Limited Call for Proposals for Brazil

2. UIRP –- Limited Call for Proposals for Brazil

2.1 Objectives

This CfP aims to support cities in Brazil in the application of data, tools, and knowledge that
could lead to improved design, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure, and to mobilize
further bespoke technical assistance.

This CfP has the following objectives:

1. Enhancing access and application of data, tools, and knowledge by Urban Local Bodies
   (ULBs) leading to improved design, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure.

2. Increasing access to infrastructure finance through Multilateral Development Banks
   (MDBs) / investment banks / financing corporations.

Cross-Cutting Principles

All proposals submitted under this CfP shall:

• Integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations
throughout project design and implementation;

• Demonstrate meaningful stakeholder engagement, including consultation with
vulnerable and at-risk populations where relevant;

• Contribute to strengthening climate and disaster resilience of infrastructure systems;

• Promote sustainability, scalability, and replicability of project outcomes; and

• Comply with applicable environmental, social, fiduciary, and safeguarding
requirements.

The expected outcomes of the projects funded within this CfP are:

Outcome 1: Risk-informed infrastructure planning and development

Urban Local Bodies use data and tools to inform infrastructure development by including
sustainable solutions to existing and new infrastructure.

Outcome 2: Integrating resilience into infrastructure operations and maintenance

Cities manage and operate infrastructure systems during extreme climate events and are
equipped for resilient recovery.

Outcome 3: Augmenting financial resources

Cities get funding from financial institutions / MDBs and access to national budget.

Outcome 4: Improved awareness and capacities

Practitioners are trained in urban infrastructure resilience to inform/influence projects,
programmes, and investments.

2.2 Criteria for Proposals

2.2.1 Scope: Country, Hazards, and Sectors

The CfP is exclusively open to cities in Brazil. The ambition is to provide support in building
resilience against extreme temperatures and water challenges (flooding, drought, water
scarcity, and water security), which stood out in consultations as the critical threats
confronting cities. Proposals can be for a single city or for multiple cities in Brazil.

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Project proposals under this CfP must align with one or more of the following infrastructure
sectors:

• Energy: Distribution systems, substation design, etc.

• Social infrastructure: Hospitals and schools

• Transportation: Buses, railways, metro rail, paratransit, etc.

• Water: Water supply, sanitation, water treatment plants, stormwater drainage, canals,
lakes, rivers, etc.

Figure 1: Scope: Geography, Hazards, and Sectors

2.2.2 General Criteria

Proposals must align with CDRI’s vision and mission and substantially contribute to UIRP
objectives and outcomes by contributing to the general criteria of the CfP:

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Figure 2: General criteria

2.2.3 Thematic criteria

The CfP shall support project development for risk-informed planning, data for decision
making, resilient recovery, and climate adaptation investment strategies, including integration
of nature-based infrastructure solutions.

Project proposals may focus on the indicative list of interventions provided below. This list
should not be considered exhaustive; other interventions may also be considered. Other
innovative project proposals can also be proposed, if they are aligned with the UIRP themes
and outcomes.

Theme 1: Project development support for risk-informed urban infrastructure design and planning

Given the current context of climate variability and the infrastructure investment opportunities
in LMICs, designing and integrating disaster risk information into cities’ urban development
plans, projects, and programmes is imperative. Proposals could focus on enhancing urban
infrastructure resilience by incorporating climate risk information and disaster resilience into
various stages of urban planning and development.

Potential interventions:

• Developing and integrating climate and disaster risk information into national and local
urban development, master plans, land suitability analysis, and city building byelaws and
codes with a focus on public and social infrastructure;

• Integrating climate and disaster resilience into urban infrastructure project planning,
contract, and procurement documents;

• Including climate and disaster risk resilience in project feasibility reports, investment
reports, comprehensive project development, detailed project reports, and appraisal
reports for planned projects where implementation funds are available;

• Designing, developing, and implementing infrastructure governance including monitoring
and evaluation mechanisms to improve the resilience and quality of planned infrastructure
investments; and

• Feasibility assessment for investment planning to catalyse funding for risk-informed
urban infrastructure development.

Theme 2: Data for decision-making including impact-based early warning systems

Access to data platforms will aid cities in collating information, geospatial visualization, and
interpreting it into actionable steps. Risk assessment using regional and granular urban data
provides vital insights to embed resilience in the design and planning of urban infrastructure.
Proposals could focus on informed decision-making by strengthening access to climate risk
information and enhancing capacities to analyze spatial data. In addition, this theme
emphasizes the role of early warning systems to enhance safety and resilience in the face of
emerging threats.

Potential interventions:

• Development of hazard, vulnerability, and risk information, and design of
adaptation/mitigation options for urban infrastructure projects in the pipeline;

• Assessing the performance of urban early warning systems to enhance data surveillance
for managing climate risks and to develop impact-based warnings and advisories for
critical infrastructure sectors;

• Developing data collection and management strategies to integrate early warning,
weather, and climate information for informing urban infrastructure operations and
management;

• Designing and implementing city-level data systems to monitor the availability,
accessibility, and quality of infrastructure service delivery for vulnerable
communities/groups; and

• Mainstreaming ISO codes for urban infrastructure resilience by establishing processes for
data collection and management systems in cities where data initiatives of local
governments are underway.

Please note that all proposals under this theme should include clear activities and results
for the application of data and early warning systems to critical infrastructure sectors.

Theme 3: Support for resilient recovery

Assessment of existing urban infrastructure data, damage and loss databases, and socioeconomic recovery needs are crucial for risk-informed rebuilding. In cities where funds for
implementation are available, ensuring the quality of infrastructure and enhancing the
capacities of urban professionals could play a vital role in building systemic resilience.
Proposals could focus on supporting the resilient recovery of urban infrastructure systems in
post-disaster scenarios. In addition, this theme emphasizes the need for review and revision
of building codes/byelaws to safeguard against future climate scenarios.

Potential interventions:

• Developing recovery and rebuilding strategies for urban infrastructure systems;

• Retrofitting options for urban infrastructure systems to safeguard against future climate
extremes (where funds for implementation are available);

• Conducting reviews and revisions of city building byelaws and codes to safeguard against
future climate extremes;

• Developing financing strategies for post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts for
urban entities; and

• Enhancing the capacities of infrastructure managers to enable risk-informed recovery
planning.

Please note that while CDRI does provide support for Post Disaster Needs Assessments, this
particular CfP will not support such activities.

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Theme 4: Resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation investment strategies, including
nature-based infrastructure solutions

Given the multifaceted benefits nature-based infrastructure solutions offer to cities, including
flood defence, extreme heat mitigation, and stormwater runoff management, incorporating
them within infrastructure projects and investments is crucial. However, operational and
management challenges have limited their widespread adoption. The proposals could focus
on promoting resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation investment strategies in public
infrastructure projects. In addition, this theme emphasizes the use and application of tools as
well as designing and piloting financing mechanisms.

Potential interventions:

• Developing guidelines for the integration and implementation of nature-based
infrastructure solutions within planned urban projects and programmes;

• Implementing monitoring, evaluation, and governance mechanisms to improve the quality
of urban infrastructure investments within planned initiatives or ongoing projects;

• Promoting the development and use of open-source tools and applications for risk
assessment and the identification of resilience options within urban planning and
infrastructure development;

• Technical support in designing and piloting financing mechanisms such as credit
enhancement, blended finance, and municipal/green bonds to leverage public and private
sector capital for promoting resilience and climate adaptation within infrastructure
investments; and

• Designing parametric insurance for urban services (where funds for implementation are
available, as this grant cannot be used to support insurance payouts).

2.3 Funding Value and Duration:

A grant of a maximum of four hundred thousand US dollars ($400,000) is available for this
Call.

The duration of funded projects must range from 12 to 24 months from award to
implementation.

Single-city proposal: The proposals submitted by participating organization(s) (hereafter
referred to as applicant²) should be endorsed by the relevant city government / national
government. The applicant, together with the implementing partner organization³ (if any),

2“Participating Organizations” are designated organizations that have become principal recipient / principal grantee of the
Fund. They are referred to as “Applicant” in the application process/stages.

3“Implementing Partners” are designated entities that would be sub-contracted by Participating Organizations to deliver
specific results as sub-grantees. In the application process/stages, they are referred to as “Partner(s) / Partner
Organization(s).”

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should have proven experience in the specific theme/sector and adequate technical and
institutional capacity to implement the project.

Multi-city proposal: A joint proposal for providing technical support to multiple cities within
Brazil that aligns with the theme/sector can be submitted. A multi-city proposal should be
endorsed by the concerned ULBs or the provincial/national government, which will be the
recipient of the technical assistance.

Preference will be given to proposals where the technical support is likely to inform the
infrastructure project pipeline or investment plans in cities where funds for implementation
are already in place. However, co-funding is not mandatory.

2.4 Application Process

Application in the prescribed form and with all attachments⁴ should be submitted online
through the CDRI portal. No other form of submission will be considered eligible.

1) Application in the prescribed format

2) Budget summary and details

3) Work plan

4) CV of key resource persons from applicant organization

5) Letter of support

6) Overview presentation in the template provided

7) Procurement plan (if the value of procurement is above $100,000)

8) Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) micro assessment report conducted
within the last five years for non-UN organizations

9) Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) assessment
conducted within the last five years for non-UN organizations

2.5 Eligibility of the Applicant

A single organization or consortium of organizations are eligible to apply for the CfP. However,
each project proposal must select and identify one applicant for the purpose of financial
transactions and contractual commitments.

Proposals are invited from UN organizations and non-UN organizations, in the prescribed
format. To be considered eligible for this CfP, organizations need to fulfil the following criteria:

• The applicant should be legally registered as a local/national/regional/international
organization in Brazil or have a duly registered local partner as part of the consortium
applying for the funds;

• The applicant should have significant experience implementing projects on climate and
disaster resilient infrastructure in Brazil or similar geographies;

• The applicant should have demonstrated the capacity to implement projects of similar
scale and magnitude;

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Templates are provided on the CDRI website.

• Applicants that are non-UN organizations should have successfully cleared the HACT
micro assessment and PSEAH assessment in the last five years; and

• Proposals can be submitted by a single organization or by a consortium with a prime
applicant.

The following procedures will apply to successful applicants:

• UN Organizations will need to sign the Fund Memorandum of Understanding.

• Non-UN Organizations will need to be accredited based on the United Nations Sustainable
Development Group’s (UNSDG’s) modalities for clearance of non-UN Organizations and
sign the framework and financing agreements.

Through the current Brazil CfP, CDRI will continue to support proposals based on UIRP’s
guiding principles. The CfP emphasizes strengthened partnerships and networks for futureproofing of urban infrastructure; building synergies with other city/national initiatives; and
focus on gender inclusion, vulnerable countries, and populations.

2.6 Exclusions:

This CfP will not support:

• Construction, refurbishment, operations, and maintenance of the physical
infrastructure assets;

• The procurement of goods, tools, and physical assets as a primary purpose; and

• Post-disaster needs assessments.

2.7 Governance and Oversight

Projects funded under this CfP will be implemented under the governance framework of the
Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF).

The selected Implementing Partner will enter into the required legal arrangements with the UN
Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (UN-MPTFO) and will be responsible for project
implementation, financial management, reporting, monitoring, procurement, and compliance
with applicable IRAF requirements.

Technical oversight will be provided by the CDRI Secretariat through the UIRP. Progress and
results will be reported to the Urban Steering Committee and the IRAF Trust Fund
Management Committee, as appropriate.

2.8 Timeline

The deadline for the proposal submission is 17 Aug 2026 11:59 PM IST. Proposals submitted
later than this deadline will not be considered.

2.9 Monitoring and Evaluation

The objective of this CfP is to put in place replicable and scalable solutions to enhance
infrastructure resilience in Brazil. Consequently, applicants are expected to report
transparently on project activities and commit to UIRP’s learning culture.

• Outcome reporting: Implementing agencies are expected to define specific indicators to
monitor the impact of the UIRP support in their proposals and provide baseline data and
end-line results to demonstrate positive outcomes;

• Progress reporting: Implementing agencies will submit quarterly narrative and financial
progress reports against the approved work plan and results framework. Reporting
requirements will be specified in the financing agreement;

• Final Evaluation and Final Report: At project completion, the Implementing Partner will
submit a final narrative report, financial report, and project completion assessment
documenting results achieved, lessons learned, sustainability measures, and
recommendations for replication and scaling;

• Knowledge management and learning: Implementing agencies should document project
implementation process and learnings. The implementation partners will participate and
present in knowledge-sharing sessions organized by CDRI or its partners; and

• Access to Project Results: The implementing agencies shall share and provide access to
all the Project Results. The Project Results include but are not limited to all studies, drafts,
documentation, information, illustrations, drawings, calculations, designs, image files, raw
data, processed data, analyzed data, and any other materials produced or procured for
implementation of the Project. The Project Results should be provided in the appropriate
open data format.

Further details on the project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation requirements will be
shared with the implementing partners of successful applicants.

2.10 Selection Criteria

2.10.1 Essential Requirements:

The applicant should ideally have presence within the city/cities proposed, or otherwise within
Brazil and should have endorsement from the relevant city government / national government
/ respective infrastructure management agency.

The applicant, together with the implementing partner organization(s), should have proven
experience in the specific theme/sector and adequate technical and institutional capacity to
implement the project.

Documents to be submitted (Applicants not fulfilling the criteria will not be considered):

• A letter of support to the applicant from the relevant city government responsible and/or
from the respective infrastructure management agency. In multi-city project proposals,
endorsement by government agencies from all concerned ULBs, where the technical
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assistance will be provided, is required.

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Template for the letter of support and organization profile are provided in the CDRI Website

• Organization profile and details of sectoral experience.

2.10.2 Evaluation Criteria:

Project proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

A. Organizational Capacity and Eligibility (10%) The applicant and implementing partner
organization should have proven experience in the specific theme or sector of the proposed
project and demonstrate adequate implementation capacity in Brazil, preferably within the
proposed city or cities. The assessment will consider:

• Organizational mandate and mission;

• Experience in urban infrastructure resilience, climate adaptation, and disaster reduction;

• Experience implementing similar projects in Brazil or comparable contexts;

• Presence and operational capacity within the proposed geography;

• Qualifications and experience of key personnel; and

• Compliance with eligibility requirements, including HACT and PSEAH assessments.

B. Technical Approach and Methodology (40%) The proposal should demonstrate a sound
understanding of the urban resilience challenges being addressed and present a technically
robust methodology. Assessment will consider:

• Problem analysis and justification;

• Technical quality and feasibility of the proposed intervention;

• Application of data, tools, risk information, and evidence-based approaches;

• Innovation and relevance to the selected theme(s);

• Appropriateness of the methodology to local conditions; and

• Potential for replication and scaling.

C. Expected results and impact (including alignment with UIRP outcomes) (15%) The
proposal should indicate the expected project impacts (direct and indirect) in line with the
UIRP and proposed project objectives. Assessment will consider:

• Clarity and realism of expected outputs and outcomes;

• Contribution to UIRP objectives and expected outcomes;

• Potential influence on infrastructure planning, investment, operation, or policy;

• Demonstrated resilience benefits; and

• Potential for generating wider systemic impact.

D. Implementation Plan (10%) Appropriate time and resources for each activity should be
indicated, accounting for anticipated risks and delays. Assessment will consider:

• Quality and realism of the work plan;

• Project management arrangements;

• Roles and responsibilities of partners;

• Risk identification and mitigation measures; and

• Monitoring and reporting arrangements.

E. Sustainability and mainstreaming (GEDSI) (15%): The proposal should describe how it will
ensure city-level ownership, uptake of project results and deliverables, and lasting impact after
the project completion. It should also demonstrate meaningful integration of GEDSI
considerations throughout the project cycle including design, implementation, monitoring, and
closure. Assessment will consider:

• Institutional ownership and stakeholder commitment;

• Potential for continuation beyond the grant period;

• Integration into existing plans, policies, programmes, or investments;

• Potential to attract additional financing;

• Scalability and replicability of project outcomes;

• Identification of the specific vulnerabilities and needs of different groups;

• Inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups;

• Stakeholder engagement and participation approaches; and

• Measures to ensure equitable access to project benefits and outcomes.

F. Alignment with National and City Priorities, and International Commitments (10%) The
proposal should identify how it will contribute to national/international commitments, global
frameworks, regional and national priorities, and city-level initiatives for building infrastructure
resilience. Assessment will consider:

• Alignment with existing or proposed city development priorities and plans;

• Alignment with existing or proposed national climate, resilience, and infrastructure
strategies, programmes, projects, or initiatives;

• Consistency with UIRP objectives and CDRI priorities; and

• Contribution to broader resilience and sustainable development goals.