Request for Proposal: Procurement of Services

Development of the "Made in the Cook Islands" Campaign

Consultancy type:

• Individual
• Consulting Firm
• Consortia of individual consultants

Background:

Cook Islands, like many other Pacific Island countries, is a net importer of merchandise with a growing trade balance deficit due to its limited export base. This deficit is largely offset by the growth in the tourism industry, which exists as the key driver for economic development in the country. Cook Islands however is looking to diversify from tourism by leveraging the multiplier effects of tourism to grow its local manufacturing and agriculture sectors. It has given priority to the development of creative and cultural industries, including music, film, fashion, crafts, and digital media to not only support economic development but also to preserve the unique cultural identity of the Cook Islands and to provide marketing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses.

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) has received a request from the Cook Islands Government through its Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB), to develop a "Made in the Cook Islands" Campaign. This initiative is to promote import substitution, establish a sense of loyalty amongst Cook Islanders including the diaspora community toward buying local products, and to grow exports by positioning Cook Islands' made products in the international market. The initiative is anticipated to contribute to employment creation, economic sector expansion, and the country’s economic development.

In this regard, the PPIU is seeking suitable consultancy services to develop the "Made in the Cook Islands" Campaign, including the design and delivery of a registration system for suppliers/products.

Expected Outcome & Deliverables:

To deliver the Made in Cook Islands Campaign, the following outputs are expected:

1. An Inception Report outlining work plan, identify any plans for outsourcing of activities Section II, and highlight risks and proposed mitigation strategies.
2. Draft "Made in the Cook Islands" Campaign Strategy.
3. Final "Made in Cook Islands" Campaign Strategy.
4. Draft promotion materials and registration system.
5. Final promotion materials and registration system.
6. Capacity building workshop for key stakeholders. 

A detailed Terms of Reference outlining primary duties, specific skills and experience requirements, including selection criteria can be found HERE.

Submission Guidelines:

Submissions need to be made via email to the PPIU to [E-Mail not displayed] by 11:59pm, 20th January 2025, email title RFP: Made in Cook Islands. Any clarification questions from applicants may be submitted by email to: [E-Mail not displayed]

Proposals should include at minimum:

• A proposal that addresses both technical and financial aspects of the activity.  The technical proposal should be grounded in a thorough reading of the available material, demonstrate a clear understanding of the Terms of Reference, and response to the key skills and experience requirements.
• Detailed curriculum vitae of the consultant(s).
• Proposed work plan, methodology, timeline (1-2 pages).
• Date of availability to take up consultancy.
• Proposed total cost of consulting fees to deliver outputs and outcomes defined in the Terms of Reference. A daily rate for identified consultants should be included (inclusive of management fees), or at a minimum, a cost break down of consulting fees for each output/deliverable (inclusive of management fees). Costs for travel and other activity-related costs should be separated to objectively assess cost for consulting services. (no more than 1 page).

Selection Process:

The PPIU will select the preferred candidate based on the following process:

• Technical Submission Assessment, scoring candidates based on their demonstrated ability to deliver services and meet the selection criteria identified in the Terms of Reference. The Technical Assessment Score will account for 80% of the overall score.
• Financial Submission Assessment, scoring candidates based on their Financial Submission. The Financial Assessment Score will account for 20% of the overall score.
• If required, candidates may be asked to attend an interview (most likely virtually). Candidates will be scored based on their response to a series of questions.
• Any incomplete submissions will not be considered.

PPIU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to child protection. We encourage women, men and people living with disabilities to apply.