GENERAL

1.       Scope

Proposers are invited to submit a proposal for the services specified in Section 5: Terms of Reference, in accordance with this Request for Proposal (RFP). A summary of the scope of the proposal is included in Section 3: Data Sheet.

Proposers shall adhere to all the requirements of this RFP, including any amendment made in writing by UNDP. This RFP is conducted in accordance with Policies and Procedures of UNDP which can be accessed at UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures/Procurement.

As part of the bid, it is desired that the Bidder registers at the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) website (www.ungm.org). The Bidder may still submit a bid even if not registered with the UNGM. However, if the Bidder is selected for contract award, the Bidder must register on the UNGM prior to contract signature.

2.       Interpretation of the RFP

Any proposal submitted will be regarded as an offer by the proposer and does not constitute or imply the acceptance of the proposal by UNDP. UNDP  is under no obligation to award a contract to any proposer as a result of this RFP.

3.       Supplier Code of Conduct, Fraud, Corruption, Gifts and Hospitality

All proposers must read the United Nations Supplier Code of Conduct and acknowledge that it provides the minimum standards expected of suppliers to the UN. The Code of Conduct, which includes principles on labour, human rights, environment and ethical conduct may be found at: https://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/about-us/un-supplier-code-conduct

Moreover, suppliers should note that certain provisions of the Code of Conduct will be binding on the supplier in the event that the supplier is awarded a contract, pursuant to the terms and conditions of any such contract.

UNDP strictly enforces a policy of zero tolerance on proscribed practices, including fraud, corruption, collusion, unethical or unprofessional practices, and obstruction of UNDP vendors and requires all bidders/vendors observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement process and contract implementation. UNDP’s Anti-Fraud Policy can be found at http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/operations/accountability/audit/office_of_audit_andinvestigation.html#anti

Bidders/vendors shall not offer gifts or hospitality of any kind to UNDP staff members including recreational trips to sporting or cultural events, theme parks or offers of holidays, transportation, or invitations to extravagant lunches or dinners.

In pursuance of this policy, UNDP:

(a)     Shall reject a proposal if it determines that the selected proposer has engaged in any corrupt or fraudulent practices in competing for the contract in question;

(b)     Further to the UNDP’s vendor sanctions policy, shall declare a vendor ineligible, either indefinitely or for a stated period, to be awarded a contract if at any time it determines that the vendor has engaged in any corrupt or fraudulent practices in competing for, or in executing a UNDP contract.

4.       Eligible proposers

Proposers shall have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract with UNDP.

A proposer, and all parties constituting the proposer, may have the nationality of any country with the exception of the nationalities, if any, listed in Section 3: Data Sheet. A proposer shall be deemed to have the nationality of a country if the proposer is a citizen or is constituted, incorporated, or registered and operates in conformity with the provisions of the laws of that country.

All proposers found to have a conflict of interest shall be disqualified. Proposers may be considered to have a conflict of interest if they are or have been associated in the past, with a firm or any of its affiliates that have been engaged by UNDP to provide consulting services for the preparation of the design, specifications, Terms of Reference, cost analysis/estimation and other documents to be used for the procurement of the services required in the present procurement process; were involved in the preparation and/or design of the programme/project related to the services requested under this RFP; or are found to be in conflict for any other reason, as may be established by, or at the discretion of UNDP  and/or are found to be in conflict for any other reason, as may be established by, or at the discretion of UNDP.

In the event of any uncertainty in the interpretation of a potential conflict of interest, Bidders must disclose to UNDP, and seek UNDP’s confirmation on whether or not such a conflict exists.

Similarly, the Bidders must disclose in their proposal their knowledge of the following:

a)       If the owners, part-owners, officers, directors, controlling shareholders, of the bidding entity or key personnel are family members of UNDP staff involved in the procurement functions and/or the Government of the country or any Implementing Partner receiving services under this RFP; and

b)       All other circumstances that could potentially lead to actual or perceived conflict of interest, collusion or unfair competition practices.

Failure to disclose such an information may result in the rejection of the proposal or proposals affected by the non-disclosure.

The eligibility of Bidders that are wholly or partly owned by the Government shall be subject to UNDP’s further evaluation and review of various factors such as being registered, operated and managed as an independent business entity, the extent of Government ownership/share, receipt of subsidies, mandate and access to information in relation to this RFP, among others.  Conditions that may lead to undue advantage against other Bidders may result in the eventual rejection of the Proposal. 

Proposers shall not be eligible to submit a proposal if at the time of proposal submission:

·       is included in the Ineligibility List, hosted by UNGM, that aggregates information disclosed by Agencies, Funds or Programs of the UN System;

·       is included in the Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List, including the UN Security Council Resolution 1267/1989 list;

·       is included in the World Bank Corporate Procurement Listing of Non-Responsible Vendors and World Bank Listing of Ineligible Firms and Individuals.

5.       Proprietary information

The RFP documents and any Terms of Reference or information issued or furnished by UNDP are issued solely for the purpose of enabling a proposal to be completed and may not be used for any other purpose. The RFP documents and any additional information provided to proposers shall remain the property of UNDP. All documents which may form part of the proposal will become the property of UNDP, who will not be required to return them to your firm.

6.       Publicity

During the RFP process, a proposer is not permitted to create any publicity in connection with the RFP.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS

7.       Clarification of solicitation documents

Proposers may request clarifications on any of the RFP documents no later than the date indicated in Section 3: Data Sheet. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing in the manner indicated in Section 3: Data Sheet. Explanations or interpretations provided by personnel other than the named contact person will not be considered binding or official.

UNDP will provide the responses to clarifications through the method specified in Section 3: Data Sheet.

UNDP shall endeavour to provide responses to clarifications in an expeditious manner, but any delay in such response shall not cause an obligation on the part of UNDP to extend the submission date of the proposals, unless UNDP deems that such an extension is justified and necessary.

8.       Amendment of solicitation documents