Request for Proposal (RFP) At Helen Keller Intl

PF No. and Title: {24/03/62) Nutrition Ambassador Marketing Campaign}

RFP Issue Date: March 4, 2024 RFP Questions to be Submitted By: March 8, 2024 Proposal Submission Deadline: March 15, 2024

Estimated Award Date: March 29, 2024

Contracting Entity: Helen Keller International (Helen Keller Intl)

Place of Performance: Nigeria

Contents of this Document

SECTION 1: Introduction, Eligibility of Bidders, and Definitions……………………1

SECTION 2: Scope of Work…………………………………………………………………………………..2

SECTION 3: Proposal Instructions……………………………………………………………………….7

SECTION 4: Evaluation Criteria and Basis for Award………………………………………10

SECTION 5: Source of Funding and Authorized Geographic Code…………….11

SECTION 6: Proposal Validity, Submission Deadline and Instructions……….11

SECTION 7: Negotiations……………………………………………………………………………………12

SECTION 8: Terms of the Solicitation……………………………………………………………….12

ANNEX A: Conflict of Interest Disclosure………………………………………………………..14

ANNEX D: USAID Contract Provisions…………………………………………………………….22

Bidders are encouraged to read this RFP and all attachments in its entirety paying specific attention to the instructions and requirements. Issuance of this RFP does not in any way obligate Helen Keller International to award a contract, nor does it commit Helen Keller International to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. All recipients of this RFP shall treat all information and details included herein as private and confidential.

SECTION 1: Introduction, Eligibility of Bidders, and Definitions

Introduction

Guided by the remarkable legacy of its co-founder, Helen Keller, Helen Keller Intl partners with communities that are striving to overcome longstanding cycles of poverty. By delivering the essential building blocks of good health, sound nutrition and clear vision, the organization helps millions of people create lasting change in their own lives. Working in 20 countries – across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States – and together with a global community of supporters, Helen Keller Intl helps to ensure every person has the opportunity – as Helen did – to reach their true potential. Helen Keller Intl in Nigeria is working to support USAID and Nigeria through the Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria program.

Helen Keller Intl invites all eligible Bidders to submit proposals to assist Helen Keller Intl and USAID/Nigeria to market and promote nutrition in Nigeria, through the launch of a comprehensive maternal and child nutrition campaign, with the assistance of a Nutrition Goodwill Ambassador, from an identified renowned Nigeria singer and actress. Focusing on the celebrity endorsement, this campaign aims to raise awareness and promote positive behavior change regarding maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, prompt care-seeking, micronutrient supplementation, and basic hygiene practices. Through engaging content formats, we aim to reach our target audience effectively and drive impactful outcomes.

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to select a vendor that will provide best value to Helen Keller Intl, when both technical and cost factors are combined.

Eligibility of Bidders

This RFP is open to non-governmental entities that are deemed capable of implementing the scope of work, with a solid record of integrity and business ethics, and that meet the eligibility requirements stated in this Section.

Bidders that submit proposals in response to this RFP must meet the following requirements:

Be a non-government entity (for-profit and non-profit companies, non-governmental organizations

(NGOs), etc.) that are legally registered under the laws of the country where it is operating

Have demonstrated capacity and expertise to successfully implement the Scope of Work
Have completed the required representations and certifications incorporated in this RFP
Be willing to comply with relevant donor rules and regulations and Helen Keller Intl requirements.
Bidders and proposed products must be of Source and Nationality designated in the authorized

Geographic Code, as described in Section 5 “Source of Funding and Authorized Geographic Code.”

Nationality refers to the place of legal organization, ownership, citizenship, or lawful permanent residence (or equivalent immigration status to live and work on a continuing basis) of suppliers of commodities and services.
1. Source means the country from which a commodity is shipped to the cooperating/recipient country or the cooperating/recipient country itself if the commodity is located therein at the time of the purchase, irrespective of the place of manufacture or production, unless it is a prohibited source country. Where, however, a commodity is shipped from a free port or bonded warehouse in the form in which received therein, “source” means the country from which the commodity was shipped to the free port or bonded warehouse.}

Note: Helen Keller Intl will not award a contract to any firm that is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment by the U.S. Government, or who proposes to do business with firms or firms’ principals who are debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment, in the performance of the requirement of this activity.

SECTION 2: Scope of Work

Helen Keller Intl will evaluate all proposals received in response to this RFP in accordance with the evaluation criteria described in this document.

This RFP contains the following Annexes:

Annex A: Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Annex B: Format of CV to be used for Key Vendor Personnel (one document per person)
Annex C: Financial Offer template (separate Excel spreadsheet)
Annex D: USAID Contract Provisions

Program Background

USAID, in collaboration with Helen Keller Intl, is engaging a famous Nigerian singer and actress (the Talent), as a Goodwill Ambassador to promote USAID’s Nutrition activity implemented by Helen Keller Intl. This ambassadorship will upscale visibility for USAID/Nigeria and Helen Keller by leveraging the singer’s celebrity status and social media presence to bring more awareness to maternal health and child nutrition in Nigeria (and potentially internationally) and promote key healthy behaviors and a range of core messages.

We are inviting proposals from qualified marketing and content companies to support USAID’s Nutrition activity implemented by Helen Keller Helen Keller Intl in leveraging the Talent’s influence as a Goodwill Ambassador to promote maternal and child nutrition in Nigeria. The objective is to utilize the Talent’s celebrity status and social media presence to raise awareness and promote key healthy behaviors among the target audience, address the persistent challenge of malnutrition in the country through innovative and evidence-based approaches.

Scope of Work, Key Objectives and Activities

1 . Objective/Scope: The selected company will collaborate with the Talent to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and content strategy aimed at promoting maternal and child nutrition in Nigeria. The scope of work includes content creation, dissemination across various platforms, collaboration with media partners and influencers, and coordination of key events and activities. In addition, the selected company may be needed and expected to collaborate on campaign content/strategy/themes, for a US based marketing campaign.

2. Target Audience Overview:

The primary audience comprises pregnant women and new mothers, with a special emphasis on first-time mothers. Additionally, the secondary audience includes spouses/fathers, significant others/influencers such as mothers-in-law and older wives, caregivers of infants and young children, adolescents, and the general population interested in health and wellness.

Demographics:

•Age: Primarily between 18 to 35 years old, with a significant portion being new or firsttime mothers.

•Location: Nationwide, with a specific focus on urban and rural communities in select states in Northern Nigeria.

•Language: Predominantly speak local languages such as Hausa, Fulfulde, and Kanuri, with some comfortable in English and pidgin.

Social Media Behavior:

•Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (as examples)

•Engagement: Engagement in health and nutrition topics may vary, but leveraging food blogs, health and wellness pages, and influencers could enhance engagement.

Offline Spaces:

•Community Gatherings: Traditional community gatherings and events where healthrelated discussions take place.

•Beauty Parlors/Hair Dressing Salons: Attract younger women, providing an opportunity for targeted messaging.

•Sport Viewing Centers/Recreational Hubs: Attract younger men, providing another avenue for outreach.

Media Consumption Habits:

•Radio: Widely accessed and consumed, with BBC Hausa being particularly popular, even among nomad populations.

•Digital Media: Platforms like WhatsApp, SMS, and IVR, with short viral video clips and audio messages.

•Online-Offline Loops: Creating loops where content feeds into and across channels can expand reach and intensify impact.

Motivations and Cultural Background:

•Influenced by strong cultural and religious ties, placing a high priority on family health and well-being.

•Driven by a collective sense of community well-being and influenced by traditional beliefs and practices related to maternal and child health.

Key Messages:

•Promote completion of at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy.

•Emphasize the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.

•Amplify the benefits of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.

•Advocate for age-appropriate complementary feeding and dietary diversity.

•Encourage prompt care-seeking for sick children and promote the uptake of micronutrient supplementation.

•Advocate for hand and food hygiene at the household level.

Understanding these characteristics and behaviors is crucial for tailoring the campaign’s messaging and delivery channels effectively to resonate with the target audience and drive meaningful behavior change regarding maternal and child nutrition in Northern Nigeria.

Media Channels:
- Online Spaces: Facebook, Instagram, Nairaland, X/Twitter,leveraging health and parenting groups.
- Offline Spaces: Billboards, Community gatherings, beauty parlours, sport viewing centres.
- Mass, digital media: Radio, podcasts, WhatsApp, SMS, IVR.
-  Online-Offline loops: Integration for expanded reach.
Content Themes: The campaign will focus on the following key content themes:
- Maternal Nutrition
- Breastfeeding Awareness
- Complementary Feeding
- Prompt Care-Seeking
- Micronutrients Supplementation
- Basic Hygiene
Required Content Formats:  Social Media Posts
- Live Q&A Sessions
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Music Video Integration
- Public Service Announcements
- Jingles
- Offline content style/design for promotions billboards
Preferred Existing Partnerships:
- •Partnering with popular local radio stations like Wazobia FM, BBC Hausa, and other radio stations in northern Nigeria.
- •Collaboration with community newspapers such as Daily Trust for increased outreach.
- •Exploring collaborations with Northern Nigerian influencers, such as Kannywood actors, musicians, popular food bloggers, and community leaders.
Campaign Timeline:
- Contract Awarded by Helen Keller Intl to Marketing Agency: March 2024
- Development of Content Strategy and Creation of Mock-ups: April 2024
- Filming of Nutrition Video and Story Production: Late April-Mid May 2024
- Goodwill Ambassador Launch Event in Lagos: May 28, 2024
- Interactive Radio Show (World Breastfeeding Week, WBW) Date: August 1st- 7th
- Maternal and Child Health Week: Date: November/December 2024 (TBD)
- Launch of Social Media, Television, Radio, and Billboard Campaign: Mid-May to December 2024
Communication:
- Regular communication channels will be maintained with Helen Keller Intl to facilitate updates, feedback, and adjustments throughout the campaign.
Approval:
- All campaign elements and materials will be subject to approval by Helen Keller Intl/ USAID Nigeria before implementation.
- Helen Keller Intl will provide supervisory oversight, ensuring the agency aligns with the campaign’s objectives and maintains ethical standards.

Deliverables

1.Plan and Execute Major Events and Activities:  Coordinate Logistics for Events in Nigeria:

Coordinate logistics for events in Nigeria, including but not limited to the U.S. Consular Launch and Interactive Radio Show. This includes venue selection, transportation arrangements, and on-site coordination.
- Develop Event-Specific Promotional Materials:
  - Marketing company to develop event-specific promotional materials, such as banners, flyers, and digital assets, to enhance the visibility and impact of each event.
- Ensure Active Participation and Engagement:
  - Ensures Talent commits to actively participating in each event and engaging with attendees to maximize the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. This includes delivering speeches, participating in panel discussions, and interacting with audience members.
  - Coordinate, if needed, with a US marketing agency on content/themes.
- Capture Content During Events for Post-Event Promotion:
  - The marketing company must capture high-quality photos, videos, and other content during events for use in post-event promotion across various channels, including social media and traditional media outlets.
Social Media Content Calendar:
- Develop a detailed social media content calendar outlining the schedule for posting on the Talent’s and Helen Keller Nigeria various social media platforms, including Instagram, and Twitter.
- Coordinate with US-based marketing firm to align themes, content and messaging.
- The content calendar should include a diverse range of posts, including informative graphics, engaging videos, personal anecdotes, and calls to action related to maternal and child nutrition.
- Ensure that the content calendar is aligned with the campaign’s key messages and themes and tailored to resonate with the Talent’s audience demographics and preferences.
- Regularly monitor engagement metrics and adjust the content strategy as needed to optimize reach and impact.
Live Q&A Session Schedule:
- Plan and schedule interactive live Q&A sessions with the Talent on her social media platforms to address questions and concerns from her followers regarding maternal and child nutrition.
- Coordinate with the Talent’s team to select suitable dates and times for the live sessions, taking into account audience availability and engagement patterns.
- Prepare a structured format for the Q&A sessions, ensuring that key topics and messages are covered effectively, and that audience participation is encouraged.
- Promote the live sessions in advance to generate anticipation and maximize attendance.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage and Interviews:
- Capture behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the Talent, showcasing her personal commitment to maternal and child nutrition and her involvement in the campaign.
- Develop compelling video content that provides an intimate glimpse into the Talent’s daily life as a mother, highlighting her dedication to providing optimal nutrition for her children.
- Conduct interviews with the Talent and other key stakeholders involved in the campaign, exploring their perspectives on maternal and child nutrition and the importance of advocacy in this area.
- Edit and produce high-quality videos that can be shared across the Talent’s social media platforms and other campaign channels.

5.Sponsored Content Collaborations:

Identify potential partners, including brands, organizations, and influencers, for sponsored content collaborations that align with the campaign’s objectives and target audience.
- Negotiate and finalize partnership agreements, outlining the scope of collaboration, content deliverables, and compensation terms.
- Develop creative and engaging sponsored content in collaboration with partners, integrating key messages about maternal and child nutrition seamlessly into the content.
- Leverage the partners’ networks and platforms to amplify the reach and impact of the campaign, reaching new audiences and driving engagement

6.Nutrition-Themed Music Video:

Conceptualize and produce a nutrition-themed music video featuring the Talent, incorporating key messages and themes related to maternal and child nutrition.
- Collaborate with a creative team to develop a compelling storyline and visual concept for the music video, ensuring that it resonates with the Talent’s audience and effectively communicates the campaign’s objectives.
- Coordinate the production process, including casting, filming, and editing, to create a highquality music video that is both entertaining and educational.
- Promote the music video across multiple channels, including social media, music streaming platforms, and traditional media outlets, to maximize its reach and impact.

7.Public Service Announcements for Radio and Television:

Develop and produce public service announcements (PSAs) for radio and television broadcasting, delivering key messages about maternal and child nutrition in a concise and impactful manner.
- Script engaging and informative PSA scripts that effectively communicate the importance of maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, prompt care-seeking, micronutrient supplementation, and basic hygiene practices.Record and produce high-quality audio and video PSAs, incorporating the Talent’s voice and image to enhance credibility and resonance with the audience.
- Distribute the PSAs to radio and television stations nationwide, leveraging partnerships with media outlets to secure airtime and maximize exposure to the target audience.

8.Jingles:

Develop catchy and memorable jingles, each lasting 30-60 seconds, designed to capture the listener’s attention and create a lasting impression.
- Craft lyrics and melodies that convey key messages about maternal and child nutrition in a clear and engaging manner.
- Produce high-quality audio recordings of the jingles, ensuring clarity and professional sound quality.
- Coordinate with radio stations and other media outlets to air the jingles during peak listening times, maximizing their reach and impact.
- Monitor audience response and engagement with the jingles, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize effectiveness.

9.Monitor Engagement and Adjust Strategy:

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the campaign, providing regular reports on engagement, reach, and impact.
- Track and analyze online and offline metrics to optimize performance.
- Use analytics tools to measure engagement, reach, and audience demographics.
- Monitor comments, shares, and likes for audience sentiment.
- Adjust content strategy based on real-time and historical data.
- Identify trending topics for timely and relevant content development.

Anticipated Contracting Period and Award Mechanism

The anticipated period of the resulting vendor professional services contract is expected to be 9 months beginning on or about March 29^th 2024. Bidders must clearly identify “start-up” support costs, if any, required to commence services.

Helen Keller Intl intends to award a Time & Material type Professional Services Contract to the winning offer. No profit, fees, taxes, or additional costs can be added after award. This RFP is subject to all the terms and conditions of the resulting contract. Any resultant award will be governed by these terms and conditions.

SECTION 3: Proposal Instructions

The Bidder’s proposal will consist of two separate documents:

Part 1 – Technical Offer Part 2 – Financial Offer

The Technical Offer and the Financial Offer (altogether “proposal”) must be submitted separately. The Bidder should not include any cost data in the Technical Offer.

The proposal should be concisely presented and structured, and should explain in detail the Bidder’s availability, experience and resources to provide the requested services.

Proposals that are incomplete or do not address these criteria may not be considered in the review process. All proposals must be submitted in English.

Both the Technical Offer and Financial Offer must be submitted with a Cover Letter which must include the following information and must be signed and stamped by an authorized representative of the Bidder organization:

i. Date of Submission of the Proposal

ii. Term of proposal validity (minimum 60 days)

iii. Name of the company/organization

iv. Name and title of authorized representative of organization

v. Type of company/organization

vi. Address

vii. Telephone

viii. E-mail

ix. Taxpayer Identification/Registration Number

x. Other required documents that shall be included as attachments to the cover letter:

Copy of registration or incorporation in the public registry, or equivalent document from the government office where the bidder is registered.
Copy of company tax registration, or equivalent document.
Copy of trade license, or equivalent document.

Bidders must also submit a signed Conflict of Interest Declaration Form. This form will be assessed to establish whether the Bidder has any present or potential future conflict of interest according to the definition in Annex A. If the conclusion is reached that any conflict of interest declared by the Bidder could have a negative impact on the Bidder’s ability to perform the Service, Helen Keller Intl may decide to reject the submitted proposal. Failure to accurately complete the Conflict of Interest Declaration Form may also lead to the rejection of the submitted proposal.

Part 1: TECHNICAL OFFER

The Technical Offer should be in the English language, typed in Microsoft Word, single-spaced, with each page numbered consecutively. A maximum number of pages for each component of the Technical Offer is given below.

The Technical Offer should include the following:

1) Bidder past performance record/relevant experience– 2 pages maximum

Information related to Bidder’s past performance/prior experience in conducting work in the country/region or similar in nature and volume to the services requested (brief description, deliverables, date, client etc.).

Bidders must also provide contacts for at least three (3) professional references for previous work and/or experience under similar SOWs. Contact information should include, at a minimum: name of individual, name of company, brief information on relationship to Bidder, address, email, and phone number. Helen Keller Intl reserves the right to contact any and all references provided. Contact information for references is not subject to the page limitation for this section.

2) Technical approach – 10 pages maximum

The technical approach must describe the proposed approach to achieving the program objectives and must address the following:

Information as to whether the Bidder currently has a presence in the country/region, and the nature of this presence.
A brief description of the Bidder’s understanding of the objectives and scope of work for the consultancy.
An overview as to how the Bidder would propose to complete the requested services indicated in this RFP.

3) Team Structure requirements – 3 pages maximum, excluding CVs

Team structure: Bidders must describe the structure of the team that will deliver against the objectives and scope of work described in this RFP. Team structures must identify the project manager (or Team Leader) and other team members and the roles and responsibilities that each will have over the duration of the services contract.
The minimum requirements and qualifications for the Team Leader who will be leading the team are the following:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field. A master’s degree is preferred but not required.
2. At least 5 years of experience in marketing and communications roles, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or managerial position.
3. Proven track record of successfully leading marketing and communications campaigns from conception to execution for celebrity engagement campaigns.
4. Strong understanding of various marketing channels including digital, social media, email, and traditional advertising.
5. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey ideas and strategies to team members and stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
If any members of the proposed team do not currently reside in Nigeria, the Bidder must state how the personnel would travel to the country to perform such Services, and the estimated travel time.

At a minimum, the Bidder should provide the following information:

A current CV for the proposed personnel in a format provided in Annex B. The CV must not exceed three pages in length and shall be in chronological order starting with the most recent experience and summarizing relevant experience and qualifications.
The country of residence for all persons proposed for the provision of this Service (meaning the country in which the person or persons resides and from which they would be flying from in order to reach the Place of Performance to undertake this consulting work).
If any of the Bidder’s personnel do not reside in the country in which they are assigned to perform the required Services, the Bidder must state how these personnel would travel to perform such Services, and the estimated travel time. The Bidder should specify how many trips might be required, and which team members would join these trips.

The Bidder must notify Helen Keller Intl if it intends to replace a key member of the Bidder’s team (with an explanation for doing so) prior to the award date and provide Helen Keller Intl with the information required for the approval of a replacement proposal. Any replacement shall be subject to the approval of Helen Keller Intl. This is also valid for any replacement taking place during the contract duration.

Helen Keller Intl may choose to contact the Bidder prior to making a final decision. Please confirm whether this would be possible, ensuring that full contact details are also included in the resume (email, telephone number).

Part 2: FINANCIAL OFFER

This contract will be issued as a time and material type Professional Services Contract. The key personnel involved in the project will be compensated at a fixed hourly rate as outlined in the contract and the total payment shall not exceed the agreed-upon threshold. Payment will be made against deliverables as specified in the SOW. The Contractor shall submit detailed invoices, including the hours worked by each key personnel and the corresponding hourly rates. Helen Keller Intl will only issue payment via electronic payment methods and all bank accounts must be in the name of the company/organization only.

As part of the Financial Offer, Bidders must include a detailed budget, submitted in Microsoft Excel, expressed in Nigerian Naira with an accompanying budget narrative, submitted in Microsoft Word, describing the basis for the listed cost elements. Supporting information should be provided in sufficient detail to allow a complete analysis and determination of reasonableness of each cost element. Bidders are required to include and clearly label all costs deemed necessary to complete the work called for hereunder.

The Financial Offer template can be found in Annex C and must include the following:

Labor Cost: The Bidder must provide information related to team structure, daily rates and Level of Effort (LoE) (measured in days) for the deliverables listed. Please state assumptions made when submitting the cost information including any additional options, and stating all conditions.

Other Direct Costs: The Bidder should provide a breakdown estimate of other main direct costs which are considered necessary for completion of the work. Other direct costs will cover transportation costs, visa, and per diem. Any other direct costs shall be agreed prior with Helen Keller Intl.
Indirect Rates and Fixed Fee: If it is a Bidder’s regular practice to budget indirect rates, e.g. overhead, fringe, G&A, administrative, or other rate, Bidders must explain the rates and the rates’ base of application in the budget narrative. Helen Keller Intl reserves the right to request additional information to substantiate a Bidder’s fees and/or indirect rates. Proposed fixed fees must also be explained in the budget narrative and represented as a separate line item in the budget.

SECTION 4: Evaluation Criteria and Basis for Award

Helen Keller Intl will follow a Best Value Trade-Off selection methodology. Helen Keller Intl may award to an eligible, responsible firm whose proposal is most advantageous to the program, with price and other factors considered proposal, including but not limited to compliance with the requirements of the RFP without material deviation. Bidders may not modify non-responsive offers after the proposal deadline in order to make them responsive. However, Helen Keller Intl may request a Bidder to clarify its offer as long as no material deviation exists.

The criteria below will serve as the basis upon which proposals will be evaluated. Selection will be based principally on the technical merits of the proposals, but price and other factors will be considered, and award will be made only if the proposal is determined to be technically acceptable and cost reasonable.

Evaluation Criteria per Solicitation	Total Max Points
Past Performance/ Prior relevant experience	XX

Demonstrated experience developing and managing multi-channel, multilanguage and successful marketing, including health and social good campaigns in Nigeria. Experience working on maternal, adolescent and child health, hygiene, nutrition, food, and community-based campaigns.

Experience working on health/nutrition marketing/digital campaigns in Northern Nigeria

Experience in cause marketing and communicating messages related to social impact, development issues, humanitarian efforts, and philanthropic initiatives.

They should understand how to effectively convey the ambassador’s commitment to these causes and inspire action from the audience.

Experience working with celebrities and topical issue champions, ambassadors, advocates etc.

Personnel Qualifications XX

Dedicated Team with Expertise in media relations and securing publicity opportunities for the Ambassador. This includes pitching stories to journalists, arranging interviews, and maximizing media coverage to amplify the ambassador’s message and reach a wider audience.

Existing relationships or ability to cultivate relationships with relevant government ministries, agencies and departments at national and subnational levels, influencers, and stakeholders and leverage the same for the purpose of amplifying the cause campaign and furthering the goals of the Ambassador partnerships.

Technical Merit XX

Possess strong content creation skills, including writing, graphic design, video production, and photography. They should be able to create compelling and engaging content that resonates with the target audience and aligns with the Ambassador’s mission.

Expertise in media relations and securing publicity opportunities for the ambassador. This includes pitching stories to journalists, arranging interviews, and maximizing media coverage to amplify the Ambassador’s message and reach a wider audience.

Operational Capability XX

Nigerian owned/managed, locally registered, and incorporated to do business in Nigeria

Has US office location, presence in the US market or experience partnering w/ US-based celebrity cause marketing campaigns.

Total Points XX

Upon completion of the evaluation of Technical Offers, Helen Keller Intl will evaluate Financial Offers for budget presentation, details of the budget narrative, and cost effectiveness (reasonable, realistic, match the Technical Offer and meet requirements of RFP). No points are assigned to Financial Offers, but these criteria will be considered, in conjunction with the total score of the Technical Offer. This RFP utilizes the tradeoff process and Helen Keller Intl may award a contract to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to Helen Keller Intl and the program. Helen Keller Intl may award to a higher priced offeror if a determination is made that the higher technical evaluation of that offeror merits the additional cost/price.

SECTION 5: Source of Funding and Authorized Geographic Code

Any award resulting from this RFP will be financed by USAID funding and will be subject to U.S. Government and USAID regulations. The authorized USAID geographic code for this RFP and any resulting contract is Code 937. A description of this code is available in USAID’s Automated Directives System, ADS 310 (http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/310.pdf). All commodities and services supplied under any award resulting from this RFP must meet this geographic code in accordance with the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 22 CFR 228.}

SECTION 6: Proposal Validity, Submission Deadline and Instructions

Proposals should have a 60-day validity period from the proposal submission date, as provided in the Cover Letter.

Proposals must be submitted electronically by the deadline listed on the cover page of this RFP by E-mail to Nigeria-Procurement@hki.org indicating in the subject line of the e-mail the company name and the RFP number.

A full proposal submission will include the following documents, all of which must reference the RFP number as stated on the cover page of this document:

Cover Letter
Technical Offer
Financial Offer
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
USAID Contract Provisions
Copies of Bidder legal registration documents
Other pertinent information relevant to the proposal submission

QUESTIONS: No verbal questions will be entertained, either in person or via telephone. However, Helen Keller Intl will take written questions about this RFP until the date specified on the cover page of this document. Any questions related to this RFP should be sent to Nigeria-Procurement@hki.org In order to ensure fairness, Helen Keller Intl’s response to all questions deemed relevant will be communicated to all potential Bidders, ensuring the original requestor’s anonymity.

SECTION 7: Negotiations

Best offer proposals are requested. It is anticipated that an award will be made solely on the basis of the original offers received. However, Helen Keller Intl reserves the right to conduct discussions, negotiations and/or request clarifications prior to awarding a contract. Furthermore, Helen Keller Intl reserves the right to conduct a competitive range and to limit the number of bidders in the competitive range to permit an efficient evaluation environment among the most highly-rated proposals. Highest-rated bidders, as determined by the technical evaluation committee, may be asked to submit their best prices or technical responses during a competitive range. At the sole discretion of Helen Keller Intl, bidders may be requested to conduct oral presentations. If deemed an opportunity, Helen Keller Intl reserves the right to make separate awards per component or to make no award at all.

SECTION 8: Terms of the Solicitation

Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of Helen Keller Intl, nor does it commit Helen Keller Intl to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a bid.

Attached files are integral part of this RFP.
Helen Keller Intl may contact Bidders to confirm contact person, address, bid amount and to confirm that the proposal was submitted for this solicitation.
False Statements: Bidders must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and its attachments.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: In Annex A, Bidders 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. Failure to provide full and open disclosure may result in Helen Keller Intl having to re-evaluate the selection of a potential Bidders.
Right to Select/Reject: Helen Keller Intl 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. Helen Keller Intl also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received without explanation.

ANNEX A: Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Helen Keller Intl Code of Conduct & Ethics Policy: In accordance with the Helen Keller Intl Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, Helen Keller Intl requires full and open disclosure when dealing with procurement. As such, Helen Keller Intl employees must avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. Helen Keller Intl employees must at all times provide full disclosure of their actions or relationships with prospective vendors, contractors, or consultants. Helen Keller Intl employees shall not solicit, request, accept, or agree to accept any gift from a vendor or prospective vendor.

Helen Keller Intl reserves the right to reject any or all quotes when considered to be in the best interest of the organization and/or the people it serves. All parties submitting a proposal in response to this Request for Proposal are obligated to disclose the existence of any actual or possible conflict of interest relating to every country included within their proposal in the attached Conflict of Interest Declaration Form.

Failure to fully disclose such information could lead Helen Keller Intl to reject a proposal. If a party has no conflict to declare for any of the countries covered in their proposal, they may submit one form, listing all of the countries covered.

“Conflict of Interest” means a situation in which an Bidder, or an Affiliate (as defined below), or a subcontractor (if any) of an Bidder, has interests (financial, organizational, personal, reputational or otherwise) that would or may appear to make it difficult for an Bidder to fulfill its obligations to Helen Keller Intl in its role as the vendor in an objective, independent and professional manner, or a situation in which it is reasonable to foresee that such an interest would arise. A Conflict of Interest may arise in the following circumstances, which are not exhaustive:

a Bidder has been, or is involved in the design of a proposal or request for funding that has been, or will be submitted to Helen Keller Intl;
an Bidder has been, or is involved in the provision of advice to an entity that is a Principal Recipient or a Sub-recipient;
a Bidder has been, or is involved in, or has provided advice in relation to the procurement of goods and/or services by a Principal Recipient and/or a Sub-recipient;
a Bidder has been, or is involved in the provision of auditing services to a Principal Recipient and/or a

Sub-recipient; or

a Bidder has submitted an expression of interest, tender, bid or otherwise indicated interest in providing services of any nature to a Principal Recipient or a Sub-recipient that remains valid at the time of, and for the duration of the term of this Contract.

“Affiliate” means a business concern, individual or other entity that, directly or indirectly: (i) controls or can control an Bidder; (ii) is controlled by, or can foreseeably be controlled by, an Bidder; or (iii) along with an Bidder, is controlled by, or can foreseeably be controlled by, the same third party.

Bidder Conflict of Interest Declaration Form

Please check one box below, as appropriate:

The Bidder hereby declares that it has read and understood the Conflict of Interest rules set forth in the Request for Proposals (RFP) and warrants that no Conflict of Interest exists on the part of the Bidder or an Affiliate of the Bidder, with regard to the services to be performed under the RFP. The Bidder hereby agrees to comply with the Conflict of Interest rules set forth in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

The Bidder wishes to disclose a real or potential Conflict of Interest situation(s) and propose mitigating action(s). Note: if this box is checked, please describe in an attachment, in detail, the situation and present a proposed mitigation plan / arrangement for consideration by Helen Keller Intl.

Bidder:

Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
Date:

ANNEX B: Format of CV to Be Used for Key Personnel (One Document Per Person)

ANNEX C Cost

Please make sure to include in your bid a budget or fee schedule, fixed hourly rates of each member of the proposed Team and financial narrative ensuring that all cost assumptions have been presented.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Footage and

Interviews:

Capture behind-the-scenes footage and

interviews with the Talent, showcasing her personal commitment to maternal and child nutrition and her involvement in the campaign. Develop compelling video content that

provides an intimate glimpse into the Talent’s daily life as a mother, highlighting her dedication to providing optimal nutrition for her children.

Conduct interviews with the Talent and other key stakeholders involved in the campaign, exploring their perspectives on maternal and

child nutrition and the importance of advocacy in this area.

Edit and produce high-quality videos that can be shared across the Talent’s social media platforms and other campaign channels.

4. Sponsored Content Collaborations:

Identify potential partners, including brands, organizations, and influencers, for sponsored content collaborations that align with the campaign’s objectives and target audience.

Negotiate and finalize partnership agreements, outlining the scope of collaboration, content deliverables, and compensation terms.

Develop creative and engaging sponsored NGN 0.00 content in collaboration with partners, integrating key messages about maternal and child nutrition seamlessly into the content.

Leverage the partners’ networks and platforms to amplify the reach and impact of the campaign, reaching new audiences and driving engagement.

5. Nutrition-Themed Music Video:

Conceptualize and produce a nutrition-themed music video featuring the Talent, incorporating key messages and themes related to maternal and child nutrition.

Collaborate with a creative team to develop a compelling storyline and visual concept for the music video, ensuring that it resonates with the Talent’s audience and effectively

communicates the campaign’s objectives.

Coordinate the production process, including casting, filming, and editing, to create a highquality music video that is both entertaining and educational.

Promote the music video across multiple channels, including social media, music streaming platforms, and traditional media outlets, to maximize its reach and impact.

*The Base for each of these percentages needs to be identified and documented through audited financial statements.

ANNEX D: USAID Contract Provisions

Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards

By signing below, the Bidder agrees to comply with these requirements, as applicable, in the event an award is made by Helen Keller Intl.

In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity, all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable.

Contracts for more than the simplified acquisition threshold currently set at $150,000, which is the inflation adjusted amount determined by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 1908, must address administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances where contractors violate or breach contract terms, and provide for such sanctions and penalties as appropriate.
All contracts in excess of $10,000 must address termination for cause and for convenience by the non-Federal entity including the manner by which it will be effected and the basis for settlement.
Equal Employment Opportunity. Except as otherwise provided under 41 CFR Part 60, all contracts that meet the definition of “federally assisted construction contract” in 41 CFR Part 601.3 must include the equal opportunity clause provided under 41 CFR 60-1.4(b), in accordance with Executive Order 11246, “Equal Employment Opportunity” (30 FR 12319, 12935, 3 CFR Part, 1964-1965 Comp., p. 339), as amended by Executive Order 11375, “Amending Executive Order 11246 Relating to Equal Employment Opportunity,” and implementing regulations at 41 CFR part 60, “Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor.”
Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. The non-Federal entity must place a copy of the current prevailing wage determination issued by the Department of Labor in each solicitation. The decision to award a contract or subcontract must be conditioned upon the acceptance of the wage determination. The non-Federal entity must report all suspected or reported violations to the Federal awarding agency. The contracts must also include a provision for compliance with the Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act (40 U.S.C. 3145), as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 3, “Contractors and Subcontractors on Public Building or Public Work Financed in Whole or in Part by Loans or Grants from the United States”). The Act provides that each contractor or subrecipient must be prohibited from inducing, by any means, any person employed in the construction, completion, or repair of public work, to give up any part of the compensation to which he or she is otherwise entitled. The non-Federal entity must report all suspected or reported violations to the Federal awarding agency.
Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701-3708). Where applicable, all contracts awarded by the non-Federal entity in excess of $100,000 that involve the employment of mechanics or laborers must include a provision for compliance with 40 U.S.C. 3702 and 3704, as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5). Under 40 U.S.C. 3702 of the Act, each contractor must be required to compute the wages of every mechanic and laborer on the basis of a standard work week of 40 hours. Work in excess of the standard work week is permissible provided that the worker is compensated at a rate of not less than one and a half times the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in the work week. The requirements of 40 U.S.C. 3704 are applicable to construction work and provide that no laborer or mechanic must be required to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous. These requirements do not apply to the purchases of supplies or materials or articles ordinarily available on the open market, or contracts for transportation or transmission of intelligence.
Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or Agreement. If the Federal award meets the definition of “funding agreement” under 37 CFR §401.2 (a) and the recipient or subrecipient wishes to enter into a contract with a small business firm or nonprofit organization regarding the substitution of parties, assignment or performance of experimental, developmental, or research work under that “funding agreement,” the recipient or subrecipient must comply with the requirements of 37 CFR Part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements,” and any implementing regulations issued by the awarding agency.
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387), as amended—Contracts and subgrants of amounts in excess of $150,000 must contain a provision that requires the non-Federal award to agree to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387). Violations must be reported to the Federal awarding agency and the Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)—A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549.
Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352)—Contractors that apply or bid for an award exceeding $100,000 must file the required certification. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any Federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. 1352. Each tier must also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award. Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to tier up to the non-Federal award.
§200.322 Procurement of recovered materials. A non-Federal entity that is a state agency or agency of a political subdivision of a state and its contractors must comply with section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The requirements of Section 6002 include procuring only items designated in guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR part 247 that contain the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable, consistent with maintaining a satisfactory level of competition, where the purchase price of the item exceeds $10,000 or the value of the quantity acquired during the preceding fiscal year exceeded $10,000; procuring solid waste management services in a manner that maximizes energy and resource recovery; and establishing an affirmative procurement program for procurement of recovered materials identified in the EPA guidelines.