a short introduction video with insights from experts that provides engaging background on the sessions covered in the module and describes the learning objectives Includes a pre-test and post-test on specific competencies, Uses summative assessment technique Provides references and additional resources Allows for course feedback and evaluation.Assessment at the end of each module and certificate of completion after finishing each module to allow for modular learning suitable for diverse audiences.A small Core Working Group and a broader Technical Advisory Group of key partners will be established by A&T to provide technical inputs and to ensure technical requirements and global standards are met as the content and course is built and designed, including the certification testing. An A&T technical advisor(s) will work closely with the selected agency to ensure content is based on sound technical evidence, is aligned with existing relevant national guidelines and training materials and A&T modules and materials and be responsible for final technical approvals.Key areas of work:Design for structure and contentDesign a module-based course structure that is dynamic, interactive and has a built-in certification process.Identify technical hosting platform options for the course. This could be use of an existing commercial platform or creation of a platform specific to the project that could be maintained in a long-term, cost effective manner.Develop content design using interactive multi-media tools and effective learning based on content guided by A&T and partners.Adapt existing A&T eIYCF multi-media content including graphics, short films, interviews with technical experts (existing contents produced by WHO, UNICEF, Alive & Thrive eIYCF,) and from other existing relevant e-Nutrition courses developed by different organization. Similarly, adapt Maternal Nutrition content from existing has class-room training materials developed by A&T and other relevant organizations.Design a module-based course structure that is self-paced and guides learning and certification for different audiences (e.g. full course or specific modules according to profession). Certification process and course evaluationDevelop criteria for assessment and certification process to ensure it meets international standards.Field test the platform and content and integrate feedback for final version, Create an inbuilt monitoring, evaluation, participant feedback mechanism for the course so numbers of users can be tracked, quality of learning, and participant feedback can be evaluated.Create a database system for certified learners.Learning Platform requirementsBuild a platform that meets technical requirements for nation-wide use and compatible with different types of devices including desktops, tablets, mobile etc. and is user-friendly.Develop a plan for maintenance, servicing and technical support based on a financially self-sustainable model through user fees.Develop a marketing plan with social media elements to promote the course and generate more users.Technical specifications required for platform design:Course will be in English. It will provide capacity to do other language versions if required.It will be mobile friendly as well as available on a desktop.Present content in visual and multi-media formats that are engaging and digestible.It will be able to operate with both high and low bandwidth. It will have capacity to download resources to use off line and it will have an audio only feature on video lectures.It will be able to be stopped and started by the user, so they can complete the course over time.It will register and collect data of those who have completed the course. This will include their name, job classification, address and country.A data/privacy statement on use of participant information.The platform will have the capacity to be expanded to include additional modules.The platform will have an open-access version free of charge but will also allow for paid access to additional content.A plan to manage the course on an ongoing basis with options for sustainability through fees and sponsored registration to off-set costs for ongoing maintenance.The course and technical host will be able to be updated and maintained in a cost - effective manner.The course will provide a technical help feature and capacity to respond to users and trouble shoot.Each module should have user feedback on content and user experience.An inbuilt evaluation system that will allow tracking of users and user experience.EXPECTED DELIVERABLESA full operational module-based eLearning course that provides recommended A&T content on maternal nutrition and IYCF and that has a certification process, generated online by a recognized institutional body.A plan for hosting the course on a viable platform with an outline of technical requirements for ongoing maintenance and support.A monitoring system that collects regular information on learners as well as evaluates the user experience for ongoing improvement.A communication plan and package of materials to promote and generate students for the course to maximize users.SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTSTo be considered, agency must submit a Proposal, including Technical and Financial proposals, that reflect a detailed understanding of RFP requirements and bidders value proposition.The technical proposal submitted should include but not limited to the following:Corporate Profile highlighting the bidder’s qualifications and experience in implementing the assignment, please include details of specific experience with similar assignments in the past five years.Detailed Methodology/approach to project demonstrating how you meet or exceed requirements for this assignment.Proposed timeline and milestones.Project dependencies and assumptions.Details of the Proposed Team for the assignment including the following information:Title/Designation of each team member on the project.Educational qualifications and professional experiences.Past experience in working on similar project and assignment.Project implementation and work plan showing the detailed sequence and timeline.Quality assurance mechanism and risk mitigation measures put in place.Bidders are requested to back up their submissions by providing:Evidence in the form of job completion certificate, contracts and/or references.Three examples/case studies of relevant and similar past performance containing the following information:Name of Client.Title of the Project.Year and duration of the project.Scope of the Projects/Requirements.Proposed Solutions and Outcome – include visuals, web-links, etc.Team members on each of the project and their specific roles.Project timelines (start and end date year, and any other information necessary).Reference /Contact person details.Detailed Budget in the format provided by FHIBudget for the above scope(s) of work should be broken down budget categories provided in the template with an explanation of how the unit costs were reached.All quotes must be in local currency (INR)Should be submitted in PDF and MS ExcelTo the extent that indirect costs are applicable, they are subject to the following limits:0% for government agencies, other private foundations and for-profit organizationUp to 10% for U.S. universities and other academic institutions Up to 15% for all other non-U.S. academic institutions and all private voluntary and non-government organizations, regardless of location.Indirect cost rates (and the limitations) apply both to the primary applicant organization and any sub-grantees and/or sub-contractors that are part of the proposal. Please provide breakdown of costs included in the indirect charges, percentages will not be accepted.If the organization has lower indirect rates, the lower rates should be used. Please include VAT and any applicable taxes into the cost proposal as FHI SOLUTIONS is not VAT or tax exempt.References: Three references for past performance, including contact information for each. The references should be for past customers for whom similar work was done.Contact details: The email address where Alive & Thrive may send a confirmation of receipt of your submission.Anticipated Contractual Mechanism:A&T anticipates issuing a fixed-price purchase order to the offeror(s) whose proposal is scored the highest based on the evaluation criteria. A fixed price contract calls for one firm price, not subject to any adjustment based on the contractor’s cost experience in performance of the contract. This fixed-price is established at the outset, when the contract is negotiated and signed. CRITERIA FOR EVALUATIONBids from agencies will be evaluated and ranked by a committee on a best-value basis according to the criteria below. Only offerors able to provide all of requirements listed above may be considered. Technical Evaluation CriteriaOverall response - 15 pointsCompleteness of response - 5 pointsOverall concord between RFP requirements and proposal - 10 pointsProposed Methodology and approach - 25 pointsRelevance and quality of proposed methodology - 15 pointsProject timelines and workplan - 10 pointsReferences/Past Performance, Experience and qualifications of firm and key personnel - 35 pointsCompany profile (establishment, facilities, personnel, financial capacity) - 5 pointsReferences/Past Performance and experience in similar projects, i.e. developing digital learning courses and programs in developing countries, with specific focus on public health and nutrition - 20 pointsRelevance of qualifications & expertise of proposed team of consultants - 1 pointsTotal Technical: 75 pointsCost & budget evaluation criteria:Cost effectiveness and completeness of the budget – 25 pointsTotal Budget:25 pointsNOTE: FHI SOLUTIONS will not compensate the company for its preparation of response to this RFP nor is the issuing of this RFP a guarantee that FHI SOLUTIONS will award a contract. ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: September 2019 - February 2020REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RESPONSE INFORMATIONInterested parties should submit their application via email to yrawat@, with a copy to vmathur@ by August 15, 2019 Submissions received after this date and time may not be accepted. A&T will acknowledge receipt of your submission by email.Any questions or requests for clarification need to be submitted via email to vmathur@, with a copy to yrawat@ by August 02, 2019; answers will be shared with all parties that have submitted questions or expressed interest, as well as posted on the website. No telephone inquiries will be answered.WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALSAgencies may withdraw applications by written notice via email received at any time before award. OFFER VERIFICATIONFHI Solutions may contact applicants to confirm contact person, address, information to confirm that the proposal was submitted for this solicitation.FALSE STATEMENT IN OFFER Applicants must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this Request for Application and its attachments. If at any time FHI Solutions determines that an applicant has provided false statements in the response, FHI Solutions may reject the response without further consideration.DISCLAIMERS AND PROTECTION CLAUSESThis solicitation is not intended to result in the issuance of an award.FHI Solutions may cancel the solicitation and not make an award.FHI Solutions may reject any or all responses received.Issuance of a solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by FHI Solutions.FHI Solutions reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on the applicant’s failure to follow solicitation instructions.FHI Solutions will not compensate offers for response to solicitation.FHI Solutions reserves the right to issue an award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion.FHI Solutions may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple awards based on the solicitation activities.FHI Solutions may request from short-listed applicants a second or third round of either oral presentation or written response to a more specific and detailed scope of work that is based on a general scope of work in the original Request for Proposals.FHI Solutions has the right to rescind a Request for Application or rescind an award prior to the signing of a consultancy agreement or subcontract due to any unforeseen changes in the direction of FHI Solutions’ client, be it funding or programmatic.FHI Solutions reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition.FHI Solutions may be contacting applicants to confirm contact person, address and that the application was submitted for this solicitation.- END OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS –ATTACHMENTS:Annex A: eIYCF Course OutlineAnnex B: Budget Template ................
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