REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
USAID LOCAL ENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAM (USAID LENS)
MICROENTERPRISE SURVEY IN JORDAN
RFP Date of Issuance:
Deadline for Applications:
May 1, 2014
May 15, 2014
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
The USAID Jordan Local Enterprise Support Program (USAID LENS) aims to support the development of
an inclusive enabling environment for economic development in selected municipalities, and to assist
existing micro and small enterprises (MSEs), and new entrepreneurs, to benefit from it. Support to
MSEs, particularly among underserved populations and municipalities, will promote their ability to
identify and capitalize on business opportunities, through improved ability to recognize and meet
product and service market demands. Increased clarity in the institutional, legal and financial aspects of
municipal governance and improved capacity to promote economic growth will enable municipal
leaders to effectively pursue development plans.
OBJECTIVE
Based on the overall goals, strategic objectives, and immediate results of USAID LENS, the study
described herein aims to establish benchmark data on micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Jordan.
The results of the study will inform the evaluation of the project’s outcomes, providing a baseline for the
M&E data and indicators under this component, as well as providing the core inputs to project
understanding of MSE needs and upgrading strategies.
The baseline survey will include details on individual, firm, and value chain characteristics and
perceptions, including but not limited to: demographics; structure of ownership and production; value
chain engagement and upgrading opportunities; access to finance use of services/assistance by
government agencies/donors and/or private firms; provision of staff training, etc. Prior to
implementation, the survey will be tested and piloted to ensure effectiveness and accuracy.
The quantitative assessment will be a panel study of 2,400 firms (expected), representing firms in
Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa to be implemented in 2014 and 2018 to contribute to the assessment of
project outcomes.
TASKS
In coordination with the COP/Project Director, MSE Component Lead, home office Technical Advisor,
and a dedicated LENS study assistant, the activities and tasks of the Firm will be divided into four phases:
study preparation; survey implementation; data quality control; and data analysis (in conjunction with
the USAID LENS team).
Phase 1: Study Preparation
Testing and adaptation of the survey instrument. The survey instrument will be tested before the start of
data collection. This may include a range of testing techniques to highlight any flaws in questionnaire
content and/or design.
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Although the final methodology will be determined in collaboration with the Firm, USAID LENS envisions
four phases of testing: focus groups to ensure that all salient topics required for market segmentation
are included; expert review by project and firm staff; pre-testing by field supervisors (approx. 15 firms);
and pilot testing of approximately 60 surveys as part of enumerator training. Adaptation of the
instrument will accompany testing. The instrument will need to be adapted to the local context and,
through translation and independent back-translation, between Arabic and English.
 The Firm is responsible for reviewing the survey instrument, identifying content or comprehension
problems, suggesting revisions, and tailoring them to the local context.
 The Firm will translate the survey instruments into Arabic and have a different translator backtranslate them.
 The Firm will conduct at least one pilot test of the instrument in order to identify any problems.
Identification and training of field supervisors and enumerators
The Firm will conduct a formal training of its enumerators, which will provide instruction on survey
administration, interviewing techniques, and the content of the questionnaire.
 The Firm will use interviewers appropriate for face-to-face firm-level interviews. The interviews will
be conducted by mature professionals with appropriate experience and language capabilities.
 The interviewers will be trained by the senior staff of the Firm, in coordination with USAID LENS
representative(s). The Firm will train the enumerators to conduct standardized direct interviews
using the survey instruments. The Firm will provide translation and logistical support for all
training. Training documents will be drafted by the Firm and jointly revised with USAID LENS.
 Training documentation will be drafted based on existing samples provided by the Firm and project
staff, and will be revised jointly.
 The Firm will provide all written work and documents used in training and fieldwork in English to
USAID LENS so that project experts can provide quality control.
 Pilot interviews conducted as part of training and review/revision of the questionnaire (qnr) will be
uploaded and provided to LENS on a daily basis.
Preparation and Training Timeline
MAY
JUNE
1
QNR
design
and
review
Manuals
and
training
2
Vet the qnr
among
staff/
experts,
revise
Establish adequate sample frame.
Draft qnr,
conduct focus
groups.
Develop
training/
field
manuals
Finalize
training
materials
JULY
3
4
1
Review qnr
with field
supervisors,
revise
Field
supervisors
pre-test qnr;
enumerators
pilot test
Revise qnr
as
necessary
Finalize
qnr
Debrief
enumerators
and field
supervisors
Finalize field
manuals and
confirm
responsibilities/
equipment/
contacts
Train, role play, pilot in the
field.
2
AUGUST
3
4
1
Depart
to field
Developing/updating the survey sample frame.
USAID LENS seeks a nationally representative sample of microenterprises that will provide an adequate
picture of conditions by market segment, at a 95% confidence level with a confidence interval of 2.
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38 Sulieman al Hadidi Street Amman Jordan | PO Box 1252 Amman 11821 Jordan
To accomplish this goal, USAID LENS envisions a survey that fits the following parameters:
 Sampling frame: Master sampling frame will be furnished by the Firm based on geographic and
industry sector parameters provided by USAID LENS.
 Selection: Sample will be selected via multi-stage stratified sampling. The proposed approach is
through probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) selection of clusters (first stage) and systematic
selection of enterprises (second stage), although other multi-stage schemes may be employed upon
further discussion and review of available data.
 Strata: Appropriate analytical divisions of the country, such as counties and urban/rural areas,
which insure that a representative sample of households is drawn.
 Allocation: Sample elements should be allocated proportionately between strata, to mirror the
natural division of enterprises in the population, and to ensure that a representative sample of
firms is drawn.
 Sample size: 2,400 firms (expected) in the governorates of Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa.
Phase 2: Survey Implementation
Conduct interviews. Interviews will be conducted face-to-face by field enumerators and data will be
entered electronically using tablets.
 Enumerators will be hired, trained and adequately remunerated by the Firm.
 The Firm will ensure appropriate monitoring through random back checks of interviews.
 The Firm is required to have sufficient tablets to complete data entry and conduct regular
checks of internal consistency in the early days of interviews and later as batches of data are
received.
Phase 3: Data quality control and preparation
Quality Control. The Firm will:
 Apply quality control procedures that are standard practice in statistical social science studies,
including a minimum of 10% backcheck of interviews, to ensure the interviews are conducted
correctly and that the data collected are accurate.
 Develop a system for quality control of survey data and apply this system throughout data
collection. This includes, but is not limited to, random checks of surveys.
The Firm will provide a copy of the electronic database to USAID LENS not later than 3 weeks following
the response collection.
Data capture and cleaning
 The Firm will develop a codebook for keying the responses. This codebook will be developed within
two weeks of survey commencement.
 The Firm will key the responses in a data entry shell developed by the Firm and approved by USAID
LENS. This data entry shell should be created using a program such as STATA or SPSS. The Firm
should also test templates and use the templates as part of ongoing quality control.
 Internal consistency checks will be completed and both the code and codebook supplied to USAID
LENS for review.
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38 Sulieman al Hadidi Street Amman Jordan | PO Box 1252 Amman 11821 Jordan
Phase 4: Reporting and Data Analysis
Reporting and delivery of surveys
 The responses will be recorded by the Firm into an electronic database using tablets and allowing
for statistical analysis and presentation in form of graphs and charts.
 The Firm will complete a Final Report including the following elements: (1) The field survey
methodology, including discussions of problems encountered, changes made and why; (2)
Preliminary analysis of the baseline data, including basic tabulations, frequency distributions, and
cross-tabulations, all prepared according to an agreed format; (3) Additional data analysis and tables
following the review of the initial data tabulations, frequencies and field report; and (4) a final
report that includes all of the above elements as well as: recommendations for project
implementation, validation of sector selection, and recommendations to support data collection for
project monitoring and evaluation.
Other considerations and requirements
 The Firm will obtain permissions required to conduct the survey in the target areas, by working with
LDUs, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders.
 The Firm may also host stakeholders on the final day of enumerator training to discuss the survey
instruments and methodology.
 The Firm will guarantee the confidentiality of responses, conducting each interview in a location
where the respondent feels comfortable offering candid responses, uninfluenced by anyone else.
 Respondent names and personally-identifiable information will be coded and kept separate from
responses.
 The Firm will abide by the Pledge of Confidentiality in Attachment A, including the administration of
the Informed Consent script included as Attachment B. The informed consent language must be pretested and piloted along with the survey instrument and may require revision.
Note
A follow-on purchase order may be issued if additional support is required after the delivery of final
data, to answer questions that might arise while the data is being analyzed.
DELIVERABLES
The Firm shall be responsible for preparing and submitting the following deliverables:
Deliverable
Due Date
Phase 1: Study Preparation
July 31, 2014
Identify and prepare sample frame
Pre-testing report
Questionnaire review
Pilot testing report
Formatted Final questionnaire
Field supervisor and enumerator field and training manuals/materials
Phase 2: Survey Implementation
August 30, 2014
Completion of survey implementation with delivery of raw data in electronic form
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Phase 3: Data quality control and preparation
August 30, 2014
Statistical software shell
Statistical software code for data cleaning
Phase 4: Reporting and Data Analysis
September 30, 2014
Final Report
Final database and encrypted key
These products will be developed in conjunction with USAID LENS, which will make final design
decisions.
Expected Timeline and Location
June-July: Training in Amman and pre-testing in E. Amman, Irbid and Zarqa
August: Quantitative data collection
September: Data analysis
APPLICATION PROCESS
Submissions
All submissions should include:
1. Capability Statement: Not to exceed three-page narrative on the firm’s capabilities to perform the
scope of work indicating past experience in managing large scale surveys. The firm should include in
an annex brief descriptions of previous projects implemented.
2. Survey methodology and sample frame: A short document (not to exceed 4 pages) outlining the
survey methodology and one or more suggested approaches to establish an adequate sample frame
for micro and small enterprises, including informal enterprises not captured in government
statistics. Bidders will provide power tests (including calculations) for subgroups of 30/50 /75/100
firms, using their suggested survey methodology to determine what effect sizes will be detectable.
3. Timeline: Detailed timeline required for training and carrying out the survey, including details on
how enumerators will be recruited and hired, quality control, data management, and detailed plans
for field work implementation to meet the scope and timeline. FHI 360 anticipates beginning
training in Amman in June 2014. The survey work is estimated to commence in August 2014.
4. References: A minimum of three (3) client references worked with in the past two years on an
activity that is similar to this Scope of Work. Include the contact information (names, company or
organization, phone number and email).
5. Staffing: Names, CVs (not to exceed 2 pages), and 2-3 sentence bios for potential field team leaders
and essential personnel, including their experience on this type of work, and percentage of staff
time of principals and managers on this activity.
6. Cost Proposal: The cost proposal will be based on the deliverables indicated above and presented in
the Price Offer form in Annex A. Staff/consultant fees, travel and other logistical expenses should be
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aggregated into fixed price amounts per category.
RFP Response Information
The key dates for this RFP process are shown below:
May 1, 2014
RFP publicly advertised.
May 6, 2014
Submission of questions or requests for clarification in writing via email to
Bryanna Millis at bmillis@fhi360.org with copy to Margaret Hendrickson
mahendrickson@fhi360.org and Liz Layfield at llayfield@fhi360.org by 5pm EST.
Please note that inquiries and answers to inquiries will be shared with all
applicants. Please do not contact any FHI 360 employees regarding this RFP.
Contacting individual employees may be cause for disqualification. No
Telephone Inquiries Will Be Answered.
May 9, 2014
Responses to submitted questions posted.
May 15, 2014
Submission of proposals (including technical proposal, budget, and budget
narrative) due by 5 pm EST via email to Bryanna Millis at bmillis@fhi360.org
with copy to Margaret Hendrickson mahendrickson@fhi360.org and Liz
Layfield at llayfield@fhi360.org by 5pm EST. Emailed submissions must contain
the subject line “USAID LENS – Microenterprise Survey.”
May 21, 2014
Selected candidate notified.
June 1, 2014
Anticipated purchase order start date. Start date is subject to change.
Selection Criteria
FHI 360 is issuing this RFP requesting that each vendor provide us with a brief proposal. FHI 360 intends
to issue one fixed-price purchase order to the vendor that is the lowest cost within the competitive
range. The competitive range/cutoff is determined by those proposals that obtain 80% and above in the
technical proposal evaluation as per the criteria listed below. Those who fail to secure minimum points
(less than 80%) will have their financial proposals returned unopened and therefore will not be
considered in the next stage of evaluation. Financial evaluation will then be conducted among the firms
with Technical scores of greater than or equal to 80% of the 100 points.
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The technical evaluation criteria are as follows:
Technical qualifications
- Survey methodology and sample frame
- Timeline
Past performance
- References
Staffing
Total
40 points
Competitive Range/Cutoff
80%
30 points
30 points
100 points
Contract Mechanism
FHI 360 is anticipated to award a fixed-price purchase order to the vendor whose proposal will be
evaluated based on the evaluation criteria described previously. In the event that the number of
candidates or timetable needs to be shifted after the signature of a purchase order with the selected
vendor, FHI 360 will modify the purchase order.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Vendors are responsible for review of the terms and conditions described below and in the award
template attached.
WITHDRAWALS OF PROPOSALS
Vendors may withdraw proposals by written notice via email received at any time before award.
Proposals may be withdrawn in person by a vendor or his/her authorized representative, if the
representative’s identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the proposal before
award.
RIGHT TO SELECT/REJECT
FHI 360 reserves the right to select and negotiate with those firms it determines, in its sole discretion, to
be qualified for competitive proposals and to terminate negotiations without incurring any liability. FHI
360 also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received without explanation.
DISCLAIMER
This RFP represents only a definition of requirements. It is merely an invitation for submission of
proposals and does not legally obligate FHI 360 to accept any of the submitted proposals in whole or in
part, nor is FHI 360 obligated to select the lowest priced proposal. FHI 360 reserves the right to
negotiate with any or all firms, both with respect to price, cost and/or scope of services. FHI 360 has no
contractual obligations with any firms based upon issuance of this RFP. It is not an offer to contract. Only
the execution of a written contract shall obligate FHI 360 in accordance with the terms and conditions
contained in such contract.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FIRM GUARANTEE
All information submitted in connection with this RFP will be valid for three (3) months from the RFP
due date. This includes, but is not limited to, cost, pricing, terms and conditions, service levels, and all
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other information. If your firm is awarded the contract, all
information in the RFP and negotiation process is contractually binding.
OFFER VERIFICATION
FHI 360 may contact vendors to confirm contact person, address, bid amount and that the bid was
submitted for this solicitation.
FALSE STATEMENTS IN OFFER
Vendors must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and its
attachments.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Vendors must provide disclosure of any past, present or future relationships with any parties associated
with the issuance, review or management of this solicitation and anticipated award in or outside of
Jordan. Failure to provide full and open disclosure may result in FHI 360 having to re-evaluate selection
of a potential vendor.
RESERVED RIGHTS
All RFP responses become the property of FHI 360 and FHI 360 reserves the right in its sole discretion to:
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To disqualify any offer based on vendor failure to follow solicitation instructions.
FHI 360 reserves the right to waive any deviations by vendors from the requirements of this
solicitation that in FHI 360's opinion are considered not to be material defects requiring
rejection or disqualification; or where such a waiver will promote increased competition.
Extend the time for submission of all RFP responses after notification to all vendors.
Terminate or modify the RFP process at any time and re-issue the RFP to whomever FHI 360
deems appropriate.
FHI 360 reserves the right to issue an award based on the initial evaluation of offers without
discussion.
FHI 360 reserves the right to award only part of the activities in the solicitation or issue multiple
awards based on solicitation activities.
FHI 360 will not compensate vendors for preparation of their response to this RFP.
Issuing this RFP is not a guarantee that FHI 360 will award a purchase order.
FHI 360 may choose to award a purchase order to more than one vendor for specific parts of the
activities in the RFP.
Certification of Independent Price Determination
The offeror certifies that—
(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting
competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror, including
but not limited to subsidiaries or other entities in which offeror has any ownership or other
interests, or any competitor relating to (i) those prices, (ii) the intention to submit an offer, or (iii)
the methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered;
(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly
or indirectly, to any other offeror, including but not limited to subsidiaries or other entities in
which offeror has any ownership or other interests, or any competitor before bid opening (in the
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(3) case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated or competitive
solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and
(4) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern or
individual to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition or
influencing the competitive environment.
(a) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the
signatory—
(1) Is the person in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in
this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any
action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above; or
(2) (i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the principals of the offeror in certifying
that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to
subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above;
(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals of the offeror have not participated,
and will not participate, in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above; and
(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to
subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above.
(b) Offeror understands and agrees that -(1) violation of this certification will result in immediate disqualification from this solicitation without
recourse and may result in disqualification from future solicitations; and
(2) discovery of any violation after award to the offeror will result in the termination of the award for
default.
ATTACHMENTS
Annex A – Budget Template
(END OF RFP)
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