Prequalification of MERL Agencies at Girl Effect | February 2025
Organization: Girl Effect
Locations: Ethiopia, Tanzania, India, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria
Application Deadline: 18th March 2025
Top Line Objective:
Girl Effect is seeking proposals from full-service research agencies to pre-qualify for its Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) agency roster. Pre-qualified agencies will be invited to bid for specific MERL projects as they arise.
About Girl Effect
Girl Effect is an international non-profit organization that creates media and technology solutions to empower adolescent girls in Africa and Asia. Our content spans from chatbots and TV dramas to interactive platforms, providing girls with access to trusted information on health, education, and relationships.
With a reach of over 50 million girls, we aim to equip young women with the skills to take control of their futures, fostering a ripple effect of change within their families, communities, and countries.
Purpose of the RFP
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to identify a diverse pool of agencies with expertise in MERL. These agencies will form a pre-qualified roster from which Girl Effect will select partners for upcoming projects.
By establishing this roster, Girl Effect aims to:
- Streamline the procurement process for MERL services.
- Engage with highly qualified agencies capable of supporting complex research needs.
- Foster partnerships with organizations that align with Girl Effect’s mission and values.
Scope of Work
The selected agencies will be expected to provide the following MERL services:
1. Evaluation Services
- Conduct impact evaluations using methods such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs.
- Implement quantitative assessments, including baseline, midline, and endline evaluations.
2. Monitoring Services
- Design and execute monitoring frameworks, including data collection and analysis.
- Provide regular performance reports and insights for program improvement.
3. Research Services
- Conduct formative research, literature reviews, and assessments.
- Analyze data to inform program design and decision-making.
4. Learning & Knowledge Sharing
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing workshops and adaptive management processes.
- Conduct content or concept testing, co-creation workshops, and writer immersion sessions.
Note: Specific tasks and deliverables will be defined per project and outlined in respective contracts.
Eligibility Criteria
Agencies must meet the following qualifications to be considered:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | Proven track record in MERL services within Ethiopia, Tanzania, India, Kenya, South Africa, and/or Nigeria. |
| Technical Expertise | Expertise in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning methodologies. |
| Thematic Expertise | Experience in Social & Behaviour Change programming, or focus areas such as SRHR, Vaccinations, Mental Health, Economic Empowerment, and Gender Norms. |
| Team Qualifications | Skilled professionals with advanced degrees and MERL expertise, including trained field officers/moderators. |
| References | At least three references from past clients within the last three years. |
| Compliance | Ability to adhere to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in service-delivery countries. |
| Financial Capacity | Stable financial position with the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously. |
Proposal Submission Guidelines
Interested agencies should submit a proposal (maximum 15 pages) including:
- Completed Roster Pre-qualification Form – Fill out this Google form.
- Overview – A brief statement of interest, highlighting qualifications.
- Agency Profile – Business overview, years of operation, and core competencies in MERL.
- Team Composition – Details of key personnel, their qualifications, and relevant experience.
- Past Performance – Description of relevant MERL projects completed in the last three years, including outcomes and client references.
- Approach & Methodology – Description of MERL methodologies, tools, and innovative techniques used.
- Sample Work – A recent (redacted) MERL report, evaluation, or research product.
- Financial Proposal – General pricing structure, including hourly/daily rates for staff. (All applicable taxes should be quoted separately).
Note: The proposal’s validity should be 90 days from the bid closure date.
Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on the following:
- Relevance & Quality of Past Experience (30%)
- Technical Approach & Methodology (25%)
- Qualifications & Experience of Key Personnel (20%)
- Cost-effectiveness & Value for Money (15%)
- Demonstrated Ability to Deliver High-Quality MERL Services (10%)
Only agencies scoring 75% or above will be included in the pre-qualified roster.
Procurement Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| RFP Published | 25th February 2025 |
| Deadline for Questions/Clarifications | 3rd March 2025 |
| Response to Questions | 10th March 2025 |
| Proposal Submission Deadline | 18th March 2025 |
Ethical Considerations & Compliance
All selected agencies must adhere to Girl Effect’s ethical and safeguarding standards, including:
- Ethical Research Approval: Agencies must obtain ethical board approvals where required.
- Informed Consent: Participants must provide voluntary and informed consent, with parental consent required for minors.
- Data Security: Research data must be securely stored and shared via a secure file transfer protocol (FTP).
- Zero Tolerance for Fraud & Corruption: Agencies must have no history of fraud or corruption.
Additionally, agencies must not be listed on:
- The World Bank debarred firms list (Link)
- The U.S. Treasury Sanctions List (Link)
- The System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list
Expected Commitment
- Pre-qualified agencies will be part of Girl Effect’s supplier roster for at least two years.
- Successful agencies will sign an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) or Framework Contract (Master Service Agreement).
- Work will be assigned on an as-needed basis.
How to Apply
- Register using this link: CLICK HERE TO APPLY
- Submit your proposal to [email protected] by 18th March 2025.
- Subject line: “Prequalification of MERL Agencies – [Your Country]”
Important Notices
- Proposal Submission: Only proposals submitted through the specified email will be evaluated.
- No Fees: Girl Effect does not charge any fees for the application or recruitment process.
- Confidentiality: All submitted documentation remains the property of Girl Effect.
- Right to Withdraw: Girl Effect reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any stage without notice.
For any questions or clarifications, contact [email protected] before 3rd March 2025.
