Request for Proposal (RFP)
Baseline Study for the Project:
“Strengthening local institutions and cadres to improve public delivery services through collective actions”
Date Issued: 24 December 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline: 7th January 2026
Contact Person & Contact Number: Mr. Manish Kumar, Ph: 8840953378,
Email: helpdesk.parmarth@parmarthsanstha.in and CC to manish@parmarthsanstha.in (For queries; please contact for official email if needed)
About Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan (PSSS)
Established in 1996, Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan (PSSS) is a prominent grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable development in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region spanning Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. With a strong emphasis on community empowerment, PSSS specializes in water security, environmental conservation, inclusive governance, and women’s leadership.
PSSS has pioneered innovative, nationally acclaimed models such as the Jal Saheli (women water champions) initiative—recognized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti as the best NGO model—and Pani Panchayats (village level CBO). These approaches have strengthened community participation and improved the effective implementation of government programs, including the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).
Over nearly three decades, PSSS has transformed lives in more than 1,000 villages by revitalizing traditional water bodies, constructing over 2,000 conservation structures, rejuvenating rivers and Chandela tanks, and fostering sustainable livelihoods. By collaborating closely with local institutions, government bodies, and communities, PSSS ensures long-term, community-driven solutions that build resilience against climate challenges.
PSSS now invites proposals from experienced research agencies, consulting firms, or individual consultants to undertake a comprehensive Baseline Study for the project “Empowering Local Institutions and Community Leaders to Enhance Public Service Delivery through Collective Action”. The study will be conducted in Panwari Block (Mahoba District) and Sarila Block (Hamirpur District), Uttar Pradesh.
Objectives of the Baseline Survey:
- The baseline study aims to establish a robust foundation for monitoring and evaluating project outcomes by assessing the current situation in key areas:
- Household-level access to safe drinking water, functionality of JJM infrastructure, and adoption of water quality monitoring practices.
- Effectiveness of water governance mechanisms, including Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), Pani Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, and overall civic engagement.
- Role and impact of women-led initiatives, particularly Jal Sahelis, in system monitoring, grievance redressal, and decision-making.
- Condition of local water bodies, source sustainability, and existing conservation structures.
- Community awareness and practices related to water budgeting, climate resilience strategies, and knowledge of entitlements under relevant schemes.
- Skills, aspirations, and livelihood opportunities for youth in the water sector, including demand analysis for roles in operations and maintenance (O&M), water testing, digital monitoring, and water-based entrepreneurship at district and block levels.
- Stakeholder analysis involving Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), Pani Panchayats, and key district and block-level officials.
The selected agency/consultant will handle the full scope: designing the methodology, developing sampling frameworks and tools, conducting fieldwork, analyzing data, preparing a comprehensive report, and presenting key findings to stakeholders.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Proven track record in conducting large-scale baseline/endline studies in rural development, water governance, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), or public service delivery sectors.
- Expertise in mixed-methods research (quantitative and qualitative approaches).
- Prior experience collaborating with government entities such as the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Jal Jeevan Mission, or Panchayati Raj Institutions (desirable).
- Successful completion of at least three comparable assignments in the past three years (with references).
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake fieldwork in remote, rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, including logistical planning and local language proficiency (Hindi/Bundelkhandi).
Submission Requirements
Interested agencies/consultant must submit the following as separate documents:
1. Technical Proposal (PDF/Word)
- Demonstration of understanding the assignment and its context.
- Proposed methodology (including mixed-methods approach).
- Sampling strategy and rationale.
- Draft data collection tools/questionnaires.
- Detailed work plan with timelines (aligned to complete the study within [specify if known; e.g., 3-4 months]).
- Team composition, roles, and CVs of key personnel.
- Organizational/consultant profile with evidence of relevant experience (case studies, completion certificates)
2. Financial Proposal (Excel Format Only)
Itemized budget breakdown, including:
- Personnel costs (daily rates and person-days).
- Travel, accommodation, and fieldwork expenses.
- Data entry, processing, and analysis costs.
- Report production and presentation.
- Applicable taxes and any other charges.
Note: Technical and Financial proposals must be submitted in separate files. Proposals combined into a single document will not be considered.
Proposals should be emailed to the contact person by the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
For the full Terms of Reference (ToR) and any additional details, please refer to the complete RFP document or contact Mr. Manish Kumar.
PSSS looks forward to partnering with a capable agency/Consultant to generate insightful baseline data that will guide impactful interventions for water-secure and resilient communities in Bundelkhand.
For detailed information, please check the complete version of the RFP attached below.
Download Attachment: Work_of_Scope.doc
