Jamaica Foundations for Competitiveness and Growth: Impact Assessment Study of FCGP Component 3A

Project ID: P147665

Project Title: Jamaica Foundations for Competitiveness and Growth

Borrower Bid Reference: FCG/CON/080

Published Date: 24-Mar-2023

Details:

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

JAMAICA: FOUNDATIONS FOR COMPETITIVENESS AND GROWTH PROJECT

Loan No.: 8408-JM

Assignment Title: Impact Assessment Study of FCGP Component 3A

Reference No. (As per Procurement Plan): FCG/CON/080

The Government of Jamaica (GoJ) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Foundations for Competitiveness and Growth Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The Consulting Services (“the Services”)

The Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) have been identified as engines of growth and innovation.  In fiscal year 2015/16, according to the Tax Administration Jamaica, approximately 97.6% of all classified taxpayers fell within the GOJ’s 2013 MSME Policy definition of MSME, with 83% of those enterprises operating within the micro sector. The Updated MSME & Entrepreneurship Policy of 2018 updated the MSME Definition.[1]

However, non-withstanding the importance of MSMEs to the economy, there are a number of capacity constraints which must be addressed to enable their full development. These constraints include: limited access to appropriate financing; limited technical, human and institutional capacity; inadequate entrepreneurial skills; high levels of informality; and relative lack of economic linkages and market access.

The Jamaica Business Fund (JBF), Component 3A under the FCGP was a part of the projects strategic response to the concerns facing MSMEs. The JBF is a grant facility based on driving MSME growth and development through funding strategic collaborations within and across local supply chains. It is important to mention that Component 3B was a complementary component under the FCGP, which provided loans to MSMEs working through a portfolio of Approved Financial Institutions (AFIs)

The JBF, as originally designed, was divided into three grant cycles, which were implemented during the period July 2015 and July 2019, under the operational purview of a private sector Fund Manager, Particip GmbH.  A fourth grant cycle was made possible given the initial extension of the FCGP to June 2020 and was launched in December 2019. This grant cycle is currently in implementation and slated for completion by December 2022, with the DBJ executing the role of Fund Manager. A total of 73 MSMEs operating in the agriculture sector have received support to date under this grant cycle.

The JBF model is focused on mobilizing MSMEs operating within supply chains to access market driven opportunities working in tandem with an Anchor Firm (normally a larger entity) which is directly interfacing with a growing market(s). The Anchor Firm is a critical feature in the model as this entity provides market knowledge and  insights to its supply chain to address issues typically related to quantity, quality, and consistency of supply.

The purpose of this contract is to conduct a formative evaluation of the Supply Chain Grant Facility (publicly known as the Jamaica Business Fund).

Interested consultants may obtain the Terms of Reference and the template for submission of an Expression of Interest in English at www.gojep.gov.jm or https://www.pioj.gov.jm/procurement/.

The Planning Institute of Jamaica now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

Criteria	Allocation of Scores[2]
Demonstrated experience in conducting research and analysis utilizing data analysis tools such as SPSS related to MSMEs	Evidenced by the successful completion of 3 or more projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (25 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion 2 projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (17 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion of 1 project of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (8 points)
Demonstrated experience in executing project evaluations, including designing and administering surveys, and/or quantitative and qualitative research methods, and/or data analysis and reporting	Evidenced by the successful completion of 3 or more projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (30 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion of 2 projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (20 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion of 1 project of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (10 points)
Demonstrated experience in managing and/or evaluating grant funding facilities targeting MSMEs	Evidenced by the successful completion of 3 or more projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (30 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion of 2 projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (20 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion of 1 project of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (10 points)
Experience working directly with MSMEs linked to the provision of technical and/or financial support	Evidenced by the successful completion of 3 or more projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (15 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion of 2 projects of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (10 points)	Evidenced by the successful completion of 1 project of a similar nature in the last 10 years; (5 points)

Key Experts will not be evaluated at this stage.

The firm that adequately demonstrated their experience in the field of the assignment and attained the highest score, will be invited to submit detailed technical and financial proposals. 

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultants’ Qualification Selection method of the World Bank Procurement Regulations 2020.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) must be uploaded on or before April 17, 2023 at 11:45pm. Submissions will be accepted via the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement Portal (www.gojep.gov.jm). No hard copy submission will be accepted.

To participate in this tender opportunity, consultants must first be registered and know how to use the electronic Procurement System, www.gojep.gov.jm. Please self- register on the e-GP System, by selecting the Register as a Supplier link from the home page. Consultants are encouraged to upload their submissions at least two (2) hours prior to the deadline for submission. For assistance, and training please contact the GOJEP support desk at: 1-876-932-5220 or 1-876-806-5149 or 1-876-806-4581; or 1-876-806-4536 or via email at opppcustomercare@mof.gov.jm.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Planning Institute of Jamaica

Attn: Dellue Wint Dawkins

16 Oxford Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica

Tel: 876 960 9339

Fax: 876 906 5011

E-mail: dwint@pioj.gov.jm with copy to kmelliott@pioj.gov.jm and cswalker@pioj.gov.jm 

[1] Updated MSME & Entrepreneurship Policy (2018)

[2] If the submitted Expression of Interest does not fit within the allocation of scores provided for each criterion, zero points will be allotted for said criterion.

Organization/Department: Planning Institute of Jamaica

Name: Melvin Smith

Address: Planning Institute of Jamaica 16 Oxford Road Kingston 5 Jamaica, West Indies

City:

Province/State:

Postal Code:

Country: Jamaica

Phone: 876-960-9339

Email: melvin_smith@pioj.gov.jm

Website: