Request for Proposal (RFP)
Baseline Assessment Study for the Aqua Resilience Program
Issued By: Centre for Environmental and Socio-Economic Regeneration (CESR)
Supported By: MetLife Foundation
RFP Submission Deadline: 7th March 2025
Total Assessment Timeline: 20 Days (including all procedures and final report submission)
I. Introduction
The Aqua Resilience Program, funded by MetLife Foundation and implemented by CESR, is designed to address acute water scarcity, climate resilience, and community development challenges in Bandwan Block, Purulia District, West Bengal, India. The program focuses on installing solar-powered water points, constructing rainwater harvesting ponds, promoting agroforestry, and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices.
To ensure the effective planning and impact measurement of this initiative, CESR is inviting Request for Proposals (RFPs) from NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to conduct a Baseline Assessment Study in four Gram Panchayats (GPs) of Bandwan Block.
The baseline study will establish key indicators related to water access, agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and community capacity-building efforts, forming the foundation for project monitoring and evaluation.
2. Geographical Spread & Assessment Details
Table 1: Geographical Spread and Assessment Details:
| Sl. No. | Block | Gram Panchayat (GP) | No. of Villages to be Surveyed |
| 1 | Bandwan | GP 1 | To be finalized with selected agency |
| 2 | Bandwan | GP 2 | To be finalized with selected agency |
| 3 | Bandwan | GP 3 | To be finalized with selected agency |
| 4 | Bandwan | GP 4 | To be finalized with selected agency |
The study will focus on household-level data, water infrastructure, agriculture resilience, and socio-economic conditions in these Gram Panchayats.
3. Objectives of the Baseline Study
The primary objectives of the baseline study are:
1. Assess Current Water Access and Usage:
- Identify existing drinking water sources, availability, and quality.
- Understand community reliance on rain-fed agriculture and irrigation needs.
2. Analyze Climate Vulnerability and Agricultural Productivity:
- Evaluate rainfall patterns, drought frequency, and soil health conditions.
- Assess the impact of climate change on farming and water availability.
3. Understand Community Knowledge and Practices in Water Resource Management:
- Gather information on community awareness regarding water conservation.
- Evaluate community readiness for participation in Water User Committees (WUCs).
4. Identify Socio-Economic Challenges:
- Assess household income levels, health concerns, and gender roles in water collection.
- Determine education levels and awareness related to water, hygiene, and climate resilience.
5. Set Benchmarks for Project Impact Evaluation:
- Establish preliminary indicators to measure progress over time.
- Ensure alignment with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
3. Scope of Work
The selected agency will conduct the baseline assessment in four Gram Panchayats (GPs) of Bandwan Block using a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Key Activities:
1. Survey Planning & Tool Development:
- Develop and validate questionnaires, structured interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
- Ensure culturally appropriate and gender-sensitive research tools.
2. Data Collection:
- Conduct household surveys, community interviews, and stakeholder discussions.
- Engage with farmers, women, Water User Committees (WUCs), and local government officials.
3. Data Processing and Analysis:
- Clean and analyze data to derive key trends, challenges, and baseline indicators.
- Compare findings with existing secondary data and reports.
4. Report Writing and Presentation:
- Develop a comprehensive report outlining baseline indicators, findings, and recommendations.
- Present key insights to CESR and stakeholders before final submission.
4. Survey Methodology
The assessment will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods, ensuring community participation and stakeholder engagement.
Table 2: Quantitative Data Collection Across Sites
| Data Type | Sample Size | Data Collection Method |
| Household Survey | To be finalized with agency | Structured Questionnaire |
| Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) | 10–15 per GP | Interviews with village heads, SHGs, WUCs |
| Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) | 2 per GP | Discussions with farmers, women, and youth |
5. Survey Instruments & Data Collection
The selected agency will use:
- Structured Household Questionnaires
- Semi-structured Interviews (KIIs)
- Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Guides
- Observation Checklists
All collected data must be accurate, properly documented, and stored securely. Digital data collection is preferred (ODK, KoboToolbox, Google Forms, etc.).
6. Expected Deliverables
1. Inception Report:
- Submitted within 7 days of contract signing.
- Includes detailed methodology, sample size, data collection tools, and work plan.
2. Field Data Collection & Validation: (By Day 15)
- Raw and processed data (Excel/CSV format).
- Community insights and challenges.
3. Draft Baseline Report: (By Day 18)
- Comprehensive analysis, including socio-economic and water access indicators.
- Recommendations for effective project implementation.
4. Final Report Submission: (By Day 20)
- Three hard copies (A4, bound) and a soft copy (PDF + editable format).
- Must incorporate feedback from CESR and relevant stakeholders.
7. Financial Proposal (40%) & Budget
The total budget for this study must not exceed Rs. 1,25,000/-.
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Personnel (Enumerators, Supervisors) | XXXXX |
| Travel & Accommodation | XXXXX |
| Training & Field Expenses | XXXXX |
| Data Collection & Processing | XXXXX |
| Report Writing & Submission | XXXXX |
| Miscellaneous Costs | XXXXX |
The proposal must include:
- Itemized budget justification.
- Breakdown of surveyors’ fees, travel, logistics, and data management.
8. Time and Payment Schedule
The study should be completed within 20 days of contract signing.
| Milestone | Payment % |
| Inception Report Submission | 20% |
| Data Collection & Draft Report | 40% |
| Final Report Submission & Approval | 40% |
Payments will be released upon CESR’s approval of deliverables.
9. Qualifications & Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be an NGO or CSO with experience in conducting baseline surveys in water, agriculture, and climate resilience projects.
Mandatory Qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in research, baseline studies, and socio-economic assessments.
- Proven expertise in rural water management, climate resilience, and community development.
- Prior experience working in West Bengal or similar rural settings.
- Strong data analysis and report writing capabilities.
- Compliance with ethical research standards, including informed consent.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in mobile-based data collection.
- Knowledge of tribal and marginalized communities in the region.
- Previous work with CSR-funded projects and international donors.
10. Proposal Submission Guidelines
Interested organizations must submit a technical and financial proposal in soft copy to CESR by 7th March 2025.
Proposal Components:
1. Technical Proposal:
- Organization Profile.
- Past Experience in Similar Studies.
- Methodology & Sampling Plan.
- Proposed Team Composition & Work Plan.
2. Financial Proposal:
- Budget with line-item justification (in INR).
- Breakdown of personnel, travel, fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting costs.
11. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
| Criteria | Weightage |
| Technical Proposal (60%) | |
| Relevance & Quality of Methodology | 25% |
| Experience in Similar Projects | 20% |
| Team Expertise | 10% |
| Organization Capacity | 5% |
| Financial Proposal (40%) | |
| Cost-effectiveness & Justification | 20% |
| Budget Feasibility | 20% |
CESR reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without providing reasons.
Submission Format:
- Subject Line: “RFP – Baseline Assessment Study – Aqua Resilience Program”
- Email To: cesrpurulianl@gmail.com
- Only shortlisted agencies will be contacted for further discussions.
Job Email ID: cesrpurulianl(at)gmail.com
Download Attachment: Request for Proposal (3).doc
