TOR - Evaluation of Disabilities (PwD) Program sites in Karnataka

Call for proposal: Research and Documentation

Focused Geography: Karnataka

Project: Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of SELCO Foundation’s PwD program in Karnataka, covering 1495 sites.

About SELCO Foundation:

SELCO Foundation’s mission is to create a platform of solutions that uses sustainable energy as a catalyst to bridge environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. With holistic development as the primary focus, the organization strives to create equitable societies, where services are accessed by all communities. The interventions of SELCO lead to a sustainable delivery model of essential services like livelihoods, education, and health till the last mile. (Read more about SELCO here: http://www.selcofoundation.org/)

Background:

Over the last several years, SELCO Foundation has implemented 1,733 decentralised renewable energy (DRE)-based livelihood solutions across 1,495 sites in Karnataka, focusing on enhancing productivity, independence, and quality of life for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

At this scale, the Foundation is among the few organizations in India with an energy-enabled livelihood program for PwDs operating across multiple districts. As the program expands to other states, it is crucial to take stock of its progress, understand what is working, and identify the ecosystem factors that enable or hinder sustained impact.

This evaluation will help generate evidence for scaling, and build an ecosystem narrative for disability- inclusive livelihoods.

Goal and Objective:

Goal:

Research agencies and independent consultants are invited to submit proposals for conducting a comprehensive mixed-method evaluation of SELCO Foundation’s Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Program across 1,495 sites in Karnataka.

Objective:

• Assessing functionality, usage and impact of solutions provided to end users with disabilities.
• Identifying enabling and disabling conditions that influence adoption and outcomes.
• Generating insights that support ecosystem-building narratives and inform course corrections for program design and delivery.
• Creating evidence to guide the expansion of the program into other states.
• The evaluation will combine a quantitative census of all implementations with qualitative deep dives into a sample of cases to capture user experiences and system-level enablers/barriers.

Scope of the study

Focused Geography: Karnataka covering 1495 (PwD) sites.

Quantitative Census Survey (Phase 1)

• Develop a short, structured questionnaire (not more than 1 hr)
• Survey all 1495 implementations across Karnataka (solution-level or household-level, to be finalised with SF team). Field visit schedule to be shared in advance to enable joint field accompaniment.

Collect Data on:

• Demographics of end users and households.
• Solution status (working, broken, repaired, abandoned)
• Usage patterns and frequency
• Outcomes (livelihood productivity, income, mobility, education, health, quality of life)
• Enabling/disabling conditions (finance, training, ecosystem linkages, caregiver support, policy)
• User satisfaction and future needs

Qualitative Deep Dives (Phase 2):

• Based on Phase 1 data, identify 60 end users for in-depth case studies. Field visit schedule to be shared in advance to enable joint field accompaniment.

Ensure diversity across:

• Disability type (physical, sensory, cognitive, multiple)
• Solution type
• Geography
• Positive impact vs low/failed impact cases
• Ecosystem support vs lack thereof
• Conduct semi-structured interviews with PwDs, caregivers and ecosystem actors (local NGOs, SHGs, government functionaries)
• Document adoption journeys, impact pathways, and barriers.
• Produce 60 well-written case studies for advocacy and ecosystem engagement.

Deliverables:

S. No.	Deliverables	Activities / Description	No. of Units
1	Inception Report	Conduct a kick-off meeting with SELCO Foundation to align on objectives, timelines, coordination protocols, and reporting formats. Submit an Inception Report outlining methodology, tools, sampling plan, fieldwork design, and detailed workplan with timelines. Include meeting summary/minutes as annexure.	1
2	Quantitative Dataset (Clean + Raw)	Data collection from 1,495 sites (covering 1,733 implementations) across Karnataka. Submit both clean and raw datasets (2 total) along with photographs/videos from field visits. Data must be compatible with Excel and suitable for integration into SELCO’s MIS.	1,495 sites / 2 datasets
3	Qualitative Dataset (Clean+ Raw)	Transcripts, coded data, field notes, and visual documentation (photographs/videos) from selected end users. Submit both clean and raw qualitative datasets (2 total).	60/ 2 datasets
4	Evaluation Report	Consolidated analysis of quantitative and qualitative findings, covering: program outcomes, enabling/disabling factors, ecosystem insights, and recommendations for scaling and course correction. Submit both draft and final versions (incorporating SELCO feedback). Expected Report Structure: Executive Summary Introduction & Objectives Methodology & Sampling Framework Quantitative Findings (functionality, usage, outcomes, enabling/disabling conditions etc) Qualitative Insights (case themes, adoption journeys, caregiver perspectives etc) Cross-cutting Patterns (by disability type, gender, geography, solution type) Ecosystem Analysis (finance, training, service, policy linkages) Key Learnings & Recommendations Annexures (questionnaires, data tables, photos)	1 final report
5	Case Study Compendium	60 stories capturing user journeys, impact pathways, and ecosystem learnings. Submit both draft and final versions after SELCO feedback.	60 case studies / 1 final compendium
6	Presentation Deck	Summary of key findings, insights, and recommendations. Must be presented in person at SELCO Foundation Bangalore office. The deck should highlight key program outcomes, regional patterns, and actionable recommendations for scale-up.	1 ppt (min 15)

Note:

• Clean quantitative dataset covering all implementations (Excel format) as well as photographs/videos from field.
• Qualitative dataset (transcripts, coded data and photographs/videos from field visits etc).
• Draft evaluation report with findings from both quantitative and qualitative phases with:
• Program outcomes and impact
• Enabling/disabling factors
• Ecosystem-level insights
• Recommendations for scaling and course correction
• Final evaluation report and case study compendium (incorporating SELCO feedback).
• Presentation deck of key findings and recommendations (in person, at Bangalore office).

Timeline: 04 Months

The program implementation support period for the Project Consultant/firm is from November 2025 to February 2026.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in program evaluation (preferably in disability inclusion, livelihoods, or clean energy).
• Strong background in mixed-methods research (quantitative surveys + qualitative case studies).
• Experience in designing and managing large-scale field surveys (1,000+ respondents).
• Strong qualitative research and storytelling skills (to produce case studies).
• Ability to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, and triangulate findings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Kannada (Kannada language capacity is essential for fieldwork).
• Ability to deliver within a 4-month timeframe.
• Experience working in rural Karnataka and with vulnerable communities preferred.

Evaluation Criteria for Selection

• Minimum 4-5 years Expertise and relevant experience in program evaluations, disability, clean energy, livelihoods
• Competitive pricing with a detailed cost breakdown to ensure transparency and alignment with project budgets.
• Prior experience in conducting scoping studies, stakeholder mapping and program design.
• Team capacity to complete a study of this scale.
• Strong analytical, research, and reporting skills.
• Strength of Professional team composition (survey management + qualitative research).
• Expertise and familiarity with the selected geography and its socio-economic and ecological context is preferred.

Submission Requirements

Interested agencies/consultants are requested to submit:

• A detailed proposal outlining approach, methodology, and timelines for each focus area
• Team composition, roles and CVs with relevant experience
• Organizational profile
• A financial quote with a breakdown of costs
• Examples of similar past projects

Payment Terms:

Fixed as per the agreement between consultant and SELCO Foundation. Please provide your proposal and quotation for the above-mentioned program requirements. Capture Timelines and Split cost wherever possible.

• 20% Inception report
• 20% After completion of Phase 1 Data collection
• 20% After completion of Phase 2 Data collection
• 40% Final all deliverables with report and presentation

Application Process

If your enterprise meets the eligibility criteria and is interested in collaborating with the SELCO Foundation, please complete the application form linked below with the required information. Enterprises are requested to upload their proposals and quotations directly into the application form.

Provide split costs as per deliverables based:

Please provide your proposal and quotation as per deliverables based and mentioned program requirements. Capture Timelines and Split cost wherever possible.

To apply

Interested consultants / organisations, with relevant experience (please include samples and/or references of the previous similar work as proof of experience) and based out of India are requested to reach out with a detailed proposal giving a brief on the methodology and the process they will uptake for this project, including budgets (with break-ups and explanation), timelines and milestones and submit the same to google form https://forms.gle/3tsY4t58vFHKsa7Q6 on before 08th November, 2025.

Any further queries please write to procurement@selcofoundation.org with a subject line: “Evaluation of SELCO Foundation’s Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Program in Karnataka” (Name of Project)

Tags Livelihood Research