GRANT-0408 KGZ: Strengthening Education System Sector Development Program - C4 Feasibility and Policy Research Studies

Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic 
Strengthening Education System Sector Development Program(SESSDP) (ADB Grant 0408-KGZ) 

Terms of Reference for Feasibility and Policy Studies

1.  Background
The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) of the Kyrgyz Republic is the Executing Agency (EA) of 
the Strengthening Education System Sector Development Program (SESSDP) which is financed by the 
Asian Development Bank. The SESSDP Implementation Unit (PIU) invites, on behalf of the EA, 
qualified research institutes to express interest in undertaking the design and implementation of 
Feasibility and Policy Studies under the SESSDP. 

2.  Objective of the Assignment

The MES has placed a priority upon a number of important policy objectives in the Education 
Development Strategy 2012-2020. The Feasibility and Policy Studies under the SESSDP will support 
MES’ efforts in evidence based policy planning and implementing reforms in the education sector.

3. Indicative List and Schedule of the Studies  
The assignment will include a total of eleven studies expected to be carried out in the period 2016-
2017.

Feasibility and Policy Studies 
1. Baseline and midterm survey of student and teacher performance in 30 innovative schools
2. Baseline study and midterm survey of the implementation of Textbooks Rental Scheme
3. Study on the existing salary incentive system
4. Tracer study on textbook distribution
5. Research on school attendance, retention, and transition rates in schools
6. Feasibility study on the offering of Master of Arts/Master of Science Program in Pedagogy
7. Review of the school assessment system 
8. Tracer study of  graduates of  Teacher Training Institutes and Kyrgyz Academy of Education (KAE)
9. Review of lessons learned from previous voucher systems in Inservice Teacher Training (INSETT),  
including cost-benefit analysis
10. A study on total costs for universal basic education for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework 
(MTEF) for education
11. A feasibility study for introducing e-textbooks, including functional requirements, copyright 
issues, hardware requirements and assessment of current provisions in these areas 

4. Selection Method

Consultant Qualification System (CQS) method will apply to the recruitment for this assignment.

A 2-page research outlines for each research study must be submitted as part of the expression of 
interest (EOIs), together with the qualifications and experience of the researchers who would 
implement the studies. 

On the basis of evaluation of EOIs, an institute will be selected to submit a biodata technical 
proposal (BTP) and present for each study:(i) objectives (ii) approach and methodology, (iii) data 
collection and analysis method, (iv) implementation schedule, and (v) outline content of study 
reports.

5.  Reporting Requirements and Schedule for Deliverables
	
	Detailed reporting requirements and schedule of deliverables (within the required period 2016-
2017) will be finalized at contract negotiation.  In addition to the study reports, the selected 
institution will produce the following overall progress reports on the assignment:
-	an inception report on the commencement of research work (within 30 days from contract signing) 
-	draft final report (at completion of the studies) 
-	final report (within 15 days after the receipt of EA’s comments on the draft final report) 

6. Required Qualifications and experience

Interested institutions and their proposed researchers should have proven extensive experience in 
the design and implementation of both quantitative studies (including field surveys) and 
qualitative studies in education and/or other social sciences, including in developing countries.

Relevant experience in the Kyrgyz Republic and/or Central Asia will be an asset. Similarly, 
experience in undertaking research and/or evaluation studies for multilateral development banks 
(MDBs) or for projects financed by MDBs, is an asset.
	
7. PIU Support and Counterpart Personnel
	
(a)	Services, facilities and property to be made available to the Consultant: 
Education Sector data, SESSDP program information.
	
(b)	Professional and support counterpart personnel to be assigned to the Consultant’s team:
Logistical support and assistance for detailed planning and implementation of surveys/data 
collection.

8.  Information available to facilitate the preparation of the EOIs: 

PIU will provide, upon request, information on the Education Development Strategy and SESSDP plans 
and implementation.