Background to the current GWP IWRM ToolBox

The existing GWP IWRM ToolBox is one of the world’s first free, online repository hosted by the GWP about Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). It is a centralized website that contains tools, references, and case studies that bridge the concepts, theories, knowledge about IWRM with examples and lessons learned from implementation of the tools. The purpose of the IWRM ToolBox is to specifically provide assistance in overcoming what are recognized as some of the largest obstacles to good water governance. The ToolBox consists of 60 Tools that are hierarchically organized under three main categories (Tools A – the Enabling Environment, B – Institutional Arrangements, and C – Management Instruments).

1.           Objective

GWP is rebuilding its existing online IWRM ToolBox. To support this work, we are inviting offers to construct, host and maintain a new online platform for easily accessible, practical Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) knowledge curation and exchange, presented in appealing ways, including the facilitation of interactive connections across an online community.

The assignment is divided into 3 sub-objectives to be addressed in sequence

1. To develop and test a prototype platform among the targeted users (focus group), based on the new concept for the redevelopment of the GWP ToolBox – An Action Hub for IWRM
2. To build the new ToolBox platform based on prototype feedback
3. To host and support, and as required maintain and further develop the online platform

The agreement will be split according to the three sub-objectives with the continuation to the next step being dependent on the satisfactory delivery of the preceding one.

Detailed information can be found at Jobs and Tenders

2.           Instruction to Tenders 

2.1 Procurement Procedure

This is an open competitive procurement procedure. Bidders are invited to submit a written tender offer and GWPO will subsequently enter detailed discussions with one or more of the bidders. One supplier only may be awarded the assignment. It is important that all terms and conditions contained in the tender invitation are fully followed.

 NOTE: GWPO as an inter-governmental organisation is not bound by the Swedish procurement act. This tender invitation does not obligate GWP to contract for the supply of any products or services.

2.2 Content of Tender Offers

Bidders should offer services for the complete assignment as defined in the Specification of Requirements. Please note that each requirement in the specification is to be addressed separately, with clear reference to the requirements. For evaluation purposes, the tender offer should follow the same disposition as the Specification of Requirements. The offer will include specification on how (including itemised budgets):

1. To develop and test a prototype platform among the targeted users (focus group), based on the new concept for the redevelopment of the GWP ToolBox – An Action Hub for IWRM
2. To build the new ToolBox platform based on prototype feedback
3. To host and, and as required maintain and further develop the online platform 
4. A more detailed list of the Content of Tender Offers is listed at the end of this tender invitation (p. 16)

All costs must be included in the tender offer. The costs are to be specified in Swedish kronor or Euro including specified VAT, in the manner set out in the specification. The GWPO indicative budget for the two first components (prototype and building the new ToolBox) is a range between 50,000-100,000 EURO (depending on the solutions suggested), excluding/including VAT.

The bidder is welcome to enclose brochures and other printed information, although the comments in the offer to the tender requirements should be listed as specified without relying on information in enclosures or elsewhere.

Please also take note of the evaluation criteria described below.

2.3 Submission of Tender offers

The tender offer shall be

• submitted in English to procurement@gwp.org.
• complete with all relevant company names, address, contact persons and e-mail address, VAT-number (or other relevant tax registration number)
• signed by authorised representative of the bidder
• considered as confidential.
• specifying an e-mail address of the supplier to which potential clarifications may be sent

By submitting a tender, the bidder confirms that the bidder:

• is registered in the professional and trade registers in the country where the supplier is based (certificate may be requested by GWPO).
• has not been convicted of any criminal offence and is, if requested, able to produce an extract from a legal register, or in the absence of such a register, a certificate issued by an authorized legal or administrative authority in the country of origin or in the country where the supplier is based, as means of proof.
• is not in debt with either the tax authority or the enforcement service regarding the payment of any required taxes and/or social security contributions (certificate(s) may be requested by the GWPO where appropriate). VAT-number, if any, should be stated.
• is, if requested, able to present adequate papers proving that they have not been convicted of any crime concerning the exercising of a profession, been the subject of a legal verdict or been found guilty of gross misconduct whilst providing a professional service.
• is not bankrupt or currently the subject of bankruptcy proceeding, compulsory liquidation, compulsory management arrangement or accord. The bidder also confirms that they have not cancelled payments or been made the subject of a trading ban or any other similar arrangement
• does not feature on the list of EU restrictive measures, which is published on the following website: www.sanctionsmap.eu.
• has not been engaged in wrongful conduct such as fraud, corruption, money laundering, child labour, trafficking, etc. 

The bidder also confirms that the company has the financial capacity, as well as the technical, quality assurance, research and development capacities and abilities for the assignment/fulfilment of the bidder’s contractual obligations

Certificates and other proof as stated above may be requested by the GWPO where appropriate.

Note that certificates should only be supplied upon separate request from GWPO. Bidders failing to produce proof if requested by GWPO will be disqualified.

To verify that the exclusion and qualification criteria are fulfilled, GWPO may acquire information from a credit-reporting bureau.

2.3.1 Closing Date for Submission of Tender

Final date for receipt of tenders is 15 November 2020. GWPO may extend the final date for submission of tenders for any reason including requests from invited bidders to do so.

Tender received after the final date of receipt of tenders will be disregarded.

 2.3.2 Cost of Tender

Costs for the preparation of tenders will not be reimbursed.

2.3.3   Period of Validity of Tender

The offer outlined in the tender is to be valid for a minimum period of 90 calendar days after the closing date. If necessary, GWPO may ask for the bidder’s agreement to an extension of the period of validity (preferably in writing).

2.3.4 Withdrawal of Tender

A bidder may withdraw its tender at any time prior to the closing date, if notice of the withdrawal is received by GWPO prior to the closing date. Notice of withdrawal is to be signed by an authorized representative and sent to procurement@gwp.org

2.3.5 Opening of Tenders

GWPO will open the tenders at its office on the day following the closing date. Bidders will not be allowed to participate in the opening of the tenders. The names of the tenders will be kept confidential until the contract with the successful bidder has been signed.

2.3.6 Communications during the procurement procedure

If the bidder has any questions regarding the invitation to tender, please contact GWPO via email procurement@gwp.org. GWPO will respond via email to any request for clarification of the tender invitation that it receives prior to the closing date of the tender.

GWPO’s response to all questions (including an explanation of the query but without identifying the source of enquiry) will be posted on the GWP website at https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/Vacancies-and-Internships/ . .

2.4 Tender Evaluation

The evaluation of tenders will be carried out in two steps.

2.4.1 Exclusion and Qualification Criteria

GWPO will examine the tenders to determine whether they are complete, the documents have been properly signed, and the requirements have been addressed. A tender may be rejected if the tender is incomplete, not signed or fails to address the requirements or if the tender price exceeds the indicative budget ceiling.

2.4.2 Evaluation Criteria

The second stage consists of an evaluation of the tenders according to the evaluation criteria listed below.

GWPO may in writing ask any bidder for clarification of any part of its proposal to assist in the examination and evaluation. GWPO may also invite any number of bidders to present or otherwise confirm the services, or parts thereof, followed by a question and answer session. The presentation will be held in Stockholm, Sweden or by videoconference/internet.

2.4.3 Award of assignment

GWPO will enter detailed discussions with the bidder rated as having submitted the most advantageous bidder to arrive at a contract for the assignment. The draft contract including commercial conditions for the services is attached. If such discussions are unsuccessful, GWPO may invite the second rated bidder for discussions.

Please note that GWPO is not bound to select any of the tender offers submitted.