REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

For the procurement of Organic Certification, ISO
Certification, and/or surveillance audit services
RFA No: RFP-CATALAYZE-217772-Ethiopia-2024-0032

USAID CATALYZE Market Systems for Growth (CATALYZE MS4G) is an Activity funded by USAID/Ethiopia focusing on strengthening and mobilizing the private sector to deliver improved food security and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes for all Ethiopian people. To achieve these goals, the activity engages youth, mobilizes capital, increases access to finance, and supports stakeholders to self-advocate toward policy change which will promote opportunities for the private sector community. CATALYZE MS4G is responding to the impact of supply disruptions, which have caused a sharp increase in food prices, and the cost of agricultural production in Ethiopia. and to address the issue, CATALYZE MS4G is placing a special focus on activities and partnerships with Ethiopian private sector actors to help increase farmers’ access to and ability to afford both chemical and biological fertilizer, to enhance the reliance of enterprises impacted by the rising cost of fertilizer, and strengthen Ethiopia’s fertilizer and supply chain over the long term.

Company Information:

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with corporations, governments, foundations, investors, communities, and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental, and financial benefits.

Purpose

The purpose of the RFP is to select a service provider to identify and engage an external auditor or certifying body. The certifying body or external auditors will conduct an assessment, inspection, and certification of companies to help them obtain one of the following certifications organic certification in line with the applicable (EU, USDANOP, JAS) regulations; and an assessment and audit certification of ISO 9001:2015 and/or ISO 22000:2018 Standards, together with the cycle of surveillance audits until the time for recertification audit. The service provider will provide the above-listed services to up to 6 companies (5 of which are identified and listed). The goal is to facilitate certification services to enterprises.

Type of Contract

Palladium intends to issue a Firm fixed-price subcontract to the selected offeror.

Anticipated Contract Period of Performance

Subcontracts will be offered to winning bidders for a period of 60-90 working days.

Place of Performance

The activities to be performed under this contract will take place in Ethiopia. See the Instructions for Submission of Cost Proposal for travel assumptions.

Important notes for interested bidders:

1) This RFP was released on March 24, 2024, on the CATALYZE website, interested bidders can access the RFP
by clicking the link below:

ARBP PC01 GL01 TL02 Request for Proposal (catalyze-procurement.com)

2) The full RFP with its relevant Attachments can be found by visiting the CATLAYZE procurement website link Current Opportunities – My CMS (catalyze-procurement.com)

3) If potential applicants have any questions, queries, Questions or clarifications can be forwarded electronically to EthiopiaMS4G.procurement@thepalladiumgroup.com  until March 28, 2024, at 5:00 PM, Addis Ababa (UTC+3), or call phone number +251 11 822 0830. Late questions will not be accepted and entertained.

4) Answers will be shared through a Q & A template as well as posted on the CATALYZE website as an addendum to this RFP. Answers to questions will be distributed by April 1, 2024

5) Proposal submission:

1. Electronically (e-mailed) to: ethiopiams4g.procurement@thepalladiumgroup.com with the RFP number “RFP-CATALYZE-217772-Ethiopia-2024-0032” in the subject lines.
2. Submission Due Date/RFP Closing Date: April 05, 2024.
3. Late bid submissions will not be considered.

Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of USAID CATALYZE MS4G, nor does it commit USAID CATALYZE MS4G to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, USAID CATALYZE MS4G reserves the right to reject any or all applications received. Applications are
submitted at the risk of the Applicant, and all preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant's own expense.