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RFP/003/23 - detailed report on a baseline assessment
Procurement Process :RFP - Request for proposal
Office :UNDP-UZB - UZBEKISTAN
Deadline :28-Apr-23 @ 09:00 AM (New York time)
Published on :09-Mar-23 @ 12:00 AM (New York time)
Development Area :OTHER  OTHER
Reference Number :UNDP-UZB-00060,1
Contact :Procurement Unit - pu.uz@undp.org

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Introduction : A brief description of the services required:

The scope of work includes a comprehensive analysis of the state of information and communication technology in the regions, taking into account the availability of broadband internet access, the coverage of mobile networks, the availability of computer equipment and especially the proportion of use of public and private information services in the pilot regions. The baseline assessment consists of detailed research and fact-finding activities related to the status and development of information technology, an assessment of digital literacy of citizens and the possibility of providing free public Wi-Fi in public spaces of selected target communities using solar or other alternative energy sources. Based on the analysis of these indicators, the feasibility of introducing a particular software product will be determined, taking into account local IT development conditions, traffic volume, number of installed mobile network base points, availability of specialists and general digital literacy of the population. Baseline assessments and analysis at all levels, as will be described below, should also include (1) gender analysis: identifying the different needs of women and men, paying special attention to the existing position of women in digitalization in order to enhance their role, and (2) the impact of existing and proposed approaches and technologies on the environment and living standards.

Geographically the assignment covers pilot areas in 4 regions - Republic of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Navoi and Khorezm regions. The scope of work should provide the necessary information for the purpose of the assignment and includes a comprehensive analysis of information and communication technology, including the current status of available digital capacity, the volume of broadband fixed and mobile Internet access, and the current human capacity for ICT knowledge learning and innovation. Baseline assessments and analysis at all levels, as will be described below, should also include (1) gender analysis: identifying the different needs of women and men, paying particular attention to the current status of women in society in order to enhance their role, and (2) the environmental and health impacts of existing and proposed approaches and technologies.

The baseline assessment includes, among other things, the collection and analysis of the following

Development of methodology for collection, analysis and interpretation of results. The contractor is expected to submit for review and approval a methodology (approaches, methods and tools) for collection, analysis, validation and interpretation of data, information and knowledge in the context of the use of digital solutions and information technology in rural areas. The methodology should reflect efficiency and effectiveness with respect to the adequate quality and quantity of data, information and knowledge required, and the time frame for the products of the study (analysis).
Collect information on the type and quantity of information and communication equipment, coverage of fixed and mobile broadband access, organisations using ERP systems and electronic document management in their work. Data will be collected on the number and type of computer and mobile devices used by the population of the communities participating in the survey. Information will also be gathered on the extent and coverage of fixed broadband access by internet service providers and mobile broadband access by telecom companies. More detailed information in terms of the number of ICT equipment and their connectivity in the educational institutions in the pilot districts. The implementer of the assignment should enter additional indicators that are necessary for the purpose and objectives of the assignment. When collecting data and information, the main criterion is their credibility. Thus, the implementing agency is fully responsible for providing data that corresponds to reality.

Analysis of information communication technologies. This analysis should characterise the full range of ICT infrastructure in the pilot regions, including digital public and private services, their accessibility, number of users, which shows the reality of the current situation and can lay the foundation for comprehensive measures where the project can play a role in community development.

Collect and analyse economic, climatic, institutional, social, cultural, legal, governance, and digital service delivery systems. Here it is necessary to analyse the above factors affecting the implementation of ICT solutions, both positively and negatively. The analysis includes a description of the current situation, positive and negative factors, and recommendations for their improvement or the improvement of the digital systems themselves.

Data collection and analysis of human capacity for digital knowledge and innovation. Here, it is necessary to collect gender-disaggregated information by ICT system professions and areas on  (i) the number of researchers in  the ICT system, (ii) the number of teachers in higher education and secondary ICT education institutions, (iii) the number of professionals providing extension and innovation services, knowledge development in ICT from private and public sectors, and (iv) the gender split by digital service users and among ICT professionals in pi

List and description of expected results: The assignment involves carrying out the following tasks:
1. Develop a methodology for the collection, analysis, validation and interpretation of data, information and knowledge, in terms of (i) digital platforms, (ii) digital services provided to the public by the state and business entities.
2. Develop a detailed work plan and implementation schedule for this Terms of Reference for data and information collection and analysis, including analysis of all related baseline and current information, including through field visits, additional data collection, interviews based on own questionnaire to conduct offline/online survey among population (from 800 participants), professionals (from 100 participants), private sector representatives (from 40 participants) and government officials (from 40 participants) at pilot district, regional and central levels
3. Analysis of material and products developed by various organization's and individuals, including projects of international development organizations, donors and government agencies. Provide important conclusions and recommendations derived from the study of these projects and the shortcomings identified in them in relation to the issue under study.
4.   Conduct   their   own   analysis   based   on   a   developed   and   approved methodology.
Part 2. Reporting: interim reports and a detailed final report on the results of the work performed
1. Preparing a Detailed Report based on the above Tasks in point 3, organized as follows
(i) Assessment methodology (data collection, interviews, etc.) and time plan of work;
(ii) A review of existing materials and data sources;
(iii) Provision of the primary materials collected: data and information and their validation;
(iv) Analyse the data and information (secondary data) and interpret the results of the analysis;
(v) Analyse international experience in ICT development in rural areas and provide recommendations based on this for implementation in the pilot regions.
(vi) Structuring of conclusions and recommendations to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and sustainability of similar baseline studies (assessments) in other regions, as well as a system of indicators and their projections in the short-term (mid-term / interim) and long-term (long-term / post-project) periods. Recommendations should include proposals, scenarios and business cases based on the quantitative analysis and forecasting of trends in the ICT sector. Based on this analysis, the project will develop and implement at least 6 pilot ICT initiatives during 2023-2025. Emphasis should be put on the introduction of innovative approaches and technologies for the development of digital services for the population, as well as the implementation of RES in the ICT sector. Particular attention should be paid to the formulation of recommendations to stimulate the introduction of green technologies in agriculture.
(vii) Submission of the final Report, taking into account the comments and suggestions received during the workshops, as well as from various institutions, independent experts and the Project Management Office.

**For the Russian version refer to the TOR attached to the notice. 
**Для ознакомления с Русской версией, просим скачать Тех Задание во вложении к данному тендеру 

Amendment : Methodology shall be provided / Методалогия должна быть предоставлена
Documents :
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