Request for Proposal (RFP) for Midline Study – Living Landscape Program – Raintree Foundation

Submit your Expressions of Interest by November 30th, 2023 / Deadline for submission of proposals 20th Dec 23

Raintree Foundation is a not- for- profit, philanthropic organization (estd. 2018), based out of Pune city, India. The Foundation leverages catalytic philanthropy as a multiplier to strengthen the development ecosystem through a multi-stakeholder, data- driven and research-oriented approach. The Foundation is soliciting proposals from qualified research firms or individuals to conduct a midline study for the Living Landscapes program in Velhe, Pune. This study aims to assess the progress and impact of the project at the midpoint of its implementation (5th year. We are seeking experienced professionals with a proven track record in conducting midline studies and program evaluations.

About the Project:
Living Landscapes is Raintree Foundation’s flagship community-based program that aims at creating resilient and thriving ecosystems from an environmental, economic, and mental well-being perspective. Initiated in 2018, this 9-year pilot is an intersectional and longitudinal program that aims to bring about a holistic transformation of our program area – Velhe Block, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Rooted in the principles of systems thinking, the program brings together several stakeholders, with the community being the focal point. Our focus areas include Watershed Ecology, Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Livelihoods along with cross cutting themes of clean energy and resilience building, which focus on strengthening capacities of the community. Each of these broader thematic areas encompass several smaller initiatives and interventions, with linkages and interdependencies cutting across them.

The Raintree Foundation philosophy for combating climate change is anchored in the landscape approach. This is a holistic approach to managing landscapes aims to improve ecosystem health and biodiversity, while also supporting sustainable economic development and addressing the challenges of climate change. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems, social systems, and economic systems, and seeks to balance these needs in a way that benefits both people and the environment.

The approach also involves engaging with local communities to ensure that local needs and priorities are considered. This can include working with farmers and other land managers to promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, as well as involving local communities in the design and implementation of projects. Overall, our approach to building climate resilience of the landscape and the communities that reside within it, involves a comprehensive and integrated approach that recognizes the complex interconnections between natural ecosystems, social systems, and economic systems.

To achieve the end goal, the Foundation acknowledges that significant environmental change takes time, effort, collaboration, learning, and persistence. It embodies a commitment to sustainable, long-term solutions rather than seeking quick, short-term fixes. It aims at inculcating a long-term vision, systematic understanding of complex issues, meaningful stakeholder engagement and management, and building resilience for communities.

Objective:

The primary objective of this midline study is to:

• Assess the progress and effectiveness of the Living Landscapes program in achieving its goals and objectives as per the outcomes and impact created.
• Assess the project design and implementation process to recommend best practices for design and delivery.
• Identify any challenges or issues faced during implementation.
• The evaluation exercise should not only assess project performance, but also seek to answer the “why” question by identifying factors contributing to (or inhibiting) successful implementation and achievement of results.
• Provide recommendations for program adjustments or improvements based on the findings.

Scope of Work:

The selected organisation will be responsible for the following:

• Study Design: Develop a comprehensive research design and methodology, including data collection tools and techniques.
• Data Collection: Collect both quantitative and qualitative data from a representative sample of project stakeholders.
• Data Analysis: Analyse the collected data to assess progress and impacts, using appropriate statistically significant and qualitative analysis methods.
• Reporting: Prepare a detailed report that includes findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with project stakeholders and present the findings and recommendations to project management.

Study Area to be covered

• Area covered: 2,100 hectares.
• Community: ~4,000 individuals / 650 households
• UNESCO Biodiversity hotspot Western Ghats
• High rainfall (2000 – 2500mm) with compromised water availability for drinking & agriculture throughout
  the year
• Sub-mountainous region with rainfed subsistence agriculture supplemented with limited dairy activity.
• High seasonal migration to Pune and nearby cities for livelihood opportunities.

Qualifications
The selected firm or individual should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in conducting baseline/midline/endline studies and program evaluations.
• Demonstrated expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge of integrated, multi-disciplinary and intersectional approaches to conservation.
• Working knowledge of Sustainable Livelihoods (RoI calculations), Ecological Restoration, Water Security, Gender, and Social Inclusion among other cross cutting themes
• Strong analytical, reporting and data visualisation skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

Proposal Submission
Interested parties should submit the following by 30th November 2023:

• A proposal detailing their approach to the midline study, including a timeline.
• Qualifications and experience relevant to the project.
• Proposed budget, broken down by key activities and expenses.
• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Timeline
30th November 2023: Expression of Interest (EoI) – Expression of Interest – RF
10th December 2023: Shortlisting of organisations based on EoI
20th December 2023: Deadline for submission of proposals (for the selected organisations).
27th December 2023: Interviews/presentations.
15th January 2024: Contract award.
25th January 2024: Study commencement.
25th April 2024: Expected completion of the midline study and submission of report.

Contact Information

All questions and proposals should be directed to:

Raintree Foundation
2nd Floor, Dhanlaxmi Chambers, 1, Somwar Peth
Above Bank of Maharashtra CTS No. 415, Pune 411011
Maharashtra, India

Namita Dandekar

CEO – Raintree Foundation
namita.dandekar@theraintree.co.in
Mobile: +91 86980 83833

Bini Philips

Vice President – Raintree Foundation
bini.philips@theraintree.org
Mobile: +91 99585 77284

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Experience and qualifications/team composition (30%)
• Methodology and approach (30%)
• Budget (20%)
• References (20%)

Raintree Foundation reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive minor irregularities in any proposal.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and working with a qualified partner to conduct this important midline study

Access the submission form: HERE