Request for Expression of Interest for Consultancy services to undertake Cluster Development activities in Willow Wicker Cluster of Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir through Government of India has applied for financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JFTRP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The Project Management Unit(PMU) of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JFTRP) is seeking an consultancy firm to carry out the cluster development activities in the willow wicker cluster located in the Ganderbal District of the state. The objective of the consultancy is under take end-to-end cluster development activities in willow wicker cluster(Ganderbal) of Jammu & Kashmir, including facilitating the establishment of sustainable artisan-owned institutions, skill upgradation, design / product development, creating marketing linkages, building pipeline of orders for artisan institutions and facilitating participation in marketing events. The broad tasks involved in this exercise will be as follows:

PMU now invites eligible consultancy firms to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested consultancy firms should provide information in the prescribed format (Annexure A) demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the task. The shortlisting criteria are:

At least 10 years of organizational experience in cluster development and promoting and marketing artisanal products, particularly in willow wicker, cane and bamboo or similar natural fibres.
Average turnover of at least Rs 0.60 crores during the last 3 financial years.
Experience working with at least 1500 artisans across a minimum of 2 states in India.
Created and supported at least one artisan producer company/group.
Fully functional e-commerce portal or designated page in leading e-commerce portals specialized in artisan products.
At least one retail store marketing handicrafts/handloom products in metro cities or tie up with leading retail store/outlet.
Proven track record in participating in major exhibitions nationally or internationally.
Prior experience of working with UNDP, ADB, World Bank, Ford Foundation, National/State Development Agencies such as NABARD, SIDBI, Development Commissioner of Handicrafts (DCH) or any other multilateral development agency.
Fair trade accreditation is a plus.
Experience of working in J&K is a plus.

The attention of interested consultancy firms is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 modified in July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. The Guidelines are available at worldbank.org/procure
Consultancy firms may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture to enhance their qualifications. However formation of consortium among firms/consultancies is not accepted. Further lead partner should at least satisfy 50% and JV partner should satisfy at least 25% of the average annual turnover and overall the lead and joint venture should satisfy 100% of the requisite turnover for the last 3 years.
Consultants/Firms will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection Method (QCBS) set out in hiring of the Consultant Guidelines of World Bank.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form in the prescribed Format (Annexure A) to the address below (in person, or by mail) no later than 1500 hours on 12.12.2019. The EoIs shall be opened on 12-12-2019 at 1530 hours.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 1000 hours to 1630 hours.

[Iftikhar A. Hakim] [Director Planning and Coordination, PMU JTFRP] [ERA Commercial Complex, Rambagh Srinagar J&K India 190009]

Tel: [0194-2437320]

E-mail: [dirpmujk@gmail.com]

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